Notts County midfielder Alan Smith has bemoaned his side’s performance in their 4-1 defeat against Exeter City, saying the squad let now-departed manager Jamie Fullarton down.

The Magpies were level with the Grecians at half time, but soon collapsed in the second half at Meadow Lane as the Devon side left the East Midlands with all three points.

Speaking before Fullarton’s sacking was confirmed, Smith said: "The manager puts us out there to perform and we've let him down.

"He is bearing all the brunt of the frustration and a lot of that is our responsibility. We need to make sure we go away and look at ourselves because we've got to start doing more.

"The fans have stuck with the players but it's down to us to help the manager. There is no other way to change that other than to get results.

"We've got to stay positive and keep believing that what we are doing in training because we can't keep doing it sporadically in matches.

"The manager is bearing up well, but that's the type of person he is. He is not letting affect him and he is not letting it affect us.

"But maybe as a group of players we've actually let it affect us. We've got to start giving the manager a bit back, because he has taken the brunt of the frustration.

Analysing the Exeter game, the former Manchester United man said: "The first half reflected what we had worked on during the week. Everybody knew their jobs, and everybody knew Exeter's strengths and weaknesses.

"We managed to keep that strength to a minimum, and even for the first 15 minutes of the second half, we did okay. Then we got hit by a sucker punch in the middle of the park and the lad finished it well.

"That's the way it has been going recently. Confidence is low and we didn't respond to going 2-1 down.

"That surprised me really because the attitude of the whole club was positive. But to be fair we have got to look at ourselves now.

"I've had spells in my career where I've had everything go against me and for the young lads, this is a learning curve.

"But this is minimum compared to some other clubs you might play for in terms of expectation.

"You've just got to make sure that even if you get beat, make sure you get beat the right way. What happened against Exeter was the wrong way."

Should Smith step up to a coaching or managerial role for the remainder of the season? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Former Swindon Town manager Mark Cooper is reportedly set to become the favourite to replace Jamie Fullarton as Notts County manager.

The 47-year-old is said to have narrowly missed out on the job in January when the board opted to hire Fullarton, who in turn was sacked after the 4-1 home defeat to Exeter City on Saturday.

Cooper, who guided the Robins to the League One play-off final last season, has also been linked with a job at Stevenage but is understood to be keeping his options open as to his next destination.

He has also managed Peterborough United and Kettering Town, where he made his name by leading them to the Conference North title and to the fourth round of the FA Cup in 2009.

Who would you like to see at the helm of Notts County? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Former Notts County manager Jamie Fullarton reportedly locked his side’s dressing room door following their 4-1 defeat against Exeter City, before subjecting his players to a furious debriefing over their performance.

The Nottingham Post claims Fullarton challenged his players over their second half collapse against the Grecians, which fell well short of the standards he had demanded since his appointment.

Two of the senior professionals were said to have spoken out, one of whom reportedly said he did not want to see the manager lose his job.

It proved too little too late as outgoing owner Ray Trew had already made his mind up in dismissing the former Nottingham Forest youth coach after 69 days at the helm of the club.

Fullarton’s final words to the press as Notts manager

"I understand the fans' frustrations, but they have the right to express their views in whichever way they feel. If they think that's correct, then that's up to them.

"I live my life by my standards and every individual has a different way of looking at it.

"While I understand their frustration and share their disappointment, everybody reacts differently.

"I am always focused on the game and the players, so if there are banners behind me telling me they want me out, then I wouldn't see them.

"I am only focused on what goes on the pitch. It's not about if it gets to you, or affecting me, it's my job to try not to let it affect the players."

What happens now at Meadow Lane? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conservation.

Notts County have sacked manager Jamie Fullarton after just 70 days as manager at Meadow Lane.

The 41-year-old's 12-game spell in charge was brought to an end following Saturday's 4-1 home loss to Exeter, which left Notts 19th in the table.

The former Bolton and Nottingham Forest Under-21 coach's departure from his first managerial job came just hours after fans held protests calling for his sacking.

Notts have taken just one point from a possible 15 at home and won three games since Fullarton replaced Ricardo Moniz.

Owner Ray Trew said: "While it is well known that my position at the club has changed in recent weeks, I still have a responsibility to do what I feel is best for Notts County and that means acting when things aren't going right on the pitch.

