⚽ Match Thread vs. MK Dons [EFL L2] 01.04.24

[skandark]

Team news in a couple of mins.

[skandark]

25948

[MarcusCole]

I'll give it a miss

[WarsopPie]

25948

Glad I’m doing my talking with my feet.
Chicksen😆

[Chicken Balti Pie]

That is a very weak midfield

[irishpete]

The "Tinker man" at it again

[Could'vebeenacontender]

Glad I’m doing my talking with my feet.
Chicksen��

Jones hasn't trained all week
The baby was born on Thursday but there were some minor complications so mum and new born only came home yesterday
JJ came straight to Swindon on Friday after two nights at the hospital which possibly explains why he didn't look his usual self

[legs77]

The "Tinker man" at it again

In fairness they are changes he has had to make.

McGoldrick is clearly not fit.
Joned not trained
Slocombe was awful at Swindon.

Could perhaps argue JOB for Austin but the team picks itself at the min.

[slack_pie]

Loving our goalkeeper rotation this season. Inspired!

[eyepie]

Good to see Scott.

[irishpete]

In fairness they are changes he has had to make.

McGoldrick is clearly not fit.
Joned not trained
Slocombe was awful at Swindon.

Could perhaps argue JOB for Austin but the team picks itself at the min.

Who picked the above for Friday? Same issues then

[Reynardpie]

Loving our goalkeeper rotation this season. Inspired!nobody's mentioned yet that Scott is in the squad

[MapperleyMagpie]

nobody's mentioned yet that Scott is in the squad
Fantastic news to see Scott back

[MapperleyMagpie]

Weak in midfield but great to see up top and a fairly attacking bench. Fab news on Scott too😁

[Chicken Balti Pie]

Team news so that folk can know who is talking about what

25951

It was already posted, literally the second post

[Old_pie]

It was already posted, literally the second post

Oops, I'd jumped in straight at Page 2. :o

Deleted now (I think)

[OP67]

Maynard has left the door wide open for an MK Dons goal bonanza. That midfield and defence I'd fancy my chances XD

[legs77]

Who picked the above for Friday? Same issues then

Yeah I agree im no fan of the guy its on him for sure.

Im just saying today the changes were kinda forced.

[irishpete]

Maynard has left the door wide open for an MK Dons goal bonanza. That midfield and defence I'd fancy my chances XD

I think you would fancy your chances regardless, knowing your playing the comedy club

[BanjoPie]

Good bench

[BanjoPie]

Odd that Bostock not starting, thought he was getting back to his best in the later stages of the last match -

[the_anticlough]

On the back of a W2 D2 L9 record and nosedive down the table....more losses under this management team will start to feel like sadism on the part of the owners!

[Could'vebeenacontender]

Nice cross from Chicksen
Jatta should have scored

[SwalePie]

Good start, fingers crossed...

[OchPie]

MK's back line are playing a very familiar game!

[Could'vebeenacontender]

MK defence look like ours early on

[irish_pie]

Same old story, 2 unreal chances and nothing doing.. should be ahead but unfortunately we all know what's coming now :( decent start though

[irishpete]

MK's back line are playing a very familiar game!

Thought we were playing our shadows:D

[irishpete]

You can se why Stockport hammered them

[WarsopPie]

25948

Playing well so far think we need that first goal though.

[OP67]

Oh dear XD

[WarsopPie]

Playing well so far think we need that first goal though.

Ffs here we go 1 down

[slack_pie]

Same old story, 2 unreal chances and nothing doing.. should be ahead but unfortunately we all know what's coming now :( decent start though

Yup. Classic.

[OchPie]

To be fair a very very good goal. But you can see the difference in confidence. We better not start playing just to stop conceding again.

[irish_pie]

Maynard sir I think you better start packing 😞

[upthemaggies]

Won't be a surprise to anybody that every game we've gone behind in since Maynard took charge, we've gone on to lose apart from Barrow home, which was drawn.

[BCnotts18]

Oh dear XD

Baldwin beaten far too easily for it but it was a great finish.

https://x.com/Joefowler_/status/1774803853621305481?s=20

[upthemaggies]

Langstaff rattles the crossbar.

You can't fault the fans here, they are trying to get behind Notts.

[slack_pie]

Langstaff rattles the crossbar.

You can't fault the fans here, they are trying to get behind Notts.

Sounds like it. Just seems that nothing is going for us at the moment.

[OchPie]

It's so much brighter than recent games even if we're one down. Actually feels like we're attacking at speed and in numbers.

Ref has bottled at least two yellows for them so far.

[upthemaggies]

Stags fans will be wanting us to win this afternoon of course, MKD now level on points with them, Stags only in an auto spot on goal difference.

FGR (2-0 up at Crewe) and Sutton both winning, so if they both win and we lose, we're still not mathematically safe tonight.

[irishpete]

Playing well considering our form. Was a good finish for their goal

[Could'vebeenacontender]

Far more spirit from the lads today so far

[OchPie]

Finally they get a yellow... And another

[upthemaggies]

Far more spirit from the lads today so far

I wonder if Maynard's told them that they don't want to be the one's to set the shameful record of 6 home defeats on the bounce.

Goooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaallllllllllllll

[OchPie]

Yessssssss, lovely move and just the right mix of patience and intent

[SmiffyPie]

Tell me more ffs

[upthemaggies]

Stall at HT: It's like they've gone in 3-0 up, the fans have been fantastic.

[irishpete]

Lets hope we can kick on in the 2nd half

[OchPie]

Honestly feel unlucky only to be level, why couldn't we be playing like this for the last ten

[upthemaggies]

Stall: Where's that been for the recent home games?

[spacemunky]

Best half we've played in quite some time.

Let's keep it up!

[Notts78]

Best half we've played in quite some time.

Let's keep it up!

Easily.

[legs77]

Honestly feel unlucky only to be level, why couldn't we be playing like this for the last ten

True playing well today and their only attack of note was a worldie of a strike.

Need to keep this up 2nd half.

[MAD_MAGPIE]

That first half was night and day compared to Saturday and recent home games. We have been much more aggressive and physical when we’ve not had the ball. Also in possession we have played through the lines more and with purpose and intensity.

We were a bit hard done by with the goal and it wasn’t an individual error as the MK Dons player did a move to beat Baldwin and fire the shot at goal.

Also we had two very good chances to get the equaliser and take the lead as well and have looked the far better side in that half. So the equaliser was well deserved.

These players are clearly playing for SM and are showing they do not want to have the six losses at home on their records. I’d take a draw today, but we could still go on and win this but we will need to keep the standards up that we set in the first half.

[hissingdwarf]

I’ll echo all of the above. Players seem much more up for it. Not a lot of the usual walking football stuff. Positive in possession and far more pressing when not.
Good goal by MK. Lovely goal.
Glad we got the equaliser as it’s well deserved.
Also worth mentioning the fans. Positive feel here surprisingly. Good support from all stands.

[maddogslater]

Wake up pieman

[OchPie]

Awakeeeeee

[OP67]

Jatta 2-1 Get Innnnnnnnnn!!!

[WarsopPie]

Ffs here we go 1 down

Get in JATTA

[BCnotts18]

Jatta again, what a man

[legs77]

Great goal Jatta

[irishpete]

Superb goal. Jatta can't head who said that?

[OchPie]

Was so sure that was in from Langstaff, again

[irishpete]

More tempo & bite today

[spacemunky]

That was fantastic from Chicksen.

[upthemaggies]

First time since Grimsby away that we've come from behind to take the lead in a game.

[Yellafella63]

Come on County 😀

[OP67]

Good while it lasted 2-2...Think we know what's coming

[OchPie]

After all that good work, giving a free hit from the penalty spot.

[BCnotts18]

That defending is so poor again

https://x.com/Joefowler_/status/1774820813461483846?s=20

[irishpete]

Pis$ poor defending

[BJPIE]

Taking Austin off for Bostock so early has given them the momentum

[legs77]

Good while it lasted 2-2...Think we know what's coming

Even if ìt does no complaints from me we have attacked and given everything.

That is all you ask for no results are ever in the bag.

[legs77]

Good while it lasted 2-2...Think we know what's coming


Taking Austin off for Bostock so early has given them the momentum

Or maybe their 3 subs changed it ??

Austin may have an injury we need to find out first.

[upthemaggies]

Atmosphere has gone very flat as we enter the period where we hardly ever score and let loads in at the other end.

Stall: Wave after wave of MKD attacking.

[OP67]

That defending is so poor again

https://x.com/Joefowler_/status/1774820813461483846?s=20

That is dreadful defending again!!

[Eastcoastultra1977]

I was hoping,but 'hope' was all it was,that we could defend...but no chance.Absolutely pathetic.

This team sitting back on a 2-1 lead with our defense...it's like night follows day.

Maynards tactics are shocking. some of his substitutions are baffling.

[Eastcoastultra1977]

Try and scrape a point..it will keep the clown in a job a bit longer.

[BCnotts18]

Or maybe their 3 subs changed it ??

Austin may have an injury we need to find out first.

