Notts County began the 2017/18 League Two season away at Coventry City in a highly-anticipated clash at the Ricoh Arena.

A total of 1,727 members of the Black and White Army descended upon the West Midlands to see the Magpies open their account for the campaign following a summer of rebuilding both on the pitch and behind the scenes.

As it turned out, the Sky Blues were in inspired form following their humiliating relegation from League One last season, and the teenage prodigy Jodi Jones rattled a hat-trick past Notts for a 3-0 final result.

In this article, Pride of Nottingham looks at several aspects of the game, from the performance to whether the result was fair, and how to move on from this.

Was the result fair?

The final score reflects badly on Notts, the players only have themselves to blame with how poorly we allowed Coventry City to wrap up the game. There’s no denying, the Sky Blues easily deserved the win.

How did Notts County play?

Notts enjoyed bright spells early on, yet there were issues with support which meant key areas were disconnected. You could argue that the opening day nerves simply got the better of Notts, or that the game was ruined by the poor officials, but quite simply Notts didn’t play well enough as a unit at all.

How did Coventry City play?

They played quite well, however if you remove Jodi Jones from the equation, they had no real threat. Whilst most Notts fans like myself didn’t appreciate how easily their players went down, which included outright diving, Coventry did pass very well and looked to make use of the space available to them (which at times was huge pockets of the pitch). Overall they played okay.

Did our tactics work out?

I can see what Kevin Nolan had tried to do, however his starting 11 was massively flawed. We had nobody who could dictate the tempo, or be direct in areas where we just needed to get forward. Starting two up front was a welcome addition to me, however in the game the age up front was clear for all. Notts needed pace there desperately and I left feeling like we had underestimated Coventry City.

How did the referee perform?

Very poorly, he allowed Coventry to milk the play and awarded them virtually every opportunity that one of their players was shot down by the invisible sniper in the ground. Honestly, I don’t believe he was very fair and he largely spoiled the game. His efforts at taking lengthy spells to talk to players, and his inability to allow the game to flow was disappointing – otherwise don’t get me started on him!

Who do we play next?

Our next league game is against Chesterfield at Meadow Lane, the players desperately need to re-group here and claim the points available. I would say that a win is the encouragement we need otherwise it could be a very disappointing start to the 2017-18 League Two season.

How should we play them?

I’d like us to start with a bit of energy up front, I would rest Jon Stead and replace him for one of our younger options. I would certainly start Jorge Grant from the start, with possibly Haydn Hollis starting too. Despite Richard Duffy being the captain, I would drop him but this isn’t likely to happen at all.

I’m unsure if using full backs and three defenders would work, at this stage it’s hard to gauge what could work – yet I think it’s important we phase our attacks better and offer the defence as much support as possible. Perhaps we could try to counter attack Chesterfield as Coventry did us? We need to cover the space behind us for sure.

Here is what Coventry fans thought about the game, courtesy of Sky Blues Talk:

AlansEyes: Jones gets a hat trick, yet I'm sure James Collins will still be mentioned on here a few times over the next few days. I was joking with my 20 goals from Jones this season, but then again... Mick Quinn. Dion Dublin. Jodi Jones. The CCFC opening day hat trick club. What a time to be alive.

Astute: So happy. Fair play to Jones. That will give his confidence a massive boost. And that is one strong Duck that we have. I hppe there will be room in the team for him to start. He will s**t the life out teams at this level. But the major bonus for me is O'Brien. Confident and he can catch the ball. He seems to know when to stay and when to come for the ball. The defence seemed to cope with the long ball most of the time. Does anyone still think Doyle wasn't a good signing?

Skybluetony176: Great opening day result. Well done the team, well done MR and especially well done JJ. Delighted for the lad. Never doubted his skill just felt he needed some belief and better decision making. Hopefully he's turned a big corner today and his career can really kick on and we can benefit from that.

Johnnythespider: Always good to start with a win, hats off to Jodi. Impressed by O'Brien in goal and the battling when needed, considering it was practically a new team things can only get better. I hope.