"I have to thank Jamie for his efforts over the past few weeks because he has had to face an incredibly difficult atmosphere, somewhat unfairly I feel, but has maintained an exceptional level of professionalism throughout and should be applauded for how he has conducted himself.

"There is no doubt in my mind that Jamie still has a very bright future in the game, but I acknowledge that what was already a tough challenge for him here at Meadow Lane was made all the more difficult through a number of factors that were beyond his control.

"We understand fans fears and frustrations, and the most important thing for Notts County is that this season does not dissolve into a disaster and a level of stability can be brought in to ensure that there is a strong platform to build from for the new owners, once a deal is completed to sell the club."

Notts are thought to be appointing a successor as early as Sunday.

Who would you like to see replace Fullarton as Notts manager? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County goalkeeper Scott Loach has expressed his delight at having an extended run in the first team after former manager Ricardo Moniz described him as “too soft”.

The ex-England Under-21 international was brought in by the Dutchman last summer, but made just two appearances for in between the Magpie sticks before Moniz was sacked in December.

Loach has now played three consecutive games, displacing the veteran Roy Carroll, and has been lauded as one of the few bright lights in an otherwise beleaguered team.

He said: “I went to see (Moniz) and he said I was too soft.

"I'm not criticising him as a person, because I've been with managers before that did not play me and everyone's entitled to their own opinion.

"At Ipswich, Mick McCarthy said: “Look, you're just not for me, go and find yourself another club”. And Ricardo came in and said I was too soft.

"Don't get me wrong, I'm no cage fighter. It's just one of them, it's his opinion. I don't know how he meant it, and it's laughable now, but it's in the past.

"I guess that made me more strong and determined to prove him wrong.

"As a man, I'm not knocking him whatsoever. He brought me to this club and he gave me the chance to be captain against Mansfield.

"I'd never been a captain before, so that was one of the best moments in my career."

Do you want Loach to continue his run in the Notts first team? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County Ladies have secured a trio of high profile signings on transfer deadline day ahead of the start of the new Women’s Super League season.

First confirmed to join the Lady Pies on a busy day was Australia international Aivi Luik, who has just won the W-League title with Melbourne City in her native country.

The 31-year-old defender, who has also played with Brisbane Roar, Perth Glory and Danish side Brondby, has signed for a year.

Next up was former Birmingham City and Doncaster Rovers full-back Chelsea Weston, 26, whose contract length has not been disclosed.

Last but by no means least was the signing of Arsenal Ladies legend Rachel Yankey, who joins the Lady Pies on an initial 66-day loan.

The England international started her career at the Gunners before re-joining them in 2005, remaining at the London club for the past eleven years, and has also made 129 appearances for the Lionesses.

All three players will be available for Sunday’s SSE Women’s FA Cup 5th round encounter against Durham Women at Meadow Lane (KO 2pm).

What do you think of the trio of signings? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County owner Ray Trew has agreed a deal to sell the club to an American company, according to reports.

BBC Radio Nottingham claims Trew will also meet another potential buyer, who flies in from China on Tuesday.

Local businessman Alan Hardy had made a formal written offer to buy the Magpies, but the agreement with the US company has seemingly scuppered his chances.

Trew announced last month that he was looking to sell the League Two club after his family were subjected to "foul and mindless abuse".

But he is understood to consider Hardy's bid - said to be between £8m and £10m - way short of his valuation.

HM Revenue & Customs has issued a winding-up petition against the club, with the case adjourned until 25 April.

What do you think to this latest development at Notts? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, bisiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County are expected to be sold within the next four weeks, according to reports.

The Nottingham Post claims that current owner Ray Trew is concluding a deal for the club, who are reportedly also the subject of a winding up petition by HMRC.

The case is said to have been adjourned until 25 April, to allow time for the sale to go through, but sources close to the club have reportedly claimed the debt will be settled should it fall through.

Details of the alleged new buyer are unknown – the only individual to make his interest public is local businessman Alan Hardy, chief executive of the Paragon Group.

What do you think of these supposed developments at Meadow Lane? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County manager Jamie Fullarton has admitted he is hoping to make further additions to his squad this week.

The former Nottingham Forest Under-21 coach signed defender Andrew Boyce last week on a loan deal until the end of the season from Scunthorpe United.

With Notts without a win in six, Fullarton says he is looking for players who can strengthen a front line that has gone four games without a goal.

"We are working tirelessly as I mentioned to revamp and add competition to the squad," he said.

