Notts County want to bring former Nottingham Forest defender and Magpies loanee Louis Laing back to Meadow Lane, according to reports.

The 23-year-old, currently at Motherwell, is now believed to be on John Sheridan's radar as the Notts gaffer looks to shore up his defence.

Laing was brought to Notts on loan by Shaun Derry in the 2014/15 season and performed admirably at the back for the Magpies while at the club.

He moved on a free transfer to Motherwell in the summer of last year after leaving Forest, having spent five months on loan at the Scottish Premier League club.

The Nottingham Post speculates that Laing could be in the Notts squad as early as tomorrow, when they host Plymouth Argyle in NG2.

Sheridan has also been linked with the likes of Kelvin Wilson and Lewin Nyatanga over the summer.

Would you want to see Louis Laing back in the black and white shirt? Share your thoughts with Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County's youth team travelled to Lincoln on Saturday to play their Imps counterparts at the Priory City Lincoln Academy.

As a venue name it's decent enough, but it cannot compare with the venue for the last two visits which were at Lincoln United's Sun Hat Villas Stadium - that's what you call a stadium name.

Notts began the game with an unchanged team after their 2-1 win over Scunthorpe and facing into a strong breeze.

The Magpies were dealt an early blow when centre-back Ryan Ebanks was forced to leave the field with an injury and was replaced by Tyrese Kennedy, who went at left-back with George McCartney moving inside to play centre-half.

On 21 minutes, Notts conceded a scrappy goal scored inside their six-yard box with the defence all over the place, but fought hard to get back into the game and, on 35 minute,s a cross from Sam Osborne was met by Nathan Cobain who managed to get the ball into the net.

Half time: Lincoln 1-1 Notts County

Plenty of effort from both sides but the increase in the strength of the wind made good football very difficult.

A good shot from skipper Dominic Brownhill on 78 minutes was well saved and turned round the post by the Lincoln 'keeper.

Notts came under pressure towards the end of the game but the well organised defence, where Joe Searson and Jordon Richards comfortably dealt with everything that was thrown at them ensured the team didn't concede again and so maintained their unbeaten start to the season.

Full Time: Lincoln 1-1 Notts County

Notts County starting XI:
Joe Searson
James Antsey
Ryan Ebanks
Jordon Richards
George McCartney
Dominic Brownhill
Nathan Cobain
Sam Osborne
Tamar Clayton-Naute
Alex Howes
Harry Gibbons

Notts County used subs:
Tyrese Kennedy (on for Ryan Ebanks on 18 mins)
Remaye Campbell (on for Nathan Cobain on 65 mins)
Louis Robinson (on for Harry Gibbons on 65 mins)
Edwin Towers (on for Tamar Clayton-Naute)

How did you feel the Magpies youths got on? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

John Sheridan has revealed that he is looking to add a centre-back to his Notts County squad and says he has spoken to two clubs about signing players on loan.

The Magpies boss has pledged to turn his side into an attacking force, particularly at Meadow Lane, but he is still keen to bolster his back line.

"I am just waiting for the clubs to get back to me, they know the interest," Sheridan told reports.

"There are two clubs I've asked about a centre-back. It will be a loan deal.

"Again, I can't just go and pick them up so obviously you just have to wait.

"But we've enquired about the same position at two clubs so hopefully it will be the first one who comes back."

Sheridan has already signed defenders Matt Tootle, Richard Duffy and Carl Dickinson this summer.

Who would you like to see added to the Notts defence? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County manager John Sheridan has pledged to play attacking, winning football at Meadow Lane as he targets home form as a key factor in leaving League Two.

The Magpies have failed to score in their two competitive games so far this season, both of which were away, but will welcome Stevenage to NG2 this weekend.

Sheridan told reporters: "The form at Meadow Lane is going to be massive for us. It always is when you are trying to get out of any division.

"I want us to be very positive and really go for games at home. I am going to be very attack-minded, and you need to score goals.

"A lot of the time, the formation will be set-up for us to play with a purpose like we are going to create chances."

Sheridan did, however, stress the importance of stemming the flow of goals at the back too, citing the 2-0 EFL Cup defeat at Scunthorpe United in midweek.

He added: "Even though I thought we defended well the other night, and our shape was good, we gave a silly free-kick away and it led to a goal.

"And for the second goal, we were in possession of the ball. It's not just down to the keeper and the defenders.

"That's people higher up the pitch sometimes giving you a problem by somebody taking too many touches and so on.

"It's about the team and we are trying to work hard as a team to stop goals from going in."