Kingokings: Great game and it was a 3-0 game. Notts county were poor and I would be dissapointed if I was a fan. Opening day I would expect a lot more. The thing is notts county will probably finish around mid table so there is worse to come than them. Fair play to us and jones was terrific. Not too sure on Beavon and mcnulty to get the goals for promotion but now the duck is here and looked great then maybe a problem solved. Looked solid at the back for once and never thought we were going to concede really (partly due to county being poor) centre mid looked fiery and ran their socks off. Here is to a decent season after that.

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Despite Notts having started brightly, Coventry City took control of the game and ended the game claiming all three points in a comprehensive 3-0 win.

Adam Collin saved well at his near post early to deny Michael Doyle, but Notts found more time on the ball and enjoyed a lengthy spell as Terry Hawkride came close him self after hitting the post just seven minutes later.

On the 28th minute mark Shaun Brisley's flicked header went wide of the goal.

Moments later, the Sky Blues found enough space in the Notts defence for Jodi Jones to slot his shot into the bottom corner.

In the second half Coventry continued to dominate, with only inspiration coming from Magpies substitute Jorge Grant.

However, it wasn't enough as Jodi Jones wrapped up the win with two goals as Notts were caught cheaply on the counter attack in the final 10 minutes.

Here are the match highlights from the official Notts site - see for yourselves how the Magpies got on.

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Notts County began the 2017/18 League Two season away at Coventry City, but unfortunately it did not go the Magpies' way as they succumbed to a heavy defeat in the West Midlands.

A total of 1,727 members of the Black and White Army descended upon the Ricoh Arena to see Notts open their account for the campaign following a summer of rebuilding both on the pitch and behind the scenes.

As it turned out, the Sky Blues were in inspired form following their humiliating relegation from League One last season, and the teenage prodigy Jody Jones rattled a hat-trick past Notts for a 3-0 final result.

ARLukomski, a Notts vlogger and Pride of Nottingham contributor, discussed the fixture ahead of kickoff, gave his thoughts as the game went on, and talked about the performance and result after the final whistle.

Follow ARLukomski on his YouTube channel by clicking here.

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Notts County began the 2017/18 League Two season with a difficult trip to Coventry City on Saturday 5 August.

A total of 1,727 members of the Black and White Army descended upon the Ricoh Arena to see the Magpies open their account for the campaign.

As it turned out, the Sky Blues were in inspired form following their humiliating relegation from League One last season, and the teenage prodigy Jody Jones rattled a hat-trick past Notts for a 3-0 final result.

Despite the poor result, it was good to see all the Notts faithful congregated together once again to enjoy all the thrills and spills of supporting their beloved team.

Pride of Nottingham was at the Ricoh for the game and took pictures of fans - see if you've made it in this week's Faces of PON!

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In case you've been out of the loop for a while, the new EFL season starts this weekend, with Notts County given a baptism of fire this League Two campaign with a trip to Coventry City, a side expected to be in the hunt for automatic promotion, on Saturday.

Former Magpies striker Lee Hughes, one of the finest marksmen Meadow Lane has seen in recent years, has kindly given Pride of Nottingham a message of support to pass on to Notts fans as Kevin Nolan's boys face his former club at the Ricoh Arena.

Hughes was at Meadow Lane this week as he promoted his new business - we were very honoured to speak to a true Notts legend.

COME ON YOU PIES!! LADTH!!

A message of support from Lee Hughes as Notts County head to the Ricoh Arena to face Coventry City in their League Two opener... #LADTH pic.twitter.com/fwKieb4DFN

— PrideofNottingham (@PoN_UNCFS) 5 August 2017

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Notts County have completed the signing of Nottingham Forest midfielder Ryan Yates on a season-long loan.

Here is some information about the player's identity, career, achievements and style of play.

