Notts County boss John Sheridan admits he's cancelled his players' Christmas party, adding that they agree with his reasoning.

The Magpies sit 19th in the League Two table after a poor run of four consecutive league defeats, and Sheridan thinks the players are not in a position to be celebrating.

"Listen, you've got to take your mind off football, I'm all for that, but I don't think we're in any position to," he told the Nottingham Post.

"I think we've got to work a lot, lot harder and focus on what we're trying to do – and that's trying to be successful in this league.

"There's still a long, long way to go. There's plenty of points, and there's nothing stopping us from getting back in the mix.

"I just feel, and the players feel, like it's best if there's no Christmas do.

"There will be a time when we can celebrate, and I think the players are backing me on it.

"It will save them some money. And I think the players know it's not a punishment, so they have responded the way I want them to respond.

"They know we have got to get things right, so I don't see it as a problem whatsoever and hopefully it will work out the way we want it to."

Media reports have claimed that the players were paid late this week, but Sheridan has vowed to stay away from "the politics".

"I don't get involved in the politics and other people have to take care of whatever is going on off the pitch," he said.

"I just concentrate on the pitch, and it's a big game for us, it's an opportunity to get into the next round and the possibility of getting a big team.

"That's all I'm concentrating on, I don't get involved in politics whatsoever. I don't want it to distract us, I don't feel it has. We've trained okay and we carry on."

Notts take on Peterborough United in an FA Cup second-round clash at Meadow Lane on Sunday.

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Notts County assistant manager Mark Crossley has called on his players to show the club and fans "what they are made of" to get out of their current malaise.

The Magpies lost their fourth consecutive league game on Saturday after they fell to a 3-2 defeat at Barnet, causing them to slump to 19th in the table.

"In the first half we were pretty pleased," Crossley told the Nottingham Post.

"We had two great chances to go 2-0 up and Vadaine (Oliver) said in the dressing room he has to score the two headers then the game is out of sight.

"We knew what we would get from Barnet but we didn't deal with it in the second half.

"The players are low in confidence and now it's about time they took some responsibility.

"We work through the week on strengths and weaknesses of the opposition and you can't legislate for miskicking the ball and making the wrong decisions.

"In the second half, that's what happened. They've got to dig themselves out of it. You can defend players, but they have got to show us what they are made of."

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Notts County manager John Sheridan says his team will "be fighting" when they travel to Barnet on Saturday, and believe they can beat anyone in League Two on their day.

The Magpies have lost three in a row in the league, failing to score in each game, and fell into the bottom half of the table, while just a month ago they were in play-off contention.

Martin Allen's side, on the other hand, have picked up 12 points from six games to climb to 11th and are in good form.

"Barnet will think it's a good time to play us but we'll go there believing we'll get something from the game," Sheridan told the Nottingham Post.

"We'll be fighting. I want us to pick up. If we play as we can we can beat anyone in the league. If we play like we did at Blackpool and Newport we'll get nothing."

Sheridan also praised Allen, who previously managed the Magpies, for changing the mentality of the Hive Stadium side.

"I like Martin. I get on well with him," he said.

"He gets his players really pumped up. They've had a great result against Plymouth (on Tuesday) and John Akinde is on fire. We've got to deal with him on the day.

"He's a great threat. Martin will have them believing they can get out the league."

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John Sheridan has revealed that Jon Stead is back in training for Notts County.

The 33-year-old striker has not played since mid-October because of an ankle injury and his absence has been missed by the Magpies.

"Jon trained this morning. He's coming along fine," Sheridan told the Nottingham Post.

"He's worked hard to get back but he won't be playing Saturday.

"We'll see about him playing in the reserves next week.

"He's got eight or nine days before Peterborough and he's desperate to get back.

"When he's back, he's back, but at this moment in time we've got Barnet to worry about.

"When they're injured, they aren't much use to me, without being disrespectful to any player. When I feel he's ready to play, he will."

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John Sheridan is confident that things will turn around for Notts County as he aims to stick to his guns going into this weekend's game at Barnet.

