New Notts County striker Kristian Dennis has expressed his desire to be at the right end of the League Two table this season after back-to-back relegations with Chesterfield.

The 28-year-old joined the Magpies last week in a deal thought to have cost the club £150,000.

Dennis scored 21 goals last season but could not prevent the Spireites from dropping out of the Football League and is eager to make up for it by winning promotion with Notts.

“I came back into the league with Chesterfield and had two relegations so that’s the last thing I want on my mind,” he told the Nottingham Post.

“I want to be at the opposite end of the table and right up there vying for promotion.

“I know Notts finished fifth last season and hopefully we can go one better, get automatic and get up into League One.”

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Notts County have announced the signing of Manchester City academy midfielder Will Patching once his contract at the Etihad expires on July 1.

The 19-year-old, who has been with the Premier League champions since the under-six age group, has agreed a two-year deal at Meadow Lane.

“I’ve never had an experience like this before,” Patching told the official Notts site. “I’m looking forward to it.

“I love having the ball at my feet and I can chip in with assists and like scoring goals, but I can play in a deeper holding position as well. I enjoy set pieces, too. I do a lot of work on them so hopefully I can score a few here.

“I can’t wait to work under Kevin Nolan. He’s got good attributes as a manager and he played in my position, so he can help me with a lot of things I need to work on. Hopefully I can go on to have a career like his.”

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Notts County owner Alan Hardy has stressed how important it was to give "an early statement of intent" to the league by moving early to bring in big signings.

The club chairman acknowledges that, two weeks ago, the Magpies were left reeling by their playoff defeat to Coventry City.

Moving on from that, Hardy spoke of showing the world that Notts "would be far from a wounded animal next season", ergo the arrivals of the likes of Kristian Dennis, Kane Hemmings, Andy Kellett and Tom Crawford.

"Let’s rewind a fortnight," Hardy wrote in the Nottingham Post. "The final whistle has just blown at Meadow Lane and our play-offs campaign has been curtailed in the cruelest way possible.

"The mood around the club is probably the worst it’s been since Kevin Nolan and I arrived. Our whole season has been undone by abysmal decisions from not one, but two separate sets of officials and it’s hard, right now, to look ahead with much excitement or optimism.

"Now, fast forward to the present day. We’ve just announced four superb new signings, seen two of our brightest prospects commit their future to us and confirmed pre-season friendlies against Leicester City and Derby County.

"The atmosphere behind the scenes is the best it’s been in recent years and everyone, players, staff and supporters, can’t wait for the new campaign to come around.

"I must take this opportunity to praise the tireless work of our football operations director, Jason Turner, who has been instrumental in all the above.

"Jason’s knowledge and passion for the industry are vital to us and he, along with several other members of staff, worked around the clock this week to help deliver all the brilliant news we have been delighted to share.

"It was crucial we gave an early statement of intent, not only to our supporters but also to the football world to show them we would be far from a wounded animal next season.

"We had our targets, we worked out a plan and we nailed it."

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Notts County have added a fourth player to their ranks this week in the shape of Kane Hemmings, who joins from Oxford United on a three-year deal for a reported fee of around £100,000.

The Magpies have already snapped up Tom Crawford, Kristian Dennis and Andy Kellett, and now they have secured the signature of a player who enjoyed a fruitful loan spell at Mansfield Town last term.

Hemmings will be familiar to Notts fans, having scored a 99th-minute penalty in a 1-1 draw at Meadow Lane in March.

“I’m over the moon,” the Burton-upon-Trent lad told the official Notts site. “This is a club that wants to go places, and I want to go there with them.

“Being a local lad and having heard the plans the manager and chairman have for the club, it’s an opportunity I couldn’t really turn down.

“As soon as the offer came in I was convinced straightaway. It’s a perfect match and I’m delighted to get it done.

“I like to get on the ball and be in and around the box, getting shots away and linking up with team-mates.

“Hopefully the fans will see an exciting player who scores a goal or two and is a big influence on the team.”

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Notts County assistant manager Richard Thomas is confident that Kristian Dennis's arrival at Meadow Lane means "a lot more goals walking through the door".