Full name: Ryan Yates

Date of birth: November 21, 1997

Place of birth: Nottingham

Age: 19

Height: 1,90m

Nationality: English

Position: Midfielder, defender

Preferred foot: Right

Last club: Shrewsbury Town (loan)

Came through the ranks at: Forest

Other clubs he has played for: Barrow

Credentials: " I'm full of energy, passion and desire. I like breaking up play and getting box-to-box." - the player himself.

"He can do everything - he's got fight and determination, he can pass the ball, he can tackle, he's got a good engine and he's good in the air. He's also got a lot of positive energy and you can see he's led teams before." - Kevin Nolan

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A brand new season is about upon us as Kevin Nolan’s Notts County travels to the Ricoh Area where The Magpies’ will take on Mark Robins' Coventry City.

The hosts haven’t been in the bottom tier of English football since the 1958-59 season and will be highly expected to bounce back into League One at the first attempt.

Notable summer recruitments for Coventry City consist of Jack Grimmer, Marc McNulty, Michael Doyle and Liam O’Brien.

The Sky Blues, much like Notts, will be hoping that the additional strengthening of their defence will be enough to overturn last season’s disappointment (relegation, in their case), and allow the club to return to better times.

Run-down of their last five pre-season friendlies

Saturday 8th July – Sutton United 0 Coventry City 1

Tuesday 18th July – Barnsley 3 Coventry City 1

Tuesday 25th July – Mickleover Sports 0 Coventry City 1

Saturday 29th July – Coventry City 0 Liverpool XI 0

Sunday 30th July – Nuneaton Town 1 Coventry City 2

The Players – Fact Sheet

Former Notts loanee Kwame Thomas features for the Sky Blues as a striker; the 21-year-old has made 14 appearances, netting three goals.

The Key Players

Marc McNulty will be hoping to impress his new club after leaving Sheffield United in the summer, the striker has tallied up a fair few goals whilst playing for various clubs and will be eager to showcase his talent within League Two.

Peter Vincenti will also be a key man for Coventry City come Saturday, his influence and play will be a major asset in midfield.

Liam Kelly and Kyel Reid will also offer the hosts a lot of bulk with their attacking phases, so Notts will have to be aware of their runs and prevent any chance of the midfield duo running in behind our defence.

Style of Play, Strengths, and Weaknesses

I fully expect Mark Robins to be more direct with Coventry City on Saturday, bolstering their attacking options in a formation, which will suit their attempts to retain the ball – as they attempt to dictate the tempo.

In pre-season the Sky Blues have been trying to strengthen themselves up at the back and put together a convincing performance to hold out against a very talented Liverpool XI largely made up of under-21 talent.

City are known for being a direct club, who patiently build play and use their wide-man to make the difference.

However, they have a fairly weak link in goal - the defence can be punished with clever play and from set pieces, with Liam Walker being a noticeable candidate for Notts in order to utilitise free space found at the back.

Much of the game will be played within the centre of the park, so it will be vital that we try to use our crossing and chances from distance in order to gain momentum.

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Notts County have completed the signing of veteran defender Nicky Hunt.

Here is some information about the player's identity, career, achievements and style of play.

Full name: Nicholas Brett Hunt

Date of birth: September 3, 1983

Place of birth: Westhoughton

Age: 33

Height: 1,85m

Nationality: English

Position: Defender

Preferred foot: Right

Last club: Leyton Orient

Came through the ranks at: Bolton Wanderers

Other clubs he has played for: Birmingham City, Derby County, Bristol City, Preston North End, Rotherham United, Accrington Stanley, Mansfield Town

Credentials: "The thing is with Nicky, he can play right-back, centre-back or left-back and will just fit in. It’s such a great asset to have. He’s got a calming influence on the pitch and off it. Got a lot of experience and is really good around the place, so will help a number of the young lads who have come through, with the standards he sets." - Kevin Nolan

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Notts County have completed the signing of midfielder Elliot Hodge following a successful trial with the Magpies.

Here is some information about the player's identity, career, achievements and style of play.

