Notts County defender Blair Adams has thanked Mansfield Town manager Adam Murray for helping restore his confidence after former boss Ricardo Moniz froze him out of the Magpies first team.

The 24-year-old played for Notts in Saturday's 2-0 defeat to AFC Wimbledon, his first game for the Magpies since returning from a three-month loan spell with the Stags.

Murray admitted that he wanted to sign the left-back on a permanent deal, but new Notts manager Jamie Fullarton decided to keep his player at Meadow Lane.

Adams said: "I was in talks to extend my stay and to be honest I thought I would be going there. But at the last minute, I've ended up coming back for the new manager to have a good look at me in training. I must have done something right because he has kept me here

"I've had a smile on my face which I had lost earlier in the season because it was hard coming in under the previous manager knowing I wouldn't be in the team. It was so good to get back in the team because it got rid of a lot of frustration

"But I would just like to thank Mansfield and Adam Murray because he has been one of the best managers I've worked with. He gave me my confidence back and I was enjoying each game. I would like to wish them all the best because they were absolutely brilliant with me."

Adams, who arrived from Coventry City in 2014 and has made 43 appearances for Notts, is now hoping to finish the season by playing as many games as possible before resolving his future in the summer when his contract at Meadow Lane runs out.

"I just want to keep my place in the team for as long as possible now," he continued. "I've played left wing, and while I can play there and have done plenty of times, I don't think it's my strongest position.

"I played in midfield plenty of times under Shaun Derry last season, but at the moment it's just about playing and enjoying myself. Once we get to the summer, then we will see what happens.”

Should Blair Adams continue to feature in the Notts first team? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the community, visiting the forum and joining the discussion.

A cracking game in prospect with the Notts Youth team in 7th place taking on local rivals Burton Albion who were 8th. Notts were five points behind the leaders but with a game in hand - so a win was needed to keep up with the league leaders. Back in August Burton had won the first meeting between the teams 2-0 so Notts were looking to avenge that defeat. Although cold it was a lovely sunny morning at Arnold FC's ground with Burton Albion's first team manager, Nigel Clough, in attendance.

In a keenly contested game it was Burton who took control of the game in the early stages with Notts battling hard to get into the game and it was against the run of play on 32 minutes when Notts took the lead. A high ball was dropped by the Burton keeper straight at the feet of Notts top scorer, Montel Gibson, who made no mistake despatching the ball into the empty net.

Seven minutes later Notts went further ahead when an absolutely unstoppable rocket from Kieran Blaney found the top corner of the net. There was no further scoring in the first half so the young 'Pies went to their half-time refreshment with a comfortable 2-0 lead.

The second half saw Notts facing into both the sun and the wind. Burton came out for the second half and put Notts under pressure right from the start of the game. On 51 minutes Burton forced themselves back into the game when they took advantage of a defensive error to make the score 2-1.

Six minutes later and Burton completed their comeback when a corner was headed powerfully into the net for 2-2. It looked bad for Notts as the momentum had swung completely in Burton's favour.

Once again Notts fought hard to wrestle control from Burton and on 60 minutes they regained the lead when a free kick from Jack McMillan cleared the wall and beat the 'keeper for a 3-2 lead.

Notts took control of the game once again and on 77 minutes Jordan Aghatise sealed the victory with a fourth goal for the young 'Pies slotting home in a goalmouth scramble following a corner. Notts confidently saw out the remaining time to clinch another three points in their bid to climb the table.

This was a cracking game of football to watch. It was keenly contested by both teams and the Notts lads never stopped fighting especially when Burton seemed to be getting on top coming back from 0-2 down to level at 2-2 - but Notts somehow stepped up to another gear.

Next Saturday Notts are away at Grimsby Town.

Add your thoughts on the youth team below | Don't forget to check out our latest discussions - Here.

Notts County manager Jamie Fullarton has blamed fine margins for his side’s League Two defeat against AFC Wimbledon.

The Dons recorded a 2-0 victory at Meadow Lane to extend their unbeaten run to six games, with striker Tom Elliott and winger Andy Barcham bagging the goals to give the new Magpies boss a loss in his first home game.