A month ago, the Magpies were flying high following a 2-1 win at Portsmouth, but since then they have stumbled to a goalless draw and three defeats on the trot in the fourth tier.

"People are probably bored of me repeating it, but I know I've got to get my act together and so too have the players," Sheridan told the Nottingham Post.

"I am gutted at the moment. It's a serious position and football is a funny game because a month ago we were looking quite healthy.

"Then a month later you are down and things look really difficult. I've got to stick to my beliefs and stick to what I believe will be successful for us.

"Hopefully we can get back to winning ways sooner rather than later. I've got to support the players and that's the most important thing for me.

"I have to back them and I am hoping things will turn around starting with a tough game against Barnet."

Notts currently sit 15th in the League Two table, four points off the playoffs but four points above the drop zone.

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John Sheridan has promised to be right behind the Notts County players as their League Two form continues to tumble.

The Magpies succumbed to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Shaun Derry's Cambridge United on Tuesday, a result which means Notts have just one league win at Meadow Lane this season.

In addition, their record over the last three games reads three defeats, eight goals conceded and zero goals scored, while the game before that run was a goalless draw.

"I've just got to keep going and try to pick the players up, because we are in a difficult place at this moment in time," Sheridan told the Nottingham Post.

"We are not winning football matches and one or two of the players are not playing as well as we would like.

"But the players have to trust me as I am a manager who is right behind them.

"We had a go in the second half and that does give me some hope.

"I am hurting because I hate losing. I haven't come here to be near the bottom of the league.

"It's our aim to be successful and that's what I want to be."

Sheridan also gave his reason as to why he picked Mike Edwards and Alan Smith to start against the U's.

The reason I played them is because of their experience and their game know-how," he continued.

"We've been letting soft goals in and they bring something to us that we haven't really got which is a bit of communication on the pitch."

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John Sheridan has pledged to "work his socks off" to help Notts County get promoted, beginning with improving their home record.

The Magpies have won just once at Meadow Lane in the league this season, with their last home game ending in farce as Newport County claimed a 3-0 win.

"I never expected us to be this poor at home, not in my wildest dreams," Sheridan said to the Nottingham Post. "We need to do a lot better.

"I don't like people watching us when we aren't being a good team. I don't like people shouting my name because it hurts me. It bothers me. I want to be winning all the time.

"I can promise the fans they will get everything from me. I haven't come here to be middle of the table in League Two, I've come here to get us out of this league.

"I will work my socks off to do it too."

Notts face their former manager Shaun Derry and his Cambridge United side on Tuesday night.

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John Sheridan has admitted that he is sick of Notts County's poor form and refuses to make excuses.

The Magpies fell to a second consecutive heavy league defeat on Saturday as they were ran ragged by struggling Newport County at Meadow Lane.

The 3-0 home defeat came a week after an embarrassing 4-0 thrashing at Blackpool, while a 2-0 win over non-league Boreham Wood in the FA Cup barely restored optimism prior to yesterday.

"It is worrying because of the way we are playing," Sheridan told the Nottingham Post. "I am not going to come out and make excuses – it was far, far, from good enough.

"Whatever is thrown at me and the players, we've got to accept it. It wasn't good enough at all.

We were missing one or two, but that's no excuse. It gave an opportunity for players to come in and perform and give me a problem by giving a good performance.

"Again, we were way off it. I am repeating myself, but it's not good enough.

"It's something I need to sort out very quickly because if not then we all know the consequences.

"I have to look at myself because I've picked a team that I thought would win the game.

"I've got to try to look after my players but I am getting sick of it. I am answering all the questions, but it's down to me because I am picking the team."

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John Sheridan has praised Stanley Aborah's "magical" skills but claims he needs to be more adaptable for Notts County.

The Belgian has had to make do with a place on the bench in the last few weeks but was restored to the centre of midfield for the Magpies' 2-0 win over Boreham Wood.

With Newport visiting Meadow Lane on Saturday, the Notts boss is likely to give Aborah a chance from the off in the League Two game, but offered words of caution as well as praise.