The Magpies had a bid rejected for the forward on Tuesday, but followed it up with an improved offer believed to be £150,000 which was enough to seal the deal.

Dennis, who scored 21 goals for the relegated Spireites, has signed a three-year contract at Meadow Lane in the club's biggest spend since the arrival of Izale McLeod from Crawley Town in 2015.

“Kristian brings goals – and that’s what everybody’s craving,” Thomas told the Nottingham Post. “It’s the hardest thing in the game to do, but he does it very successfully.

“He’s a threat in and around the box – that’s where he’ll do most of his work. He’s a very good signing and hopefully it’s a lot more goals walking through the door.”

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Notts County have announced the double signing of Chesterfield striker Kristian Dennis and his former loan teammate, left-back Andy Kellett, who joins from Wigan Athletic.

Dennis, 28, scored 21 goals for the Spireites last season, an impressive return which however could not keep the Derbyshire club in League Two, and joins for an undisclosed fee.

Kellett, meanwhile, was on loan at the Proact Stadium last term but arrives at Meadow Lane after having been released by the Championship-bound Latics.

“I’m aiming for more (goals), to be honest,” Dennis, who penned a three-year deal, told the official site. “Hopefully, playing in a team that’s challenging for promotion, I’ll get 25 - if not more.

“I like to work hard, get hold of the ball and make runs in behind – and to put the ball in the net, which is what I’m paid to do. I back myself on either foot when I’ve got a shot on goal.”

Kellett said: “I spoke with the manager about a week ago and wanted to come here straightaway.

“I know how passionate he is from when I was coming through as a young lad at Bolton. He was someone I looked up to. He was a leader on the pitch and I’m sure he’ll try and get the best out of me.

“I like to think I’m quite exciting – I like to run with the ball and counter-attack.

“I grew up as a left back, played as a wing back at Plymouth and when I signed for Wigan they saw me more as an attack-minded player. I think that’s where my preferred position is.”

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Notts County have announced the signing of teenage Chester FC midfielder Tom Crawford for an undisclosed fee.

The 19-year-old, who celebrated his birthday today, made 17 appearances for the Blues and was deemed one of the bright lights in a poor season which saw the team relegated from the National League.

Crawford, who made his England C debut against the Republic of Ireland amateur side on Sunday, was believed to be on the radar of several sides in the Championship and League One but opted for the Magpies.

“What a day. It’s a great birthday present to sign at Meadow Lane and I just can’t wait to get started," he told the official Notts site.

“I loved every minute of my time at Chester and I was disappointed we went down. But, for me personally, to get into the team and play 17 games and score a goal was a big achievement.

“The bigger the crowd, the better for me. I just can’t wait to get out there and play in front of thousands of people.

“I thrive off that sort of stuff – I love the atmosphere and want more of it. I’ll be working my socks off between now and pre-season to be fitter than ever before.”

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Notts County goalkeeper Ross Fitzsimons and defender Pierce Bird have signed new deals at Meadow Lane.

The pair have put pen to paper on extensions that will run until the end of the 2019-20 season.

Fitzsimons played 20 games for the Magpies last season, getting an extended run after now-released Adam Collin suffered an injury.

However, he lost his place in the team after being sent off in a 2-1 defeat to Crawley Town for lashing out at an opposition player.

“At the time [of the Crawley incident] I completely saw red,” Fitzsimons told the official site. “I just didn’t process it in my mind.

“I’m not generally like that – everyone has moments when they act before they think, and unfortunately that was mine.

“After that, I didn’t really have a case to go into the manager’s office and ask why I wasn’t playing because Adam came back in and was outstanding for us.

“The main aim for me now is to come back and try and claim the number-one shirt – and hopefully help the team to top end of the table come the end of next season.

“I was over the moon to hear the manager and his staff wanted to keep me on for an extended period.”

Bird, meanwhile, joined Notts last summer from non-league Dunkirk and made one appearance for the Magpies in a EFL Trophy defeat to Lincoln City.

“From this time last year, a lot of things have changed,” the 19-year-old said.

