BIG Talking Notts - 'Butch: Cut the man some slack.'

Moss: Although I am not clear on specific names it makes perfect sense for Notts to strengthen on the offensive side of things. This has to be the targeted area with the defence enjoying an immense campaign. We were speaking last night about Mike Edwards and Kevin Plikington still not signing new deals, you seemed a bit concerned. Could there be more to this?

Smith: Yes I am a bit. They are our two longest serving players, and there is a reason for that. While there has been a mass exodus virtually every season since they have been here, four years now for Edwards and three for Pilkington, they have remained at the club. That is because they are

Pilkington... Will he stay?

consistent, and simply good players at this level. I think Notts would find them irreplaceable, not in terms of their ability in particular but because of their loyalty and knowledge of the clubs as well. But neither have signed up yet and I'm always cautious. I'd sign straight away, that's the way I think. Maybe I'm being over the top though, there is a lot to think about at this club that's for sure.

Moss: I read in the Evening Post when I was down for the Chesterfield game, Edwards was keen to sign and I think he will. I am sure there are just a few points of his contract that need ironing out. As for Pilks, I would not sign a new deal if I was him either. He is good enough to be the number one goalkeeper and with Russell Hoult already touted as a proposed full-time arrival, his chances of first team football may be at risk. Pilks may not be thinking the same but from my point of view I would want assurance or I'd hit the road. Especially when you are good enough to play at a number of clubs at the same or if not a higher level. We will see though...

Smith: I'd go along with that, he was after all named as the Supporters Club Player of the Season, and also Players Player of the Season, no mean feat with the goalscoring exploits of Richard Butcher to contend with. I think either Hoult or Pilkington would be good for us, but the fact Pilkington knows a bit more about Notts, and is a tad younger and probably less expensive means I'd prefer him as our number one. Don't know what all this means for young Tim Sandercombe though. In terms of player of the season, Pilkington may

Butcher... Missed out on honours

have got the above rewards, and Adam Tann the Staff Player of the Year, but I simply cannot see how Butcher was overlooked. Without his goals we'd be waiting to see when we play Mansfield in the Conference next season.

Moss: You would be relishing playing Mansfield in the Conference mate it would be a Tuesday night trip to Forest Green that would be the more daunting. That's the closest you'd get to playing Forest for a good few years. It is not worth thinking about. Anyway, it has to be Butcher for me. A central midfield player who has scored you goals and always been hungry. He arrives in the box late to great effect. I would not expect him to be top scorer next season nor get player of the season, hopefully a striker will score a few more goals. Butch may not have played a perfect season but cut the man some slack. Legend; at least someone knew where the onion bag was.

Smith: He popped up of course with the crucial winner that ultimately preserved our Football League status of course as we beat Wycombe 1-0. That was as important a goal as he could have scored, in what became the biggest game in recent history. However, as the business end of the season came upon us, every week we seemed to be saying 'this is the biggest game of the season,' that is how tight it was getting at the bottom. But for you, which games were the turning points to firstly put us into trouble, and then to get us out?

Moss: We wrote on just this point a week ago now. Losing at home to Macclesfield is a poor result as is being rolled over by bottom club Wrexham late on in the season. Failing to score against teams such as Barnet and Lincoln, is not a great sign either but ultimately Notts should take heart from the games which clawed them away from trouble too. Drawing at Hereford

McGleish... How Notts need a poacher like him

and Peterborough turned out excellent results while home wins over now play-off contending Wycombe and Rochdale, in my opinion ultimately saved the club. Fantastic results against two very good teams. You can thank the defence for that.

Smith: As you can for just about every good result this season. A fantastic effort from the backline throughout the season. The likes of Pilkington, Adam Tann, Krystian Pearce, Russell Hoult, Mike Edwards and Stephen Hunt deserve the most credit for that, but mainly of course the returning Michael Johnson. The forwards? Well everybody knows they haven't been good enough. Forwards win you games, and ultimately give you success. In terms of the rest of League Two this is showed by all but the champions MK Dons who also lacked an out and out goalscorer. But Posh had two in Aaron McLean and Craig MacKail-Smith, Hereford had Theo Robinson, Stockport had Liam Dickinson, Wycombe Scott McGleish and Rochdale Rene Howe in the end. Notts had three-goal man Spencer Weir-Daley.

Moss: Yes you are right. Apart from Michael Boulding at Mansfield, goal scoring strikers proved decisive but it hardly takes an Einstein to work that out. Notts must find that this summer. McParland and Dave Kevan will know that though. With a top-class front man, County could be very, very dangerous.

Smith: Just to finish then Moss, our favourite time - predictions. How do you

Stimson... Moss tips Gills success

think Notts will fare next time around? Any early title contenders? I reckon it will be mid-table for the Magpies, a comfortable season, hopefully with a Cup run to create a bit of excitement. As for the rest of the league, I see Bournemouth being strong, providing there financial troubles don't worsen and they keep their current squad together.

Moss: Mid-table from you? My prediction is that you will be down Ladbrokes in August betting on Notts to go up. I think top half finish for Notts I really do. As for League Two, Marl Stimson's Gillingham will be the team to beat although the likes of Chesterfield, Bradford and whoever out of Rochdale or Stockport do not win the play-offs should be strong.