-"There are one or two possibilities, but nothing as yet. They have got to contribute and make us better. 

It's important, and I touched on it when Andrew Boyce signed, that they want to come and play for us. If they are going to make us better and want to come here, that's a combination which brings success.

"Recruitment is one of the most important aspects whether it be mid-season or close season. It's all about doing your due diligence about the person you are bringing in.

"It's important that whoever we do bring in has a positive effect on the dynamic of the group. I am looking at the whole team, but it's important you try to evolve.

"We want to get better and try to add players who will help us improve performances and results.

"It's a constant cycle of hard work, but it's based on due diligence and trying to get the right people in. It's a constant process."

Who would you like to see Fullarton bring in? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the community, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County manager Jamie Fullarton has admitted that his side "weren't good enough" in their 1-0 defeat at Yeovil Town on Saturday.

Former Magpies striker Francois Zoko struck early in the second half to condemn his old club to a fifth defeat in five games, while the Notts front line failed to score for a fourth consecutive game.

"We weren't good enough in both boxes as a group as opposed to individuals," said Fullarton. "When opportunities present themselves you've got to take them. But we didn't merit, with our performance, much out of the game.

"We are creating chances, but it's that final decision or that final pass which is lacking. When you stop creating chances as opposed to not converting them, then that's a real concern.

"In this division it's fine margins but we must do better, and we can do better, if we are to move forward.

"As for the goal we conceded, any goal you let in is disappointing, and that's something we have got to correct.

"We have got to take on board what we are working towards and try to do better in those situations otherwise we put ourselves up against it.

"We all want the same which is when we go out on that pitch we want to apply ourselves. We want to show intent and do what everybody at the football club wants which is to get three points with a performance."

How can Fullarton fix Notts? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County loanee Andrew Boyce has criticised his side’s performance in Saturday's 1-0 League Two defeat at Yeovil Town, admitting that only goalkeeper Scott Loach could emerge with any credit.

The towering centre-back made his debut at Huish Park, having arrived from Scunthorpe United on loan, but was unable to prevent the Magpies slipping to defeat as former striker Francois Zoko struck in the second half to give his side all three points.

Loach, enjoying an extended run in the first team, kept the scoreline respectable with a series of top class saves, including one to keep out Leroy Lita's penalty.

"It wasn't a great performance and the only player who can come away with any credit was Scott Loach," Boyce said. "He kept us in the game at 1-0, but obviously we couldn't get a decent enough chance to equalise.

"It was an even game and at half-time all the manager said to us was don't concede in the first 10 minutes. He reminded us don't do anything silly, but that's exactly what we did.

"It was a good header by Zoko and it was just disappointing. And what is even more disappointing is that we have not pushed hard to get back into the game.

"The manager wasn't happy, but you can imagine what he said. I will leave what he said in the dressing room. He's not pleased.

“I was frustrated myself because it was my first game for the club and was disappointed in the timing of my headers. But it was just good to get back playing football again."

What do you make of Boyce’s comments? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Businessman and Notts County fan Alan Hardy has given fellow supporters possible hints that his planned takeover of the club has not come to fruition.

Hardy, the chief executive of the Paragon Group, is understood to be one of several businessmen or groups interested in the club, which was put up for sale by Ray Trew last month.

Taking to Twitter last night, and responding to a fan who used Notts County's Twitter handle saying "sort it out", Hardy said: "I wouldn't hold your breath".

When another supporter tweeted "oh no", Hardy continued: "Sorry, I did my best. But sometimes you just have to accept that your best just isn't good enough."

Hardy is the only potential buyer who had made public his intention to take control of Notts, but he reportedly hit a stumbling block over the club's asking price.

Who would you like to see take over Notts County? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County have confirmed the loan signing of Scunthorpe United defender Andrew Boyce until the end of the season.

The 26-year-old former Lincoln City centre-back has joined in training with his new team-mates and could make his debut at Yeovil Town on Saturday.

Current Magpies manager Jamie Fullarton has claimed that Boyce's leadership skills and physical presence will be a welcome addition to his side.

"Boyce brings physicality and he has a hugely strong presence. He's a leader and I am happy he has chosen to sign for Notts County," Fullarton said.

"There was definitely a lot of interest out there, locally and from further afield across the divisions. But I spoke to Andrew and he's decided he wanted to come here.

"He wants to play for this club, which is a huge factor when looking to bring players into the football club."