“I’ve been out on loan [to Alfreton and Leek], so I picked up a good amount of gametime, and hopefully now I’ll kick on into pre-season and see where that takes me from there.

“I’m looking to be around the first team and in the matchday squads more than last year. It would be a dream come true to break into the first team and get 10-15 games under my belt.”

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Alan Hardy has given Notts County goalkeeper Ross Fitzsimons a big vote of confidence, saying he will be "worth a large sum of money" in a few years' time.

The 23-year-old has been offered a new contract by the Magpies and, should he sign it, is likely to become Adam Collin's successor after the former number one was released by the club.

Fitzsimons did well in deputising for Collin last season but lost his place in January after lashing out at Crawley Town player Mark Connolly to earn a red card and give the opposition a penalty which was converted.

“Ross was outstanding in the games he played,” Hardy told the Nottingham Post.

“If it wasn’t for the sending off against Crawley when we played them at Meadow Lane, then he would have probably retained his place throughout the rest of the season.

“Ross is a fantastic prospect for the future, and we believe in three years’ time, he will be worth a large sum of money.

“He is a very talented young goalkeeper.”

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Alan Hardy has admitted that Notts County are hoping to re-sign Ben Hall on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion next season.

The former Motherwell defender played 11 games for Kevin Nolan’s side in 2017-18, after joining on a deadline day loan in January.

Brighton have high hopes for the Northern Ireland under-21 international and awarded him a new contract back in April, but he is expected to go back out on loan in 2018-19.

“It would be great if we could bring Ben Hall back to the club,” Hardy told the Nottingham Post.

“We’ve had some discussions about him as he was excellent in the games he played during his time on loan with us.

"That’s something we are looking at.”

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Alan Hardy has paid tribute to the players released by Notts County this week and pledged to build for "another season to remember".

The Magpies finished fifth in League Two last season and took on Coventry City in the playoff semi-finals.

It didn't go to plan, however, as Notts lost 5-2 on aggregate, and although Hardy was left with resentment over the unjust refereeing decisions, he will look ahead to the 2018-19 campaign.

"When you get that close to tasting success, it summons a deep-seated passion to go one better and that will be our aim next season," Hardy wrote in the Nottingham Post.

"We have a fantastic manager, we have a squad who have forged a tremendous spirit, and we have you - the supporters.

"Your incredible backing throughout the course of the campaign both home and away was outstanding.

"It is a real source of motivation, and I am determined to ensure it is rewarded with a magical season which I hope will make up for the anguish of last week.

"We have already started our battle plan for next season and this week we unveiled our retained list.

"It is always an exceptionally difficult time because you have to say goodbye to players who you have got to know, respect and admire.

"You see them on a daily basis, you see how hard they work, and you appreciate everything they have given to the cause.

"To then say goodbye is extremely difficult, and I would suspect that any manager will tell you, it’s probably one of the hardest jobs they have to do.

"I would like to place on record my thanks to those players who have departed us this week.

"They all played their part and I would have dearly loved for them all to have gone out on the high of securing promotion under the Wembley arch.

"Now, though, it is a time to look ahead to the new season knowing we have a core group already at the football club that I am sure will be determined to march us to glory.

"It is going to be another busy summer when we look to supplement the squad with quality over quantity in our bid to reach our destination.

"I am looking forward to the challenge of giving you another season to remember.

"Hopefully this time it will end in perfect fashion knowing the events of last week was just a brief pit-stop of disappointment in our continued journey towards success."

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Jorge Grant says he has "improved so much as a player and as a person" following his loan spell at Notts County.

The Nottingham Forest attacker has enjoyed two bright loan spells at Meadow Lane, in the second half of the 2016-17 campaign and the entirery of last season.

With County's 2017-18 campaign now over, Grant has returned over the Trent but posted some kind comments about the club and the fans.

“Big thanks to everyone at Notts County for the last 18 months,” the 23-year-old wrote on Twitter.

“Improved so much as a player and as a person! Sad to say goodbye to everyone today.

“Thanks to everyone behind the scenes and the fans for all the love and hate. It honestly has been a pleasure.”

