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Joe Jones
Kevin Nolan has acknowledged that Notts County need to get used to the pressure of being viewed as one of the big scalps in League Two.
Despite a blip in recent weeks, the Magpies continue to sit second in League Two, just one point behind a very impressive Luton Town outfit.
Up next for Notts is Saturday's league encounter with Newport County in Meadow Lane, and Nolan admits that the raised expectations are a new thing for both players and staff.
"A lot has changed in recent weeks, such as expectations from outside the club," he told the official website.
"People now think we're a good side who are where we should be, which means teams see us as a real threat in this division.
"As a squad and a staff we have not been in this position before and we're still getting used to being one of the teams to beat.
"Last year there was no pressure because of where we were in the league and teams were thinking they had a real chance of getting something from the game but now they come here, show us the respect we deserve and try not to give anything silly away.
"The players have earned that respect over the past few months and we have to find a way to start countering it.
"Hopefully what we do on the training ground will come to fruition and we can combat their strengths while taking advantage of their weaknesses, which will give us a fantastic opportunity to beat anyone."
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Joe Jones
The EFL Trophy is despised by a significant proportion of football fans, and rightly so.
It's effectively been hijacked by the Premier League for the benefit of their academies to give their reserve teams some competitive action.
This has come at the expense of the teams in League One and League Two, who cannot do the same thing themselves and will even be sanctioned if they fail to field a number of first-team players.
It's not like the teams in the bottom two divisions of the Football League already have 50-odd games to play already when you factor in the 46 standard league games, potentially the playoffs, and the League and FA Cups.
No, let's force their already tired and weary players to turn out not for one extra game, as it was in the past, but three more games as a minimum.
But let's face it, when was the last time that the EFL Trophy actually any good?
Having a competition only open to the 48 teams in the third and fourth tier was never going to throw up any bumper ties.
Previously, there was a 50-50 team that you'd be playing a team that you'd be facing twice in the league anyway.
And even if you were drawn against a team in the league above or below you, it's still unlikely to be the kind of match-up that will make fans excited.
The only exception to this would be if you were drawn against a fallen "giant" - say Blackburn Rovers or Charlton Athletic. Only then would it be somewhat exciting for a fourth-tier team.
But even then, would the more illustrious team actually make any effort in the competition? Winning such a tinpot competition as the EFL Trophy would be a permanent mark of shame for such a team, a reminder that they had once fallen on hard times.
And on top of that, having a competition played largely on weekdays may work if it's something like the Champions League, or the latter rounds of a proper competition like the FA Cup or League Cup, but a midweek trip to Morecambe or Southend is hardly going to generate enthusiasm - and it's not like there's the prospect of better ties ahead.
That said, even having a group with local rivals Mansfield Town and Lincoln City, as it is at present, is not a particularly exciting thing, given it feels forced, plus all the previous points that made the competition shoddy in the first place, plus the Premier League meddling that have rendered the competition at best pointless, at worst outright toxic.
The EFL Trophy is a moribund, pointless and utterly futile competition. The Premier League intervention can either be seen as an attempt to breathe new life into it, or as a parasite or virus that has taken over its host and completely zombified it.
Either way, it reflects badly on the competition, so the best thing would be to just let it die off.
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Joe Jones
Kevin Nolan has praised Notts County summer signings Callum Saunders and Elliot Hodge, suggesting that they are both players who can get crowds excited.
Both players, brought in at Meadow Lane with a view to development, played in the Magpies' 2-1 defeat to Mansfield Town in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday.
“I thought they did really well and I was really pleased with both of them,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post.
“Callum led the line well and ran the channels which is what he is all about.
“He was probably a little bit unlucky not to get a few more chances but he will get better the more and more he does it.
“Elliot did really well especially in the first half. He did lots of good things and when you’ve got two lads who are hungry, decent, and they’ve got pace, it excites the crowds.
“I was delighted with them and they should be pleased with how they performed.”
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Joe Jones
Kevin Nolan has urged his players not to feel sorry for themselves after losing to Mansfield Town in midweek ahead of Saturday's League Two game with Newport County.
A much-changed Magpies outfit fell to a 2-1 defeat against the Stags on Tuesday night in the EFL Trophy.
With a league game now on the horizon, Nolan has rallied his troops and urged them to bounce back from the midweek defeat.
“I want the players to react in the right way to Tuesday, I don’t want them to feel sorry for themselves,” he told the Nottingham Post.
“I want them to show what I believe they can do. I believe in them and I believe they could have done a lot better which is why I was so disappointed with what I saw.
“The best thing about having Saturday, Tuesday, fixtures is that you don’t have to wait long for another game.