Boyce made nine appearances for previous loan side Hartlepool United this season, in addition to a solitary showing for his parent club.

What do you think of this signing? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Scunthorpe United defender Andrew Boyce will join Notts County on loan on Friday, according to reports.

The former Lincoln City centre-back, who has managed only one substitute appearance for the Iron this term, will spend the rest of the campaign with a club in League Two rumoured to be the Magpies.

"Andrew Boyce will be going to a club in League Two on Wednesday to sign a loan deal that runs until the end of the season," manager Brian Laws told the Scunthorpe Telegraph after his side's 2-0 success over Doncaster Rovers last night.

"It's a great opportunity for him. In many ways he's going to a club of a really good standing within League Two and I'm sure he'll enjoy his time there. He needs to play games, like a few of our players that are not involved."

The deal for 26-year-old Boyce was meant to be completed on Thursday, but journalist Mike White tweeted: "Andrew Boyce to Notts Co still expected to happen but no official word from them or Scunny. Hearing it won't go through until tomorrow now."

What do you think about this deal? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County striker Jon Stead has claimed that the hostility being directed towards manager Jamie Fullarton is the worst he has known in his career.

Magpies fans aimed chants including “you don’t know what you’re doing” and “get out of our club” towards Fullarton as his side lost 2-0 to Bristol Rovers at Meadow Lane on Saturday. Stewards also had to intervene to prevent a banner being unfurled.

Stead says it has been difficult to see F0ullarton become the focus of the fans' anger, having admitted after the Gas game that the atmosphere is beginning to affect the players.

"In my career, I've never known any group of fans direct so much stick towards a manager," he said.

"It's hard because you feel for him because ultimately it's us that are not performing.

"I know the stick is always aimed at him, but I don't think that's just to do with us as players, I think it's to do with everything that built up at the club.

"It's quite an easy target to go for the manager, but the anger has to go somewhere.

"What we have to do is take that all together. There's no other way we can get out of it other than show unity.

"You want to keep it together because we could pull each other's heads off. You've just got to make sure you don't let anything boil over."

What do you make of Stead’s comments? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County manager Jamie Fullarton has pledged to work on getting his side to become more dangerous in front of goal after failing to score for four games in a row at Meadow Lane.

On Saturday, Bristol Rovers sealed a 2-0 win as the Magpies fell behind to a Cristian Montano goal before seeing Lee Brown double the lead after half-time.

The current Notts boss said: "We were always looking to get back into the game and for us to push on. We tried to get back into the game, but we couldn't. It stayed at 2-0.

"All we have to keep doing is keep working as hard as we are doing. The lack of goals is something we are trying to correct."

Fullarton also felt that once the Pirates had taken the lead it affected the way his side were playing. 

"I think it was evident in the two goals that we conceded, that it was naivety," he said. "We were playing against one of the top six sides in the division in what is a young squad.

"Building on from the first half we were looking to improve and unfortunately we didn't. There were a number of circumstances and situations with it. 

"Goals change games and affect players. When something does go against us, then it can't affect us the way it did."

What do you make of Jamie Fullarton’s words? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Former Notts County goalkeeper Fabian Spiess has revealed how he turned down a trial at La Liga outfit Espanyol when he was 14 years old, a decision which eventually led to his signing for the Magpies.

The 22-year-old, who currently plays for Boston United, was spotted at an amateur tournament in Dubai by Mick Leonard, who was County's academy manager at the time.

Writing for the Lincolnshire Echo, Spiess said: "Just before me and my family were set to go to Dubai for a property search, I had the chance to go La Liga side RCD Espanyol for a trial.

"However, I turned the trial down. I would never have gone to Barcelona at the age of 14, it was simply too big of a move and, therefore, I didn't believe it was worth going for the trial.

"Some people would look back and think 'what if', but I would go crazy if every time I made a decision in life I thought 'if only I had done that'.

"The decision to go to Dubai rather than attend a big tournament in Spain changed everything for me.

"My stepdad's son was living in Dubai with his mother. He was playing for a local expat team, the equivalent of a Sunday league team.

"Before we left he told me to bring my football boots and gloves because they needed a goalkeeper for their game on Saturday.

"The game was at the Jebel Ali complex, a classy set-up where a lot of professional football teams go during their international breaks.

"After the game, a gentleman who was standing on the side came up to me and my stepdad. He said he had been watching me during my warm-up with my stepdad and that he was very impressed with what he had seen.

