Notts County's head coach, Luke Williams, recently led his team in a pre-season friendly against Premier League team Nottingham Forest. Despite a narrow 1-0 defeat, Williams believes the match was a valuable exercise for his team.

The team played a back four formation, which Williams was pleased with. He said that the formation allowed the Magpies to be more organised and compact in defence while also providing opportunities for quick counter-attacks.

Although the result was not in their favour, Williams is optimistic about the future. He believes that the experience gained from playing against a top-tier team will be invaluable for his players as they continue to develop and improve. Williams is confident that his team will bounce back from this defeat and continue to grow stronger.

Luke Williams recently spoke to BBC Radio Nottingham about the team's final home pre-season friendly. He said, "I thought they equipped themselves really well, the guys, and we looked like the same team in a very different formation."

Williams was also happy with the physical condition of his players. "They look bright and in good physical condition. So, I was happy with everyone, really," he said.

Some of the players are still getting up to speed with the work and conditioning required for the team's style of play. Despite this, there were no injuries during the match.

However, there was one mistake made during the game. Williams accidentally distracted the captain while he was speaking to him, causing a goal to be scored against them.

Williams took responsibility for this mistake and apologised to the captain and team. "So yeah, big mistake for me. Won’t be doing that in a league game," he said.

Despite this setback, Williams remains optimistic about his team's future performance. "No, we’re not ready. Unfortunately, you would love to say we were, but we’re not ready. We’ve got a fair bit more work to do, and the players are aware of that. But hopefully, we will use the time wisely, and we’ll be able to make a really great performance in that game," he said.

As Notts County prepares for their upcoming season, fans can look forward to seeing how the team continues to develop under Williams' leadership. With a focus on conditioning and strategy, Notts County is sure to put up a strong fight in their upcoming matches.

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Notts County FC Academy Manager, Dan Leivers, has expressed his elation over the team's recent promotion, describing it as a "really emotional and happy experience" achieved via a penalty shoot-out victory.

Discussing the implications of the promotion, Leivers underscored the significant impact it would have on the academy, transitioning from the National League Youth Alliance to repositioning back in the EFL.

The most considerable ramification, Leivers pointed out, is the increase in funds they would receive. "The largest benefit, particularly from an academy perspective, is the funding," he clarified.

"This year we have been operating devoid of any support from any leagues, the Premier League or the FA. We will now receive the Football League Cat 3 grant for this year, providing a significant sum of money which will aid us in hiring new staff, improving facilities and procuring new equipment - all of these factors will significantly enhance the players' experiences this year."

Discussing staff changes resulting from the promotion, Leivers highlighted new positions that would need to be created. "Reverting back to Cat 3 level brings with it a lot of mandatory positions," he continued. "Despite the fact we have been operating close to Cat 3 level with the staff already on our books, there are key positions we now need to fill - including roles relating to education, player care and part-time coaching."

Reflecting on the previous season where several teams were operated under the academy, Leivers confidently asserted that it was a successful move, providing a platform for young players to perform. He exclaimed, "I believe we've had as many as 17 different players train with the first team this year, which is fantastic." With the transition to Cat 3 in the EFL this year, an under-21s team will feature in the EFL Central League, while the under-18s will compete in the EFL Youth Alliance.

The promotion's ripple effect extends to new contracts for players, said Leivers, explaining that, "Every single one of our players aged 9 to 16 will now be sheltered by the rules of EFL." He continued, "They'll presently be undergoing a process to sign their forms and officially become EFL Academy players." In addition to this, half a dozen players from the under-16s will advance to scholarships and earn their stripes as paid apprentices within the team.

Regarding training, Leivers noted that the regimen would not change drastically from what it was this year, with operations at their training ground at Clifton remaining almost on par. He did mention that the only adjustments might occur on match days depending on the opponent and potential required travel.

Leivers confirmed continuing their matches and training at Clifton and talked about ongoing efforts to upgrade their facilities. He extended a hearty welcome to fans, acknowledging their supportive presence throughout the past season.

Just over a year into his role, Leivers spoke enthusiastically of his tenure, saying, "Just the people that are here, working with the first team staff has been probably the easiest I've ever known. It's an extraordinary group of people, and we eagerly anticipate how things will progress."

With a future back in the EFL, Leivers and his team at Notts County FC Academy are anticipating the fresh opportunities and resources that come with the turf, and are looking forward to nurturing young talent for the club.

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As we approach the brink of another exhilarating season of football, Notts County's sense of anticipation is palpable. With an ambitious schedule of pre-season games against formidable challengers Stoke and Forest, the Magpies are readying themselves to test their mettle ahead of the imminent season. The team's determination and spirit are indicative of their readiness to dive into these highly anticipated clashes, beginning with a face-off against Stoke this coming Saturday, followed by a big game against Forest the subsequent week.

Notts County's fervent preparations underline their hunger for success and readiness to measure up against tough adversaries. Key figures from the team have been providing insights into the meticulous groundwork ahead of these encounters. Among them, striker Macaulay Langstaff has shed light on the team's preparation strategy and morale, providing an up-close look at their robust tactical prowess and physical readiness.

In discussing the team's workouts and strategic planning, Langstaff emphasised the significance of these upcoming matches. "Yeah, definitely against two top teams," he noted. "Um, you know, we'll see where we are, fitness wise, where we are tactical, tactically."

Langstaff's confidence in his team's capacities shines through, in spite of the formidable opposition they will be facing. "Um, it's going to be obviously a challenging game on Saturday, but we're going in their full of confidence. Um, I think we'll see where we are in terms of pre-season. It's a great opportunity to measure how far we've come against a top team, and to test ourselves," he expressed.