Fullarton said: "Major incidents in games change how they pan out. They scored a fantastic goal after about ten minutes just moments after we had hit the post. If that goes in, you are on the front foot.

"But their goal took the wind out of our sails a little bit because we had been playing with a good bit of intensity. 

“We had a positive action in everything we did, but sometimes you just have to hold your hands up. It was a fantastic goal by them so you have to give them credit.

"While we never created many clear-cut chances, the intent was there to win the game.

"But it's back to work this week, and win, lose, or draw it's important to remain on an even keel."

Notts slip to 17th in League Two following their defeat.

What did you make of Saturday’s game? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing into the forum and joining the conversation.

Jamie Fullarton’s first home game in charge of Notts County ended in a limp defeat as AFC Wimbledon outplayed the hosts their 2-0 win at Meadow Lane on Saturday.

The Magpies started brightly enough and saw Blair Adams head against the post following a pinpoint cross from Wes Atkinson.

In the ninth minute, however, Neal Ardley’s charges took the lead in exhilarating fashion as a good team move which included a deft backheel was finished off by Tom Elliott’s powerful drive past Roy Carroll.

Notts laboured in a bid to get themselves level, which proved tricky given the referee was guilty of a number of disputable decisions, but Izale McLeod missed a good chance early in the second half.

The Dons then hit the woodwork themselves when Lyle Taylor flicked into the path of Andy Barcham, who smashed a shot against the bar.

Boss Neal Ardley would have wondered whether they would rue such a miss, but Barcham made amends when he doubled their lead from just inside the box on 83 minutes.

Fullarton’s side threw everything forward in a bid to get a result, but the Dons comfortably held out to make it eight games unbeaten away from home and condemn the former Nottingham Forest youth coach to his first defeat.

What did you think of the result? Let us know by joining the Pride of Nottingham forum and getting involved in the conversation.

Jamie Fullarton has admitted he is in "no rush" to make new signings for Notts County as he prepares to enter the final week of the transfer window. 

The new manager is yet to add new blood to his squad, stressing that he is keen to give every player the chance to impress before deciding on incomings or outgoings.

As a result, Blair Adams is to stay at Meadow Lane instead of extending his loan at Mansfield Town, while Alan Smith’s supposed move to Plymouth Argyle was called off by the veteran midfielder.

"I know the window shuts at the end of January, but I am keen to stress there is no rush," Fullarton said. 

"That's because the loan window reopens in February and that's something we can take advantage of.

"I'm under no pressure and I am happy working with the squad I have got.

"I have had conversations with players that have been in this new environment for the last two weeks.

"I've wanted to see what they think, where they stand and how they feel. And I am pleased to say that Alan has preferred to stay at Notts County and work with us."

The only player to leave the club this window has been Nicky Wroe who left the club by mutual consent and has since signed for FC Halifax.

Should Fullarton make some signings before the closure of the transfer window? Let us know by signing up to Pride of Nottingham, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County will not extend defender Blair Adams’s loan spell at Mansfield Town, their manager, Adam Murray, has admitted.

New Magpies manager Jamie Fullarton has reiterated that he is keen to take a look at all of the players at his disposal after taking over at Meadow Lane.

Murray told the official Mansfield website: “Blair’s loan finished yesterday, and despite being led to believe over the past couple of weeks that Blair would be able to extend his stay with us, unfortunately Notts County have now decided against this at the last minute. As their (Notts County’s) player, they have every right to do this.

“I understand it has come about because of a mix-up in communication at their [Notts County’s] end, which led to their final decision to keep Blair Adams at Meadow Lane.

“We are obviously very disappointed as Blair was an outstanding performer for us, but like anything in this game, we will move on swiftly.”

Adams played 15 games during a three-month loan spell at Mansfield.

What do you make of Murray’s parting shot at Notts? And can Adams establish himself in the Notts starting line-up? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the community, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

While I am always being told that the development of the young ‘Pies is always deemed to be more important than winning football matches, I am sure it is easier for the coaches to get their points across if the lads can see it gets results on a Saturday.

With that in mind, it seems a long time ago, at the end of November in fact, when the Notts youth team sat proud on top of their league.