"You can't just play with the ball all the time, it's what you do without it which is what I and other managers look at," Sheridan told the Nottingham Post.

"There's no doubting his (Stan's) ability because he does things that are magical and when it comes off it looks great.

"He looked good the other night as did Graham Burke. But people suss you out and that's when you have to change your game.

"I am sure if Newport watched the game on Tuesday night they would be saying to get in the face of Aborah and Burke if they are playing.

"But I know what Stan can do and I love what he has got. When he's on form there's probably no better player."

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John Sheridan has claimed that Newport County will provide Notts County with a stern test on Saturday.

The Welsh club appointed Graham Westley as manager in early October and, since then, have improved in form.

A win at Meadow Lane on Saturday, providing other results go their way, will see the Exiles climb off the bottom of the League Two table.

"They are in a good vein of form at the moment," Sheridan told the Nottingham Post.

"They have a manager who is an excellent appointment for where they are at this moment in time.

"I think he will get them out of there and they'll be safe come the end of the season.

"He knows these leagues, he knows what is required and that's why I am expecting a really tough game.

"They've produced some good performances and they were excellent against Carlisle (a 2-0 win last weekend).

"I am not taking anything for granted. They will be tough to break down. They are fighting for their lives, but they are going the right way about it.

"He will have them working hard and Graham's a good manager. They are organised and they'll be difficult from set plays too."

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John Sheridan has admitted that the Notts County fringe players who lined up against Boreham Wood have given him a welcome selection dilemma ahead of the Newport County clash.

Rob Milsom, Graham Burke, Stanley Aborah and Genaro Snijders helped the Magpies to a 2-0 win against their non-league opponents in the FA Cup and book a second round date with Peterborough United.

"The players who came in didn't do themselves any harm," Sheridan told the Nottingham Post. "They passed the ball quickly and they controlled the game.

"When you are losing games and the team has produced poor performances then the manager has a problem.

"Does he give a chance to one or two of those players who haven't figured?

"It's an opportunity for those players to get back into the manager's plans and give him a problem for the team selection.

"And the lads who came in on Tuesday night did that with their performance."

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Notts County boss John Sheridan says he is looking to shake things up in the squad by recruiting players in the January transfer window and also moving some on.

The Magpies, eighth in League Two but suffering from inconsistency, is aiming to bring up to three players in to help their promotion bid.

"I started thinking about the window two or three weeks ago," Sheridan told the Nottingham Post.

"I definitely feel that, if I have to move players on, then I would like to bring two or three in.

"We are having players watched and in the positions I think we need to strengthen.

"I want us to be in the mix when the window opens and if I can get two or even three in then great.

"But I understand I have to move people on and it would benefit all parties."

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John Sheridan has praised Notts County for responding well to their 4-0 loss at Blackpool by dominating Boreham Wood in their FA Cup first-round replay.

Goals by Jonathan Forte and Aaron Collins helped the Magpies claim a 2-0 win at Meadow Lane on Tuesday night, booking a date in the second round against Peterborough United.

"It was a tricky game for us after Saturday, when we played so poorly and conceded four goals," Sheridan told the Nottingham Post.

"It was a game we were expected to win, but I thought we dominated the game possession wise.

"We played some really good stuff too. We got the goal in the first half and when it's 1-0 you are always on edge.

"But Aaron has scored a worldie at the end, but the main job for us was to get through the tie.

"We've got a good game against Peterborough, a team who are going really well. It will be a really good test for us.

"It will be tough, Grant McCann is doing a really good job there.

"I watched them on the television the other day and they are a good footballing side.

"They are young and play the game in the right way.

"I am looking forward to the game."

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Notts County are in talks with the owners of American baseball team New York Yankees over a possible takeover of the club, it has been reported.

The Yankees, who are worth an estimated £2.5bn, have been linked with the purchase of an English football club in recent months.

According to Sky Sports News presenter Rob Dorsett, Yankee Global Enterprises are attracted to the Magpies due to their status as the world's oldest professional football team.

There has been no comment from either club regarding the speculation, but reports add that talks have been ongoing for several weeks.