Notts County anticipates with gusto these encounters as they continue to pave their way towards the new season. With barely more than a week of pre-season tutoring behind them, Langstaff spoke warmly of the team's newest additions.

"I think they're fitting in really well. You know, you're seeing the transformation in the chemistry we've developed in the changing room since last season. I believe they've acclimatised quickly and, out on the pitch, they've absorbed so much so swiftly," he stated.

Furthermore, Langstaff elaborated on the newcomers' Swift assimilation into the team's style of play. "It's clear in the 11 vs 11s the amount they've absorbed, adapting to our style of play really swiftly. And as I said before, in terms of the changing room, they're merging in impressively well," he cited.

The blend of fresh talent and seasoned players yielding promising on-pitch chemistry augurs well for Notts County. They are eyeing strong showings against Stoke and Forest, as they progress with their pre-season preparations unflinchingly.

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In a recent interview, Notts County manager Luke Williams discussed the minor injuries that some first team players have picked up during pre-season, as well as the team's upcoming game against Stoke City. Williams revealed that several first team players were not involved in the team's recent 3-0 win against Nuneaton Borough due to minor injuries. Despite these injuries, Williams is happy with how pre-season is going so far.

Looking ahead to the team's upcoming game against Stoke City, Williams expects it to be a different test for his players. He is looking for mental strength, concentration and defensive duties to be on display. Williams also discussed his hopes for the upcoming season and his excitement at seeing fans return to Meadow Lane.

He spoke about the bond between the fans, players and staff at Notts County and their responsibility to nurture it. He wants to give fans the performances, energy and passion that they showed last season. The team is looking forward to their upcoming game against Stoke City and the challenges it will bring.

Williams revealed that several first team players were not involved in the team's recent 3-0 win against Nuneaton Borough due to minor injuries. "We had Jodi Jones with us, but he had just returned today, and it was probably unnecessary for him to be on the pitch," he said.

"Will Randall jarred his ankle and is very sore, but there's very little swelling. Sam Austin's hamstring felt tight, but only tight. Aiden Baldwin and Junior Morias both picked up something in training, so we have to wait a little bit longer. Sam Slocombe has a small injury in the calf that we think will only take a few days, maybe two weeks, three weeks maximum for him to be back."

Despite these injuries, Williams is happy with how pre-season is going so far. "We are happy that we are getting across the work that we want to get across," he said.

"Of course, we don't like to pick up any injuries, but we are sensible enough to know that this is a reality when we are pushing the guys so hard to improve their levels and make the changes to them physically that they need."

Looking ahead to the team's upcoming game against Stoke City, Williams expects it to be a different test for his players. "Certainly for us to apply ourselves defensively and for the players to be able to play the game without being affected by the scoreline because there are no points for grabs, and we play in very different divisions at the moment," he said.

"I'm looking for the mental strength and concentration and the defensive duties to be on display, so we look forward to this one. It's a brilliant test for us."

Williams also discussed his hopes for the upcoming season and his excitement at seeing fans return to Meadow Lane. "There is a bond with the fans, with this group of players and our staff at the moment that is incredible," he said. "And we have a big responsibility now to try to nurture that. We need to give them the performances, energy, and passion that they showed last season."

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Notts County striker Macaulay Langstaff scored a goal in the team's first pre-season friendly against Nuneaton Borough. The Magpies won the game 3-0, with Langstaff's goal being one of the highlights.

In an interview after the game, Langstaff expressed his satisfaction at getting on the scoresheet. "Yeah, of course. I think as a striker you always want to get on the scoresheet no matter what game it is, and to get to Mark early in preseason, obviously it's important for striker's confidence, so I'm not doing that," he said.

Langstaff's goal was a tap-in, set up by a brilliant play from his teammate on the right-hand side. "Obviously brilliant play the right-hand side and just across, across the box I have to be that type of thing," he said.

The striker also praised the link-up play between him and Dan Crowley in the first half. "I think you can see what we've been working on, the training going, you know, when it comes to get the ball and plays that one, two with Dan, it's impossible to mark," he said.

Langstaff went on to explain that this type of play is something the team has been working on in training. "Um, we've been working on that all week in training since we came back in. So it's good to see it on the pitch and, um, yeah, it's going to be harder to mark for opposition Defenders this year," he said.

This early success bodes well for Notts County as they continue their pre-season preparations. With Langstaff and Crowley already showing promising signs of chemistry on the pitch, fans will be eagerly anticipating what the team can achieve in the upcoming season.

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Notts County manager Luke Williams expressed his satisfaction with his team’s performance in their first pre-season friendly against Nuneaton Borough, which ended in a 3-0 win for Notts County. In an interview with the Notts County media team, he praised the young players on the team for handling the pressure of playing alongside more experienced players brilliantly.

He discussed the continuation of the team’s style of play from last season, noting that there were some similarities in terms of possession dominance and free-flowing play. He mentioned that while there will be some changes during pre-season, it was nice to see some similarities from where they left off.

Individual performances were also touched on by Williams, who praised Aaron Nemane for his speed and precision and Dan Crowley for his ability to manipulate the ball and move his body around it in a brilliant way. He also mentioned Jim O’Brien’s class performance and Macaulay Langstaff and Cedwyn Scott’s goals, which showed their confidence and continuation from last season.

Williams cautioned against reading too much into the result, stating that it’s difficult to read too much into a game like this as it’s their first one, and they have a few new faces and some young guys helping them out. “But of course, we have to go through this process to play 45 minutes for everyone, and I’m really happy that we came through it with some good performances,” he said.