How will Notts fare against Stevenage this Saturday? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

John Sheridan has praised his Notts County side for their performance in their 2-0 EFL Cup first-round defeat at Scunthorpe United, saying the players should have got something from the game.

The Magpies took their opponents to extra time after a goalless draw at Glanford Park, but Kevin van Keen's brace sent Notts home with nothing to show for their exploits.

"I don't know whether to laugh or cry," Sheridan told reporters. "We had some great chances to score and we made good openings through good football as well.

"I thought we played, really, really well. I am just a bit down because I am gutted for the players.

"I was very frustrated on the sidelines because I thought our performance warranted something out of the game.

"I am gutted we have lost. It was a massive up on Saturday's performance. I made one or two changes. People came in and did well.

"The system worked and we worked our socks off."

What do Notts County need to do to improve this weekend against Stevenage at Meadow Lane? Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

John Sheridan admits that promotion from League Two is the priority for Notts County this season, but he will still put a strong team out for tonight's EFL Cup meeting with Scunthorpe United.

The Magpies travel to Glanford Park this evening for the first-round tie hoping to get through and hopefully secure a glamour tie in the next round.

Notts have enjoyed League Cup trips to Liverpool and Aston Villa in the last few years, giving their Premier League opponents a game and creating memorable nights for the Black and White Army.

Sheridan told reporters: "Every game I play I want to win, but the league is the priority. I'd be stupid if I didn't say that.

But with the cup there is always that attraction of getting a big team and going as far as you possibly can.

"I will put a strong team out to try to win the game because it will be a difficult one. We have to put up a brave showing and try to get a good result if we can."

Can Notts County get past Scunthorpe United this evening? Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

John Sheridan has expressed his disappointment at Notts County losing their opening game of the season at Yeovil Town to two "poor" goals.

Kevin Dawson gave the Glovers the lead when he forced Adam Collin into a mistake amid claims the goalkeeper was fouled in the build up, before Otis Khan then made it 2-0 after Ryan Hedges' shot was parried away by Collin.

"It is disappointing start because you want to hit the ground running as quickly as you can," Sheridan said.

"The two goals have cost us the game. We started okay in the first five minutes and we were never in any danger, but they've had a good chance before they scored.

"I don't actually think we played that bad, but you can't start playing when you are 2-0 down.

"The opposition are going to sit back and try to consolidate the lead. But the goals we conceded were very poor.

"You can't concede goals like that. It was an uphill battle although I thought we had a go in the second half.

"We took the game to them, but I was disappointed because you want to get something from your first game."

What do Notts need to do ahead of Tuesday's meeting with Scunthorpe? Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County Youth Team vs. Scunthorpe United Youth Team, Saturday 6th August 2016, Highfields

Notts County’s youth team played their first league game of the 2016-17 season at the University of Nottingham pitches at Highfields, Beeston, after a two-year spell at Arnold Town FC. The pitches are certainly an improvement on the ones at Arnold.

The Magpies' first opponents were Scunthorpe United, who finished second last season in the league, so it would surely be a tough test for the young Notts academy players in their opening game.

The kick-off was slightly delayed when the Scunthorpe coach, approaching the ground from the wrong direction, had to let the players off to walk the last part of their journey. He then compounded his problem by touring Nottingham to approach the ground from the right direction, only to scrape the side of the coach against a piece of the fenced entrance to the ground.

The game was competitive right from the start, with both teams determined to impose themselves on their opponents. Notts took the lead after only 16 minutes when skipper Dominic Brownhill got hold of a cross from Nathan Cobain just outside the area.

His shot was blocked, but Dom collected the rebound and fired in a hard shot high and just under the crossbar giving the visiting goalkeeper no chance.

The game continued to be an even affair and it was no surprise when a spell of Scunthorpe pressure resulted in an equaliser on 26 minutes.

Straight after the equaliser, Tamar Clayton-Naute went off on a tricky run beating two defenders only for his shot to crash onto the cross-bar before being cleared away.

Towards the end of the first half Notts had a spell of dominance where Tamar Clayton-Naute and Nathan Cobain both saw decent shots go just the wrong side of the posts.

Half time: Notts County 1-1 Scunthorpe  

Notts began the second half well and on 53 minutes they regained the lead. Harry Gibbons went on a good run down the left wing, beat his full-back, then picked his head up and pulled the ball back perfectly for Tamar Clayton-Naute to side-foot home.

An even game ensued with both teams taking their turn to apply pressure but Notts, in a good all round team performance,  held on to their lead to start the season with a win over a good Scunthorpe side.