Since then they have only played only twice, during December, losing both games, bowing out of the FA Youth Cup to an outstanding and undefeated (at the time) Luton Town team and losing 1-0 in the league on a very bumpy pitch away at Lincoln.

Since then their inactivity has seen them slide down the table to seventh place - but they are still only five points behind the leaders with a game in hand - so still everything to play for.

Many of the youth team although not playing in their own team, have been outstanding in their appearances for the Reserve team.  In fact on Tuesday, no fewer than nine youth team players were involved in the game, four in the team and another five on the bench. Some very promising youngsters coming through the system.

This Saturday they start the second half of the season at home to Burton Albion, the team just behind them in eighth place, hoping to fight their way back up the table - here's hoping for an exciting and successful 2016 for the young 'Pies.

Read more of our articles - Here | Join in with our community discussions - Here.  

Former Newport County manager Justin Edinburgh is delighted that the Welsh club will benefit from Conor Washington's transfer from Peterborough to Queens Park Rangers.

The Exiles will receive nearly £1m from a 20% sell-on clause for the striker Edinburgh brought to County for £5,000.

"The money is a lifeline for a club like Newport," Edinburgh told BBC Radio Wales.

"It's a fantastic move for Conor and even more so for Newport. I'm delighted for everyone and it's worked out great for all parties.

"We gave Conor a chance, an opportunity. To see the club now get close to £1m, it's fantastic and will help the Supporters' Trust carry on what they have started there."

Washington, a former postman, left Newport for the Posh in 2014 after making 48 appearances for the South Wales club.

-

Leyton Orient have signed midfielder Nigel Atangana from fellow League Two side Portsmouth on an 18-month deal for an undisclosed fee.

The 26-year-old appeared 48 times for Pompey since joining from Havant & Waterlooville in 2014, but has not played for the club since November.

-

Barnet manager Martin Allen has admitted that the club have taken up the option to extend top scorer John Akinde's contract by another year.

The 26-year-old has scored 11 goals this season and a total of 43 in his 74 appearances since signing in 2014.

"I've had a chat with John Akinde and I've informed him that the club are taking up the option on his contract," Allen told Barnet's official website.

"We're happy and he's delighted. It's good news all round, and that should now settle everybody down."

-

Wycombe Wanderers manager Gareth Ainsworth has claimed that, if his side replicate their FA Cup performances against Aston Villa in the league, they will "win a lot more than we lose".

The Chairboys lost their third-round replay at Villa Park 2-0 on Tuesday.

"I've said to the boys 'Some of you will get to this level'. I'm confident I've got a couple of players who will get to the Championship, Premier League," said Ainsworth.

"The problem will be holding onto some of them now."

-

Bristol Rovers striker Ellis Harrison has agreed a one-month loan deal with fellow League Two side Hartlepool.

Harrison, 21, will join up with Pools on Monday having scored a winning penalty for his parent club in a 2-1 win at Oxford United on Sunday.

The Wales under-21 international has scored six goals for Rovers this season in 24 appearances.

-

Stevenage have re-signed midfielder Lee Cox on loan from League Two rivals Plymouth until the end of the season.

Cox featured in six games for Boro earlier this season after joining the club on a one-month loan in November.

The 25-year-old, who is out of contract in the summer, has made 42 appearances for Argyle since joining the club from Swindon Town in May 2014.

Share your thoughts on the League Two news below - Find more content | Here.

Plymouth Argyle has been rumoured to have offered an 18-month deal to Alan Smith back in late December, however, the Notts midfielder looks set to turn down the move and remain amongst the ranks at Meadow Lane.

News emerged via Twitter after an image picturing Smith posing for a photo with a young football fan. Later on the same day, another photograph depicting Smith meeting up with Argyle manager Derek Adams was shared amongst social media.

Yet the magpies' are believed to have given Smith permission to talk to Plymouth Argyle, but it is now understood that after having had time to speak to the new Notts manager Jamie Fullarton, Smith has decided to see out his remaining deal at Meadow Lane, which expires at the end of the season.