He was particularly impressed with the young players on the team, who he felt handled the pressure of playing alongside more experienced players brilliantly. “When you are a young guy, and you come in, and you’re on the same pitch with a guy who was a top goalscorer last season, there is pressure and some nerves there,” he said. “But they handled that brilliantly.”

The manager also discussed the continuation of the team’s style of play from last season, noting that there were some similarities in terms of possession dominance and free-flowing play. “I don’t think we want to completely rip up everything that we did last season,” he said. “So we try to carry on. There will be some changes during pre-season for us to look at different options, but it was nice to see some similarities from where we left off.”

Williams was pleased with his team’s performance in their first pre-season friendly and is looking forward to continuing their progression through pre-season.

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Notts County manager Luke Williams has revealed his thoughts on the importance of having a balanced and competitive squad ahead of the new season.

The Magpies are looking to build on their successful campaign that saw them finish second in the National League, after winning the playoff final against Chesterfield. Williams, who took over from Ian Burchnall in June 2022, has been busy reshaping his squad with several new signings and departures.

One of the key areas that Williams has focused on is ensuring that he has enough depth and quality in every position to cope with the demands of a long and gruelling season. He believes that having a strong bench and a variety of options will give him more flexibility and creativity to change games and adapt to different situations.

He also wants to avoid having players who are unhappy or frustrated with their lack of involvement, as that can have a negative impact on the team spirit and morale.

In an interview with Notts County, Williams shared his views on how he is pleased with the depth across all positions in all areas. "We don’t want to have players that spend long periods not being involved. 

"It’s awful for a player and terrible for the atmosphere around the place to have players that are backed up a long way behind three or four players and hoping for a miracle to get near the team," he said.

Williams also spoke about how seven substitutes will be a refreshing change for him next year.

"We many times had no goalkeeper on the bench so we have five outfield players now we will almost definitely have a goalkeeper and six so we have one extra outfield player in reality often we have one extra outfield player to what we had last season but this is huge because it can be a player that can be a completely different option to all of the other players on the bench," he said.

He continued, "Last season you had to make a call to leave somebody completely out so more options for me is fantastic and it gives us a chance to have more dynamic ways of changing the game off."

The manager is optimistic about the potential for squad depth to help Notts County maintain their momentum in the upcoming season.

"We potentially can move the pack around and still retain what we are," he said.

Williams also praised the attitude and work ethic of his players, who have been working hard in pre-season training to prepare for the new challenges ahead. He said that he has been impressed by their commitment and desire to improve and learn from their mistakes.

He also said that he has seen signs of improvement and cohesion in their performances in the training matches so far.

He added, "The players have been fantastic, they have been very receptive to everything we have asked them to do. They have shown great character and resilience, especially after some tough results last season. They have come back with a positive mindset and a hunger to do better. They have also shown some good quality and understanding on the pitch, which is encouraging."

Williams hopes that his squad depth will give him an edge over his rivals in League Two, as he aims to guide Notts County back to League One. He said that he is confident that he has a squad that can compete with anyone in the division, and that he is looking forward to the start of the season.

He concluded, "We have a lot of competition for places, which is healthy and good for the team. We have players who can play in different positions and systems, which gives us more options and versatility. We have players who can make an impact from the bench, which can be crucial in tight games. We have players who are hungry and motivated, which is vital for success. We have a squad that I believe in and trust, and I can’t wait to see them in action."

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After 1,471 days, Notts County has finally secured their return to the English Football League. A penalty shoot-out win at the end of an extraordinary National League promotion final against Chesterfield at Wembley on Saturday changed all that, as they secured their return to the English Football League after a four-year absence.

Their relegation to non-league football for the first time in 2019 meant 161-year-old Notts, a founding member of the Football League in 1888, lost their mantle as the 'world's oldest football league club'. Signs proclaiming Notts' place in the annals of the game, which were all around their home ground, were either taken down or covered over with black tape.

For the Magpies, the years of non-league exile were dark days. Cedwyn Scott finally ended the years of purgatory with the decisive penalty in their 4-3 shoot-out win against the Spireites after Notts twice battled back to draw 2-2 at the end of extra time.

As Notts County prepares for their return to the Football League, fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming season. Paul Linley, a long-time supporter of the club, is one of many who have purchased season tickets for the upcoming season. "After watching the best footballing team we've had in 34 years and my son getting the NCFC bug, I just couldn't resist!!! It's just a pure pleasure to watch," he said.

Linley's son Evan is also excited about the upcoming season. When asked about his favourite player on the team, he said, "McGoldrick, as he came for love over money." Evan is also looking forward to seeing Notts County compete as favourites to win the league.

Kimbo Walster, another long-time season ticket holder, has been supporting Notts County since 1990. She has many fond memories of supporting the club, including their recent victory at Wembley. "Very much the memory of supporting Notts, Juventus, away at Wembley this season winning League 2 after being 14 points behind," she said.

Walster also spoke about how the club has impacted her life. "I lost my mum who was a massive County fan and even though it's hard going to games without her, without Notts I wouldn't be here today," she said. "I've never felt so close and connected to this football club for a very long time. We're going in the right direction and only going up, up and up, getting higher up the divisions."

Gareth Jones is another fan who has purchased a season ticket for the upcoming season. He is looking forward to seeing Notts County compete against better teams and is optimistic about their chances. "Personally, I would be happy with a top-half finish but following the bookies, they are tipping us for back-to-back promotions," he said.