“But I was able to give some of the lads some exposure who haven’t had many minutes this season while obviously giving the lads who have been playing a rest.
“I am really looking forward to Newport now.”
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Joe Jones
What's been happening in League Two over the last week?
Here is Pride of Nottingham's round-up of the biggest League Two news from the last seven days.
- Chesterfield have confirmed that midfielder Jordan Flores, on loan from Wigan Athletic, was involved in a car accident on Monday and was taken to hospital for treatment, where it is reported that he will be undergoing surgery.
- Lincoln City have signed former Manchester United youth winger Cameron Stewart, who had been without a club since leaving Ipswich Town in the summer, on a short-term deal until January.
- The EFL has confirmed that "no specific action" will be taken against Stevenage following complaints of stewards acting inappropriately by asking some female Grimsby Town fans to show their bras to security staff ahead of their League Two match at the Lamex Stadium in August.
- Wycombe Wanderers have been forced to recall defender Will de Havilland from his loan spell at Aldershot following a spate of defensive injuries in the Chairboys ranks.
- Carlisle United striker Shaun Miller has become the first player in English football to be retrospectively banned for diving due to 'successful deception of a match official', a new offence which came into force at the start of the season, in their 3-3 draw with Wycombe.
- Coventry City have banned a supporter for life after he came onto the pitch during their home defeat against Forest Green and shouted at the Sky Blues players.
- Mansfield Town have opted to recall midfielder Jack Thomas from his loan spell at National League North side Boston United.
All news stories sourced from BBC Sport and Sky Sports.
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Joe Jones
Kevin Nolan has piled praise on Notts County defender Matt Tootle following his impressive performances for the club this season and vows to remain fully supportive of him.
The 27-year-old notched up his third assist in four games in the 1-1 draw against Carlisle United last weekend when he set up Ryan Yates for the equaliser at Brunton Park.
Aside from his assists and all-round performances, Tootle also weighed in with a goal of his own against Lincoln City, a well-taken shot from a tight angle just inside the box.
“He’s come through Crewe’s academy and anybody who comes through there you would expect them to be good technically and good on the ball," Nolan told the Nottingham Post.
“They have that vision and they are taught that from a young age. We’ve been delighted with him. He’s a fantastic lad. He trusts me and knows I want the best for him.
“It’s given him that confidence that he knows I am right behind him. I think he played in a number of positions before I came in and when I got here I wanted him to be right-back and cement that place.
“He’s been brilliant this season as have the majority of the lads.”
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Chris
Hello and welcome to episode 30 of the Pride of Nottingham PONcast, presented by Chris and JJ.
In this week's episode we assess Notts County's 1-1 draw at Carlisle United from last weekend, with an in-depth focus on performance and tactics.
We then look ahead to the Newport County clash this Saturday at Meadow Lane, looking at how the Magpies should approach the game based on their opponents' form and style of play.
We also discuss whether Ross Fitzsimons should remain in goal for the Magpies after Adam Collin recovers from his injury.
Other topics covered include the significance of the EFL Trophy, Kevin Nolan's recent criticism of social media, and plenty more.
All this and more only in episode 30 of the Pride of Nottingham PONcast!
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Chris
Winning football games is never the easiest thing to achieve. However, when you do manage to pull it off, it restores a sense of pride, not just within the club and its players but it spreads within the fan community.
The momentum it builds can be a very powerful psychological tool, which I believe is a part of why Notts County have managed to assert themselves strongly after the opening day defeat to Coventry City.
It’s been a long time since the club has felt like it’s moving in the right direction, and I believe we should continue to aim high.
Another aspect which only deserves praise is the fact that key players have upped their game – something which started from day one after Kevin Nolan arrived at Meadow Lane.
It would be unfair to suggest that the form which turned the club around during the 2016-17 season lies anywhere else and I feel strongly that the majority of the squad have continued this within their own right into 2017-18.
It’s this kind of form and focus which I would like the club to work towards now. However, I don’t suggest this isn’t the case – I do feel the focus has been lost somewhat.
Adam Collin has been a different keeper this term, he’s really impressed me and I still feel right now he doesn’t get the praise he deserves.
For the most part Richard Duffy has been solid, although admittedly I am not his biggest fan – I do feel he offers something which contributes to the success we are seeing on the field.
Dan Jones as a new signing has been paramount and has given the club a lot more pace at the back – after the shaky start he really has found his form prior to the recent injury.
At right back, Matt Tootle has been probably the most consistent player, something which I noticed myself last season.
He just seemed a different character on and off the pitch, and I am pleased to see that he feels open enough to talk about depression – something which I myself suffer from.