The Yankee Global Enterprises group currently owns the Yankees, as well as having part ownership in New York City FC.

American billionaire Hal Steinbrenner is the owner of the MLB franchise and his family are worth £2.5billion.

Notts are currently eighth in League Two after 16 games.

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John Sheridan has ripped into Notts County, claiming their 4-0 loss at Blackpool was the worst of his managerial career, and that they would not have beaten a pub team with that performance.

The Magpies were torn apart at Bloomfield Road on Saturday as Kyle Vassell bagged a brace and set up goals for Colin Daniel and Jamille Matt, while Vadaine Oliver was sent off for the visitors.

"We were totally inept," Sheridan told BBC Radio Nottingham.

"We could be playing the Red Lion on Tuesday and if we play like today any team will beat us.

"I've been a manager for probably over 500 games now and that is probably the worst performance under my management.

"That is harsh for me to say, but I will not accept anything that went on today.

"We were a shambles. We didn't deserve anything and we didn't create a chance. If we are not at the races and perform like today we won't win any games for the rest of the season.

"I hope they realise they need to step up big time - if they don't, then there is something wrong with them."

Notts, who have won just once in their past six League Two matches, face National League side Boreham Wood in an FA Cup first-round replay on Tuesday.

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Notts County boss John Sheridan has claimed that his side is a long way from firing on all cylinders because they've only been playing well in patches.

The Magpies currently sit sixth in League Two but have so far been inconsistent in their results and displays for the most part.

"We are far away from where I want us to be," Sheridan told the Nottingham Post.

"As I've said before, the only game that I thought we played really well for a long period was against Plymouth.

"In the second half against Luton I thought we played well. Can you win a lot of games by playing well just for 20 to 30 minutes? I don't know. I don't think you can.

"But I feel the standard of football that we played against Plymouth, even though we lost, was excellent.

"I really do feel that if we had played like that then we would win a lot of games.

"But luckily for us we've played in patches and we've won games.

"And not only that we've played in patches which has got us back into games too.

"Against Grimsby we were two down and got a draw and it was the same against Boreham Wood.

"We have had 25 minute spells when we've dominated and we've either drawn games or sometimes won."

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Alan Smith could be deployed up front for Notts County more regularly after lining up in attack against Sunderland in the EFL Trophy, John Sheridan has said.

The 36-year-old played as a centre-forward in Wednesday night's 2-1 defeat at the Stadium of Light and performed admirably before being subbed off with cramp.

"What I love about him – and I think most players who play the game feel the same – is you just love somebody who has enthusiasm," Sheridan told the Nottingham Post.

"As he was putting his boots on it was like he was making his debut. I am telling you, it's a different world for some players today.

"I watched him, how he wanted to do everything right, and he was a quality player in his day.

"But he showed he can still probably play up front. He's certainly given me food for thought.

"He suffered with cramp, but I didn't want to take him off."

Smith first came to prominence as both a striker and a winger during his early days at Leeds United before Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson converted him to a holding midfielder.

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Notts County boss John Sheridan says he is "gutted" at being knocked out of the EFL Trophy after losing to Sunderland's reserves on Wednesday.

"I am a bit gutted because I thought we played really well," he told the Nottingham Post.

"They are a good team and have some good young players with one or two who have first-team experience.

"I am surprised we ended up losing the game. Once we scored, Smudge had a great chance to make it two and it would have been game over.

"I just think we got a little bit tired in making decisions towards the end.

"But we had a real good go and the players who came in showed a really good attitude."

The Magpies return to League Two action with a trip to Blackpool on Saturday.

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Notts County manager John Sheridan has claimed that achieving results while not playing well is a good sign of "doggedness".

The Magpies were two goals down at Boreham Wood in the FA Cup first-round clash at the weekend but rallied round to earn a 2-2 draw at Meadow Park.

Ahead of Wednesday's EFL Trophy clash at Sunderland's reserve side, the Notts boss claimed that his side boasted a mental strength they did not have last season.

"The good thing is about my players is that when we haven't played well, or clicked the way I'd like us to, we've shown a lot of doggedness," he told the Nottingham Post.