Jones also praised the current state of the club under the Reedz brothers' ownership. "The Reedz brothers are something else," he said. "Obviously we all know the problems we had under the last ownership, but these boys have really steadied the ship and funded the necessary signings like McGoldrick to really make a push next year!!"

As Notts County prepares for their return to the Football League, fans like Paul and Evan Linley, Kimbo Walster and Gareth Jones are eagerly anticipating what promises to be an exciting season.

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Manager Luke Williams has been busy in the transfer market, bringing in new talent to strengthen the team.

The club has made several signings from League One, including David McGoldrick and Dan Crowley. These players bring experience and quality to the squad, and Williams is excited about their potential.

However, it's not all good news for Notts County fans. The club has also seen some departures, including Ruben Rodrigues. Rodrigues was a popular player among fans and his departure will be felt by the team. 

In an interview with the official site, Williams expressed his sadness at Rodrigues' departure but also wished him well for the future, saying "I'm very sad to see him go. 

"I'm happy for him to be able to express himself at a higher level and showcase what he can do. Of course, a contract is going to be good for him and his family, so I'm very sad and happy at the same time."

Williams also spoke about the club's recent signings, including David McGoldrick and Dan Crowley. He was particularly excited about McGoldrick, describing him as a player with "incredible quality" and an "aura" that would be beneficial for both the staff and players.

Williams also praised Crowley's quality with the ball and versatility in playing different positions.

Another new signing from League One is Dan Crowley. Williams spoke about him, saying "I've known about him as a player for a long time, and I've been in two different clubs where we were close to trying to sign him. 

"He was on a list of players with this type of quality. He has brilliant quality with the ball and can play different positions as well. Now we need to try to help him understand how we play and what is really important to us, and add that with his own individual skills. Hopefully, we have a brilliant partnership there." He added.

The Notts County head coach also discussed Will Randall, who he knows well from his time at Swindon. "When I was at Swindon a long time ago when we were a League One team at the time, Will was coming through the youth team and was a very exciting player. 

"His first team debut was away at Preston, and he played well in a Preston team that beat us in a playoff final. Will was 18, I think, and he really equipped himself brilliantly," he said.

Luke Williams is hopeful that the new signings will help Notts County achieve their goals for the season. While it is always difficult to see players leave, he believes that the new additions will bring fresh energy and talent to the squad.

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Aaron Nemane, the 25-year-old wing-back, has agreed to a new two-year contract with Notts County. Nemane played a crucial role in the record-breaking 2022-23 season, providing both offensive and defensive contributions. 

His constant threat down the right-hand side of the pitch and significant defensive efforts were instrumental in our success.

Nemane's performances throughout the season earned him praise from both fans and pundits alike. His ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates, as well as his tenacity in winning back possession, made him a standout player in our squad. The Notts County board of directors and head coach Luke Williams are thrilled to have secured his continued services. 

A statement from the club praised Nemane's growth as a player, noting his increased concentration, game-understanding, and self-belief. These improvements resulted in a standout 2022-23 season, including exceptional performances during our play-off campaign.

"In Aaron’s time at the club he’s gone from a player capable of producing great moments to one who can make a big impact from first minute to last," the statement reads. "As his influence on the team has grown, we’ve seen opponents pay more and more attention to him, and he has consistently shown he can rise to the challenge."

Nemane's unique characteristics, including his speed, low centre of gravity, and close control, make him an elusive player on the field. "We also feel Aaron has unique characteristics – he’s incredibly quick and, with his low centre of gravity and close control, extremely elusive," the statement continues. "At 25, we feel he can still improve a lot, and we’re very excited to give him the platform to realise his immense potential."

In addition to his on-field contributions, Nemane is a beloved member of the squad and a positive presence in the locker room. "On top of all that, Aaron’s a much-loved character and a hugely positive presence. All things considered, he’s a very valuable member of the squad," the statement concludes.

The club is excited to continue working with this valuable player and looks forward to seeing his continued growth on and off the field.

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Notts County manager Luke Williams has returned to training as the squad prepares for their pre-season games. These games provide an opportunity for players to build fitness and for managers to experiment with tactics and formations. They also allow new signings to integrate with their teammates and adapt to their new surroundings.

Pre-season games against higher-level opposition, such as Stoke and Forest, provide a valuable test for the team. These games will allow Williams to assess his squad’s progress and make any necessary adjustments before the start of the new season.

In an interview via the official site, Williams spoke about the club’s pre-season preparations. He discussed the importance of pre-season games against Stoke and Forest, stating that "It’s very important and all the games were planned for specific reasons.

"Both games are going to be able to make actions that are hard to defend against and too quick and too skillful. But to do the hard work and try to shut space down and be organized and concentrate, this is free really, this is just applying yourself correctly and hard work," he said.

On how he plans to integrate his philosophy onto new arrivals at this stage of the season, Williams said "It’s absolutely true that it takes the players some time to adapt to some things that I like and things that I don’t like. And that’s true of most managers. Some systems are easier, some more difficult, but for sure it took a while with a lot of the players to adapt. And then I think they adapted very well in the end."

The manager is optimistic about the potential for new arrivals to adapt quickly to his philosophy. "Now I think we have a great beginning because many players and our staff have experienced already what we’re going to try to do. So we can hopefully speed up the process. We have many coaches now because I’m hearing players talking to new players, expect this, be ready for this and so on. And this is really brilliant," he said.

Williams is excited about the potential for a successful pre-season. "I’m hoping we’re ahead of where we were last year and that we can try to speed up the process," he said.