Smith is believed to be one of the lowest earners at Notts, as he has made it clear he is not motivated by money. His decision to remain as a Notts County player will be well received by the dressing room, with Smith a popular figure among other team mates and he will be keen to now impress Notts manager Jamie Fullarton who had named Smith as one of his substitutes in the 1-0 away win last Saturday against Crawley Town.

So far he has managed to have made 17 appearances, with Smith being in contention for selection against AFC Wimbledon on Saturday.

However, some Notts fans may have wished for Alan Smith to be one of few players to depart Meadow Lane - as we sort to reduce the current playing squad.

Join in with our popular discussions: Would you bet against your own team? Discover more content - Here. 

Notts County manager Jamie Fullarton has confirmed that he will be giving Blair Adams a chance to impress in the Magpies squad.

The defender has been on loan at rivals Mansfield Town for the last three months with his performances prompting Stags boss Adam Murray to offer the defender a permanent deal.

Fullarton played down reports of Adams leaving for good, saying: "Blair's loan expired this week and having only just walked through the door, I haven't had the opportunity to work with him until these last few days.

"He's back which will give me a chance to have a look at him like I will do with all the other players.

"I will give him a chance to be part of it. His attitude has been first class and he's shown intent in terms of putting into practice what I am asking.

"It was of a highly professional standard too and I'm looking forward to working with him.

"Where we are at this moment, I've been impressed with everything about him since he came back into the building.

"Mansfield have had contact with us and told us they would like him to join them which is understandable given his performances and how well he has done there.

"But he is a Notts County footballer who I want to work with and give him a different environment as to what he's had before."

Adams played just twice under previous boss Ricardo Moniz this season before being allowed to leave the Magpies.

Should Adams be given a run in the team? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the community, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County defender Haydn Hollis has become the second member to speak out in favour of new manager Jamie Fullarton after being given a fresh start in the starting line-up.

The 23-year-old, who was in and out of the team under previous boss Ricardo Moniz, has now started the last two games for the Magpies and was rewarded with a clean sheet in a 1-0 win at Crawley Town

"You've just got to accept that's how football can be sometimes," said Hollis.

"You can be doing really well, then find yourself out of the team. But it's a fresh start for me as it is for all the lads.

"I missed games, but when you are a professional footballer you have to stay mentally strong because you do get tested.

"You've just got to keep going. Hopefully I can now keep my place for the game against Wimbledon this weekend."

Should Hollis be given an extended run in the first team? Visit the Pride of Nottingham forum and join the conversation.

Notts County winger Filip Valencic has criticised former manager Ricardo Moniz for barely selecting him and admitted that his winner against Crawley Town was “powered” with the anger he felt towards the departed Dutchman.

The 24-year-old Slovenian arrived at Meadow Lane in July, but made only two appearances in League Two before Moniz left in December and was replaced by Jamie Fullarton.

Valencic told BBC Sport: "With that shot I put all my anger in it because I didn't play. I thought I would be playing more, not every game, but I really thought I would be paying more.

"I have spoken with Ricardo a couple of times and basically what he told me was that I'm not ready for the first team so I kept playing for the reserves and waiting for an opportunity.

"When the new manager came he gave me the chance and I took it."

What do you make of Valencic's comments? Sign up to the Pride of Nottingham community, visit the forum and join the conversation.

Notts County manager Jamie Fullarton has praised his players for sticking to his game plan as he began his managerial reign with a win at Crawley Town.

Filip Valencic's impressive second-half volley from just outside the box proved the difference between the two sides in Saturday’s League Two clash at the Checkatrade.com Stadium. 

The result saw the Magpies earn only their second away win of the season, the first one coming all the way back on the first game of the campaign in August.

Fullarton said: "It's a great three points, but it's only three points. Breaking records doesn't really come into our thought process. You've got to give credit to the players because they are the ones who take in the information then act upon it.

"I thought every man played their part, they were first class. It wasn't just the centre-backs, but I touched on it previously that defending is about the team, not any individual.

"It's not just the defence which stops you conceding goals, it's what happens in front in terms of making it difficult to play better balls into the box, therefore making the job easier for the defenders.

"From the centre backs to the centre forwards, we had a game plan and we stuck to it."

Is Jamie Fullarton the man to take Notts forward? Join the Pride of Nottingham community, visit the forum and join the conversation.