Full name: Elliot Hodge

Date of birth: December 23, 1995

Place of birth: Unknown

Age: 21

Height: Unknown

Nationality: English

Position: Midfielder

Preferred foot: Right

Last club: Lincoln City

Came through the ranks at: Notts County

Other clubs he has played for: Stamford, Gainsborough Trinity, Stafford Rangers, Telford United

Credentials: "My best quality is probably my pace. I'm a winger, so I like to go out wide and find myself in one on one situations against the defender, I feel that's where I'm most comfortable. I'm more than happy doing the dog work, but the situation where I'm best is on the wing, attacking and being direct." - the player himself.

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On Monday, Notts County announced three new signings in one go, recruiting goalkeeper Branislav Pindroch, defender Pierce Bird and striker Callum Saunders.

Here is what the players themselves have said about their move to Meadow Lane, as well as some thoughts by Magpies manager Kevin Nolan.

Branislav Pindroch

His thoughts

"I am very happy. This is a big opportunity for me and I can't wait to be out there on the pitch.

"Kevin Nolan is a big name. I am happy to be able to meet him and work for him."

Nolan's thoughts

"Mark Crossley had a tip-off about Branislav from one of his contacts so we had a good look at footage of him before bringing him in.

"We think he's going to be another good addition. He has demonstrated a first-class attitude and has all the attributes.

"We have two goalkeepers in now to push Adam Collin for the starting jersey because they all want to be number one.

"It will be an interesting battle over the course of the season."

Pierce Bird

His thoughts

"I was working as a civil engineer but this was an opportunity I could not turn down. My manager is a football fan and was very supportive of me following my dream.

"It's a big jump and the quality is completely different to what I'm used to but I feel I have settled in well and performed on the training ground.

"I never thought this would happen but I am glad it's sorted now. The club is moving forward and it's good to be part of it.

"The manager has told me to keep working as hard as I can to show what I've got."

Nolan's thoughts

"Pierce is a great kid and we are absolutely delighted to have him here.

"There is nobody more deserving of a contract - he has been fantastic since he walked through the door.

"We played against him in a friendly at the back end of last season and were really impressed so we told him to go away over the summer and work on a few things, which he did.

"I think he's lost more than a stone in the space of two months and he has a real desire to be a footballer.

"Hopefully we can continue to improve him. He is another one who we feel can get better the longer he is with us.

"He took a real punt coming to us because he was told his scholarship as a civil engineer would no longer be there for him if he came on trial with us for four or five weeks,.

"We spoke to his parents, who have been great, and thankfully it has paid off for him."

Callum Saunders

His thoughts

"I'm delighted to be here. I came in on trial initially but luckily the gaffer has taken a chance on me and hopefully I can replay him.

"I like to run in behind defenders, stretch teams and run the channels. We have a couple of targetmen so hopefully I can bring something a bit different.

"There is a good, experienced squad here and I think we have a good chance of going up.

"I have spoken to Shola [Ameobi], Jon [Stead] and Alan [Smith] because there is nobody better for me to learn from than them.

"The gaffer was a poacher too and I like to think of myself as one so hopefully I can pick up a few things from him."

Nolan's thoughts

"He plays off the shoulder, runs in behind and does all of the ugly stuff well, like closing down and running the channels.

"We are pleased to have him here. I have spoken to his dad, Dean, a lot and he said Callum just needs a chance.

"You know he will not go home and be told the wrong things. He will have good influences around him - his dad knows what it takes to be a professional.

"I don't think there are many better players for a young lad to learn from than Jon Stead and Shola Ameobi.

"Their influence can only be positive for him and he needs to make sure he gets his head down and works hard. He will get opportunities - it's about taking them now."

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Notts County have completed the signing of striker Callum Saunders following a successful trial with the Magpies.

Here is some information about the player's identity, career, achievements and style of play.