The club’s fans are eagerly anticipating the start of the new season. They are hopeful that Williams’ philosophy and approach will bring success on the pitch.

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Nigel Nattrass is a lifelong Notts County supporter. Born and bred in Stapleford, the youngest of two boys, his love for Notts County runs deep. "I was born into a Notts County supporting family," he says. "My Dad was a fan from the early 1930s until his death in 2001. My grandpa, as a young boy, saw the last game Notts played at Trent Bridge and the first at Meadow Lane."

Some of Nigel's fondest memories of supporting Notts County include all the promotions he's seen, the Wembley finals, and of course every time they beat Forest. He even met his wonderful better half, Sue, on the old County Road terraces. "We have been together since 1985," he says.

Over time, Nigel's support for Notts County has only changed in one way. "The only real change was when I left full-time education and started work...which meant I could afford to go to every game, home and away. I've been doing just that ever since," he says.

Being a Notts County supporter has impacted Nigel's life and relationships with others in a big way. "It has been my life's priority!" he exclaims. "I have missed cousins' weddings etc because I was watching Notts. All my working life I was able to arrange time off or swap shifts to get to games, and now that I'm retired I won't make plans for anything without checking the fixture list first."

For Nigel, being a loyal long-time supporter of Notts County means identity, belonging, joy, sadness, anger, frustration. "It's a rollercoaster," he says. "But it has shaped my life and my character. It's not just a hobby or a pastime. It's a way of life."

Nigel's passion for Notts County is evident in everything he does. He doesn't have any traditions or rituals when it comes to supporting the team - "Not really. I'm not superstitious," he says - but his dedication to the club is unwavering.

His brother David is also a Notts County supporter and the two of them share their love for the club. "The same goes for my brother," Nigel says. "Notts County dominates my life...and I wouldn't have it any other way."

Nigel's story is one of passion and dedication to his beloved club. His love for Notts County has shaped his life and his character in countless ways. For Nigel, being a loyal long-time supporter of Notts County is more than just a hobby or pastime - it's a way of life.

In addition to his love for Notts County, Nigel also has a strong sense of community and belonging in Stapleford where he grew up. His family has deep roots in the area and Nigel is proud to call it home.

Nigel's story is one of passion and dedication to both his beloved club and his community. His love for Notts County has shaped his life in countless ways and will continue to do so for years to come.

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Port Vale goalkeeper Aidan Stone has completed a free transfer to Notts County. The 23-year-old has signed a two-year deal after playing a crucial role in the Valiants’ promotion from League Two in 2021-22 and making 26 appearances for them last season.

Notts County’s board of directors are pleased to welcome a goalkeeper with a blend of excellent first-team experience and considerable potential. A statement from the club reads: “When looking for a goalkeeper, we have to consider a number of important factors. It’s crucial that the player is comfortable on the ball and able to distribute well with both feet. They must also be adept at playing high up the pitch and defending the space behind our back line.”

“Aidan has the attributes to do all that, as well as the willingness to engage in what will be an extensive learning process as he adapts to the unique way we want him to play. The opportunity to bring him in ahead of pre-season was therefore very important to us, as it ensures he will have maximum time to prepare.”

Stone benefitted hugely from a spell at Burnley as a youngster, where he enjoyed a brilliant footballing education thanks to regular training alongside Nick Pope, Tom Heaton and Joe Hart. “Aidan has gone on to make more than 80 senior appearances, all with EFL clubs, and has a League Two promotion to his name. Despite his young age, he therefore has excellent experience to draw on,” the statement continues.

“Competing with Sam Slocombe, this is now his opportunity to cement his position as a first-choice goalkeeper at a club which we believe is an excellent fit for him. He arrives with a point to prove, and we’re very confident he’ll do just that.”

The Stafford-born stopper was a latecomer to goalkeeping having played in defence as a youngster before making the switch in his mid-teens. His performances at local level earned him a call-up to England Schoolboys, which then led to him signing for Burnley as back-up to England internationals Pope, Heaton and Hart.

Stone then seized the opportunity to play men’s football with a move to Mansfield following an impressive trial ahead of the 2019-20 season. The following campaign saw him claim 21 League Two appearances for the Stags, impressing sufficiently to earn a switch to Port Vale at the end of his contract.

It proved to be a magnificent move as he nailed down a first-team place towards the end of a campaign which concluded with him keeping a clean sheet in Vale’s play-off final victory over his previous employers. His promising performances and play-off heroics saw him named the Valiants’ Young Player of the Season, and he continued his progress in League One in 2022-23.

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Dan Crowley has joined Notts County and is excited to be a part of the club. In an interview with Notts County, he said that he feels “amazing” and “really proud” to have joined the club. “It’s obviously a massive club, and I’m just delighted to be here,” he said.

He was impressed by his visit to the club earlier in the summer and was “buzzing” after meeting with Luke Williams and hearing about how he wants to play football. “Just everything really. Obviously chatting to the gaffer and how he wants to play football and how he sees me playing was really good,” he said.

Crowley was attracted to Notts County’s style of play and the achievements of the club last season. He said that he wants to add goals and assists to his game and believes that he can do that at Notts County. “Just how you want to play football, how the gaffer wants to play his football. Just seeing the players, you know, we have, yeah, and their stats and how many goals they score, how many assists they get, it was just amazing really,” he said.

His key attributes as a player include getting on the ball, creating chances, dribbling at people, and making things happen. “I think getting on the ball, creating chances, getting on the half turn, dribbling at people and making stuff happen and just helping the team be a better team,” he said.

