I do think that sustainability is important to keep a reign on the purse strings, but I would like to see the owners consider inviting further investment into the club by a third party.

I would prefer Notts present owners to retain a majority shareholding, but to get out of League 2 & maintain a place in League 1, more finance is going to be needed to compete with other clubs in this day and age.

I think it's a weaker league this season, and now is surely a good time to really go for it. It's fairly obvious what we need to really solidify and build on what's obviously a weaker (more technical and creative debt) team this time around, but with a more motivational manager. I'd argue that MP isn't any better than SM as I'm really looking for consistancy and good, prolific attacking play and not the dross I've witnessed vs Accrington.

They have different strengths and MP can talk the talk and change the game a bit with his game management, but I'm yet to be enamoured by his style of play.

SM played a more attractive style of play, but became very easy to read and the style of play was monotonous when we weren't winning.

I think the one that will be the deciding factor is a consistant approach from RM again. Gagliardi effectively has hampered any effect from MP on getting them to play attractive football, but hopefully, we'll see a new few faces and say bye to a couple of ones who've yet to make the grade.

Despite the changes of coaching and playing staff and playing style you could argue that many of our unsolved problems remain the same. The biggest of these is inconsistency. In my opinion this can only be addressed if we sign three or four experienced players who are good enough to start matches.

Realistically we are just an above average League 2 team....mainly because we have no flair players...we haven't repaced Macca Rueben Didzy Crowley etc We appointed MP an old school footballer who would have zero experience of playing a possession type team . Perhaps we could tempt George Abbott back to bring some flair back into the team...

Blackburn Rovers 1-1 Charlton Athletic

Hull City 0-2 Watford

Plymouth Argyle 2-1 Burton Albion (joker)

Reading 1-0 Stockport County

Wycombe Wanderers 1-1 AFC Wimbledon

Barnet 1-0 Crewe Alexandra

Barrow 0-2 Bristol Rovers

Walsall 1-1 Fleetwood Town

Blackburn 2-1 Charlton

Hull City 1-2 Watford

Plymouth Argyle 2-0 Burton

Reading 1-1 Stockport County Joker

Wycombe 1-0 Wimbledon

Barnet P-P Crewe Alexandra

Barrow P-P Bristol Rovers

Walsall P-P Fleetwood

The results:

Blackburn Rovers 2-2 Charlton Athletic
Hull City P-P Watford
Plymouth Argyle 3-0 Burton Albion
Reading 1-0 Stockport County
Wycombe Wanderers 2-0 AFC Wimbledon
Barnet P-P Crewe Alexandra
Barrow P-P Bristol Rovers
Walsall P-P Fleetwood Town

And this round's winner is... me! Come on people, put some effort in. But everyone did manage to score despite only four of our matches actually going ahead this time.

@magpiejue consolidates her position at the top somewhat, but a big-scoring round from one of the chasing pack could still change everything. Elsewhere, @cheeky~k8 and @Megan_Elizax join @Garry Lee in notching up a hundred points.

And that's how things look now the festive fixtures are complete and the Christmas chocolates are finished! I'll post Saturday's fixtures on Wednesday and hopefully there will be more points, thrills and spills. Thanks for playing everyone!

Once again into the breach of another New Year, how many resolutions have been made and how long will they last? As the days get longer and reality returns are we looking for some guidance or maybe a touch of inspiration to move forwards into the days ahead 🤔

Whatever it is, I really do hope your wishes and plans come to fruition for one and all.

My pockets of enthusiasm are full to the brim. 🤠🖖

Just got back home, after having no snow for the whole week it decided to chuck it down as we packed the cars to come home, so we had todo it in blizzard conditions. By the time we’d packed the cars and were ready to go it had settled quite a lot. Thankfully the main roads were clear.

Hope that you made a snowman or two before leaving @Fan of Big Tone 😂

Back safe and sound eh?

Walked to work this morning and it was absolutely freezing 🥶 This was me trying to do my steps and get a little fitter this year. So cold, I even walked back, silly me or not i made it mine. Might even try again tomorrow. Happy days 😃

Sheffield United, Rotherham and Doncaster all off and they are close in terms of location to us, looks like even if we'd left it to a late pitch inspection it would've been off and that just makes it unfair for travelling fans.

You just know right now there will be fans that are travelling to a match today and will inevitably get the news to say it's been called off.