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Matt Tootle has stressed that he "wouldn't have wanted to go anywhere else" after he committed his future to Notts County until 2020.

The Magpies defender, who was voted the Fans' Player of the Year, was rewarded for his endeavours after the club unveiled their retained list on Tuesday.

Writing on his Twitter account, Tootle said: “Absolutely delighted to have signed a new two-year deal at Notts.

“I wouldn’t have wanted to go anywhere else it’s been an amazing year which ended on a sour note. Can’t wait for next year already.”

Chairman Alan Hardy added: “He is a fantastic ambassador for Notts County.

“He’s had a great season and was rightly chosen by the fans as player of the year.

“He was part of a fantastic back-four that had the third best defensive record in the league.

“Matt is tremendously committed to the cause and produced some excellent performances throughout the campaign.

“I am delighted he has signed up for the next two years.”

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Shola Ameobi, Rob Milsom, Adam Collin, Carl Dickinson and Jonathan Forte are among the players who will not be at Notts County next season as the club published their end-of-season retained list.

All the players met with manager Kevin Nolan on Tuesday and a total of 11 senior players have been axed ahead of the new campaign.

Meanwhile, Fans' Player of the Season Matt Tootle has penned a new deal at the club which will take him to 2020, while another six who were due to be out of contract have been offered extensions.

"I can't thank the lads enough for their committed efforts in my first full season here at Notts County" Nolan told the official website.

"These decisions are some of the hardest, if not the hardest, we make as a management team and it's never an easy time for everyone involved.

"I would like to put on record my thanks to all of the players who are moving on and wish them all the best for their future."

Chairman and owner Alan Hardy added: "On behalf of the club we would like to thank all the players for their efforts this season, and for those players leaving us we wish them the very best in their future endeavours.

"I'm very confident in the decisions we have made and that we will have the start of a squad which is capable of continuing with the progress this club has made in the past 16 months."

Here is Notts County's retained list following the conclusion of the 2017/18 League Two campaign.

Under contract

Lewis Alessandra
Shaun Brisley
Terry Hawkridge
Elliott Hewitt
Noor Husin
Liam Noble
Jon Stead
Matt Tootle

Out of contract, offered new contract

Pierce Bird
Richard Duffy
Ross Fitzsimons
Dan Jones
Michael O'Connor
Branislav Pindroch

Out of contract, released

Shola Ameobi
Adam Collin
Carl Dickinson
Mike Edwards
Jonathan Forte
Elliot Hodge
Nicky Hunt
Rob Milsom
Callum Saunders
Alan Smith
Curtis Thompson

Loans expired

Mason Bennett
Jorge Grant
Ben Hall
Matty Virtue

Apprentices offered development contracts

Harry Bugg
Remaye Campbell
Declan Dunn
Alex Howes
Sam Osborne

Apprentices released

Dominic Brown-Hill
Peter Dearle
Ryan Ebanks
Curtis Hall
Jordon Richards
Joe Searson-Smithard
Edwin Towers

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Notts County are set to launch a new senior women's team, just over a year after the previous incarnation, Notts County Ladies, was folded.

Magpies owner Alan Hardy "called time" on efforts to save the Women's Super League 1 side in April 2017 when faced by debts of around £500,000, and folded just before the season started.

The Lady Pies had been moved from Lincoln to Nottingham and got to the FA Cup Women's Final in 2015, but Hardy stressed that "the numbers simply (did) not stack up; continuing would have been little short of financial suicide."

However, a new side called Notts County Women emerged on Twitter last weekend and announced that player trials would be held with a view to the team playing competitive football in 2018-19.

"We will be basement level working our way," Hardy told BBC Sport.

"I always said that I would relaunch it at some point in the future when the foundations were right and more importantly there was a pathway in place.

"We have built from the Under-8s to the Under-14s and the next logical step was a senior team.

"We understand that we may need to start at the bottom and work through the leagues. In five years we want to be at WSL 2 level, and that is a realistic ambition."

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Michael O’Connor has called for more ex-players to go into refereeing after Notts County were knocked out of the League Two playoffs against Coventry City.