At last Notts win away again, for the first time since the opening day of the season, getting Jamie Fullarton's reign as the Magpies new manager off to a positive start at Crawley.

Here are the League Two results for this weekend:

Saturday 16 January 2016

Accrington- Postponed- Portsmouth

AFC Wimbledon 3 – 1 Mansfield

Barnet 0 – 0 Carlisle

Crawley 0 - 1 Notts County

Dagenham & Redbridge 1 - 2 Northampton

Hartlepool 1 - 0 Wycombe

Leyton Orient 1 - 3 Exeter

Luton 0 - 0 Cambridge

Morecambe 2 - 1 Yeovil

Plymouth 3 - 2 Stevenage

York 0 - 1 Newport

Today there were 4 home wins, 4 away wins, 2 draws and 1 postponement.

Sunday 17 January 2016

Oxford United 1 - 2 Bristol Rovers

League Two Update

The automatic promotion places are sorting themselves out with Plymouth and Northampton both winning and on 55 points from 27 and 26 games respectively thus opening a 7 point gap over 3rd placed Oxford who lost at home to Bristol Rovers who move up to 4th on 46 points.

Portsmouth's drop to 5th on 44 points as their game at Accrington was postponed.

Wycombe remain 6th despite losing at Hartlepool with 40 points.

Accrington suffered another postponement but still occupy the last playoff place with games in hand and 39 points the same total as 8th placed Wimbledon who have played 26 games, 4 more than Stanley.

It's becoming clearer at the other end of the table too. York stay bottom with 16 points from 25 games after losing at home to Newport who are relatively safe at 20th on 23 points from 25 games.

Yeovil also lost, away at Morecambe, and keep the other relegation spot at 23rd with 17 points from 26 games.

Hartlepool, at 21st, also have 23 points but have only played 22 games.

Dagenham & Redbridge are 22nd with 19 points from 26 games.

Stevenage, at 19th,are on 27 points and 10 points clear of a relegation place.

Looking at the rest of League Two we can see how close the positions are with 9th placed Mansfield on 38 points from 26 games but only one point outside a playoff place. 18th placed Luton have also played 26 games and have only 7 fewer points than Mansfield.

Notts are 16th with 33 points from 25 games and only 6 points fewer than 7th placed Accrington and a play off place plus a comfortable 16 points above the drop zone.

Upcoming fixtures

Only one midweek game in League Two this week. Accrington will be hoping their home game against Hartlepool, due to take place Tuesday 19th January 2016, will go ahead as scheduled as their last 4 home games, against Wycombe, Carlisle, Notts and Portsmouth have all been postponed due to a waterlogged or frozen pitch. Stanley haven't played at home since 14th November.

Notts' next game is at home against 8th placed Wimbledon on Saturday 23rd January 2016 with a 3pm kick off. This is followed by 4 games against teams currently below Notts including home and away to Hartlepool.

Can Jamie Fullarton save Notts County's season? Join the Pride of Nottingham community, visit the forum and join the conversation.

Notts County defender Haydn Hollis has praised new manager Jamie Fullarton, his staff and his teammates for doing their homework on the training ground, which paid off in their 1-0 win over Crawley Town.

Filip Valencic marked his full Magpies debut on Saturday with a wonderful volleyed goal at the Checkatrade.com Stadium to give the visitors their first away win since August.

Hollis told reporters after the game: "I thought we were different class. We defended brilliantly as a whole team. It felt great at the end to know you've kept a clean sheet and won the game. That's credit to the lads because they were the ones out there doing it. 

But you've also got to credit the manager and his staff. All week in training we have done training and shape. As everybody could see, it paid off.

"I felt comfortable and I love defending. Roy didn't have a save to make in the second half and people were putting their bodies on the line. I think Curtis got a cut on his head that needed stitches and that's what you want here.

"You want people to throw themselves in front of the ball and be brave. That's something we've got to continue for the rest of the season now."

Give us your thoughts on this article by signing up to Pride of Nottingham, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County manager Jamie Fullarton has described Filip Valencic’s goal in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Crawley Town as straight off the training ground.