MK Dons have a Hybrid pitch but they also have installed undersoil heating whereas Notts decided not to connect their undersoil heating.

So the MK Dons match is on today whereas the Notts match isn't.

I think both clubs will be happy that it has been postponed. Both teams are on the ropes. A reset is required.

Southampton 2-1 Millwall

Swansea 1-1 West Brom

Orient 2-1 Wimbledon

Reading 1-0 Burton

Wigan 1-0 Barnsley 

Fleetwood 1-1 Grimsby Joker

Shrews 0-1 Bristol R

Swindon 2-1 Gillingham

On 30/12/2025 at 23:13, 4everapie said:

I'm doing what Notts are doing, stay off the pace, then when I get reinforcements in January, then see me climb up the table

I'm doing the same, but I'm staying even further off the pace. It's all a brilliant tactical plan.

The results for 1 January:

Southampton 0-0 Millwall
Swansea City 1-0 West Bromwich Albion
Leyton Orient 1-3 AFC Wimbledon
Reading 2-0 Burton Albion
Wigan Athletic 1-1 Barnsley
Fleetwood Town 0-1 Grimsby Town
Shrewsbury Town 0-3 Bristol Rovers
Swindon Town 2-0 Gillingham

This round's winners are the mighty, triumphant @DangerousSausage and @william1984.

Overall, @magpiejue holds on to top spot while @Dan is right back in the mix. As the (joint) best player of the year so far, I have surged from tenth to ninth; my ultimate triumph is surely just a matter of time and this defnitely hasn't gone to my head.

There's a round up and running for today's fixtures; you've still got two hurs to predict so head on over there if you haven't already. After that, we're back to our usual Saturday round, with round 26 to be posted on Wednesday. Thanks for playing!

Tricky, because we needed someone to do something, I thought of the subs Bennetts was the only player who came on and tried to actually do something.

I think it's a low bar but the picks for me are Bedeau or Dennis. Purely for being the only defensive player not at fault for the goal, I'll go for Bedeau. Had Dennis scored one of his headers it would've been him.

I've gone for Dennis because with a little more luck he could have scored w goal or two. He did get into some good positions but just failed to finish.

The Poll has closed. Thanks to all who voted. I'm delighted to announce that Matt Dennis has been voted the Pride of Nottingham's Man of the Match v Accrington Stanley.

Welcome to PoN from me too @Ros .Don' t be frightened join in.

A big welcome from me @Ros & welcome to our friendly community.

Good to have you on board @Ros I hope you enjoy the camaraderie and friendliness of our site.

Good luck to him wherever his career takes him next.

Not surprising, makes sense for everyone really.

I thought he was ok defensively but I was more shocked with how poor his technical skills were, his passing, first touch and just general ability on the ball were far below what I expected from someone who’s been schooled in Man Utd’s academy. I’d have thought the biggest issue would’ve been adapting to the physicality, but there you go.

I wish him all the best for his future though and hope he gets a club where he can play more often.

That puzzles me as well @menzinho. He seemed to get nervy during those bad games and things went from bad to worse. Hopefully,that's easily fixable for him.

.

Agree with all the above but it's also about the big players, winners, leaders, who can make other players around them better. If we had a couple of those then almost any other nine players in our squad would be fine in supporting roles. The problem is we don't have any partnerships on the pitch or anyone inspiring the rest, driving them on, as well as chipping in with goals and assists. Palmer and Robertson have a bit of that but not the whole deal. Norburn talked the talk when he arrived but not delivered. JJ is past his best. Need a new impact signing urgently in the mould of Glenn Roeder or Ryan Yates. Not more 'data model says they might be worth x% more in two years' signings.

Some may not agree, but I don't want to see young loanee players being recruited during the January transfer window. Notts need seasoned experienced professionals who are going to strengthen the squad & hopefully help get Notts promoted.

The summer transfer window is the ideal time to recruit players that can be developed into valuable assets along with talented young players from Premier League sides who can serve q good purpose. I don't think the January transfer window is the right time for these type of signings.

I do think Palmer and Robertson being out at the same is almost as disastrous as if Jatta and Dennis were to be injured at the same time.