"His name was Mick Leonard, an ex-professional goalkeeper who had played in the Football League with Notts County and Chesterfield, among many others.

"He invited us to come down on Monday to do a session with him. After the session he said he was very impressed with me and that I had all the right attributes and great potential to become a professional.

"Mick was about to take on the job as academy director at Notts County. The youth set-up had been scrapped a few years before, but was being reopened and it was his job to fulfil this task.

"He invited me to go to Nottingham and have a trial at Notts County."

What do you make of Spiess' decision? Would you like to see him back at Meadow Lane? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County midfielder Stanley Aborah has given an interview to BBC Radio Nottingham admitting that he did ask to leave Notts County, but only after he felt frozen out of the squad by current manager Jamie Fullarton.

The Magpies boss said the club had received correspondence from the midfielder's agent which confirmed he no longer wanted to stay at Meadow Lane because he had signed for previous manager Ricardo Moniz.

Aborah has hit back at Fullarton's suggestion that he 'didn't want to play for the club' and explained his reasons for asking to leave.

The Belgian said: "To me it's not a difficult situation. He came in. I was dropped. Therefore I asked him if he wanted me to leave. I said I don't have to leave but if I could find a club it's fine by him.

"That's where we stood but I told him that as long as I was here I would do what he wanted me to do; fight hard for the club and do my best as I have done the previous months.

"I asked him to leave because I felt I wasn't going to play. It has to be made clear; I didn't ask to leave because I wanted to leave.

"I asked to leave because I knew from his actions the weeks before not being selected on the bench, not playing, he wasn't going to pick me.

"It was strange. I fought hard to get a contract when I came in on trial. I did my best to be selected by the manager Ricardo, to do my best for the club.

"Imagine my shock when I wasn't selected for the first three games (under Fullarton).

"We spoke after a couple of games. I spoke with him and said, you're the manager, do what you have to do, but I want to play.

"I can see I'm not going to play. Can I go somewhere else and play?"

Aborah added that, although he had a good understanding with Moniz, he did not want to leave the club specifically after the Dutchman was sacked.

"I came to Notts County to play for myself, not for Ricardo Moniz. I came here through Ricardo Moniz, that's all there is to it.

"I have a very good understanding with Ricardo. If he goes to another club and there is the opportunity to go there then maybe I would take it.

"If he goes to a club that isn't good for me I wouldn't go. Why would I put my livelihood at stake for one manager who gets sacked? It doesn't make sense."

Aborah also hinted that Fullarton was a liar because of the reasons given to the media for the player’s absence.

"The question gets asked to him after a game he doesn't say this. First he said he makes informed decisions or something like that.

"Then he said I'm not available. That wasn't true. He said I was ill, for the York game. That's it. I was thrown under the bus yesterday. I was shocked."

Aborah says he spoke to Fullarton on Monday prior to last night's goalless draw with Dagenham & Redbridge.

He said: "It wasn't a good conversation. I don't want to do this through the media. I don't think it's right. I want to say basically it's a conversation to end my contract.

"I want to play football. I want to play for Notts County. That's been taken away from me. If you can't get a chance here you go somewhere else where you can.

"I want to play and do well. Maybe I can improve and get the chance to go to a higher level. That will benefit the club. The way I was playing for six months there was a chance to do that.

"I think there are two sides to a story. Probably I could have done some things better.

"I don't know what I have done to be in this situation. The manager got sacked, I was played against Oxford.

"The new manager got appointed and I was out of the team. What's my fault in this?"

In response, Notts issued a statement which read: "In a meeting between Jamie Fullarton and Stanley Aborah shortly after the manager had been appointed, Stanley expressed his desire to leave Notts County Football Club.

"This was followed up by email correspondence to the club from Stanley's representative on 20th January which confirmed Stanley's desire to leave the football club.

"It was the hope of the club & the manager that Stanley's position on this would change and he would be committed to contributing to the team. However, in a further meeting on 29th February Stanley again expressed his desire to leave the football club.

"The club will be making no further comment."

What do you think of Stanley's interview and the club's response? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

With Notts County's youth team having slipped to fourth position in the league after a 3-1 defeat away at Oldham in their last game, a win was required to regain their place amongst the pacesetters.
 
Still without their first choice keeper after he broke a finger, Notts began the match into the breeze on a very hard and bobbly pitch.
 