Full name: Callum Luke Saunders

Date of birth: September 26, 1995

Place of birth: Istanbul, Turkey

Age: 21

Height: 1,78 m

Nationality: English

Position: Striker

Preferred foot: Right

Last club: Crewe Alexandra

Came through the ranks at: Crewe

Other clubs he has played for: None

Credentials: "He plays off the shoulder, runs in behind and does all of the ugly stuff well, like closing down and running the channels." - Kevin Nolan

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Notts County have completed the signing of Slovakian goalkeeper Branislav Pindroch following a successful trial with the Magpies.

Here is some information about the player's identity, career, achievements and style of play.

Full name: Branislav Pindroch

Date of birth: October 30, 1991

Place of birth: Banska Bystrica, Czechoslovakia

Age: 25

Height: 1,94 m

Nationality: Slovakian

Position: Goalkeeper

Preferred foot: Unknown

Last club: MFK Karvina

Came through the ranks at: FK Dukla Banska Bystrica

Other clubs he has played for: None

Credentials: "He has demonstrated a first-class attitude and has all the attributes... which will only be helped by Mark [Crossley's] tutelage." - Kevin Nolan

To Notts County fans, Lee Hughes needs no introduction. The last of the truly great Magpies strikers, his performances lit up the Meadow Lane pitch between 2009 and 2013, and to this day he remains a fan favourite.

Hughes has just as much love for the Black and White Army, which is why he has decided to launch his new business venture at an event at the club, surrounded by the faithful Magpies supporters.

The event will take place at Meadow Lane on Wednesday 2 August, 7pm, and is free to all attendees, who will be able to meet Hughes and chat to him about his time sporting the black and white stripes.

In addition to meeting Hughes, you will get to find out about the nutrition, health and beauty product line that he has partnered with and uses daily to help prolong his playing career and improve his health.

You will also learn about how you too can join one of the fastest growing companies worldwide and work alongside Hughes as part of his team.

Hughes, now at Worcester City, says: "I am thrilled to have found these amazing optimal health and lifestyle products to use for myself and my family.

"They are helping maintain and improve my health as I enter another season playing and scoring goals at 41.

"I wanted to launch at Notts County as my relationship with the fans is unbelievable and I have fantastic memories of the club and the success we experienced together."

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Notts County have signed goalkeeper Ross Fitzsimons following a successful trial with the Magpies.

Here is some information about the player's identity, career, achievements and style of play.

Full name: Ross Alan Richard Frank Fitzsimons

Date of birth: May 28, 1994

Place of birth: London, England   

Age: 23

Height: 1,85 m

Nationality: English

Position: Goalkeeper

Preferred foot: Right

Last club: Chelmsford City

Came through the ranks at: Crystal Palace

Other clubs he has played for: Havant & Waterlooville, Bolton Wanderers, Bishop's Stortford, Braintree Town

Style of play: "Mainly, my game is my distribution... I like to get the ball down play, put it into wide areas, get us on the attack as quick as we can. My main game is kicking well... we're set up to pretty much do that, hopefully I can bring a little bit to the table." - the player himself

Notts County have signed defender Shaun Brisley on a two-year contract after his deal with League Two rivals Carlisle United was cancelled.

Here is some information about the player's identity, career, achievements and style of play.

Full name: Shaun Richard Brisley

Date of birth: May 6, 1990

Place of birth: Macclesfield, England   

Age: 27

Height: 1,88 m

Nationality: English

Position: Defence - Centre-Back

Preferred foot: Right

Last club: Carlisle United

Came through the ranks at: Macclesfield Town

Other clubs he has played for: Peterborough United, Scunthorpe United (loan), Northampton Town (loan), Leyton Orient (loan)

Career achievements: EFL Trophy winner with Peterborough in 2013/14

Style of play: Kevin Nolan - "He's a great lad on and off the field. He's a leader, he talks, he heads the ball, he does all the nitty-gritty stuff - and he can play as well." Brisley about himself - "I like to think I have strong leadership qualities, I am good in the air and I bring a determination to keep clean sheets."

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Since its launch two weeks ago, the Pride of Nottingham Donation Drive has received a tremendous response so far, and continues to gather pace as the new season edges ever closer.