In the first leg at the Ricoh Arena, Matt Tootle was wrongly penalised for a foul on Tom Bayliss which saw Marc McNulty score a late penalty to earn Coventry a 1-1 draw.

And in the return leg at Meadow Lane, Jonathan Forte saw an equaliser wrongly chalked off for offside when the score was 2-1, while Maxime Biamou's third Sky Blues goal was offside.

“Forte was two yards onside, and there were two offsides for their third goal,” Notts captain O'Connor told the Nottingham Post.

“If the goal stands and it’s 2-2, they were gone. They were shot and I think we would have won the game.

“It’s easy looking back now saying this and that, but look at the penalty decision in the first game.

“It’s never a penalty. That’s three big decisions over two legs in a play-off semi-final.

“That’s not good enough. These are meant to be the best referees in the league.

“It’s hard being a referee, I get that. But people’s livelihoods are at stake.

“Do I think the scrutiny on the decision will make a difference next season? No.

“A lot of referees haven’t played the game before and that’s why more players at the end of their careers should officiate. They know the game better.”

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Coventry City captain Michael Doyle has claimed that Notts County's attitude prior to the League Two playoff semi-final second leg effectively did the team talk for his side.

The Sky Blues coasted to a 4-1 win on Friday night, putting them into the playoff final 5-2 on aggregate at the expense of the Magpies.

Doyle felt County gave Coventry an extra incentive because of things like the specially printed Wembley T-shirts and comments made by Alan Hardy.

“I just felt that they thought that before the game they were through,” he told Coventry Telegraph, referring to the chairman’s programme column in which he talked about planning for the final.

“I read the programme notes from their chairman before the game and I just felt – and I am not having a pop – but I thought they thought they were already there.

“We were told they had T-shirts in the dressing room for Wembley, so we weren’t going down without a fight.

"The lads were unbelievable and they deserve it. It just goes to show what happens when we get that consistency in the biggest game of the season, when there’s so much pressure and so much at stake, and we go and play like that.”

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Alan Hardy has paid tribute to the Notts County fanbase in an end-of-season message following the playoff defeat to Coventry City.

A total of 17,615 people were in attendance at Meadow Lane on Friday night to watch the Magpies fight for a place in the final at Wembley.

It wasn't to be unfortunately, with the Sky Blues instead winning the chance to go up in the showpiece event on Bank Holiday Monday, with Exeter City in their way.

Nonetheless, Hardy was delighted with the Black & White Army and their support at the game and throughout the season, and has pledged to work hard behind the scenes to keep the club prospering.

"I would like to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to everyone who supported us throughout the campaign," Hardy wrote on the official website.

"Unfortunately there was to be no fairytale ending and, given some of the refereeing decisions we were subjected to over the course of our play-off semi-final tie, perhaps it simply wasn’t meant to be.

"When the dust settles, we will be able to look back on an amazing season of progression on and off the field, culminating in a breathtaking occasion which attracted a record crowd this century.

"It’s difficult to put into words the level of pride I felt looking around the stadium ahead of kick-off (Friday) night. Nearly every seat was filled and there was a terrific atmosphere swirling around Meadow Lane.

"We are all united in our desire to have more nights like that and with your continued backing, I’m sure we will.

"While the players will now have some well-deserved time off with their friends and family, behind the scenes the hard work begins straightaway to ensure we continue on our upward curve.

"As always, I will keep you informed of the latest developments in our exciting journey.

"Thank you once again. Alan."

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Alan Hardy has urged the Notts County fanbase to play their part in what he hopes to be a night "that will go down in Meadow Lane folklore".

Tonight, the second leg of County's League Two playoff semi-final against Coventry City takes place, with the tie evenly - and unfairly - poised at 1-1.

Writing in the Nottingham Post, Hardy spoke at length about the nerves and anticipation involved prior to kickoff, the camaraderie in the Notts camp, and the role which the Black & White Army must play.

"So the day has finally arrived when our hopes, dreams and aspirations can be realised on what I hope is an unforgettable night at Meadow Lane," wrote Hardy.

