Doncaster, Wimbledon, Colchester, Crewe, let’s have a catch-up with you… and Notts County too
The Magpies are flying under Luke Williams, and after securing promotion back to the Football League last season, the bookies are tipping them to go straight up to League One
Thursday 20 July 2023
NEXT HOME GAME: Huddersfield – Saturday 22 July, 3pm
NEXT AWAY GAME: Sheffield Wednesday – Tuesday 8 August, 7.45pm
Dear County fans, Stopfordians, and any Notts County supporters joining us today, a very warm welcome to your Thursday edition of The Scarf My Father Wore.
For the first time since the 1970-71 season, two of our County brothers are in the same division with us. Our sibling from Newport is definitely the younger one. He shouldn’t cause us any problems at all this season; we can quite comfortably stick him in a headlock and shove marshmallows up his nostril.
We’re the dominant older brother looking at the bookies’ odds (even though the Magpies were formed 21 years before us), but as the middle child in this scenario, Notts won’t be as easy to push around. They’ve started to shoot up, and are ready to challenge for more power within this family dynamic. Like two warring brothers constantly scrapping with each other, we could have a right old ding-dong with Notts this season. And that’s before we’ve even chucked our weird little cousin from Wrexham into the mix as well…
Tom Wagstaff from Notts County Talk joins us for a chat today, although he’s more interested in trashing Mansfield’s bedroom than ours to be honest.
Finally, a big thank you to Louise from Eleven Accounts Services for sponsoring today’s edition. Louise works with lots of different clients, from freelancers who don't need the complete package, to limited companies who want to hand everything across. Feel free to give Louise a call on 0161 501 0011 or email office@elevenaccounts.com to see how she can help your business.
Enjoy today’s issue.
Des Junior
Our place: Friday 22 December 2023, 7.45pm
Their place: Saturday 20 January 2024, 3pm
Last win at our place: Tuesday 15 March 2022, National League, 3-0
Last win at their place: Saturday 5 January 2008, League Two, 2-1
Today’s Sky Bet title/promotion/relegation odds: Us – 6/1 11/8 50/1 Them – 15/2 13/8 40/1
Are you glad County lost the play-off final, or would you rather be playing Carlisle this season?
I'd much rather be playing Carlisle. I think Stockport are a very strong team and will get top three this season.
In terms of your summer transfer business, where have Notts County been shopping?
It's a weird one. We've probably been shopping at Poundland or even a charity shop in terms of transfer fees, but M&S or Waitrose in terms of wages for a few players.
With the current energy crisis, the government have ordered all Football League clubs to switch off one thing that uses power for the whole season. What are you choosing?
It definitely wouldn't be the PA system as we've just had a brilliant new one installed. I'd have to say the scoreboard as we often have to look at the Windows desktop when it regularly goes down.
Which team do you most want to beat this season?
Mansfield. 100%.
County haven't played MK Dons since 2009-10, so we're a little out of the loop. What's your current thoughts when it comes to MK Dons away – boycott the game, happy to attend, or reluctantly go without spending any other money on food, drink, programmes etc?
No issues for me. It would be another ground to tick off the list and I'd be happy to attend.
The Conservative party are in disarray at the moment. They've contacted your club and asked your chairman and manager to join them, to bring some new ideas to the table. Which roles would they be most suited to?
Luke Williams for prime minister. He’d sort the mess out as he's no nonsense and works bloody hard.
Alex and Chris Reedtz would work well in the chancellor of the exchequer’s role. Our co-owners have made us stable again and sorted out some great deals/profits on players.
There's a huge game at Meadow Lane this season. You're 1-0 up with 15 minutes to go when Just Stop Oil protestors invade the pitch and get the game abandoned. How are Notts County fans reacting?
Probably a lot of moaning on social media, but nothing would really happen.
Newport County, Notts County, Stockport County. Snog one, marry one, avoid one.
Marry Notts, avoid Newport, and snog Stockport (we lost on our last visit but there was a great atmosphere).
Ryan Reynolds gets in touch and says he wants you to take him on a Hollywood-style night out when Wrexham visit. He wants the nicest meal in town, followed by the swankiest bar, and then the best hotel. What are your recommendations?
You can’t beat a good burger so I'll go with BOHNS. Followed by a trip to MOJO (only because we celebrated our play-off victory in there with the players). No idea which hotel is best.
There's a quote saying "Stockport Isn't Shit" which has taken off around our town, with the words proudly displayed in bars and on various bags and t-shirts. What quote would you use to promote Nottingham to people who think it's not that fashionable?
Not a clue.
Which Notts County player is most likely to end up in League Two's team of the season?
Matty Palmer. Criminally underrated.
Early predictions for 2023-24?
Stockport as champions with Wrexham 2nd and us 3rd.
Doncaster promoted in the play-offs, with Gillingham, Bradford and Salford also in the top seven.
Click on the links below to read the previous 2023-24 previews we’ve published so far.
Crawley / Crewe / Grimsby / Harrogate / Mansfield / Newport / Salford / Sutton / Swindon / Tranmere / Wimbledon
Switch your business finance records over to the cloud
County fans use cloud computing on a daily basis. They post photos of pies and selfies with Paddy Madden to Facebook. They pay for coach travel via online banking. They stream TV and film from apps like iPlayer and Netflix on long journeys home from Crawley and Colchester. If you’re a County fan who runs a business, why aren’t you using the cloud for your accounts as well?
Louise from Eleven Accounts Services always advises her clients to switch their business finance records over to the cloud, as it allows for flexibility, it provides you with financial information in real time, and it also tightens security.
Visit elevenaccounts.com for further details.
Photo of the day
It’s always heartwarming to hear of anyone beating cancer, but it brings an even bigger smile to your face when it’s a County fan. On that note, we’re delighted to hear that Mark Love (left) received his all clear this week. Well done mate! Hope you enjoy every minute of this season.
Today in SK
🍽 Food and drink
Lite bite meal deal at The Friary (SK3). Cod or haddock, served with chips, and a side of peas, curry or gravy. Plus tea or coffee. £9.95. 11.30am - 7.30pm.
Taster Thursday at TRUNK (SK7). Three tapas dishes and a glass of sangria for £20 from 5pm. Call 0161 222 9260 to book a table, and mention “The Scarf My Father Wore” to receive a 15% discount off the normal tapas menu.
🎶 Free jukebox
The Nelson Tavern (SK1). From 6.30pm.
🎱 Free pool
The George & Dragon (SK7). 6pm - 9pm.
🎧 Live music
Electric Beats launch party at Bask (SK1). An electrifying night of music featuring artists Grumpy, Chucks, and AE at. Be captivated by their dynamic performances and immerse yourself in the world of exclusive beats. Don't miss the insightful talks by guest speakers Tino (A&R for NQ Records), Jake Etches (artist manager), and Seb Lowe (artist). Get ready for a night of pure talent and inspiration! 7pm. Free tickets.
The Scarf My Father Wore works closely with venues on a daily basis to bring you the most comprehensive guide to all of the best offers and events taking place across the whole SK region. Click on the links below for full details of everything taking place in your area over the next few weeks.
SK1 / SK2 / SK3 / SK4 / SK5 / SK6 / SK7 / SK8 / SK9 / SK10 / SK11 / SK12 / SK13 / SK14 / SK15 / SK16 / SK17 / SK22 / SK23
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