Now into our fifth campaign covering Notts County, PON has sought to provide fans with news, features, trivia, media and match updates, with the premise of being entertaining, informative, honest and unbiased.

Since our creation in 2013, we have been there through the rough and the smooth, and as staunch Notts fans ourselves, we have shared the joy, the pain, the sadness, the anger, the confusion, the euphoria and every other single emotion which is part and parcel of supporting our beloved club.

And year on year, PON has grown to the point that it can legitimately lay claim to be the number one Notts fansite on the internet, and this could not have been done without each and every one of you who interact and engage with us on the site, on social media and at the games.

Now heading into the 2017/18 season, there is much cause for optimism at Meadow Lane, with the club under new ownership, a manager at the helm who is truly committed to the cause, and the atmosphere much more jovial among the fanbase.

There is to be no resting on laurels, however, for the club and for ourselves. We want to provide even more Notts content, even more regularly, and even better quality, and for us to break through the glass ceiling and go to the next level, the PON Donation Drive is to help us to do this.

The number of Notts fans that have donated to the cause is now in double figures, and for that we thank each and every one of you from the bottom of our hearts.

Some fans have even given us some incredibly kind words, which in turn makes us lost for words - being part of PON is already so satisfactory as it is, but to know that fans genuinely enjoy our work and tell us so, it makes it even more worthwhile.

Gordon Robertson, a fan who has very kindly donated, said this about PON: " I've been following for about 2 years. I found out about it on Facebook. I think it's really good because it's more fan orientated and i think it's an asset to the club. I donated because i believe in what you're doing and it should be supported and encouraged by both the fans and the club. Keep up the good work!"

Meanwhile, Ben Dooley said: "PON is a good site ran for the fans by the fans, there is a good community feel about it where you can have a laugh without any "bollocks". None of us are millionaires, so donating whatever I could felt like a no-brainer."

We are so thankful to each and every one of you who follows and engages with PON, and as always, we are eager to keep our content completely free for everyone to enjoy. If you fancy chipping in for the cause, then you would be helping our cause even more!

Thank you once again for your support, and here's to a good 2017/18 season!

COME ON YOU PIES!!

To contribute towards the Pride of Nottingham Donation Drive, click here to take you to the donation page.

The first home game for Notts County of the 2017/18 programme was a pre-season friendly against city rivals and cross-river neighbours Nottingham Forest.

As all Trentside derbies go, it was a lively, hotly contested occasion, both on the pitch and in the stands among the two sets of supporters.

Ultimately the Championship (just about) side got the win, with Ben Brereton and Apostolios Velios grabbing the goals in the second half for Mark Warburton's Reds.

Despite the result not being ideal for the Black and White Army, the performance will have given Kevin Nolan plenty of food for thought as he prepares his charges for the upcoming campaign.

Pride of Nottingham was at Meadow Lane to watch the game and to take photos of fans in the stands and elsewhere in the ground.

Did you spot our photographer? Want to see if you've made it in our album? In that case, check out this game's Faces of PON!

Share your thoughts about this Faces of PON edition on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.

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Since Alan Hardy took over as Notts County owner and chairman in January, the club's fortunes turned for the best.

The Magpies were 21st in League Two, one point clear of the bottom two having played one game more, and had just lost their 10th consecutive league match.

Notts ended up surviving quite comfortably in the end and are now preparing for the 2017/18 season with their Football League status intact.

Hardy enjoys using Twitter and, over the last few months, has made extensive use of the platform to communicate with fans, as well as relay club news and share personal opinions.

This has divided opinion among fans, however, and following criticism of how he uses Twitter, Hardy said he would not be using it as much going forward.

Pride of Nottingham has asked fans what they thought about this news - do people think he's come under unnecessary criticism, or are they right to question how he relays certain communications?

Here is what fans have been saying.

