MagpieLane

I’ve been impressed with Martin Paterson’s attitude since he came in. He’s clearly not interested in playing up the occasion for himself and is instead concentrating on the job in hand. The honesty about team selection is refreshing too, it’s not about keeping players happy, it’s about results. The players will know where they stand with him, and that can only help. I think his approach to training after the Newport draw will get a response from the squad. Making things competitive in those sessions ensures everyone stays sharp. Salford will test us, but with the Meadow Lane crowd behind the team and Paterson’s focus on preparation, I’m confident we can put in a strong showing.

None of these leagues last forever. If anything, they end up doing more harm than good to football. It feels like a fantasy league, with no real heart or passion behind it. Just big money and flashy names. There’s always some country that spends too much for a while, but it never really helps the game in the long run. The only good thing is that it pulls big names from the Premier League. That gives other players a chance to step up.

It’s a real shame to see Alex Bass move on, especially after the season he’s just had. He brought real calm and strength to our defence, and it finally felt like we had a solid foundation to build on. Losing someone like that so quickly is hard to take. I do wish him well in his next step, but the timing definitely hits our plans. It puts pressure on the club to act fast and get things right heading into pre-season.

Really disappointed to see Bass leave, especially after such a strong season. He gave us so much stability at the back and it felt like we were building something solid. It’s tough to see a player of his calibre go, particularly so suddenly. I wish him all the best, but the timing is a blow for our preparations.

Back to, "I had a wheelbarrow" it is.

Paterson’s appointment feels like the start of a new chapter. He’s young, he’s been around good footballing minds, and he seems to get what the club’s about already. It’s also refreshing to hear the Reedtz brothers backing him with a proper support structure. It feels like a bit of a gamble, but hopefully its a well-thought-out plan.

All Notts er vi, ikke?

Are you too fussed about the backup keeper? With Alex Bass already here, and as long as he stays fit and ready, I'm curious to know what kind of keeper people would want brought in. I wouldn’t mind if the club signed a young, promising keeper to work under Bass, while still keeping space for a youth player to step in as the third choice if needed. If the second-choice keeper can develop, get better, and prove reliable when called upon, that would be the best situation for us in my view.

It does look a lot busier again, make a wish for it to stay this way. Happy Birthday!

There’s a lot to like about this squad now. Different options up front, a solid midfield, and a defence that’s improving despite injuries. The way Maynard talks about squad mentality is reassuring too, he clearly knows keeping everyone involved is key. I’d like to see more of Whittaker, as he looked bright against Gillingham. Also, can’t ignore McDonald’s impact, without him stepping up, we’d have real problems at the back. If we can maintain this momentum, we’ll be right in the mix at the top hopefully.

I echo the comments about being strong defensively. Bedeau, Platt, and McDonald did a superb job. The midfield was good once we grew into the game, with praise for Sam Austin down the right side and Josh Martin being very flexible. Dan Crowley was quieter than normal but still performed well. So, I voted for David McGoldrick, as I thought he was the best player on the pitch.

It’s good to see someone as young as Jack speaking so highly of the fans and the club's environment. His comments about the importance of Meadow Lane and the energy we bring as supporters show he truly values what we do. Add to that his praise for the pitch conditions despite bad weather, it shows he doesn’t take anything for granted. Players like him are what make us proud as supporters!

Happy birthday, Neil! You’ll always be remembered as the manager who turned Notts County into a force to be reckoned with. Your passion and drive made us believe anything was possible, and that legacy lives on at Meadow Lane. Thank you for all the unforgettable memories!

David McGoldrick has set the standard for what it means to be a professional footballer. His ability to maintain such a high level of performance at his age speaks volumes about his dedication. It’s not just his skills that make him special, but his understanding of the game and how to exploit weaknesses in the opposition. He’s always a step ahead, whether it’s in positioning or decision-making. The goals have been a bonus, but his overall contribution to the team’s play is what makes him stand out. He’s clearly enjoying his football, and it shows in the way he interacts with the fans and the team. Didzy’s been a revelation this season, and long may it continue.

Alan Judge was one of those players who had the perfect mix of skill and determination. You could tell he was destined for big things even when he played for us. I remember him linking up so well with Neal Bishop in midfield, they were unstoppable at times. What’s sad is that injuries derailed what could’ve been an incredible career. He might’ve even played for Ireland in major tournaments if things had gone differently. That said, it’s a testament to his character that he still managed to make an impact at Brentford and Ipswich after everything.