He's only just come back from illness and obviously isn't fully fit. Even Bostock, as poor as he was been this season, is better than Sam Austin blowing out of his arse for the last half an hour.

[irishpete]

Try and scrape a point..it will keep the clown in a job a bit longer.

They haven't got the balls to get rid. Probably a YES man is all I can think of why he is still here to be honest

[upthemaggies]

10,439

1,168 away

[irishpete]

10,439

1,168 away

Starting to show some are staying away

[Eastcoastultra1977]

Atmosphere has gone very flat as we enter the period where we hardly ever score and let loads in at the other end.

Stall: Wave after wave of MKD attacking.

Why don't Notts attack like this away from home?? XDXDXD

[upthemaggies]

2-3

Predictable

[BCnotts18]

The fact that sutton are easing past Swindon just goes to show how poor we were on Friday

[OP67]

2-3

Predictable

Very much so!!

Still not mathematically safe either. That last game of the season at FGR could be interesting ;D

[crazyfists]

Balls. Well I think whatever the result today, the team have played well in the most part. COYP

[Notts78]

Subs changing games.

Warner and Bostock weakened us big time

[legs77]

He's only just come back from illness and obviously isn't fully fit. Even Bostock, as poor as he was been this season, is better than Sam Austin blowing out of his arse for the last half an hour.

Yes im responding to someone saying Bostock sub has cost us it hasnt their subs ĥave changed the game.

[upthemaggies]

Balls. Well I think whatever the result today, the team have played well in the most part. COYP

Not sure that's a positive, playing well for once at home under Maynard and STILL losing.

[BJPIE]

He's only just come back from illness and obviously isn't fully fit. Even Bostock, as poor as he was been this season, is better than Sam Austin blowing out of his arse for the last half an hour.

Do you reckon. Im watching Bostock have a mare.

[upthemaggies]

Banners out in the Kop for Maynard out.

[irish_pie]

I'm sorry but playing well doesn't pay the bills, loosing is a habit and we are well in the habit now, playing the highline and caught again, look like 6 on the spin now... history in store and all for the wrong reasons... disgraceful

[crazyfists]

Not sure that's a positive, playing well for once at home under Maynard and STILL losing.

Ha ha just poor defending for a couple of their goals but that's usual. I think the midfield before Bostock and the attack have played half decent today. The win will come but not happy setting that record, just don't want to be all doom and gloom about it. What is the saying? We are Notts County, we move on.

[crazyfists]

Banners are abit tight.

[the_anticlough]

Balls. Well I think whatever the result today, the team have played well in the most part. COYP

Yes CF, we have good players and we can play well. But so what? We’re still suffering from the biggest single mistake made by any EFL club all season. The rest is futile

[MapperleyMagpie]

Banners out in the Kop for Maynard out.

Wow, I cannot remember the last time banners came out, this truly is a sad day , but wholly expected.

[upthemaggies]

Well, if we set this record, we've still one to go to equal the record in Nottingham. Fword once lost 7 home league games in a row.

[BCnotts18]

Have this half been as bad as the stats suggest? We seem to have just shut up shop when we went ahead and just hope that's enough to win it?

[OP67]

3-3 Nemane

[irish_pie]

Ha ha just poor defending for a couple of their goals but that's usual. I think the midfield before Bostock and the attack have played half decent today. The win will come but not happy setting that record, just don't want to be all doom and gloom about it. What is the saying? We are Notts County, we move on.

The problem is it shouldn't be usual, it happens every game and they just won't learn... some of them need to find a different profession...football isn't their best bet unfortunately 😕

[upthemaggies]

Wow, I cannot remember the last time banners came out, this truly is a sad day , but wholly expected.

Fullarton I think.

Gooooooooooalllllllllllllllllllllllllll

[upthemaggies]

Amazingly, we've now scored more in added time this season than we've conceded.

[BCnotts18]

3-3 put it just papers over the cracks.

[crazyfists]

Nemanes the man. Jones assist, if he'd have been match fit today then I think we would have won.

[irish_pie]

Unfortunately that might save his job for another few weeks.. made a decent fist of it today but that defense is an absolute shambles....Still time for McDonald's to nick it

[OchPie]

Have this half been as bad as the stats suggest? We seem to have just shut up shop when we went ahead and just hope that's enough to win it?

Not how I saw it. Their subs changed the game, we were a step behind and it made us nervous and stepped off, and they were all over us for ages. Before that we had some great chances from 2-1 ahead.

[legs77]

Not sure that's a positive, playing well for once at home under Maynard and STILL losing.

It is a positive in some ways as performances usually result in good results.

3-3 deserved too

[crazyfists]

The problem is it shouldn't be usual, it happens every game and they just won't learn... some of them need to find a different profession...football isn't their best bet unfortunately 😕

Ha ha true mate, I hope not to see half of that defence next season including the keeper. Still it's the most I've seen some fight and energy in our performance for awhile, all is not lost.

[BCnotts18]

Harrogate winning 5-1 to prepare for their game against us next weekend.

[upthemaggies]

This helps Stags but I'd much rather they go up than MKD.

[legs77]

Safe now 🤣🤣

[upthemaggies]

FT

So the home losing sequence remains at 5.

Brace thinks it's the best entertainment he's seen for quite some time
Stall : That's how Notts can perform... the negative side of it, where has that performance been in recent weeks?.... the old problems defensively, that's what's cost us.

Kop fans still have the banners out.


Stall wondering what the motivation was today that's been missing, asking if it was because they wanted to keep the manager in the job or because they didn't want to be embarrassed by the record.

[OchPie]

Should have won it at the death, if not before. Felt like a LW performance oddly enough. Two silly goals gifted, three very good goals taken.

Mathematically safe.

[The_Pie_Man]

Better entertainment, certainly. At least we didn’t lose this week.

But 9 points from 14 games is totally unacceptable and a draw at home against MKD won’t save him for long.

[Eastcoastultra1977]

If I had a spare bed sheet and some old spray paint mine would be there,lol

STILL MAYNARD OUT...imo.

[SwalePie]

Much better performance and most importantly we played with heart!

[irishpete]

Papered over the bigger cracks. Lets see next week if performance etc is the same as today

[Eastcoastultra1977]

Better entertainment, certainly. At least we didn’t lose this week.

But 9 points from 14 games is totally unacceptable and a draw at home against MKD won’t save him for long.

Can't agree....they won't sack him.He would have gone by now

[Could'vebeenacontender]

We showed real spirit and desire today and have started scoring again
Naivety at the back as opposed to total incompetence
Fix that and we're a decent side

[hissingdwarf]

Not what I expected today. Much better for a lot of the game. Nemane was superb, even before his goal.
Defence looked stronger overall, but their goals showed us up. Again.
Thought the sub of Bostock was horrendous. As soon as he came on, we slowed right down and went back to walking, ponderous football. Lost the initiative right there.
Didn’t expect to see the banners in the kop, but to be fair, shouldn’t be surprised.

Anything to hold onto? We didn’t lose again so record isn’t an issue with the defeats.

We looked better…why though?

Maynard out as soon as last ball is kicked at the end of the season.

[Grimsby Pie]

Mathematically safe from relegation.

[Wedgie_pie]

Who's on his way home a happy boy then...😁

[Eastcoastultra1977]

Papered over the bigger cracks. Lets see next week if performance etc is the same as today

It will never change if the defence isn't sorted out.

All the managers and coaches recently with big coaching badges have been clueless.

Why if the layman in the seats at ML can see it and they can't baffles me.It just never ever changes.

Worn out record....:zzz::zzz:

[WarsopPie]

Not what I expected today. Much better for a lot of the game. Nemane was superb, even before his goal.
Defence looked stronger overall, but their goals showed us up. Again.
Thought the sub of Bostock was horrendous. As soon as he came on, we slowed right down and went back to walking, ponderous football. Lost the initiative right there.
Didn’t expect to see the banners in the kop, but to be fair, shouldn’t be surprised.

Anything to hold onto? We didn’t lose again so record isn’t an issue with the defeats.

We looked better…why though?

Maynard out as soon as last ball is kicked at the end of the season.

Lot better performance today, but when fans bring the banners out it’s just a matter of time normally.

[OchPie]

25954

This tells the story - X is their triple substitution.

SM waited until the 80th minute to react to it, and it felt like Jodi didn't get time to find his range. (To be fair, taking off Macari felt like the right thing to do, but I'm not sure Warner covered himself in glory.)

[BanjoPie]

We played well - deserved the point and could have had all 3. I’m a happy bunny.

[upthemaggies]

Up to 15th,

6 points behind 12th (Harrogate) so if we still have any chance of finishing in the top half we probably have to beat them next week.
Harrogate scored 5 goals in the last half hour today and have a very good away record since November.

Maynard sounding brighter, "credit to the lads when we went 3-2 down". Talks about intensity being there today.

He says "This place has to got to become a fortress"..... well it was before you came matey!

"You've got to look at the problems before we came here"....... yeah, we were 6th.

Talking about working behind the scenes on recruitment in the summer, so he at least seems to think he will be here next season.

Says he wouldn't have done anything different since he's been here, other than be more lucky.