"Coventry stand in our way in their bid to reach the League Two play-off final at Wembley and they will provide formidable opposition in our quest to reach that famous arch.

"All we can ask from the players is they run their legs into the ground, tackle that little bit harder and run that little bit further than the opposition.

"They have been fantastic all season, defying everybody’s expectations given the original objective was consolidation.

"But here we are, on the cusp of Wembley, and we require them now to give one final push to ensure we can all enjoy a capital day out when we can paint London in a sea of black and white.

"It will be nervous, it will be tense, but I have firm belief in the manager Kevin Nolan and his players, who have developed an incredible brothers-in-arms mentality.

"They have done their family, friends, the club and themselves proud with the way they have conducted themselves over the last nine months.

"The spirit among them is absolutely first class. When one is in trouble, the other goes to help out. When you’ve got that kind of mentality, how can you go wrong?

"I am fully expecting Meadow Lane to be sold out, with tickets having been snapped up amid exceptional demand.

"The thought of the Kop swaying in unison, singing their hearts out and roaring the boys on is something that has the hairs on the back of your neck standing up.

"Once again, it is going to be a phenomenal occasion in the history of this wonderful football club.

"The fans must not underestimate their importance to our quest either because they were absolutely incredible at the Ricoh Arena.

"They made a hell of a lot of noise and, having spoken to the manager and the players, it drove them on when legs were getting weary.

"It was the loudest away following of the season with the fans bouncing and dancing, culminating in an unforgettable sight. We need that again on Friday night.

"We all have a part to play in what is going to be a rollercoaster of emotions over 90 - or maybe even 120 - minutes.

"Like me, I’m sure you just want to hear the shrill of the referee’s whistle so we can all get cracking.

"It’s torture having to wait for kick-off but I hope that come full time we are witnessing scenes that will go down in Meadow Lane folklore."

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Notts County boss Kevin Nolan has claimed that Sam Allardyce "was hard done by" at Everton.

The 63-year-old, who managed the Magpies 20 years ago but left in unpopular circumstances, was sacked by the Merseyside outfit following a six-month spell in which he guided the club to an eighth-placed finish in the Premier League.

Nolan played under Allardyce at West Ham, Newcastle and Bolton, with the former England manager appointing him as captain on each occasion, and thinks he should have been given more time at Goodison Park.

“From my point of view, he was hard done by,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post. “It’s going to be a massive appointment for Everton now because the fans have made their feelings known. It will be interesting to see who gets the job and where they are in a year’s time.

“I am gutted for the gaffer, but I am sure he will be getting a few phone calls. He gets unfairly branded about his style. People don’t see what he does. He was just starting to mould a team that looked quite exciting for next season. He finished eighth and apparently that’s a poor season for Everton.

“Had he been given a full season he could have been the one who upset the applecart (top four). I think they’ve made a mistake but I am not their owner. I just see what Sam is about and I wish him all the best in whatever he does next.”

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What's been happening in League Two over the last week?

Here is Pride of Nottingham's round-up of the biggest League Two news from the last seven days.

- Former Notts County boss Martin Allen has left his position as Barnet manager - in what was his fifth spell in charge at the club - following their relegation from League Two, and took charge of fellow relegated side Chesterfield.

- The first legs of the League Two playoff semi-finals both finished evenly poised as Lincoln and Exeter played out a 0-0 draw while Notts County's game at Coventry ended in an unjust 1-1 draw.

- Coventry defender Tom Davies was charged and subsequently banned for three games - crucially including Friday's playoff second leg with Notts - after a stamp on Richard Duffy.

- Peterborough United signed out-of-contract Accrington Stanley goalkeeper Aaron Chapman on a two-year deal which starts on July 1.

- Port Vale signed Wycombe Wanderers goalkeeper Scott Brown on a two-year deal.

- Colchester United full-back Ryan Jackson has signed a new two-year contract with the Essex club.

- Cheltenham Town signed defender Johnny Mullins following his release by Luton Town on a two-year contract.

- Cambridge United goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov has signed a new three-year contract at the Abbey Stadium.