Crowley had interest from other clubs this summer but chose to join Notts County because of the club’s style of play and its upward trajectory. He is looking forward to playing with the other midfielders at the club and sees himself fitting into a more attacking role in midfield. “Yeah great, they’re three really good players I know John Bostock quite well he’s a great lad, and you know top top player, so I’m just I’m looking forward to just getting in a team and playing with those guys,” he said.

Pre-season begins next week for Notts County and Crowley is looking forward to having a full programme ahead of him. “Massively, it’s great to do a pre-season because I think last season I did a pre-season but the season before that I didn’t,” he said. “To be signing now and knowing that I can relax now and enjoy my last few days with the family and then focus on pre-season is really good.”

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Notts County has released their League Two fixtures for the 2023-24 season. The Magpies will kick off their campaign with an away match against Sutton United on Saturday, August 5th.

Their first home game will be against Grimsby Town on Saturday, August 12th. Other notable fixtures in the first month of the season include away matches against Morecambe and Doncaster Rovers and a home match against Tranmere Rovers.

On Boxing Day, Notts County will host Doncaster Rovers at home. On New Year’s Day, they will travel to Tranmere Rovers for an away match. On Easter Monday, Notts County will host MK Dons at home.

The last three fixtures of the season for Notts County include an away match against Walsall on Saturday, April 13th, a home match against Colchester United on Saturday, April 20th and an away match against Forest Green Rovers on Saturday, April 27th.

Notts County fans have been sharing their thoughts on the fixture release on the Pride of Nottingham forum. DangerousSausage commented: “We’re away on the first and last day, and if there aren’t any postponements our 5,000th League game will be away at Gillingham. FGR away on the final day is not ideal if there’s something at stake. Donny on Boxing Day might be tasty.”

Ohh Tommy Johnson added: “Gillingham is our 5000 game? That’s my local match, so I’ll have to make my way over!”

allardyces tash shared their thoughts on the start of the season: “The start is promising and there’s an opportunity to build momentum early on if the results go our way. The Tranmere game will be a good opportunity to start strong. Overall, I’m quite pleased with the release of the fixtures.”

TheCalFoster is looking forward to a cup match: “Lincoln at home in the Carabao Cup, will have a bit of that!”

Notts County fans will be eagerly anticipating these fixtures as they hope to see their team perform well in the upcoming season.

We would love to hear your views on Notts County’s League Two fixtures for the 2023-24 season. Share your thoughts with us in the discussion.

Notts fans, what do you think about the signing of Dan Crowley? Join in the conversation and let us know your thoughts.

Dan Crowley started his career at Aston Villa before moving to Arsenal at the age of 15. During his time at Arsenal, he was likened to Jack Wilshere, which added pressure to him as a young player. 

However, he sees himself as an individual and his own player. “It did add pressure probably without me even realising it because obviously I was still a young kid,” he said. “But when you ask about it, you know basing my game around you know the players. 

I like to see myself as an individual, and you know I’m Dan Crowley I’m my own player.”

He spent some time playing in the Netherlands with Willem Twee, which helped him grow up as a person and learn about managing his body and being effective on the field. 

“Yeah really good it helped me grow up as a person. The first time I went you know I was only 19, and you know moving to a different country you know living on my own for the very first time you have to grow up straight away,” he said.

Most recently, Crowley played for Morecambe in League One, where he had a fantastic debut and scored a couple of goals. “During that time you know that the support seemed to take you quite well, a fantastic debut by all accounts, and you got a couple of goals, a few assists,” said the interviewer.

He had interest from other clubs this summer but chose to join Notts County because of the club’s style of play and its upward trajectory. 

He is looking forward to playing with the other midfielders at the club and sees himself fitting into a more attacking role in midfield. 

“Yeah great, they’re three really good players I know John Bostock quite well he’s a great lad, and you know top top player, so I’m just I’m looking forward to just getting in a team and playing with those guys,” he said.

Geographical reasons were also a motivation for Crowley’s move to Notts County. He is from Coventry, which is not too far away from the club. “Yeah of course every like you know little thing helps you know it makes my life easier. I’m married, and I’ve got a little boy and a little girl due in a couple of weeks. So yeah, it definitely makes my life easier,” he said.

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Join the conversation about Dan Crowley’s arrival and share your thoughts on the midfielder.

Notts County has confirmed a new addition to their team as Dan Crowley, who signs a two-year deal with Notts County. The 25-year-old, who graduated from Arsenal’s academy, joins the club after leaving Morecambe.

Crowley quickly made a name for himself as one of Arsenal’s most promising young talents. He signed a professional contract in 2014 and progressed to the fringes of the first team while also being called up to the England youth setup.

The Magpies' board of directors are delighted to have him on board. Born in Coventry, Crowley began his career in Aston Villa’s youth ranks. His performances against Arsenal caught the attention of Arsène Wenger who brought him to north London at the age of 15.

A statement published on the Notts County website read: "As you might expect given his excellent pedigree, Dan has phenomenal technical ability which we believe can be deployed in deep and advanced midfield roles. He’s also very comfortable drifting into wider positions.

"He has so many strengths in possession of the ball – a wide passing range, incisiveness, brilliant balance, rapid acceleration and wonderful close-control. He’s a real joy to watch when in full flow and is also an excellent set-piece taker.

"Dan has tremendous experience from his many appearances in the Championship and League One, as well as in the Dutch top flight, and we think he’s a brilliant fit for our system.

"While we already possess tremendous quality in central areas, we felt we needed to add more competition and depth and Dan will certainly provide that.