[forwardmagpie]

Better performance but as posters have pointed out it just papers over the cracks. We still look like we will concede at any time. We don’t take the initiative MKD changed the game with their subs - we waited nearly too long to bring JJ on.

[WarsopPie]

Up to 15th,

6 points behind 12th (Harrogate) so if we still have any chance of finishing in the top half we probably have to beat them next week.
Harrogate scored 5 goals in the last half hour today and have a very good away record since November.

Maynard sounding brighter, "credit to the lads when we went 3-2 down". Talks about intensity being there today.

He says "This place has to got to become a fortress"..... well it was before you came matey!

"You've got to look at the problems before we came here"....... yeah, we were 6th.

Talking about working behind the scenes on recruitment in the summer, so he at least seems to think he will be here next season.

Thanks that last paragraph has put a dampener on a good performance

[BanjoPie]

You can’t please all the people all of the time!!!

[upthemaggies]

Brace asked him about the banner, Maynard says he didn't see it and thought the fans were behind him.

That's the most defensive post match interview he's given, he sounded more annoyed and defiant as it went on.

[legs77]

Thanks that last paragraph has put a dampener on a good performance

Dont let that worry you we signed Langstaff/Scott without a manager/head coach.

Not that we were ever getting relegated but we now know this is a fact so we prepare now for it.

[BigFatPie]

The lads with the banner were men of the match today.

[Notts78]

A lot of positives in that performance today. Played with more purpose, aggression and quality.
Same frailties when defending (not just at the back).
If we had played like that throughout SM’s tenure we’d be in the playoffs and he would have the backing of the fans.

[BanjoPie]

The lads with the banner were men of the match today.

You talk absolute boll*cks

[Riverleeno]

Brace asked him about the banner, Maynard says he didn't see it and thought the fans were behind him.

That's the most defensive post match interview he's given, he sounded more annoyed and defiant as it went on.
Thought he answered the questions well, don’t think he was annoyed, but just my opinion.

[The_Pie_Man]

Some people would watch paint dry as long as it was black and white.

[upthemaggies]

David Jackson saying it's a funny stage of the season to sack a manager and thinks the owners will now hang on to the end of it, assuming they are considering it of course.

I'm a bit taken back by Maynard saying he wouldn't have done anything differently since he's been here, considering his PPG. He says he'd only change his luck. It's more than bad luck to be averaging less than 1 point a game approaching a third of the season's worth of matches in charge.
It was a decent result today, but that interview is going to rub some people up the wrong way I feel.

[Notts78]

Dont let that worry you we signed Langstaff/Scott without a manager/head coach.

Not that we were ever getting relegated but we now know this is a fact so we prepare now for it.

That includes the coaching team.. if we he Bros are committed to them staying beyond this season, come out and back him. If not, let him go now. Momentum is a funny thing in football and we can’t coast through the remainder because we are safe. We need to get some positive results regardless.

[BigFatPie]

Up to 15th,

6 points behind 12th (Harrogate) so if we still have any chance of finishing in the top half we probably have to beat them next week.
Harrogate scored 5 goals in the last half hour today and have a very good away record since November.

Maynard sounding brighter, "credit to the lads when we went 3-2 down". Talks about intensity being there today.

He says "This place has to got to become a fortress"..... well it was before you came matey!

"You've got to look at the problems before we came here"....... yeah, we were 6th.



His Wealdstone mate on Twitter who obviously never watches us play keeps going on about problems before he arrived. Clearly what Maynard tells him.

Completely deluded.

[OchPie]

The problems before he arrived are why we drew 3-3 today. Not why we lost so many under him up to now.

[the_anticlough]

I didn't enjoy him saying we'd lost 9 of 15 before he arrived....he shouldn't be counting them up - he should be concentrating on winning his own games.

But those 15 included away to Lincoln in a ridiculous competition, and even so in those 15 games, 16pts if still better than his 9 from 42. It'll make it worse if he tries to spin us and take the fans for fools.

[SinceSept1959]

Radio Nottingham interview with SM laughable and decided.
Unlucky not to score 3 goals first half. Great attacking performance taking the game to MKD.
Started the second half well then SM hands the iniative to the opposition.
Ridiculous substitutions ,wrong players at the wrong time. Doing OK then we needlessly swap Austin , Chicks and Jatta.
Nemane MOM only ratified after his equalising goal probably the weakest link today really.
Superb individual performances and spirit.
Lions lead by donkeys again.

[BanjoPie]

Some people would watch paint dry as long as it was black and white.

What the hell do you want? - they played their hearts out today FFS!!!

[SinceSept1959]

** deluded **

[legs77]

David Jackson saying it's a funny stage of the season to sack a manager and thinks the owners will now hang on to the end of it, assuming they are considering it of course.

I'm a bit taken back by Maynard saying he wouldn't have done anything differently since he's been here, considering his PPG. He says he'd only change his luck. It's more than bad luck to be averaging less than 1 point a game approaching a third of the season's worth of matches in charge.
It was a decent result today, but that interview is going to rub some people up the wrong way I feel.

I agree with Jackson its pointless now.

Also Maynard is bound to say that as he will believe in his methods and saying otherwise will be to his own downfall most are bullish they have to be its a hard job.

Dont worry about what he says its what the fans say that will matter in the end.

[HeroPie1862]

What the hell do you want? - they played their hearts out today FFS!!!

As someone who actually went to the match this was my take too, they were gutted at full time and you could tell.

Taking Jatta off was probably a mistake but we changed how we went forward and it was working, we just couldn't get on the end of it, and again defensive mistakes cost us...

[M0ufMk3]

Subs changing games.

Warner and Bostock weakened us big time

They may have done but I could understand the changes. I thought Austin, despite his goal (which was well taken) was our weak link in the first half, and Macari went missing for their second.

What I can't understand is that if we are leading or even level we seem to adopt a negative mindset and that is surely on the coach. Only when we went behind today did we start to wake up.

[Notts78]

Radio Nottingham interview with SM laughable and decided.
Unlucky not to score 3 goals first half. Great attacking performance taking the game to MKD.
Started the second half well then SM hands the iniative to the opposition.
Ridiculous substitutions ,wrong players at the wrong time. Doing OK then we needlessly swap Austin , Chicks and Jatta.
Nemane MOM only ratified after his equalising goal probably the weakest link today really.
Superb individual performances and spirit.
Lions lead by donkeys again.

What substitutions would you have done out of curiosity? Austin was knackered. JJ came on for Chicks and set up the equaliser. Jatta had lost a bit of oomph as he tired, hence the ball constantly coming back.
I’m all for calling SM out but FFS do it with some knowledge of football. When players come off in professional football it’s seldom down to performance - this is highlighted in ALL 3 of the incorrect subs you mentioned. All played there part but all had not played much football so we’re never going to last 90 minutes.

[upthemaggies]

I agree with Jackson its pointless now.

Also Maynard is bound to say that as he will believe in his methods and saying otherwise will be to his own downfall most are bullish they have to be its a hard job.

Dont worry about what he says its what the fans say that will matter in the end.

Oddly, that was the first time Brace asked any real difficult questions. It's strange that he chose a 3-3 to put him under pressure after all of the defeats, he's given him very soft bowls before now. Maybe he felt a bit sorry for him up to now and the banners have forced the issue in his mind.

It's just my take, but I can now see this turning very nasty at some point. Not necessarily in the coming weeks, but if he's still here next season - he is chalk and cheese compared to LW when it comes to man managing the fans and being truthful and honest about the performances and results. There was a lot there I heard in that interview, both in the actual words and his tone, that suggests to me fans will soon stop feeling sorry for him if he doesn't start winning regularly, they will begin to seriously dislike him. That may have been his Burchnall-Dover moment.

[upthemaggies]

David Jackson talking about the gates: "This is a big club that should not be in the bottom half of the table"

Stall "We should be far higher... everybody can see that.... You have to take your share of accountability."

[Kent Magpie]

To be fair a lot of fans stopped feeling sorry for him the day he was appointed.

[Kent Magpie]

David Jackson talking about the gates: "This is a big club that should not be in the bottom half of the table"

Stall "We should be far higher... everybody can see that.... You have to take your share of accountability."

That’s interesting. Reading the comments on here relaying what has been said by Stall, Jackson and Bracegirdle it’s almost as if they have heard something as the tone seems very different to before.. rather less forgiving? Pointing out the negatives after a good (by all accounts) performance. It seems a little odd, but then that may just be the quotes selected to be put on here.

[The_Pie_Man]

What the hell do you want? - they played their hearts out today FFS!!!

I’ll tell you what I want, brains.

I want more than 9 points from the last 14 games.
I want us to win games at Meadow Lane again.
I want our collapse from the top to the bottom echelons of the league stopped.
I want to feel confident we can defend and achieve clean sheets.
I want the feel good factor back again.

We played well today but again, we didn’t manage to win. As good a performance as it was, I’m afraid it’s just one game.

If you’re happy and think the tide has turned - fabulous. It will take a hell of a lot more to persuade me and countless others that Mr Maynard is up to it.

[BigFatPie]

His total refusal to accept responsibility for anything is one of the many reasons I want him gone.