- Here is an updated retained list, made to the best of our knowledge as of 17 May:

ACCRINGTON STANLEY

Out: Mekhi McLeod, Akeel Francis

BARNET

Transfer listed: John Akinde

Out: Craig Ross, Ruben Bover, Jamie Stephens, Justin Amaluzor, Andre Blackman, Charlie Clough, Shane Cojocarel, Tobi Coker, Tom Day, Jordan Nicholson, Ryan Watson.

CAMBRIDGE UNITED

Out: Leon Legge, Medy Elito, Piero Mingoia.

CARLISLE UNITED

Out: Reggie Lambe, Samir Nabi, John O'Sullivan, Morgan Bacon, Tom Miller, Jamal Campbell-Ryce, Shaun Miller, Cameron Salkeld.

CHELTENHAM TOWN

In: Johnny Mullins (free transfer)

Out: Harry Pell (Colchester, undisclosed)

CHESTERFIELD

Out: Ian Evatt, Sam Hird, Drew Talbot, Josh Kay, Giles Coke, Dylan Parkin, Jack Brownell.

COLCHESTER UNITED

In: Harry Pell (Cheltenham Town, undisclosed)

Out: Doug Loft, Denny Johnstone, Craig Slater, Tommy O'Sullivan.

COVENTRY CITY

In: Zain Westbrooke

CRAWLEY TOWN

Out: Jordan Roberts, Billy Clifford, Aliu Djalo

CREWE ALEXANDRA

Out: Chris Dagnall, Zoumana Bakayogo, Daniel Udoh, Ross Woodcock.

FOREST GREEN ROVERS

Out: Keanu Marsh-Brown, Omar Bugiel, Callum Evans, Alex Whittle, Mark Roberts, Sam Russell, Harry Pickering, Tom Anderson, Jon Moran, Olly Mehew, Cameron Belford and Jordan Morris.

GRIMSBY TOWN

Out: Ben Davies, Nathan Clarke, James Berrett, Tom Sawyer, Jack Keeble, Ben Killip, Scott Vernon, Karleigh Osborne, Gary McSheffrey, Sean McAllister, Zak Mills.

MORECAMBE

Out: Michael Rose, Dean Winnard, Rhys Turner, Steven Yawson, Reece Deakin, Patrick Brough, Adam McGurk, Luke Jordan.

NEWPORT COUNTY

Out: James Bittner, Paul Hayes, Marlon Jackson, Calaum Jahraldo-Martin, Jamie Turley.

PORT VALE

In: Scott Brown (free transfer).

Out: Ryan Boot, Joe Slinn, Kjell Knops, Charlie Walford, Luke Dennis, Harry Middleton, Graham Kelly, Billy Reeves, Anton Forrester, Chris Regis.

STEVENAGE

In: Luther Wildin (undisclosed).

Transfer listed: Kevin Lokko (fee required), Johnny Goddard (fee required), Joe Martin (free transfer), Jonathan Smith (free transfer).

Out: Jack King, Fraser Franks, Dale Gorman, Tom Conlon, Chris Whelpdale, Alex Samuel, Jamie Gray.

YEOVIL TOWN

Out: Artur Krysiak, Nathan Smith, Ryan Dickson, Dan Alfei.

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Notts County full-back Matt Tootle has spoken out to raise awareness of Mental Health Awareness Week.

Last year, the 27-year-old opened up on how his career was almost derailed due to mental health issues and had cognitive therapy to help assist him.

Tootle has been widely praised by his Notts teammates, staff and fans, not to mention the wider football world for speaking out.

The player has once again sought to raise awareness of mental health and wrote on Twitter: "I’d just like to try and help raise awareness again for how important it is to speak up and not be ashamed of a mental health issue, I continue to believe we are making great progress in making mental health something not to be ashamed of!!

"I continue to battle my own struggle day to day but I love my life and everyone in it! Anyone out there who is struggling please speak to someone."

Tootle has enjoyed a superb season in the Black and White, winning the Notts County Fans Player of the Year award this term.

Share your thoughts about this news story 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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