As early as the very first minute Notts fell behind when a cross was headed goalwards by a Rotherham striker.  It was going just inside at the foot of the post but the Notts keeper dived and got his hand to it but couldn’t prevent it crossing the line.
 
The remainder of the first half was an even affair with Notts never hitting the good form they have shown so often in the past against a Rotherham side knowing they now had something to hang on to and were working very hard at closing down the Notts players.
 
Half Time: 0-1
 
The second half was completely different with Notts having a really spirited and higher tempo approach to the game and dominated it right from the kick-off.  They carved out chance after chance but couldn’t score.  Shots were driven just the wrong side of the post, great saves from the Rotherham keeper and misses when scoring looked easier.
 
A frustrating second half to a game that Notts had lots of chances and should have won – but, as we all know - that’s football! The final score was 1-0 to the young Millers.
 
With no game next week the young Pies will face a stern test away at one of the teams in the leading pack - Scunthorpe - in a fortnight’s time.

What did you make of the game? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County defender Haydn Hollis has called for the players, staff and fans to remain united in what he calls a “tough time for the club”.

The Magpies have slipped to three defeats on the trot, while off the pitch, Ray Trew has resigned as chairman and put the club up for sale.

Trew cited abuse from fans as a reason for his decision, which came just two days before the Magpies' 1-0 defeat at Plymouth Argyle.

Hollis told reporters: "I've been at the club since the chairman came in and he's been nothing but good with me.

"As players we've just got to concentrate on the performances on the pitch and let the people at the top take care of everything else.

"It is a tough time for the club, it's uncertain and I think everyone has got to come together – the players, the management, the fans. We've all got to be as one.”

Discussing the Home Park defeat, Hollis added: "We're disappointed because I don't think they were much better than us, but when things are going against you they just fall against you.

"It's always good for me if I'm playing well, but ultimately we need to pick up points and we haven't. I'd rather have an average performance and pick up points.

"I feel confident. The new gaffer has come in and I've played every game under him so he's shown belief in me, but I still go in the changing room and sulk when we don't win.

"It just wasn't to be so we've got to get ready for out next game (against Dagenham & Redbridge) on Tuesday now. We've got to forget about it, put it behind us and crack on.”

Can Notts get a result against the Daggers? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County manager Jamie Fullarton has called on his attacking players to be more ruthless in front of goal following their defeat at Plymouth Argyle.

The Scot felt his side created the best chances during Saturday’s League Two clash between the Pilgrims and the Magpies at Home Park.

Jon Stead weighed in with a number of chances in County’s 1-0 loss, while Adam Campbell fired wide in the closing minutes of the first half.

Fullarton told reporters: "It's disappointing (to lose) on the balance of play. The players are frustrated because they should have and could have got something better from it.

"I think we had some very good opportunities in the game. I don't think there were many that I can recall of Plymouth opening us up other than the goal, which was a well-taken goal but also disappointing from our point of view.

"So when we have such good opportunities, particularly in that first half, it's important that you take them, especially when you are playing against a team that is second in the league and at home."

Speaking of Campbell’s spurned chance on 41 minutes, Fullarton added: "That's what happens sometimes. As I've said on many occasions, I won't criticise someone for missing chances. I think the most important aspect is that you continue to create chances and I felt we did that.

“We've got to take positives from it. I think the players should. There is a level of frustration in the dressing room because they didn't get something from the game when we very much merited it, against a team that is sitting second in an automatic promotion position.

"We're looking at progression, we're looking at those building blocks for us to kick on and that is a positive and now we really need to look at combining getting the points we merit to reflect how we played.

"The worry and the concern come when you don't create chances and I think, away from home against a team that's in the position they are in, we created the best chances in the match."

How do you rate the Magpies’ performance against Plymouth? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Speculation has emerged that former Manchester City, Crystal Palace and Reading manager Steve Coppell is in line to become Jamie Fullarton’s assistant at Notts County.

The 60-year-old was at the Magpies’ last home game against Leyton Orient, while Notts chief executive Julian Winter revealed Fullarton is "in dialogue" with somebody over the position.

Asked directly if the person he is speaking to about the No.2 role is Coppell, Fullarton appeared to sidestep the question by replying: "It is important that we bring in people with the right skill set that complements and supplements what we already have in the building.

"We have a lot of very good staff at the moment that bring something different. So that's our job over a period to assess and then hopefully add to what we have."

Would you like to see Steve Coppell as Notts County’s assistant manager? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.