If the coach can’t do anything about what happens on the pitch wtf is the point in employing him?

[nw6pie]

I’ll tell you what I want, brains.

I want more than 9 points from the last 14 games.
I want us to win games at Meadow Lane again.
I want our collapse from the top to the bottom echelons of the league stopped.
I want to feel confident we can defend and achieve clean sheets.
I want the feel good factor back again.

We played well today but again, we didn’t manage to win. As good a performance as it was, I’m afraid it’s just one game.

If you’re happy and think the tide has turned - fabulous. It will take a hell of a lot more to persuade me and countless others that Mr Maynard is up to it.

We had to stop the rot at home, and we’ve done that. Now we need to play well and beat Harrogate on Saturday.

[the_anticlough]

We had to stop the rot at home, and we’ve done that. Now we need to play well and beat Harrogate on Saturday.

The rot has stopped?
Even if by some miracle we soar up to the level of mediocrity, it will still be rot compared to what we had

[TSANHO]

I unexpectedly enjoyed the game today, especially the first half where we looked like a Luke Williams team going forward again. There was some aggression and spite in some of our tackles (Robertson made a real cruncher!) which we’ve been lacking and there was some real incisive passing throughout. Cant really complain about their first goal really, just a beautiful strike.

The team obviously still playing for the manager, or some pride at least which is good. Thought swapping O’Brien for Austin would’ve been a better like for like substitution rather than Bostock, who has been pretty terrible, and continued that form today. After that substitution we stopped doing what we had been doing well until that point, handing the incentive to the franchise…whose good substitutions compounded our poor ones.

Chicksen showed why he’s our best defender throughout the game. Blocking crosses and reading the game better than anyone else in the team.

Defiant radio interview with Maynard after the game, not sure what I made of it really. Think i was just happy to hear him asked some awkward questions. He clearly thinks he is going to be here next year from some of his answers.

The ‘will they, won’t they’ question rumbles on for another week….though it’s almost certain they’ll stick with him until the end of the season, and with more performances like todays, with a new backline for next season and Matty Palmer returning to the team, would that be a bad thing?

Some have definitely made their minds up on Maynard but I’m still not sure, perhaps there is something there?! I wondered today if he would be open to a coaching or number two role for a new incoming manager.

[SinceSept1959]

As someone who actually went to the match this was my take too, they were gutted at full time and you could tell.

Taking Jatta off was probably a mistake but we changed how we went forward and it was working, we just couldn't get on the end of it, and again defensive mistakes cost us...

Changing the personnel at that point was the biggest mistake. Taking the game to them with momentum , then going defensive by replacing Austin with Bostock.
Fortunately Nemane scored the equaliser but he should have been hooked beford Chicksen !
Then the master stroke is bringing on Jones & replacing Jatta with a clearly unfit Didzy !
Maynard is utterly clueless doesn't read the game and tries to hold on to a 2-1 lead.
He's still not learned that attack is Notts best form of defence.

[upthemaggies]

His total refusal to accept responsibility for anything is one of the many reasons I want him gone.

If the coach can’t do anything about what happens on the pitch wtf is the point in employing him?

I had no intention of posting anything negative of substance about Maynard after drawing 3-3 with the team in 4th place, but that interview has caused a shift in my mind. I 100% blamed the owners before now, but after that - he's asking for the heat to be turned on him. Obviously he was having to respond to Bracegirdle's line of questioning that Brace chose to try and engage him with, it could have been a very different interview otherwise, but it has revealed something about Maynard's character I wasn't fully aware of, or at least not sure about before today.
I can see where this is going to go unless he somehow brings about a total transformation.

All time full-time managers below 1 PPG....
0.97 Chris Kiwomya
0.92 John Sheridan
0.89 Larry Lloyd
0.83 Jamie Fullarton
0.83 Richie Barker
0.72 Russell Slade
0.64 Stuart Maynard
0.57 Gary Brazil (2)
0.41 Charlie Jones

Worst 14 game start this century....
17. Billy Dearden W4 D2 L8 Pts:14
18. Ian McParland W3 D3 L8 Pts:12
19. Neal Ardley W3 D3 L8 Pts:12
20. Stuart Maynard W2 D3 L9 Pts:9
21. Gary Brazil (2) W1 D5 L8 Pts:8

Brazil's 14th game was his last.

[i961pie]

Taking Austin off for Bostock so early has given them the momentum

Austin was knackered and the game started to pass him by. Having said that Bostock was awful and often caught in possessions

[Piessince67]

I have been a firm critic of the manager but the players today gave their all and were playing for him.He must get a win against harrogate though.

[durhampie]

Austin was knackered and the game started to pass him by. Having said that Bostock was awful and often caught in possessions

Bringing Bostock on cost us the game. As soon as he came on, he slowed the game down with his back passes, which allowed MK to press and take control.

[jackal2]

Decent game today, certainly better performance-wise than the Salford game, but the defending remains pitiful. We conceded three goals and were lucky not to let in more. I haven't watched the goals back yet to identify for sure who the chief culprits were, but as a team we're still horribly tame when confronted by any sort of attacking intent. Our players need to grasp the fact that taking up a defensive position counts for nothing unless it's actually accompanied by heading, closing down and tackling. At times we really do look like a bunch of wimps out of possession.

On the plus side, we looked pretty good going forward and could have scored more than the three we got. The fact that we came back for a late equaliser after the body blow of going 2-3 down proves if nothing else that the players are definitely still trying for Maynard. You don't get last minute goals from a team that has given up. I was watching the bench very carefully today and it was clear that the interaction between the players and the Head Coach is still positive.

That said, I thought bringing Bostock on for Austin was a really bad move when the momentum was with us. If Austin was too knackered to carry on, then O'Brien would have been the best replacement. Bostock's arrival certainly didn't reinforce us, in fact we looked more vulnerable with him in midfield.

What was clear today was that the vast majority of the crowd had come to support wholeheartedly. They didn't turn on the team even when we went down 0-1 and 2-3, but tried to rally the players to keep going, and ultimately it worked. There was a small gaggle of fans in the bottom right hand corner of the Kop who unfurled their 'SM Out' banner (and then hid it again after the equaliser), but it's fair to say the vast majority of the crowd didn't seem to follow that mood. At the final whistle, most of the Kop and the Main Stand returned Maynard's applause, I think mainly because they could see a team that had tried and for the most part entertained, even though huge flaws remain.

[WarsopPie]

Decent game today, certainly better performance-wise than the Salford game, but the defending remains pitiful. We conceded three goals and were lucky not to let in more. I haven't watched the goals back yet to identify for sure who the chief culprits were, but as a team we're still horribly tame when confronted by any sort of attacking intent. Our players need to grasp the fact that taking up a defensive position counts for nothing unless it's actually accompanied by heading, closing down and tackling. At times we really do look like a bunch of wimps out of possession.

On the plus side, we looked pretty good going forward and could have scored more than the three we got. The fact that we came back for a late equaliser after the body blow of going 2-3 down proves if nothing else that the players are definitely still trying for Maynard. You don't get last minute goals from a team that has given up. I was watching the bench very carefully today and it was clear that the interaction between the players and the Head Coach is still positive.

That said, I thought bringing Bostock on for Austin was a really bad move when the momentum was with us. If Austin was too knackered to carry on, then O'Brien would have been the best replacement. Bostock's arrival certainly didn't reinforce us, in fact we looked more vulnerable with him in midfield.

What was clear today was that the vast majority of the crowd had come to support wholeheartedly. They didn't turn on the team even when we went down 0-1 and 2-3, but tried to rally the players to keep going, and ultimately it worked. There was a small gaggle of fans in the bottom right hand corner of the Kop who unfurled their 'SM Out' banner (and then hid it again after the equaliser), but it's fair to say the vast majority of the crowd didn't seem to follow that mood. At the final whistle, most of the Kop and the Main Stand returned Maynard's applause, I think mainly because they could see a team that had tried and for the most part entertained, even though huge flaws remain.

Shame more people don’t take the initiative and unveil BT engineer out quicker the clown is gone the better if he’s still here next season guaranteed to be a bottom four side.

[hissingdwarf]

Just watched the after match interview.
That was a weird one. Finally putting better questions to him…but why today? After, what could arguably be said as our best performance under him, why go all guns blazing at him?
Strange one Bracegirdle.

He’s right regards the individual errors have cost us games. He’s right the recruitment needs serious attention in the summer.
Still don’t think he’s the man for the job though.
I know one thing though. Tonight feels a lot better than previous matches!
And that was only a point.
Come on Notts. Put a few wins together for Christ sake.
Then again…if they do that, would that mean that SM keeps his job…questions, questions.

[Could'vebeenacontender]

All the fans know our defence isn't up to it in L2
But today the team were determined to pull together and try to overcome the shortcomings
Macca looked back to his best and was lively throughout
The problem lies with the hierarchy (not just recruitment) who allowed us to go into the season with the best attacking line up
And the worst without the ball
We, the fans all knew it but the hierarchy heads remained in the sand even in January

[pjace]

Just watched the after match interview.
That was a weird one. Finally putting better questions to him…but why today? After, what could arguably be said as our best performance under him, why go all guns blazing at him?
Strange one Bracegirdle.