"We still believe in ourselves and go right to the end as we showed again on Sunday. Last year Notts would never have got 2-2 from that game. Never.

"The personnel is different. I've good lads in my team and they keep going. If we are not playing well, we dig in and that's a good sign."

The replay takes place at Meadow Lane next Tuesday.

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John Sheridan has slammed his Notts County players for their "comical" defending at Boreham Wood and said he expects to win the FA Cup first-round replay.

The Magpies were two goals down in Sunday's trip to the non-league side, and had to rely on Adam Campbell to bail them out with a brace for a final score of 2-2.

Sheridan admits he let rip into his players at half time and says some of their play is "very difficult to watch".

"I was really disappointed with the way we went about the first half. We just didn't go about it in the right manner," the 52-year-old told the Nottingham Post.

"Boreham Wood were the better team and deserved to go ahead, and when you lose the second goal obviously at 2-0, life is very difficult.

"I let them know my feelings at half-time, and you just can't do it (perform like Notts did in the first half).

"When you're chasing the game, you've got to take chances. We passed it more, created chances and played with a better tempo. It's not difficult.

"They've got some bright players, but even for the goals, our defending is comical.

"We are very naive in our thinking on the pitch, in some of the things we do and I find it very difficult to watch sometimes.

"It was a typical FA Cup game, and I'm just pleased we're in the hat and it gives us an opportunity at home and I expect us to win the game.

"But again, it'll be a tough game."

The draw for round two will take place on Monday, while the replay is at Meadow Lane a week on Tuesday.

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John Sheridan has stressed once again that Notts County must not think of the Boreham Wood FA Cup game as straightforward, because the opposition will be playing the game of their lives.

The Magpies travel to Hertfordshire on Sunday for the clash, which sees them face non-league opposition in the cup for the second consecutive season.

Few Notts fans will forget the humiliation suffered at the hands of Salford City last season, which was live on national television too.

Sheridan has publicly issued a few choice words for his boys ahead of the match.

"Just don't go into the game being lethargic and thinking it's going to be (easy) just because you're playing a team from a lower division," he told the Nottingham Post.

"Probably people expect us to win, but we don't go in like that.

"We've got to go into it like we're playing Portsmouth or Luton, in the two games we've just had, where we've played really well. We have to go into it with the same mindset.

"I've just got to make sure that we focus on ourselves more than anything else because I know if we do perform to what we are capable of we will get the result we're after.

"But Boreham Wood, it's a big game for them, and they'll be looking at it for the same reasons as us, wanting to get in the next round and the attraction of getting a big team and a good payday. That's what the lower teams do.

"I've made it clear to the players we've got to be focused on ourselves and just carry on playing the way we have in the last couple of games."

In addition to overcoming a potential banana skin, Sheridan also mentioned the financial rewards available should they progress in the competition.

"I think every team what's in the first round and second round are all looking at the same thing," he continued.

"Obviously you want to go as far as you can, but realistically you know you're not going to win it, but you go as far as you can.

"You've got to look at the money situation as well, making as much money as you can out of it and it's always good to possibly get a big team.

"It's good for the players if they haven't played in front of big crowds."

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Matthew Alexander has stepped down as chief executive of Notts County Ladies after 11 months in charge.

The 35-year-old joined the Lady Pies in December 2015, taking on the senior role after the departure of Luke Negus-Hill.

A statement on the Notts County Ladies website read: "I’ve really enjoyed my time with Notts County Ladies FC.

"Although it hasn’t always been easy, it’s been a very rewarding role.

"I’m very proud of the squad of players we have here at Notts County, and it has been a pleasure to work with them over the past season, they are all such fantastic role models.

"I would like to thank all the players, and the staff, for their hard work in what has been a tough season, with lots of challenges, for everyone involved.

"I wish everyone at Notts County Ladies FC the best for the future, and I hope they can achieve the success the club deserves."

Jason Turner, the CEO of Notts County, will now also fill the role at the Women's Super League One side, who are currently sixth in the table.

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