Playing out from the back isn’t Platt’s strength and watching him and Roos constantly play long balls to no-one was and is painful. But I do think getting Palmer back in the side will change things. Norburn in the middle is ok, but in terms of starting attacks and keeping us ticking over he’s just not doing it for me. Palmer always moves himself around to make himself available to collect the ball off the defenders taking the pressure off them to play. And we've missed Robertson’s energy in midfield, again not a dig at Norburn he battles but he’s no where near as mobile as Robbo.

I’ll come in to defend Jatta a bit here. I think because of his size we think he should just bulldoze players all the time. But more often than not we play poor balls to him, he’s either chasing lost causes, fighting for flick on's or he has a defender tight to him pushing and pulling him. Play a half decent ball to him and he’s usually fine. Again, with Palmer and Robbo back, we should get a bit more control in midfield and be able to play closer to him rather than long balls from defence.

Absolutely agree @ARLukomski ball retention is poor. It seems like we’re playing panic football. Few have the composure to control the ball and pass. It just seems it’s head it kick it as far away as possible like a hot potato! I don’t know why Roos continues a long clearance trying to find Jatta, it never comes off. It feels like the team is playing with fear. I agree @piedestrian we have a group of squad players. I don’t think any of this is knee jerk reaction, a number of positive results have masked some poor performances.

Just found the courage to watch the highlights and their goal confirmed my suspicion at the time that Roos should have come for it. When the initial ball is played over the top, Roos is outside his six yard box, but instead of coming forward a few yards to claim it, he retreated. Accrington’s goalscorer basically took his touch literally four yards in front of where Roos was originally stood.

That being said, I’d like to know why our three centre halves were all within a few yards of each other? What was Platt doing and why was Macari so far over to the left?

We should have hammered a side like Accrington but yet again we play the same boring side to side football, hoping to get a cross in from the wings which is nearly always terrible.

We’re desperate for the return of Palmer and Robertson so that we can push Iorpenda up into the 10 role as neither Hall (still can’t work out what he brings) nor Grant are effective enough.

Notts seem to lose the tactical battle against opponents at Meadow Lane more often than not.

Opponents just sit back and allow Notts possession & just challenge Notts to break them down. They then bide their time to either take advantage of a Notts mistake at the back, or hit Notts on the break when they can.

These opponents also tend to bully Notts with their physicality, they also employ the dark arts, by slowing the game down, fouling by pushing, pulling & time wasting.

Since Notts were promoted this problem has remained a big factor with Williams, Maynard & now Paterson unable to solve it. Paterson still has an opportunity, but I think the problem will persist unless Notts can recruit strong & skillful players who will have the skill to unlock these opponents defensive tactics.

You’d think Tom Iorpenda had some personal grudge against MK the way he’s played against them so far… They’ll try and sign him now!

I agree Iorpenda MOM. Not only does he press well, win the ball and retain it; he is a genuine goal threat.

The Poll has now closed. Thanks to all who voted.

I'm delighted to announce that Tom Iorpenda has been voted the Pride of Nottingham's Man of the Match v MK Dons. Well done Tom.

By drawing our match against MK on Monday, Notts preserve their unbeaten record of six matches against MK since Notts return to League 2

One day after, and you can better appreciate the achievement of outplaying MK at their own stadium.

The effort in the first half was incredible.

4 points against a promotion rival is a good return and they are the top scorers in the league too so all in all a good result.

Interesting hearing Adam and Stall talk about Aljofree being the only defender that has scored this season so far. Given we don't usually struggle for goals you do tend to sometimes overlook things like this but we are actually the joint 3^rd worst, having only scored 5 goals from set-pieces and this is where defenders usually score. I know our strength is in open play but the average across the league from set-pieces is 9.

And given how right at the end against MK we had a number of corners and free-kicks it would be nice to feel like we can be more of a threat from them.

I think it's all about creativity. I've mentioned previously that our main creative outlets as a team lie in our attacking midfielder and wing backs. With our wing backs, I've found myself wanting to change style because we've not seen that consistency like we did with Nemane and Jones previously. Playing WB's also leaves us more vulnerable and exposed to threaded passes around the back. Our WB's, and this might be a tad harsh, have all shown that they are more squad players at this level and nothing short of the occasional 7 out of 10 performance. It’s also slightly odd we’re putting so much pressure on this working as everyone and their dog knows that Dennis, Jatta and Grant aren’t gonna get to the ball first on any cross, inverted wing back or not.