He’s right regards the individual errors have cost us games. He’s right the recruitment needs serious attention in the summer.
Still don’t think he’s the man for the job though.
I know one thing though. Tonight feels a lot better than previous matches!
And that was only a point.
Come on Notts. Put a few wins together for Christ sake.
Then again…if they do that, would that mean that SM keeps his job…questions, questions.

What I didn't like is that he refuses to take ANY responsibility for anything that dosn't work how can he say he wouldn't do anything differently
A true leader takes responsibility for his actions

[maddogslater]

A whisker away from a 4 3 at the end, great swashbuckling entertainment.

[SwalePie]

https://youtu.be/lyw7Z4oWjh8?si=5OiMPfBP4hYe8cVG

[SwalePie]

https://youtu.be/QmLb9Z1Op9I?si=QNdnUhJ_q4UEZMRK

[1955pie]

Shame more people don’t take the initiative and unveil BT engineer out quicker the clown is gone the better if he’s still here next season guaranteed to be a bottom four side.

If you started to go down the Lane again Warsop you could unfurl you own banner.

[OchPie]

Just watched SM's interview and thought he said the right positive things but I really miss some humility. The guy made a big step up, he could say a lot more about how (and what!) he is learning. But nope.

I still think it was their substitution and his failure to respond that let them back into the game, but it is true Austin for Bostock did us no favours and was when momentum started to swing. Even if later on I thought Bostock was playing some nice one-touch stuff.

[SinceSept1959]

What substitutions would you have done out of curiosity? Austin was knackered. JJ came on for Chicks and set up the equaliser. Jatta had lost a bit of oomph as he tired, hence the ball constantly coming back.
I’m all for calling SM out but FFS do it with some knowledge of football. When players come off in professional football it’s seldom down to performance - this is highlighted in ALL 3 of the incorrect subs you mentioned. All played there part but all had not played much football so we’re never going to last 90 minutes.

Thanks for your comments and yes I have played at a high level , been a player manager and manager , so I do understand that players have to have minutes measured especially in the modern game, and especially with advances in sports science and technology .
Thanks for stating the obvious without the arrogant need for two capital f's and a capital s.
I also understand game flows and momentum which SM obviously doesn't . His use of substitutes at Crawley and Wimbledon (H) in particular , highlight this fact.
It appears that Maynard obviously favours defensive options and is more likely to lose a game than win it.
The important point to note is that Notts were quite comfortable at the time subs were made and if players are tired after 53 minutes they didn't show it today.
With your superior tactical knowledge , please enlighten me which substitutions you would have made and try to convince me that Bostock , Didzy and Warner actually improved our chances of winning the game.
As I stated, Nemane was indifferent throughout the game and Jones was probably a better option on the right today with Chicks staying on at LWB.
Maynard has regularly utilised JJ on the right and Jatta may have been able to add to his tally with crosses from both flanks.
Scotty would have been a better bet than an unfit Didzy and JOB would have provided more urgency and momentum than Bostock in his current form.
I'm still of the opinion that it was two points lost, rather than a point gained because of duff substitutions at the wrong time.

[JoePass]

The lads with the banner were men of the match today.


You mean kids, pathetic and embarrassing.

[jackal2]

Just watched SM's interview and thought he said the right positive things but I really miss some humility. The guy made a big step up, he could say a lot more about how (and what!) he is learning. But nope.

Counter-intuitively, people who show humility often have great confidence, because it takes courage to publicly acknowledge weakness, whereas people with fragile confidence tend to over-compensate on trying to look tough and unbothered. Given his current position, SM is probably not feeling confident enough to air any self doubts.

[SinceSept1959]

Decent game today, certainly better performance-wise than the Salford game, but the defending remains pitiful. We conceded three goals and were lucky not to let in more. I haven't watched the goals back yet to identify for sure who the chief culprits were, but as a team we're still horribly tame when confronted by any sort of attacking intent. Our players need to grasp the fact that taking up a defensive position counts for nothing unless it's actually accompanied by heading, closing down and tackling. At times we really do look like a bunch of wimps out of possession.

On the plus side, we looked pretty good going forward and could have scored more than the three we got. The fact that we came back for a late equaliser after the body blow of going 2-3 down proves if nothing else that the players are definitely still trying for Maynard. You don't get last minute goals from a team that has given up. I was watching the bench very carefully today and it was clear that the interaction between the players and the Head Coach is still positive.

That said, I thought bringing Bostock on for Austin was a really bad move when the momentum was with us. If Austin was too knackered to carry on, then O'Brien would have been the best replacement. Bostock's arrival certainly didn't reinforce us, in fact we looked more vulnerable with him in midfield.

What was clear today was that the vast majority of the crowd had come to support wholeheartedly. They didn't turn on the team even when we went down 0-1 and 2-3, but tried to rally the players to keep going, and ultimately it worked. There was a small gaggle of fans in the bottom right hand corner of the Kop who unfurled their 'SM Out' banner (and then hid it again after the equaliser), but it's fair to say the vast majority of the crowd didn't seem to follow that mood. At the final whistle, most of the Kop and the Main Stand returned Maynard's applause, I think mainly because they could see a team that had tried and for the most part entertained, even though huge flaws remain.

I very much agree with your post ,very factual and sensible as per normal.
Like yourself ,I was close enough to the bench to note interactions and body language between the players and coaches.
I did observe a deep conversation between Macca and the number 2 coach , whoever he is, during an injury break in play . It was quite obvious that Macca had a different point of view which he continually emphasised .
With due respect to the coach concerned Macca has a much more prolific scoring record and was unlucky not to have scored 2 or 3 today.
Now that was bad luck and not the kind of bad luck Maynard was claiming.
Wrexham and Mansfield away excepted.
The downside of today's game was conceding three goals , especially when we might well have had a 4-1 lead at half time.

[TSANHO]

Just watched the after match interview.
That was a weird one. Finally putting better questions to him…but why today? After, what could arguably be said as our best performance under him, why go all guns blazing at him?
Strange one Bracegirdle.

He’s right regards the individual errors have cost us games. He’s right the recruitment needs serious attention in the summer.
Still don’t think he’s the man for the job though.
I know one thing though. Tonight feels a lot better than previous matches!
And that was only a point.
Come on Notts. Put a few wins together for Christ sake.
Then again…if they do that, would that mean that SM keeps his job…questions, questions.

That’s the big question, isn’t it. If Maynard gets a string of good results and performances between now and the end of the season what do the owners do. He is effectively learning on the job and although he has had a poor start by anyone’s standards the attitude and effort of the players hasn’t been brought into question.

LW had a full preseason and a number of games into the season before his style started to implement itself and results started to come….and that was in a league lower and thus better players. What can Maynard do with a full preseason and a new backline and maybe a few midfield additions and some deadwood hopefully cleared out? Chicksen made some good comments in his interview about the manager implementing his ideas, so maybe the players are behind him but it’s just taking time.

His post match interview was a bit odd but the more I think of it why not fight your corner and be a bit bullish? Fair play but to him. We had Luke Williams before who was naturally gifted at interviews and gelling things together and speaking inbetween the lines. Perhaps Maynard can develop this over time. I remember LW saying at one point he didn’t feel like the team was his yet…and that didn’t happen for some while.

Our results have been terrible for sure but somethings just telling me he really does just need a little more time. Most of the fans at the ground today showed they will get behind him if we can string a few games together….i’m starting to root for him a bit! ��*♂️

[Notts78]

Thanks for your comments and yes I have played at a high level , been a player manager and manager , so I do understand that players have to have minutes measured especially in the modern game, and especially with advances in sports science and technology .
Thanks for stating the obvious without the arrogant need for two capital f's and a capital s.
I also understand game flows and momentum which SM obviously doesn't . His use of substitutes at Crawley and Wimbledon (H) in particular , highlight this fact.
It appears that Maynard obviously favours defensive options and is more likely to lose a game than win it.
The important point to note is that Notts were quite comfortable at the time subs were made and if players are tired after 53 minutes they didn't show it today.
With your superior tactical knowledge , please enlighten me which substitutions you would have made and try to convince me that Bostock , Didzy and Warner actually improved our chances of winning the game.
As I stated, Nemane was indifferent throughout the game and Jones was probably a better option on the right today with Chicks staying on at LWB.
Maynard has regularly utilised JJ on the right and Jatta may have been able to add to his tally with crosses from both flanks.
Scotty would have been a better bet than an unfit Didzy and JOB would have provided more urgency and momentum than Bostock in his current form.
I'm still of the opinion that it was two points lost, rather than a point gained because of duff substitutions at the wrong time.

Let me get this right. SM has been slated in here for playing Jones on the right and that’s what you would have done?
Jones for Chickson was the obvious change. I’ll give you JoB as an alternative, but like you, I have no idea how fit he is given his absence on Friday.
You would have chucked on a player that hasn’t played for 6/7 months instead of an ‘unfit’ Didzy. The irony.
I’d love to see Scott play. I can’t wait until he is back, but not sure today is the day. I suppose an option would have been to bring Scott on to play the Crowley role and pop Crowley where Austin played instead of the immobile and seemingly unwilling to run Bostock.