Full time: Notts County 2-1 Scunthorpe United

Team:
1.    Joe Searson-Smithard
2.    James Anstey
3.    George McCartney
4.    Dominic Brownhill (c)
5.    Ryan Ebanks
6.    Jordon Richards
7.    Tamar Clayton-Naute
8.    Sam Osborne
9.    Nathan Cobain
10.    Harry Gibbons
11.    Alex Howes

Subs:
12.    Declan Dunn (on for Alex Howes on 70 mins)
13.    Curtis Hall
14.    Remaye Campbell (on for Nathan Cobain on 87m)
15.    Edwin Towers
16.    Louis Robinson (on for Harry Gibbons on 80 mins)

How do you feel the Notts County academy team will get on this season? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up for FREE to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County manager John Sheridan says he will consider selecting different players away from home.

The Magpies began their League Two season with a 2-0 defeat at Yeovil Town, prompting the veteran boss to consider which of his squad may be more effective on the road.

"Hopefully there aren't one or two players in the comfort zone thinking they will play all the time because I just won't do that," Sheridan said.

"We haven't got a best player at this club, they are all evenly matched. But I will pick a shape and a team that will suit us. I will look at away differently to how we play at home.

"I've done it before when I had Jack Lester at Chesterfield. I never played him away from home and he was my best player.

"These are decisions I have to make and I will be making them early. I won't be doing it after 10 to 15 games of the season.

"I've got to sort it out and see which players will get us results away from home and those who will be effective at home. If I have to do that, then that's not a problem."

Do you think Sheridan's idea will work at Notts? Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

John Sheridan has said he will not stand in Izale McLeod's way if he wants to leave Notts County, adding that he cannot guarantee the former Crawley man any first-team football.

The striker's future at Meadow Lane has been under the spotlight this summer, with rumours of a potential move to Stevenage surfacing in the press.

Sheridan has a glut of forwards at his disposal aside from McLeod including Adam Campbell, Jonathan Forte, Jon Stead and loanee Vadaine Oliver.

"Izale's an experienced player and has been a very good player over the years," Sheridan told the Nottingham Post.

"I don't want to patronise or be clever with anyone, I think Izale needs to be playing football.

"I've spoken to him. It's important he gets a regular place somewhere and I can't offer him that here.

"I've explained that situation to him and if a club comes in then I wouldn't stand in his way."

Should Izale McLeod leave Notts County? Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Adam Campbell has claimed that Notts County "can't go wrong" this season given the recruitment of players who know the Football League well and the confidence within the squad.

The Magpies endured a season of turmoil in 2015-16, ending up in relegation trouble despite being expected to bounce back into League One at the first attempt.

When asked if the current squad is stronger than last season's team, the striker said: "It's pretty much similar to last year when we had a whole new squad.

"But last year was more the foreign lads coming in who really hadn't played in this league before and now we've got all lads who know what they are doing, who have been here for years in and around these leagues.

"We can only go in full of confidence and we're looking to go up, that's got to be the aim. We can't go wrong with the lads we've got."

Notts begin their season away at Yeovil Town this weekend.

Can Notts County challenge for promotion this season? Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

New Notts County goalkeeper Adam Collin has the belief that the Magpies will be in the upper reaches of League Two this coming season.

The 31-year-old is one of several summer signings at Meadow Lane as John Sheridan moulds the squad in his image in a bid to challenge for promotion.

Collin, who has joined the club on a two-year deal, said: "The squad's really good, it's got a good mix of experience and youth in there. And the manager says he wants to bring a couple more in still, which will only strengthen us. I'm sure we're going to be very capable and up at the top end of League Two.

"We've had a good pre-season of fitness and ball work and now you can see on the pitch the lads are well drilled and know what they're meant to do.

"The season has come around quickly, but we're ready for it. It's a long trip to Yeovil, but we're looking forward to a good, positive season.

"There's always a new buzz going into every season. There's a bit more for me personally, coming to a new club, and the manager has brought quite a lot of new signings in.

"There's a lot going on at the club and we just want to start with a positive result at Yeovil and carry on our positive work from pre-season."

Who will be the number one choice for Notts in goal this season? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

New Notts County loan signing Vadaine Oliver has expressed his eagerness to fire the club up the table and avoid the relegation stress he encountered last year with parent club York City.

The Minstermen dropped out of the Football League despite the 24-year-old's 10 goals, which saw him finish the season at the club's top scorer.

Oliver told the official site: “I’m happy to be here – it’s a massive club and a great opportunity for me.

“When you’re in a relegation side it’s a struggle every day – the morale is so low. But now I have a great opportunity to kick on from last year.

“I was top goalscorer last year and I’m looking forward to scoring goals here.”

How involved will Oliver be for the Magpies this coming season? Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County have secured the signing of York City striker Vadaine Oliver on a six-month loan deal.