"We also believe we can give him a structure and platform to thrive. We look forward to seeing him settle in."

Crowley quickly impressed with his performances at Morecambe and will now be looking to make a strong start to life at Meadow Lane. Notts County believes he’s a brilliant fit for their system and will provide more competition and depth in central areas.

The club also believes they can give him a structure and platform to thrive. They look forward to seeing him settle in and make an impact on the pitch.

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Notts County midfielder Jim O’Brien has had a unique journey with the club. He has experienced both the highs and lows of football, from relegation to the National League to promotion back to the EFL. In a recent interview, O’Brien reflected on his time with the club and what makes this coming season feel “more special” than any other.

O’Brien’s journey with Notts County began with the goal of helping the club stay in the league. Unfortunately, despite his best efforts, the club was relegated to the National League. However, O’Brien remained with the club and played under several good managers who wanted to keep him on board. This perseverance paid off when Notts County was finally promoted back to the English Football League.

Last season, O’Brien made nearly 30 appearances and scored four goals. When asked to rank his performances last year compared with previous seasons, he said it was “probably up there with some of the best I’ve played in my whole career.” He attributed this success to the manager and staff, as well as the responsibility he was given on and off the pitch.

“It’s a unique position to be in,” O’Brien said. “Obviously when I first came in it was to help us stay in the league and unfortunately we sort of ran out of time in games, and we weren’t able to do it. So to still be here and play under some good managers and have them want to keep me on board, it’s quite a special feeling.”

When asked to rank his performances last year compared with previous seasons, he said it was “probably up there with some of the best I’ve played in my whole career.” He attributed this success to the manager and staff, as well as the responsibility he was given on and off the pitch.

“The responsibility he’s given me on the pitch, off the pitch, which probably wasn’t even spoken about in great detail, it was just that trust and belief that he had the understanding of and knew how he wanted to play quite quickly,” O’Brien said.

O’Brien also spoke highly of manager Luke Williams and his coaching staff. He described Williams as “the best coach I’ve had” and praised the detail that goes into training sessions. O’Brien also mentioned that he has been able to impart his own experiences onto other members of the squad.

“He gave us respect, and he was very open on matters behind the scenes or on the training pitch or just general round about the club,” O’Brien said. “So to have that responsibility and quite quickly and the understanding that he trusts the older lads, then it was a good feeling.”

O’Brien also reflected on his role as an older player on the squad. He mentioned that he has been able to help younger players get up to speed quickly.

“It’s something that comes quite natural,” O’Brien said. “It would have been easy last pre-season for the gaffer to come in and as a young manager and a young coach to just sort of bend off the older lads. I’ve been at clubs where young coaches don’t really like any sort of pushback, or they feel maybe threatened or pushed back from older pros but that certainly wasn’t the case straight away.”

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Notts County captain Kyle Cameron has committed his future to the club by signing a two-year contract extension. 

The 26-year-old defender has been a crucial figure for the Magpies since his arrival two years ago. Cameron was out of contract this summer after leading Notts County to promotion at Wembley. The club's board of directors, together with head coach Luke Williams, are delighted to retain his services.

The extension of Cameron's contract is a clear indication of the club's faith in his abilities and leadership. His performances on the pitch have been instrumental in the team's success and the club is confident that he will continue to play a vital role in their future.

A statement published via the Notts County website praised Cameron's unique skillset as a left-sided centre-back. "Not only has he had a vital role as captain, but he’s also pivotal to how we play," the statement read. "He was part of a defence that conceded only 42 goals last season and, by retaining him, we ensure continuation in personnel which we hope will lead to another defensively-sound campaign."

Cameron's ability on the ball and consistency in delivering dangerous crosses into the box were also highlighted. "Kyle has a very unique skillset as a left-sided centre-back, being so comfortable on the ball, confident in progressing the play and consistent in delivering dangerous crosses into the box," the statement continued.

The club expressed their excitement at retaining Cameron and providing him with the right platform to continue his growth as a player. "We also feel we can provide Kyle with the right platform and environment to continue his growth as a player, and we’re excited to see how he performs over the next two seasons," the statement concluded.

The news of Kyle Cameron’s contract extension has been met with great enthusiasm from Notts County fans. The club’s captain has been a key figure in their recent success and his commitment to the team for another two years is a positive sign for the future. 

With his unique skillset and leadership qualities, Cameron is sure to continue playing a vital role in the team’s success. The club and its supporters are excited to see what he will achieve in the coming seasons.

Exciting news! Kyle Cameron has agreed to a new 2-year deal with Notts. Come share your thoughts with us.

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Jodi Jones, the winger for Notts County, has had quite a journey. After first joining on loan and helping the club fire themselves to promotion via Wembley, he signed a permanent 2-year-deal. Now, he's been called up to represent Malta and is preparing to play against England.

In an interview with Nick Richardson of Notts County's media team, Jones shared his thoughts on his recent experiences with the Malta national team. "I was a little bit disappointed when I realised I wasn't going to get much of a summer," he said. "But it's part of football."

Jones played in a different position than he's used to while with Malta. "When I come here I normally play as a striker but not as an out-and-out striker. I can kind of drop into the pockets and get the ball up and running behind as well," he explained. "I just try to get on the ball as much as possible. I love having the ball at my feet."

Malta's formation is different from Notts County's, with wing backs and central defensive midfielders. "We try to play as compact as possible," Jones said. Despite this, he still tries to play in the pockets and adopt the striker role as a number 10 role. "I try to do a bit of both but yeah, I really enjoyed it. I was getting on the ball a lot making things happen."