[durhampie]

Thanks for your comments and yes I have played at a high level , been a player manager and manager , so I do understand that players have to have minutes measured especially in the modern game, and especially with advances in sports science and technology .
Thanks for stating the obvious without the arrogant need for two capital f's and a capital s.
I also understand game flows and momentum which SM obviously doesn't . His use of substitutes at Crawley and Wimbledon (H) in particular , highlight this fact.
It appears that Maynard obviously favours defensive options and is more likely to lose a game than win it.
The important point to note is that Notts were quite comfortable at the time subs were made and if players are tired after 53 minutes they didn't show it today.
With your superior tactical knowledge , please enlighten me which substitutions you would have made and try to convince me that Bostock , Didzy and Warner actually improved our chances of winning the game.
As I stated, Nemane was indifferent throughout the game and Jones was probably a better option on the right today with Chicks staying on at LWB.
Maynard has regularly utilised JJ on the right and Jatta may have been able to add to his tally with crosses from both flanks.
Scotty would have been a better bet than an unfit Didzy and JOB would have provided more urgency and momentum than Bostock in his current form.
I'm still of the opinion that it was two points lost, rather than a point gained because of duff substitutions at the wrong time.

SM hasn't mads one positive substitution since his arrival. Usually we concede just after he makes changes. Today we conceded just after Bostock game on, and then again when McGoldrick came on...The sooner he goes the better..

[crazyfists]

Who's on his way home a happy boy then...😁

Ha ha I was thinking Wedgie has pulled it off this week!

[SmiffyPie]

Bringing Bostock on cost us the game. As soon as he came on, he slowed the game down with his back passes, which allowed MK to press and take control.Bostock does that all the time. Only got a left foot and so negative.

[DuckPie]

Bostock does that all the time. Only got a left foot and so negative.

I don’t like saying it but I think Bostock is past his best.

[1955pie]

Thanks for your comments and yes I have played at a high level , been a player manager and manager , so I do understand that players have to have minutes measured especially in the modern game, and especially with advances in sports science and technology .
Thanks for stating the obvious without the arrogant need for two capital f's and a capital s.
I also understand game flows and momentum which SM obviously doesn't . His use of substitutes at Crawley and Wimbledon (H) in particular , highlight this fact.
It appears that Maynard obviously favours defensive options and is more likely to lose a game than win it.
The important point to note is that Notts were quite comfortable at the time subs were made and if players are tired after 53 minutes they didn't show it today.
With your superior tactical knowledge , please enlighten me which substitutions you would have made and try to convince me that Bostock , Didzy and Warner actually improved our chances of winning the game.
As I stated, Nemane was indifferent throughout the game and Jones was probably a better option on the right today with Chicks staying on at LWB.
Maynard has regularly utilised JJ on the right and Jatta may have been able to add to his tally with crosses from both flanks.
Scotty would have been a better bet than an unfit Didzy and JOB would have provided more urgency and momentum than Bostock in his current form.
I'm still of the opinion that it was two points lost, rather than a point gained because of duff substitutions at the wrong time.
Have you listened to Chicks' interview.
He said he was on the bench icing his achilles. It is his achilles tendon that has caused him to miss so much of the season already.
Anybody who has had achilles problems will tell you that it can take many weeks and usually months to sort out.
Don't be surprised and berate the manager if he doesn't play against Harrogate.
Taking him off was obviously the correct decision.

[Woodypie]

We had to stop the rot at home, and we’ve done that. Now we need to play well and beat Harrogate on Saturday.
Today changes nothing. It wasn't even a win.

[midshipman]

Can't agree....they won't sack him.He would have gone by now
S M Said in interview that no contact from owners. He talked about to play in L 2 you needed to be physically strong and that recruitment for the new season would take that

[Elite_Pie]

Enjoyable and entertaining game, we were worth a point at least and good to see that a big majority of the fans were mostly positive. It's not done anything to convince me that Maynard is the answer, but it was nice to leave the ground without the sound of away fans celebrating loudly!

[matt_magpie]

It was only 3 weeks ago people were saying Bostock had kicked off at SM and that’s why he wasn’t in when he should be?? Austin wasn’t 100% after illness, would JOB do better he’s been erratic of a late. Just seen Williamson’s interview and heaping praise on SM to do well at Notts, I have a feeling he’s going nowhere.

[uysapie]

SM hasn't mads one positive substitution since his arrival. Usually we concede just after he makes changes. Today we conceded just after Bostock game on, and then again when McGoldrick came on...The sooner he goes the better..

Those substitutions changed our gamr completely, Bostock is a liabilty.

[uysapie]

I don’t like saying it but I think Bostock is past his best.

Way past and McGoldrick is obviously unfit

[skandark]

Goals:
https://www.skysports.com/football/Notts-Co-vs-MK-Dons/484649

[midshipman]

Can't agree....they won't sack him.He would have gone by now
S M said in interview that he had no contact with the owners. Talked about that to play in L 2 the players needed to be physically strong. He would ensure that recruitment for the new season would take that requirement as a priority. Said it is impossible to coach player not to keep making stupid mistakes nothing in any coaching manuals. Looks likely to be here for the new season hopefully with couple of tall strong experienced defenders and a trying squad then we can see if he is any good as a manager

[SmiffyPie]

Goals:
https://www.skysports.com/football/Notts-Co-vs-MK-Dons/484649All three of ours great goals, their second and third absolute gifts!!

[Could'vebeenacontender]

S M said in interview that he had no contact with the owners. Talked about that to play in L 2 the players needed to be physically strong. He would ensure that recruitment for the new season would take that requirement as a priority. Said it is impossible to coach player not to keep making stupid mistakes nothing in any coaching manuals. Looks likely to be here for the new season hopefully with couple of tall strong experienced defenders and a trying squad then we can see if he is any good as a manager

He was saying something very similar to what Luke did after the Shrewsbury game
Some critics were saying SM was signed because he was a 'yes' man
Didn't sound like it today
He's saying the same as us - we need to bring in commanding, no nonsense leaders to toughen us up if we want to do well in this league

[matt_magpie]

He was saying something very similar to what Luke did after the Shrewsbury game
Some critics were saying SM was signed because he was a 'yes' man
Didn't sound like it today
He's saying the same as us - we need to bring in commanding, no nonsense leaders to toughen us up if we want to do well in this league

Because it’s potentially costing him his job. In another world SMs a pretty good coach following a guy that had the team, the ownership and the fans behind him because of last season but slowly it was ebbing away because some unfortunately just cant do it at this level and game by game I think it’s hit a few.

[SmiffyPie]

He was saying something very similar to what Luke did after the Shrewsbury game
Some critics were saying SM was signed because he was a 'yes' man
Didn't sound like it today
He's saying the same as us - we need to bring in commanding, no nonsense leaders to toughen us up if we want to do well in this leagueAs you say, LW was intimating weeks before he left that the recruitment was a bag of nails. Makes you wonder what the Bros game plan is?

[Old_pie]

S M said in interview that he had no contact with the owners. Talked about that to play in L 2 the players needed to be physically strong. He would ensure that recruitment for the new season would take that requirement as a priority. Said it is impossible to coach player not to keep making stupid mistakes nothing in any coaching manuals. Looks likely to be here for the new season hopefully with couple of tall strong experienced defenders and a trying squad then we can see if he is any good as a manager

To be fair to him he was "sold" a bit of a pup. As mentioned elsewhere LW was at his wits end with the defending. If a Championship standard coach had to work flat out with players he'd known for the best part of a season and a half, including two pre-season, then it is no surprise that a 5th tier coach is struggling to find his feet.

The model, and the recruitment are at least as much at fault as SM has been compounded by a mixture of long term and niggling injuries.

The Bros, being more patient than most of us, I expect will recognise this and give him at least till next Xmas with an improved squad.

Having said that it would be nice to have a more solid manager/coach in place who can bring something to the table at this and the next level rather than everyone being rookies.

[SinceSept1959]

Let me get this right. SM has been slated in here for playing Jones on the right and that’s what you would have done?
Jones for Chickson was the obvious change. I’ll give you JoB as an alternative, but like you, I have no idea how fit he is given his absence on Friday.
You would have chucked on a player that hasn’t played for 6/7 months instead of an ‘unfit’ Didzy. The irony.
I’d love to see Scott play. I can’t wait until he is back, but not sure today is the day. I suppose an option would have been to bring Scott on to play the Crowley role and pop Crowley where Austin played instead of the immobile and seemingly unwilling to run Bostock.

Scotty must have been fit to play a cameo role otherwise he wouldn't have been on the bench !
Chicksen was very effective , his stood up cross for the Jatta goal was a result of a conversation between the pair yesterday , rather than manufactured by Maynard & Co.
JJ for Chicksen was not the obvious choice . SM has rightly been slated for deploying JJ on the right but we are talking about a substitution to benefit the team . Chicksen also has good defensive attributes.
A number of players need more fitness after injuries and it certainly shows.
Crowley was probably the best performer in the first half before Williamson tactically reduced his influence .
Baldwin was attributed with the error for their third goal but Warner naively played Harrison onside.
All the players put in a shift and although it is a priceless point it's also two points lost.