The 24-year-old scored 10 goals in 42 appearances last season as the Minstermen were relegated from League Two.

Oliver, a former Sheffield Wednesday trainee, will remain at Meadow Lane until January 7, a fixture away at Morecambe.

He has previously had spells at Lincoln City, Crewe Alexandra and Mansfield Town, and has been allocated the number 9 shirt.

Oliver is set to compete with the likes of Jon Stead and Izale McLeod for a starting slot as Notts begin their season this Saturday away at Yeovil Town.

Share your thoughts on the loan signing of Vadaine Oliver by signing up to the Pride of Nottingham website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County could yet make more signings before the end of the summer transfer window, according to assistant manager Mark Crossley.

The club has already bought seven players as they bid to bounce back from a horrendous 2015-16 season, but should the board ratify more purchases, then Crossley and John Sheridan will make the most of the opportunity.

"There's still this week to go and I think the manager would like an extra couple of bodies, there's no doubt about that," Crossley told reporters.

"We're always looking, we're always on the hunt and if we get the green light where we can bring somebody in that is going to make us better then we'll try to do it. Otherwise we will go with what we have got, which we're pleased with anyway.

"If we can strengthen we will be strengthening, but the manager, the owner and the chief exec will decide on that."

How many more players should Notts County look to sign? Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County assistant manager Mark Crossley insists that Stanley Aborah's injury scare in Sunday's pre-season game against Blackburn Rovers is not worrying, and that the midfielder will be "fine" for Saturday's League Two opener at Yeovil Town.

Aborah was sensational in the centre of the park in the Meadow Lane friendly, but signalled to come off just before half-time and looked in distress as he walked off the pitch to a standing ovation.

Crossley sought to calm down fears of a long injury lay-off, telling reporters: "He's fine. He was excellent in that first half, he's going to be a very important player for us.

"You can see he is a little bit higher up the pitch than he was last year, that's where the manager thinks he's the most effective.

"And we expect the players around him to realise that he's probably one of our most effective players and a lot of the game is going to revolve around him.

"He's fine injury-wise. He's had a little knock, but he'll be fine. It was just precautionary that he came off the pitch.

"He won't be out. He wanted to stay on actually, but the most important thing is next Saturday not a friendly game where you could go on and make it worse, so we just decided to bring him off the pitch and prepare for Yeovil."

How crucial will Stanley Aborah be to Notts County's 2016-17 season? Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County’s youth team played their last pre-season game at the picturesque ground of Awsworth Villa FC in Nottinghamshire against their Ilkeston FC counterparts.

The game got off to an explosive start when, straight from the kick-off, Sam Osbourn raced at the Ilkeston defence, side stepping a number of defenders before firing  a shot from the edge of the area which went in off the inside of the post giving the goalkeeper no chance.

So, after only a few seconds played, Notts were already a goal ahead.

The rest of the first half was evenly contested but, moments before the break, a great through-ball from an Ilkeston midfielder put their 'number nine' through on goal, and the striker made no mistake to bury the ball into the back of the net.

So at half time, the score was Ilkeston 1-1 Notts.

Ilkeston started the second half the better of the two teams putting Notts under considerable pressure, but it was the Magpies who went closest to scoring when Alex Howes hit a shot from the edge of the area which rattled the joint of the post and crossbar – he was very unlucky not to score.

On 78 minutes, Howes cut inside his full-back on the left wing before firing a rocket of a shot past the Ilson goalkeeper and into the corner of the net to put Notts into a 2-1 lead.

With only a few minutes remaining, the Magpies sealed the victory when Remaye Campbell, inside the area, turned and rifled past the keeper to make the full time score 3-1.

A good workout for the youngsters in readiness for their first league game next Saturday at home to Scunthorpe United – fellow fans, come down and give the boys some support!

Notts County striker Jon Stead has fond memories of his time at Blackburn Rovers, the Magpies' final pre-season opponents, but insists that the match will be all about ironing out the last few flaws within the team.

John Sheridan's side will take on the former Premier League champions on Sunday at Meadow Lane, their last match before the 2016-17 Football League season gets underway.

"I have brilliant memories of my time at Blackburn," said Stead, who joined the Lancashire club from Huddersfield Town in 2004. 

"They gave me my first chance of Premier League football and I really enjoyed it.

"The season we stayed up was a highlight and scoring against Manchester United was nice too. I had a good time there, so I am looking forward to it.

"But more important than that it's about us getting our house in order. We have to make sure we are right and iron out the little mistakes."

Will Stead impress this coming season? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County have announced their squad numbers for the 2016-17 League season.