The Slovenian struck a wonderful volley just after the hour mark at the Checkatrade.com Stadium to seal a first Magpies away win since the opening day of the season.

"It was a fantastic strike by the young man who has responded well to the information we have been drip feeding into him over the week," said Fullarton.

"We've worked on certain aspects of how we want to attack and it's one of those where you work on it, for many weeks and fortunately it has come off.

 "That pull off onto the full-back by Jon Stead, the timing of the pass, it all came together which resulted in a fantastic finish."

Fullarton reiterated the point of getting the defence organised, an element which had been missing under previous boss Ricardo Moniz but came on in leaps and bounds against the Red Devils.

"I was always confident about getting a result especially when you see the attacking force that we have," he said.

"Scoring goals is the most difficult part of the game at whatever level you are at.

"It's important that, when we have such quality going forward, then we structure and organise in order to prevent goals going in at the other end. And if you can do that, then it gives you a chance of winning football matches.

"Roy has hardly had a save to make and that's credit to the players who were in front of him.

"When things go well, football is an easy game. It's making sure that when we are under pressure, we have resilience so it doesn't cloud or make the game complicated.

"And in the first half while we looked solid in terms of shape and we did not look under threat from a ball in behind, there were not many goalscoring opportunities.

"I said to the players at half-time that I just wanted us to be more decisive and brave in the final third.

"What I want to see is that when we have the chance to express ourselves I want us to go on and do it. 

"In the second half we had that belief and a confidence to play which was a result of our shape and foundation. We created more chances and we could have scored more goals." 

Notts climb up to 16th in League Two following their win, putting them six points away from the playoffs.

Credit to Dan Westwell for the image

Discuss Jamie Fullarton's post-match thoughts by visiting the Pride of Nottingham forum, signing up to the community and joining the conversation.

Notts County striker Izale McLeod has claimed his side can still push for promotion, while he believes he can still reach 20 goals this season. 

The Magpies' top scorer, with nine goals, returns to old club Crawley Town this afternoon, having left the Reds for Meadow Lane in the summer for a fee said to be over £100,000.

But with new manager Jamie Fullarton in charge, McLeod believes a nine-point gap to the play-off places in League Two is not impossible to overcome.

"I still think I can get to 20 goals this season, but it's not just about me," he told reporters. 

"More importantly if we can shore ourselves up at the back, we can still really push up the league.

"It's still really tight and people outside of the club will think we are going to be mid-table. But we've got ambitions of wanting promotion. 

"Why not? We are not a million miles away. If we can get on a run we will be there or thereabouts."

Do you agree with McLeod? Visit the Pride of Nottingham forum, join the conversation and sign up to the community.

Leyton Orient president Francesco Becchetti has been given a six-match stadium ban and fined £40,000 by the Football Association for aiming a kick at assistant boss Andy Hessenthaler.

He was charged after television pictures captured the incident after the win over Portsmouth on 26 December.

An independent regulatory commission decided on Friday the 49-year-old was guilty of a charge of violent conduct.

Becchetti, who requested a personal hearing, can appeal against the ruling.

The Italian, who bought the O's in summer 2014, had accepted his actions were improper but strongly denied it was violent conduct.

---

Warren Feeney has been appointed as the new manager of League Two side Newport County.

Former Northern Ireland international Feeney, 34, was previously the Exiles' assistant manager and replaces former boss John Sheridan, who left to join Oldham Athletic on Wednesday.

---

Premier League side Norwich have signed midfielder Ben Godfrey from League Two club York City on a three-and-a-half year contract for an undisclosed fee.

The 18-year-old made 15 appearances for the Minstermen, scoring one goal.

---

League Two side Northampton have signed versatile Millwall winger Lee Martin on a one-month loan deal.

Martin, 28, has made 69 appearances for the Lions since signing for the League One club following his release by Ipswich Town in July 2013.

---

Stevenage have signed striker Aaron O'Connor from Forest Green Rovers on a one-month loan, with a view to extending it to the end of the season.

O'Connor has scored nine goals in 20 National League appearances for Forest Green this season.

The 32-year-old signed a one-year contract with Rovers in July following his release by Newport County.