[Elite_Pie]

As you say, LW was intimating weeks before he left that the recruitment was a bag of nails. Makes you wonder what the Bros game plan is?

I suppose we'll find out in the summer.

Can't say I'll be happy if the attendances we've had this season leaves us with a tenth place budget next season.

[maddogslater]

Thanks for your comments and yes I have played at a high level , been a player manager and manager , so I do understand that players have to have minutes measured especially in the modern game, and especially with advances in sports science and technology .
Thanks for stating the obvious without the arrogant need for two capital f's and a capital s.
I also understand game flows and momentum which SM obviously doesn't . His use of substitutes at Crawley and Wimbledon (H) in particular , highlight this fact.
It appears that Maynard obviously favours defensive options and is more likely to lose a game than win it.
The important point to note is that Notts were quite comfortable at the time subs were made and if players are tired after 53 minutes they didn't show it today.
With your superior tactical knowledge , please enlighten me which substitutions you would have made and try to convince me that Bostock , Didzy and Warner actually improved our chances of winning the game.
As I stated, Nemane was indifferent throughout the game and Jones was probably a better option on the right today with Chicks staying on at LWB.
Maynard has regularly utilised JJ on the right and Jatta may have been able to add to his tally with crosses from both flanks.
Scotty would have been a better bet than an unfit Didzy and JOB would have provided more urgency and momentum than Bostock in his current form.
I'm still of the opinion that it was two points lost, rather than a point gained because of duff substitutions at the wrong time.
The Sunday league pub manager is back, hello pro active not re active or whatever your previous was.

[MAD_MAGPIE]

That was as close to a LW level of performance at home that we’ve had under SM as others have said. The reason being that we went forward with purpose, confidence and intensity. Likewise out of possession we were more aggressive in trying to win the ball back, pressing and got a bit physical as well namely Robertson the stand out in this.

We’ve scored a lot of goals this season and conceded a lot. Whoever is manager that will not change now with this group of players. I’d have taken a draw against a side in 4th before kick off.

I get the feeling SM is going to be here for the foreseeable and nothing will happen now with five games to go if at all in the summer.

Today the vast majority of people applauded the players throughout and at the end along with the manager because it was a good game and they put the effort in and worked hard for each other. This demonstrates if we do well at home people will get behind the team and manager. Of course there were a handful of people in the bottom left of the kop with banners when we went 3-2 down.

Having listened to SM and AC’s post match interviews I’m of the opinion that the players are playing for the manager and the club. The way they fought and did their best to make sure we didn’t have that six game loss run shows this as well. This is what we need to see now in the last five games.

I liked the fact SM was quite bullish and he’s right that we had problems before he arrived. We all know we have conceded too many goals since the opening day at Sutton, Harrogate, Colchester and howlers like against Shrewsbury. LW mentioned about concentration when he was here and made it clear about players making mistakes only getting so many chances.

With a summer of recruitment, a clean slate and the backing of the club and the players could SM be the inspired appointment he was supposed to be?

[1955pie]

Scotty must have been fit to play a cameo role otherwise he wouldn't have been on the bench !
Chicksen was very effective , his stood up cross for the Jatta goal was a result of a conversation between the pair yesterday , rather than manufactured by Maynard & Co.
JJ for Chicksen was not the obvious choice . SM has rightly been slated for deploying JJ on the right but we are talking about a substitution to benefit the team . Chicksen also has good defensive attributes.
A number of players need more fitness after injuries and it certainly shows.
Crowley was probably the best performer in the first half before Williamson tactically reduced his influence .
Baldwin was attributed with the error for their third goal but Warner naively played Harrison onside.
All the players put in a shift and although it is a priceless point it's also two points lost.

Come on SS59 listen to Adam Chicksons' interview again. From about 3 mins 35 secs in.
https://youtu.be/lyw7Z4oWjh8

He has an achilles injury and has had for most of the season. It was the correct decision to take him off.
I hope that if you were manager that you would have done the right thing also. We want him available not crippled.

[Elite_Pie]

A bit surprised that nobody has mentioned the obnoxious little piece of sh!t wearing their 18 shirt. He scored a great goal, but spent the rest of the game trying to wind up the home fans or whinge to the ref. He had been subbed before their second and third goals, but instead of celebrating with the rest of the bench he chose to give it large to the DP stand. Something kicked off and the stewards got involved, but I'm not sure what.

[maddogslater]

, but it has revealed something about Maynard's character I wasn't fully aware of, or at least not sure about before today.

Tell me more

[Iremongersrighthand]

I think we have turned the corner 👍

[matt_magpie]

Williamson in his interview today was extremely complimentary about SM and what I liked for the first time today from SM was a bit of attitude, I don’t think he’s down yet, not thrown the players under the bus but he obviously knows the issues and so did LW. We were 6th but I still believe it was momentum from last season and a few players are just shot as the seasons gone on.

[PedroTheFisherman66]

unfortunately (or rather fortunately- you decide) i was unable to attend the game today so i was wondering if anyone could answer a few questions for me.
My concerns about Maynard has been his steadfast approach to games ( that i have seen) to stop his wing backs pushing to far forward and overlapping at pace into space beyond the opposition back four, denying opposition space, but also nullifying our attacks. For me Maynard's future here depends on whether or not he will, or is able to set up the team to attack in this manner instead of setting up not to lose.
How did he set the team up today ? did we get our wing backs pushing forward again at long last ? did we start creating chances again like we once did instead of living of scraps ?
thanks in advance x

[ancientpie]

A bit surprised that nobody has mentioned the obnoxious little piece of sh!t wearing their 18 shirt. He scored a great goal, but spent the rest of the game trying to wind up the home fans or whinge to the ref. He had been subbed before their second and third goals, but instead of celebrating with the rest of the bench he chose to give it large to the DP stand. Something kicked off and the stewards got involved, but I'm not sure what.

I think he did us a big favour strutting his stuff in front of the Kop it meant that all the fans venom was aimed at him rather than the team/manager, he actually improved the atmosphere by firing the crowd & our players up, cheers mate. A very enjoyable game & nice to hear a positive atmosphere yet again it proves that what you read on here rarely reflects the feelings of the majority of fans, juries still out on Maynard I'm certainly not sure he's the answer but as long as he remains I will back him & they can stuff their banners. COYP

[since41]

A bit surprised that nobody has mentioned the obnoxious little piece of sh!t wearing their 18 shirt. He scored a great goal, but spent the rest of the game trying to wind up the home fans or whinge to the ref. He had been subbed before their second and third goals, but instead of celebrating with the rest of the bench he chose to give it large to the DP stand. Something kicked off and the stewards got involved, but I'm not sure what.

I saw it after he scored like you said a great goal trying to wind up the. Kop, he should have been booked for that.

[maddogslater]

unfortunately (or rather fortunately- you decide) i was unable to attend the game today so i was wondering if anyone could answer a few questions for me.
My concerns about Maynard has been his steadfast approach to games ( that i have seen) to stop his wing backs pushing to far forward and overlapping at pace into space beyond the opposition back four, denying opposition space, but also nullifying our attacks. For me Maynard's future here depends on whether or not he will, or is able to set up the team to attack in this manner instead of setting up not to lose.
How did he set the team up today ? did we get our wing backs pushing forward again at long last ? did we start creating chances again like we once did instead of living of scraps ?
thanks in advance x
Like watching prime attacking Luke ball, give me that and the level of passion showed by the players and I'm all in.

[TSANHO]

Like watching prime attacking Luke ball, give me that and the level of passion showed by the players and I'm all in.

First half was really good, start of the second as well….until the substitutions and we lost all momentum. Bostock for Austin was a poor change, as was Warner for Macari, unless there were other reasons.

It was an enjoyable game to watch, he is learning slowly, maybe too slowly for his job.

[OchPie]

We’ve scored a lot of goals this season and conceded a lot.

I was amazed that we have both scored and conceded the most goals in League 2, and are in second place in both measures for the whole of the top 4 tiers.

[meltonpye]

could not have put my point across better an excellent post. anybody who has played the game could not agree more. conclusion SM is not up to the job

[OP67]

First half was really good, start of the second as well….until the substitutions and we lost all momentum. Bostock for Austin was a poor change, as was Warner for Macari, unless there were other reasons.


The substitutions felt like substitutions because we had substitutes, no real plan for them. He's done this quite often and the games have changed often for the worst.

[OchPie]

I did find it interesting that their manager - getting a LOT of flack from their fans for the "unnecessary" changes in their goalkeeper lineup(!) - took vocal responsibility for what he saw as the failings that sat on his shoulders.

[SinceSept1959]

The Sunday league pub manager is back, hello pro active not re active or whatever your previous was.

Good guess Roy , ala Fools & Horses.
New to posting on here , so none of the previous aliases.
The Midland League and Central Midlands League were a bit higher level by the way.
So keep sucking upto Tinkerman Stuart.
Have a nice day.

[jackal2]

The substitutions felt like substitutions because we had substitutes, no real plan for them. He's done this quite often and the games have changed often for the worst.