I think it’d take less weight and probably criticism of Grant as well if we played a 4-2-3-1, because he can press while (both normal and inverted) wingers can be more creative and attacking. I’d really like us to mix it up, because I could literally write a scouting report for the next 20 teams we face as it’s blindingly obvious.

Certain players were brought into the team because the powers that be at the Club thought that those players would be able to execute the playing style that the Club prefer to play. That formation being a 3-4-2-1 or a variation around that formation.

I agree that creativity in this team is important & that this style of play needs creative players to make it work successfully.

I still believe that having a back three is my preferred option. Having two wingbacks that are good defensively is a must, along with two strong central midfielders that can also drive forward & initiate attacks.

I do think that Martin is right to encourage competitiveness in the squad, & players should have to fight for their place, but I don't necessarily think that Notts should change a style or formation just to accommodate having as many of the better gifted players in the side as possible.

Martin has to ensure that the side is collectively his strongest all over the pitch, & that sometimes means that some of the gifted players may have to wait their opportunity on the bench.

No qualms with Platt winning MoM, as you said he was the one heading and blocking everything. I picked Macari for a solid all round game again, including being very tidy with the ball. Bedeau though, I thought he had a rare off day.

My vote goes to Matty Platt.

The poll has now closed.

I'm pleased to announce that Matty Platt has been voted the Pride of Nottingham's Man of the Match against Chesterfield.

22 hours ago, theAnticlough said:

I never look at X or places like that @liampie. I thought it was bad enough on here and on podcasts, so I can well imagine how terrible it was elsewhere.

i think some areas like to be the biggest moaners, happy when we win but confrontational if results dont go notts way.

i like seeing well thought out criticism, i dont like when its personal or just negative for the sake of it.

Two different goalkeeper coaches and still the same issue prevails with Roos, which tells you he won't learn or become any more comfortable with aerial balls.

We really missed a trick only signing one goalkeeper, but my theory is the board already saw what mess Gag brought in with Roos - you wouldn't want another "seasoned" goalkeeper with massive flaws on a big wage.

Just happy that it's now a priority as alluded to by Montague, which will mean that Griffiths and Perott will likely be shipped out on loan to get some experience.

A hat-trick yesterday for Cedwyn in a 6-0 win.

Also a brace for Cal Roberts in a 1-2 Scunthorpe away win (Maca got a start at Millwall and played the full 90)

Another win for TAR at top-of the NL table Rochdale.

On a day our play was so anaemic we could hardly create a chance, it makes you think what others might do

In hindsight I think Notts were wrong to let Cedwyn go especially how things have turned out striker wise at Notts.

It’s good to see Notts former players doing well, especially Cedwyn who will always be remembered as the play off final hero. I also hope Langstaff can kick start his career.

Hasn't stopped raining in Barcelona since arriving on 23rd. Another absolute deluge just now☹️

Good evening everyone. Just a quiet day in with the Mrs after all the festivities.

Spent some time last night listening to the Test match coverage from Australia. England won the fourth Test. The first time they've won in Australia in 15 years.

It's nice to get a win against the old enemy even though England have lost the series. Hopefully England can win the fifth and final Test & send the Barmy Army home much happier.

Good morning we made it safe to Norfolk yesterday in around two and a half hours, we have a lovely large 4 bedroomed house to stay in for the week with the family with everything we need for a comfortable stay.

Mrs. T made one of her famous curries for us all, a chicken Bhuna and in the evening we settled down to play the board game Traitors which we had bought for the whole family for Christmas, it was a real good laugh trying to guess who amongst us was the traitor, it turned out to be grandaughter Chloe which surprised us all. If you like the TV series you’ll love the game, highly recommended.

Today we’ll probably go for a walk along the sea front when everyone is up.

7 minutes ago, theAnticlough said:

I'm more interested in finding out why he doesn't play football. You'd assume serious injury, it's been so long, but I've been unable to find anything so far

Well I'd hesitate to say that he's not a top league player. He was only playing in England's 5th tier until recently. I see you've just mentioned that he's been released - I hope he finds a good base for himself, but obviously would love him back here.

1 minute ago, piedestrian said:

Well I'd hesitate to say that he's not a top league player. He was only playing in England's 5th tier until recently. I see you've just mentioned that he's been released - I hope he finds a good base for himself, but obviously would love him back here.