---

League Two side Dagenham & Redbridge have signed striker Oliver Hawkins from National League South side Hemel Hempstead Town for an undisclosed fee.

The 23-year-old has agreed a two-and-half-year deal with the Daggers.

---

League Two side Accrington Stanley have signed winger Brayden Shaw on a short-term deal after a one-month trial.

The 18-year-old signed a six-month professional contract with Bury but was let go after failing to make an appearance for the first team.

---

League Two side York City have signed Hull City midfielder Matt Dixon on an 18-month deal.

The 21-year-old made his debut for the Tigers in the League Cup first-round tie against Accrington Stanley in August.

Dixon was captain of the Championship club's under-21 side.

---

Cambridge United have signed striker Ben Williamson from Gillingham until summer 2017 for an undisclosed fee.

Williamson recently returned from a loan spell with the U's, having scored three goals in eight League Two games.

The 27-year-old joined Gillingham from Port Vale in June, but failed to score in 14 appearances for the promotion-chasing League One side.

---

League Two side Barnet have signed Leicester City defender Alie Sesay on an 18-month deal.

The 21-year-old Sierra Leone international came through Leicester's academy but has not made a first-team appearance for the Foxes.

Sesay, who can play across the back four and in central midfield, has previously had loan spells at Colchester and Cambridge United.

---

League Two side Crawley Town have signed Crewe midfielder Chris Atkinson on a one-month loan deal.

The 23-year-old has made 16 appearances for the Alex this season but has not featured since mid-November.

---

Hartlepool United have signed winger Nathan Thomas from League Two rivals Mansfield Town, with terms undisclosed.

Thomas, 21, had handed in a transfer request to the management and was cleared to move to Victoria Park.

He had made 21 appearances for the Stags so far this season, following a summer move from Motherwell.

---

Cambridge United have signed midfielder James Dunne, who has been released by Portsmouth by mutual consent.

Dunne, 26, made one appearance for Pompey this season having signed from Stevenage in 2014, but featured in 14 games on loan at Dagenham & Redbridge.

Share your thoughts on the latest League Two news by visiting the Pride of Nottingham forum, joining the conversation and signing up to our community.

Notts County manager Jamie Fullarton has emphasised the importance of preparation ahead of a game, both on his part and that of the players.

The new boss, who took over from Ricardo Moniz last week, has reportedly been arriving at Meadow Lane at 6am every day since his appointment in a bid to do his research and tailor the training to the opposition – in this weekend’s case, Crawley Town away.

Fullarton told reporters on Thursday: "We don't want to overcomplicate certain areas of the pitch. I've tried to make it as simple as possible.

"The role of the coach is to help players the best they can and implement a strategy to help win games. That's what we've done and we've had a really good response from the players.

"Everything we do during the week, it is important the players take it on board and apply it come Saturday. Within the division, you do your prep and look at the opposition.

"Crawley had a very good result against Cambridge at home last week and they have threat and strength in their strike pairing.

"I am aware of the away form and the only way we can change it is by hard work, what we do every day on the training field and then the players responding to that.

"I want to see intent and it is a key phrase for me. We can talk about effort and that for me is part of intent. But intent is application and showing what we have done all week.

"Understanding what is required from our preparation, allied with the effort I demand, gives you a better chance of success.

"If the players show that on the pitch and put in place what we have worked on, then I am happy."

Notts take on Crawley this Saturday at 3pm. Share your opinions on the match build-up by visiting the Pride of Nottingham forum, joining the conversation and signing up to the community.

New Notts County manager Jamie Fullarton will give the club’s out of favour players the chance to make an impression before deciding their next move.

Blair Adams, Nicky Wroe and Taylor McKenzie were all frozen out under previous boss Ricardo Moniz, and were sent on loan to Mansfield, Halifax and Wrexham respectively.

All three players are either back at Meadow Lane or will be back soon, and Fullarton is eager to give the trio a clean slate.

He said: "I will speak to them first because they follow the same line as every player and member of staff.

"All new managers provide a different environment – and I'm not saying it's for better or worse – but you get different reactions and different outcomes from previous regimes.

"It's important that before making a decision that I have the chance to speak to them about what their aims are, and vice versa. Then we will come to a decision."