I certainly didn't think the substitutions helped yesterday.

We were flying at 2-1 up and certainly didn't look tired, which makes me wonder whether the coaching team had an excessively 'fixed' or pre-planned idea of the number of minutes certain players would play, instead of reading the mood and momentum of the game.

If Austin was genuinely spent and couldn't run a minute longer, then Bostock certainly wasn't the right replacement for him - O'Brien would have been a far better choice. Likewise, Jaden Warner didn't strengthen an already weak defence and lazily played MK Dons' forward onside for their third goal by being caught too deep.

At the moment, SM seems to have the knack of making too many decisions that hinder the team rather than helping them, and that needs to change.

[irishpete]

LW had his flaws with substitutions if I remember rightly. One game he used them all then we lost a man to injury

[jackal2]

LW had his flaws with substitutions if I remember rightly. One game he used them all then we lost a man to injury

Yes, that wasn't Luke's greatest moment. I think that the game where Cedwyn Scott was the one who got injured after all the subs were made, and trying to soldier on arguably made his injury worse, hence why he's only just coming back now.

[PedroTheFisherman66]

Like watching prime attacking Luke ball, give me that and the level of passion showed by the players and I'm all in.
Thanks...so there could be hope after all...!

[Togtastic]

On a positive note I thought the fans were spectacular yesterday. There's nothing better than the Kop and the Pavis in unison.
Just imagine how good it would have been if someone had got on the end of Langstaff's cross.

[legs77]

The substitutions felt like substitutions because we had substitutes, no real plan for them. He's done this quite often and the games have changed often for the worst.

Austin missed Swindon due to illness so its understandable why he came off.

MaCari also was looking gassed/tired to me so again im not sure he wanted to make that sub but he certainly didnt look on it second half....its fine though he is a young guy and its only his first season.

[SwalePie]

These don't seem to have been posted yet so here we go...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YQtT0Q5U2g

[marky]

Judging by what yesterday's performance and result was it's clear that a lot of players have really let the club down over the last few months. They've totally thrown what should have been at least a play off spot away. As I've said before Maynard certainly isn't blameless and probably does need to go once the season ends but the players have failed him badly. Some of them simply aren't Notts County, they're frauds.

[BanjoPie]

Judging by what yesterday's performance and result was it's clear that a lot of players have really let the club down over the last few months. They've totally thrown what should have been at least a play off spot away. As I've said before Maynard certainly isn't blameless and probably does need to go once the season ends but the players have failed him badly. Some of them simply aren't Notts County, they're frauds.

So are you saying that the players have deliberately played badly so as to lose matches?

[marky]

So are you saying that the players have deliberately played badly so as to lose matches?

I'm saying they haven't been putting in the same effort as when Williams was manager.

[BanjoPie]

I'm saying they haven't been putting in the same effort as when Williams was manager.

We don’t know that so you should qualify your statement by adding ‘IMO’

[Mark_Ross]

My first match attended for a good many weeks. Feared a hammering, but much surprised. Nerves / emotions totally shredded by the end.

Any neutral watching would have been completely flabbergasted:
"How can a team with such tremendous attacking ability be so incredibly poor defensively?".

To which we would have to reply:
"It's just Notts County, and the stats prove it, mate - best attack and worse defence in the league."

[since41]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBPz22u1JR0&t=9s8

9 min version.

[SinceSept1959]

I certainly didn't think the substitutions helped yesterday.

We were flying at 2-1 up and certainly didn't look tired, which makes me wonder whether the coaching team had an excessively 'fixed' or pre-planned idea of the number of minutes certain players would play, instead of reading the mood and momentum of the game.

If Austin was genuinely spent and couldn't run a minute longer, then Bostock certainly wasn't the right replacement for him - O'Brien would have been a far better choice. Likewise, Jaden Warner didn't strengthen an already weak defence and lazily played MK Dons' forward onside for their third goal by being caught too deep.

At the moment, SM seems to have the knack of making too many decisions that hinder the team rather than helping them, and that needs to change.

A very good summary of events and I thoroughly agree with your points about players and minutes and SM having the knack of making too many decisions that have not proved helpful to the team.
Perhaps the coaching team are sticking too rigidly , to a predetermined gameplan , making ( unnecessary ) changes on that basis , rather than acting accordingly as events unfold ?
Again , on Monday , the momentum was disrupted by the wrong changes of personnel and at the wrong time ?
IMHO, if ain't broke it doesn't need fixing.
On the other hand PPM , machinery wise , is designed to prevent breakdowns.
Players aren't machines and should be trusted to convey any concerns of fatigue to the bench during games.
Before the sports science technology and subsitutes were introduced, old time players of course used to play 90 minutes plus extra time , if required, and still manage to play 46 games a season.
Modern day players are more like finely tuned athletes and as such are more prone to injury ?

[OchPie]

I wonder if it was the shift of momentum following our withdrawal of Austin that led to their triple substitution ~5 minutes later. If so, it would really show the difference between a manager using subs to change the game and one using them as squad rotation.

[legs77]

I wonder if it was the shift of momentum following our withdrawal of Austin that led to their triple substitution ~5 minutes later. If so, it would really show the difference between a manager using subs to change the game and one using them as squad rotation.

Maynard didnt use it as squad rotation Austin was ill 3 days before the game at Swindon and he never misses games.

It was clear Austin was cooked and as for MaCari he didnt look right either didnt look injured but he was struggling abit.

[OchPie]

Maynard didnt use it as squad rotation Austin was ill 3 days before the game at Swindon and he never misses games.

It was clear Austin was cooked and as for MaCari he didnt look right either didnt look injured but he was struggling abit.

But a) it wasn't so much taking Austin off as replacing him with Bostock, b) MKD were clearly on top after their three subs but the only sub SM made for the next 20 minutes was the out-of-sorts Macari, nothing to try to respond to MKD's change and regain the initiative (and them equalising 3 mins after the substitutions should have been blaring a warning), and c) maybe it couldn't be helped, but having a fresh Jones feeding Jatta would have been a great thing to see. I also wonder whether Jatta would have reached the final chance that Didzy couldn't.

[legs77]

But a) it wasn't so much taking Austin off as replacing him with Bostock, b) MKD were clearly on top after their three subs but the only sub SM made for the next 20 minutes was the out-of-sorts Macari, nothing to try to respond to MKD's change and regain the initiative (and them equalising 3 mins after the substitutions should have been blaring a warning), and c) maybe it couldn't be helped, but having a fresh Jones feeding Jatta would have been a great thing to see. I also wonder whether Jatta would have reached the final chance that Didzy couldn't.

Well that’s hindsight isn’t it had we won nobody would have questioned Bostock it’s not like JOB is prime Gerrard is it who was the other option.

I’m not really sure what else he could have done as we had our best team on the pitch had he gone defensive and lost he’d have got hammered we could argue what did Williamson do first half to stop us keep attacking them sometimes you have to say the other team are playing well and are having the upper hand.

You say a fresh Jones but he has spent a week not really training and up and down a motorway he was only left out for that reason otherwise he 100% starts.

Yes maybe Jatta does get that ball but we not know that as he wasn’t on the pitch and he may not have made the same run.

[midshipman]

Re the substitutions if the players taken off where injured or to prevent making any slight injury worse that was good management. I will not comment on who was brought on I leave that to others. But if Jaffa was not injured that was bad management as the he is the only player to provide height in both areas. As their substitutions gave them an advantage and Notts where unable to stop the ball coming back time and time again, with Jaffa on the field the option of the long ball is available. I long to see JJ in his proper position fizzing balls into the area for Jaffa (this has not happened enough since Jaffa arrived). Even if Jaffa does not get the ball his present in the area can cause problems for the defence and the ball can fall to other Notts attackers. I will judge SM in the last few games if the attack continues to score a lot of goals not results as the defence could not stop my granny from scoring.

[Elite_Pie]

Re the substitutions if the players taken off where injured or to prevent making any slight injury worse that was good management. I will not comment on who was brought on I leave that to others. But if Jaffa was not injured that was bad management as the he is the only player to provide height in both areas. As their substitutions gave them an advantage and Notts where unable to stop the ball coming back time and time again, with Jaffa on the field the option of the long ball is available. I long to see JJ in his proper position fizzing balls into the area for Jaffa (this has not happened enough since Jaffa arrived). Even if Jaffa does not get the ball his present in the area can cause problems for the defence and the ball can fall to other Notts attackers. I will judge SM in the last few games if the attack continues to score a lot of goals not results as the defence could not stop my granny from scoring.

Do you really think his name is "Jaffa", or are you taking the pith?

[Old_pie]

Do you really think his name is "Jaffa", or are you taking the pith?

That really takes the biscuit.

[Kent Magpie]

That’s not Nice.

[Elite_Pie]

That’s not Nice.

I think it's crackers.

[midshipman]

I think it's crackers.
Sorry typing error.but the goal Jatta scored on Saturday was a Jaffa.

[Elite_Pie]

Sorry typing error.but the goal Jatta scored on Saturday was a Jaffa.

He did peel off the defender.