Notable changes include Mike Edwards swapping 35 for 37, Genaro Snijders switching from number 11 to number 7, and Wes Atkinson changing from number 29 to number 20.

Youth academy products Jordan Richards and Montel Gibson move to numbers 19 and 21 respectively, while new graduate Jack McMillan gets shirt number 22.

New signings Carl Dickinson and Matt Tootle take up numbers 2 and 3 respectively, with Richard Duffy taking up the number 5 shirt. Michael O'Connor will be number 8, with Alex Rodman wearing the number 23 shirt, while Adam Collin will wear the number 1 shirt, and Jonathan Forte taking up number 11.

The full list of 2016-17 Notts County squad numbers is as follows:

1. Adam COLLIN
2. Matt TOOTLE
3. Carl DICKINSON
4. Alan SMITH
5. Richard DUFFY
6. Haydn HOLLIS
7. Genaro SNIJDERS
8. Michael O'CONNOR
11. Jonathan FORTE
12. Robert MILSOM
13. Scott LOACH
15. Curtis THOMPSON
17. Rhys SHARPE
18. Elliott HEWITT
19. Jordan RICHARDS
20. Wesley ATKINSON
21. Montel GIBSON
22. Jack McMILLAN
23. Alex RODMAN
24. Adam CAMPBELL
25. Luther WILDIN
26. Graham BURKE
30. Jon STEAD
31. Thierry AUDEL
33. Stanley ABORAH
37. Mike EDWARDS
39. Izale MCLEOD
40. Kevin PILKINGTON

Happy with the squad number allocations? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

John Sheridan has pledged to let a number of Notts County players go in order to bolster his squad as he prepares for the new season.

Despite making a spate of signings this summer, the Magpies boss is keen on strengthening the squad further and is seeking a left-sided centre-back as well as a striker.

Speaking after the Walsall friendly, Sheridan told reporters: "I need to have a chat with one or two people to let them know where we stand. I will just be honest with them and try to move things on if I can. 

"I need to get one or two people out because I think it's for their benefit and mine. That's not being harsh, it's just where I want to go.

"I am enquiring about players, but I realise I've got to get people out before I can bring anybody in. That's what I am trying to do."

Who should leave Meadow Lane? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County defender Haydn Hollis says he has worked harder than ever to get fit for the upcoming season and feels like the campaign will be one of the best ones the Magpies have had in recent years.

The centre-back signed a one-year deal during the course of the summer, being one of only a handful of players from last season's campaign to be offered a new contract, but amid criticism about his distribution, he says he has ironed those flaws out and pledges to be more consistent.

Hollis told the Nottingham Post: "There are only one or two year deals offered to players at this level, and there are so many players still out there who I know of that can't get clubs and they've had 200-odd league games. It's crazy so you have to take every chance you get.

"I did a lot of pre-season work off my own back and I said to myself that I've got to do some preparation for when I came back. If you don't come back fit then you don't give yourself the best chance. But I think this is my best pre-season up to now.

"The manager has pulled me to the side and said he believed in me. He just wanted me to relax and play my own game. I don't think I've done myself any harm.

"A lot has been said about my distribution, but I can do it. It's just about decision making at different times. I think I've proved that I can do it.

"It's just consistency, like the gaffer says he wants. He wants seven out of 10 every week. You can't do it one week and not another.

"I'm very comfortable and confident with the lads we have got this year. That doesn't mean I was not comfortable with the lads we had last year. But I've not had the confident feeling since the (Shaun) Derry days really and I can feel good times for the club coming on again."

How will Haydn Hollis fare this season? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County defender Richard Duffy has reiterated the need for consistency among his side's ranks if the Magpies are to launch and sustain a promotion charge.

John Sheridan's charges have strengthened their team over the off-season and are hoping to drag themselves out of League Two following last season's troubles.

Duffy told reporters: "Things are going really well although we are still getting our fitness. There's a game to go (in pre-season) but we are closing in and hopefully come the opening day of the season, we are all ready to go.

"Promotion has to be the aim and if you ask all the lads in the changing room, or any changing room in the land, the aim is to always finish at the top of the league. Then if you don't do that then you finish second, and if it's not second it's third.

"We want to finish as high as we possibly can and hopefully we have got the squad to do that. Consistency is going to be absolutely essential if we are to achieve that.

"We play games Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday, Tuesday pretty much all the way through the season. You are going to need the squad especially with the added EFL Trophy games. We are going to need all 22 players, if not more.

"I've said before if you get sixes or sevens out of 10 every week, then you are going to be in the mix but if we don't turn up then we are going to get turned over in this league."

Can Notts find the consistency that eluded them last season? Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.