— Melvyn Chambers (@melxantia) 14 July 2017

— martyn (@MartynMalone) 14 July 2017

— Gareth (@gjmarklew) 14 July 2017

— Stephen Jeffery (@DN21ste) 15 July 2017

— Paul Blyth (@magpie221) 15 July 2017

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Notts County striker Jon Stead has been trying out his hand at interviews and vox pops as the 2017/18 home kit went on sale on Tuesday evening.

The club put up a special event at the Meadow Lane club shop for season ticket holders to get their hands on the new home shirt.

Now, most footie journos dream of being footballers, but pro player Stead seems to be curious on the opposite trajectory - here he is showing his microphone skills!

Tell you what Steady - we've got intership opportunities at Pride of Nottingham if you fancy working in the media...

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Notts County have posted a video on their YouTube channel of new Magpies signings Lewis Alessandra, Terry Hawkridge and Dan Jones in the thick of the action as the team took on the Rolls Royce Leisure Select XI in their first friendly of the 2017/18 pre-season.

Here's the video shared here on Pride of Nottingham - see for yourself how the new boys got on in Hucknall.

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It's been a long two months since the end of the 2016/17 season, hasn't it? But fear not, because Notts County are in action again as of this weekend!

The Magpies' pre-season preparations are fully underway and the players will take to the pitch for the first time in 2017/18 when they take on Linby Colliery Welfare at Rolls Royce Leisure tomorrow.

Then there will be a pre-season friendly every following Saturday, after which the season gets underway on the first weekend - oh, plus the small matter of a fixture against a local team by the name of Nottingham Forest on Wednesday 19th July.

Here is a factfile about each of the teams that Notts will face over the coming weeks.

Rolls Royce Select XI (A): Saturday 8 July, 3pm

This fixture is usually the first pre-season game of Notts County's season, given the partnership between the Magpies, the Rolls Royce Leisure Centre in Hucknall, and North Nottinghamshire College.

The programme, also knows as the Notts County Pathway Academy, sees students study towards a BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Sport and offers the chance to combine professional level football training with academic studies.

Basford United (A): Saturday 8 15 July (3pm)

Basford United play their football at Greenwich Avenue in Basford, a suburb of Nottingham, and currently ply their trade in the Northern Premier League - Division One South, where they finished 6th in the 22-man league last season to qualify for the promotion playoffs but lost to Coalville Town in the semi-finals.

There are quite a few names at Basford that you might recognise - manager Martin Carruthers was born in Nottingham and played up front for the likes of Aston Villa, Stoke City, Peterborogh United, Southend United and Scunthorpe United. Former Notts players Saul Deeney and Kyle Dixon, plus ex-Forest man Eugen Bopp, are also on their books.

Nottingham Forest (H): Wednesday 19 July (7:45pm)

Never heard of them.

Wigan Athletic (H): Saturday 22 July (3pm)

One of the success football stories of the 21st century (except for the last couple years, mind), Wigan were only elected to the Football League in 1978. They were little more than a footnote in the English game until 1995, when JJB Sports owner Dave Whelan purchased the club, but within 10 years they were in the Premier League.

The Latics enjoyed a total of eight seasons at the top table, but the greatest moment in their history ended up being rather bittersweet, as they won the FA Cup in 2013 but were relegated from the top flight in the same season.

The last few years have been tumultous for the club, as they now find themselves in League One just a year after winning promotion back to the second tier from the third. Since 2013, Wigan have either been relegated or finished the season in the promotion places (automatic or playoff).

York City (A): Saturday 29 July (3pm)

The Minstermen have endured a rollercoaster few years, reaching the League Two playoffs in 2014 and winning two FA Trophies, in 2012 and 2017, but now play in the National League North after two successive relegations in 2016 (from the Football League) and the season just gone.

York play at Bootham Crescent, a stadium near the city centre and just over a mile from the city's railway station which they share with rugby league club York City Knights. It was formerly known as KitKat Crescent for sponsorship reasons - why they didn't call it Yorkie Crescent is one of the great mysteries of life.

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