Jones also shared his thoughts on playing against England. "It's one of the biggest games of my life," he said. "Obviously, the game at Wembley for Notts was up there because of what it meant and where it was gonna take us. With this game, obviously, it's a bit different. People don't expect us to win."

The general message from Malta's coaches going into the game against England is to work hard but smartly. "We don't want to concede any sloppy goals from set pieces," Jones said. "We want to stay in the game for as long as possible."

Jones is learning a lot from his experiences with Malta and becoming a more well-rounded player. "I love learning when they tell me what to do, and they stay out with me and practice with me," he said.

Notts County fans will be supporting Jones on Friday but also keeping an eye on his return for pre-season. Jones is in touch with the club and working with strength and conditioning coach Ian Hutton to prepare for the season.

Jones' journey from Notts County to Malta national team has been an exciting one, and we can't wait to see what he'll do next.

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Do you enjoy hearing about fellow Magpie supporters and why they support Notts? Check out our story on Fan Tony ‘Poppa Bear’ Wood.

Tony Poppa Bear Wood has been a Notts County fan for around 39-40 years. Born in Beeston, Nottingham, he grew up watching football as a child. His love for Notts County began when his Grandad took him to his first game at the age of 3 or 4. "Back then it was an all-standing ground and I remember my grandad smoking his pipe and the smell. And from that day on, I was hooked on Notts County Football Club," he says.

Tony's favourite memory as a Notts County fan is the Warnock era and the two back-to-back promotions via the playoffs. He went to both finals at the old Wembley. Standout matches include the FA Cup against Tottenham when Don O'Riordan scored the free kick. "Although we lost the game it still was a fantastic game," he says.

Over the years, Tony has seen Notts County evolve. "Fans are very fickle; one week they are moaning because we lose, the next week they are shouting the praises of the team for winning," he says. He believes that Notts should do more of a free meet and greet with the squad.

When asked what makes Notts County stand out from other teams in the league, Tony points to Luke Williams and Macauley Langstaff. "I think Luke Williams has made a massive impact on the team; we have heart, soul and passion and come together as a squad. Not forgetting Macauley Langstaff; what an absolute player he is," he says.

Looking to the future, Tony is optimistic about Notts County's chances in the upcoming season. "I am really glad we gained promotion back to League 2 and gain our status back," he says. He believes that if they can keep hold of their current squad with a few new additions and keep gaining momentum, they can finish in the top half of League 2 and maybe even gain another promotion.

Being a Notts County fan has even helped Tony through tough times in his life. "It was about 8 or 9 years ago, and I was rushed into hospital with double pneumonia and was in a coma; Notts County sent me a get-well card signed by all the players and manager at that time. And will never forget that," he shares.

Tony's favourite Notts County chant or song is either Macauley Langstaff's song or Kyle Cameron's song, as well as Super Lukey Williams' song with "We know exactly what we need: Cameron at the back and Macca in attack."

If he could say one thing to the players or coach, it would be: "Go out there and play real football; stop passing the ball back to the keeper... Attack is the best form of defence." He would also tell Aaron Nemane to run at players.

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In a recent interview, Notts County midfielder Jim O’Brien spoke about the club’s new signings. He expressed his excitement at having David McGoldrick join the squad, describing him as a player of “quality” who had a “long and distinguished career.” O’Brien also mentioned that McGoldrick turned down a deal to sign for the Rams opting for Notts County instead.

“Well, first of all, to have someone of that quality on board is quite exciting for the club and for the dressing room,” O’Brien said. “25 goals last season and he’s 35, it’s pretty special. The fact that he turned down a deal at Derby to be here speaks volumes for the club, speaks volumes for him.”

O’Brien also spoke about Sam Slocombe and Connell Rawlinson extending their stay at Meadow Lane. He described them both as important players for the club and expressed his pleasure at them staying on.

“Connell’s one as well,” O’Brien said. “Maybe he probably thought last season he wasn’t going to play as much as he did and ended up getting in the team, and became an absolute machine for us at centre-back. So to have someone like that on board as well again is massive for the club.”

Additionally, O’Brien mentioned Jodi Jones, who is staying with Notts County despite being in Malta preparing to play against England. O’Brien described Jones as an exciting player who can change a game quickly.

“It took him a little while to get up to speed,” O’Brien said. “If we can get those defensive principles into him then I don’t see why he can’t play there [wing back]. Add another strength to his game if you like. Obviously we know he can operate in that number 8 position as well. It’s an exciting one.”

O’Brien also spoke about Ruben Rodrigues moving on from Notts County. He praised Rodrigues’ progression in terms of maturity during his time with the club.

“I think he deserves it,” O’Brien said. “I’ve seen a natural progression in Ruben in terms of maturity. He came here just wanting to nutmeg people and while he still did that, towards the end, his work rate over the years just became stronger and stronger.”

O’Brien expressed optimism about the upcoming season and the new additions to the squad. He praised the quality of the new signings and their potential to contribute to the team’s success.

O'Brien also spoke about the value of having experienced players like McGoldrick and Rawlinson on the squad. He said that their experience would be helpful in imparting knowledge onto younger players and helping them develop.

"The fact that I've probably played my best football that I've played in my career last season is a big factor in me signing again," O'Brien said. "There was a part of me that maybe wanted to jump onto the coaching side of things with other opportunities but no, I'm not ready to stop yet. I'm fit, and I still feel that I've got a contribution to the team on the pitch and to the club."

O'Brien expressed optimism about the upcoming season and the new additions to the squad. He praised the quality of the new signings and their potential to contribute to the team's success.

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