The 5th tier was never his level, so top marks to Montague on that one. He was a regular in a L1 promotion team and then played in the Championship. He was probably desperate to have a go at top tier football, but Brazil was probably too ambitious. I'd guess he could play top tier in places like Chile, Scotland, Scandinavia, maybe places like Switzerland or even MLS, dunno. There's no shame though in plying your trade in English L1. But at 29 who can blame him for taking the highest wage, wherever that might be.

Maybe a few months with us might put himself in the shop window for another Championship team to take a punt. Oxford even, De Buckingham liked him but Rowett didn't pick him, but he's just been sacked.

I've been one of those calling for Dennis to start with Jatta but I don't think that both playing together works every time and it didn't work against , Chesterfield.

I also think that choosing the same starting eleven every week against different sides can sometimes work in favour of the opposition. Sometimes it's better to keep the opposition guessing.

Modern football is a squad game & sometimes it's better to put some fresh legs out there. Kouhyar always impresses when he comes on. I think heed needs to be given a start.

Maybe worth giving Jatta a rest and starting Dennis supported by Hall against MK Dons.

3 minutes ago, Robbie said:

@Fan of Big Tone

Harry Griffiths was signed from Forest on a two year contract.

Oh apologies I thought he was on loan, where did I get that idea I wonder.

1 minute ago, Fan of Big Tone said:

Oh apologies I thought he was on loan, where did I get that idea I wonder.

If Notts get a new experienced keeper, Griffiths could be loaned out to give him some game time

People have commented on the fact that Montague has been a little too honest with this and, although it's great transparency for fans as we want to see that from the club, it's gonna hyper inflate new goalkeeper costs and show to clubs that might want to bid on Jatta/Dennis, now is the time if they've got the resource. If those bids come in or never transpire, the players, manager and fans will never really know if they're going or staying.

Well that didn’t go to plan did it? A surprisingly lacklustre performance from Notts which is disappointing given their good form of late. I don’t remember a single shot at goal. Unfortunately for Roos both goals can be attributed partially if not wholly to him, for the first goal he pushed the ball straight into the path of their player instead of catching it or at least pushing it to the side and the second goal it looked like he told Jatta to leave it and then fluffed it. He seems to have reverted back to type after impressing lately.

We need a reaction now against MK Dons.

MP gives a pretty honest assessment in his after match interview. Listen here.

BBC

Very annoyed with yesterday. A complete lack of pressing throughout the game, simple passes going astray and not reaching their intended target and a lack of fight and battle. Once, when we tried to break yesterday and Bennetts' 5-yard pass to Dennis found no one because Dennis positioning was poor and another time Bennetts produced a fantastic ball over from the left to the advertising boards on the opposite side.

Another big problem was our continuous launching of the ball forward to McFadzean and Grimes, who's bread and butter is winning aerial duels. Instead of playing through the lines with passes (from which we had forced two early corners) and pressing them, knowing both of them are slow and both of them were both on yellow cards in the first half. This is a combined problem of tactics and player mindset.

This isn't the first time this season we've played like this away from home. We were the same against Barrow, Barnet and Bristol Rovers. Two of them we got away with, because fought and battled. Yesterday we didn't fight. A game with 0 shots on target for the first hour and a game lacking in creative spark and quality, with the game being open for someone to take control of it. A total lack of intensity.

It's these kind of performances that really make me doubt this team. Tsaroulla isn't doing enough at the moment and went walking into centre-midfield for their first goal. A lack of quality at wing-back and in goal. That should be the final straw for Kelle Roos. It's also obvious we're in need of a creative midfielder and a striker to challenge Jatta and Dennis.

Have a wonderful Christmas everyone!

Christmas Gratitude.

Christmas time is here again,
Is it perfume or could be a Train.

A visit from Santa guaranteed,
Maybe he's brought a trusty steed.

The pressure is on Mum and Dad,
Get it right or someone will be sad.

Hope you've listened to every chat,
Idea's galore gleaned from that.

The latest trend or fashion phase,
Will bring a smile to their face.

A little tech that's up to date,
Everyone's dream, it's not too late.

Whatever gift you are fortunate to receive,
Be happy, grateful and always believe.

Merry Christmas to one and all. 🎄🎉

Happy Christmas All. It's a cold sunny day in Cork. Perfect Christmas weather.