Adams has proven a success at Mansfield, where won the supporters' player of the month award for December and has impressed manager Adam Murray.

Wroe, meanwhile, has returned to Notts this week, following his spell at Halifax where he was made captain and his performances are understood to have attracted interest from Macclesfield.

McKenzie is also back at Meadow Lane, having seen a similar spell end at Wrexham where he failed to play a single game.

Do the above players deserve a second chance at Notts? Visit the Pride of Nottingham forum, join the conversation, share your opinions and sign up to our community.

The appointment of Jamie Fullarton as Notts County manager is a coup for the Magpies, at least according to Nottingham Forest boss Dougie Freedman, who claims he is now “fearful” of the team on the other side of the Trent.

The Reds boss has worked alongside Fullarton at Crystal Palace, Bolton Wanderers and Forest and regards him highly as a coach.

Freedman said: "They have got themselves a great coach. Notts County fans might not know Jamie, but if you ask anyone in the game what he is like, they will tell you that he is a highly regarded coach.

"I am fearful of them across the road now because, knowing Jamie, he will get that place moving and we will need to keep moving ourselves.

"It is a good appointment and a good job for him. I think Notts County fans will be surprised.

"He is a very detailed coach, he knows exactly what he wants. There will be no grey areas under him.

"He knows what he wants, in terms of his coaching. He speaks a number of languages, which is a useful tool that he has helped me with in the past.

"He is an educated man who knows what he wants. He wanted to go and manage and he has got that opportunity now."

Fullarton’s first ever game as a first-team manager will be on Saturday against Crawley Town away.

Share your thoughts on Freedman's opinion of Fullarton by visiting the Pride of Nottingham forum, joining the conversation and signing up to the community.

League Two Preview Saturday 16^th January 2016

We're back to a full programme again this week after last week's postponements and FA Cup fixtures and also with a new manager.

*Important games **Key Game

Saturday 16^th January 2016

*Accrington v Portsmouth – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (1-3)
Wimbledon v Mansfield – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (0-1)
Barnet v Carlisle– Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (1-0)
**Crawley v Notts County – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (2-0)
*Dagenham & Redbridge v Northampton – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (1-1)
*Hartlepool v Wycombe – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (0-1)
Leyton Orient v Exeter – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (2-1)
Luton v Cambridge – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (0-3)
Morecambe v Yeovil – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (2-0)
Plymouth v Stevenage – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (3-2)
*York v Newport – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (1-1)

Once again there are several games where the outcome will have a big influence on the future of teams in League two.

I've started with 7^th placed Accrington, who have only played 22 games but have 39 points, at home to Portsmouth who lie 4^th with 44 points from 25 games.

Next I've highlighted Northampton who share joint top spot with Plymouth who they beat 2–1 away earlier this week. The Cobblers will be expecting to beat 22^nd placed Dagenham & Redbridge.

Hartlepool at 21^st, will be hoping to follow last week's very creditable FA Cup performance against my team (Derby in case you didn't know) with a win against 6th placed Wycombe.

Meanwhile bottom club York have 16 points and will be desperate to beat fellow struggler's Newport who are 20^th with 20 points.

Sunday 17^th January 2016

*Oxford v Bristol Rovers – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (2-0)

However the game of the weekend (apart from Notts) takes place on Sunday between 3rd placed Oxford, who've played 25 games and have 48 points and Bristol Rovers at 5^th with 43 points from 26 games.

Tuesday 19^th January 2016

*Accrington v Hartlepool – Kick Off 19:45pm – Score Prediction (1-2)
Accrington (7^th) and Hartlepool (21^st) also play each other on Tuesday.

Once again I feature Notts as my key game.

**Crawley v Notts County

Notts are now 18^th with 30 points from 24 games and 9 points shy of a play off place. Opponents Crawley are 5 places higher at 13^th with 34 points from 26 games.

Notts beat Crawley 4–1 at Meadow Lane earlier this season 22/9/2016.

This is Jamie Fullarton's first game in charge and he will be hoping for a good performance and result to help him win over the restless Notts County faithful.

Find content quick and easily on Pride of Nottingham, use our 'All Activity' - Here.