That’s the thing about the 2017-18 season, every player has largely been working towards the same goal and the added competition really has helped people thrive – perhaps not Tootle as much as Nolan has suggested recently but it certainly has for players such as Collin, Jonathan Forte and Carl Dickinson.
Whilst Nicky Hunt is a good character to have around, and someone capable for players to learn from, he really hasn’t done anything to push Tootle for his position.
I know it won’t be a popular opinion, however I would rather see Elliott Hewitt push Tootle because all Elliott requires is time to learn and gain experience.
However, it is still a positive note just how much widely across the pitch we have improved and there is depth within the squad when you take games seriously.
Whilst again, people suggest that Notts are unable to maintain their current form, if targets are a part of what got us here, ambition and desire should be more than enough to help us on our way with a return to form.
This is exactly why I feel the club should continue to aim high, we need to dig deep and believe – reverting back to the basics will help (as will keeping the ball on the ground).
And I really don’t believe in the curse of the Manager of the Month, if you remain grounded and focused on your tasks at hand, this is nothing more than praise for a job well done.
The majority of fans know that have leaders on the pitch, perhaps not captain material but we have a squad which cares – so let’s keep Notts flying high.
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Joe Jones
Kevin Nolan has backed Alan Smith to score even more goals for Notts County after opening his account for the club on Tuesday night.
The 36-year-old, who played as a striker early in his career, equalised for the Magpies in the EFL Trophy meeting with Mansfield Town, although the Stags went on to win 2-1 at Meadow Lane.
Despite the defeat, Nolan was full of praise for Smith and backed him to chip in with more goals, even if he acknowledges he's not going to be regularly playing full games.
“I thought Smudger was great and you are going to get that from him every time he plays,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post.
“He loves the game and still has that hunger, but unfortunately his legs don’t let him get to 90 minutes as much as he would like them to do.
“But he was brilliant and took his goal really well. That’s what you expect when you put him up there because he’s done it all his career.
“I’ve told him he will be a forward and I am expecting him to come up with a couple of goals here and there.”
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Joe Jones
Kevin Nolan has singled Matt Tootle out for praise and suggested that competition from summer arrival Nicky Hunt has pushed his form to a new level.
Tootle grabbed his third assist in four games in the 1-1 draw against Carlisle United last weekend when he set up Ryan Yates for the equaliser at Brunton Park.
“We brought Nicky Hunt in during the window and that was to always make sure that Toots pushed on, and if he did have that sticky spell, we had somebody of Nicky’s class to come in,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post.
“That’s not to take away from what Toots has been doing but I think Nicky has pushed him to new levels.
“He is breathing down his neck for the right-back spot. We haven’t got just a number one right-back anymore.
“We have two who are pushing each other to the maximum. Toots has arguably been the standout player over the last four or five weeks.
“I am delighted with him, as I am all my players.”
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Joe Jones
Kevin Nolan has expressed his frustration with how cheaply Notts County gave goals away in Tuesday night's 2-1 defeat to Mansfield Town in the EFL Trophy.
The Magpies fell behind in the first minute when a mistake by Haydn Hollis was seized upon by Lee Angol, who drilled home from range.
Although Alan Smith drew the hosts level, the Stags struck a winner when Branislav Pindroch punched a cross into the path of CJ Hamilton, who chested the ball down and converted from 15 yards.
“I am very frustrated and disappointed because of how cheaply we gave goals away,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post.
“There were a lot of good individual performances, but we just weren’t at the level where we need to be.
“We have lots of work to do and I was disappointed in the manner Mansfield won.
“There wasn’t much in it and I don’t think they deserved to win the game, but I don’t think we did anything to deserve the win either.”
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Joe Jones
Notts County remain second in Group G of the EFL Trophy following their 2-1 defeat against Mansfield Town at Meadow Lane on Tuesday night.
Both Kevin Nolan and Steve Evans made 10 changes to each of their squads with a view to checking out how the fringe players performed.
The Magpies were hit with an early sucker punch, however, as a mistake from Haydn Hollis allowed Lee Angol to claim the ball and rifle into the bottom corner goal from 20 yards out, beating the diving Branislav Pindroch.
Mansfield could have had a second a few minutes later, with the unmarked Paul Digby heading goalwards from a corner, only for the Slovakian keeper to claw the ball out on the line.
Notts soon found their groove and weighed in with a number of chances, though there was another scare midway through the first half when former Magpie Jimmy Spencer struck the woodwork.
The ball rebounded to Angol, who had an open goal to fire into, only for Shaun Brisley to weigh in with an impressive last-ditch tackle.
Nolan's side went on to find an equaliser through a short corner which was crossed by Liam Walker to the back post, flicked back into the centre by Brisley, and poked home by Alan Smith.
The second half saw more chances traded between both teams, but with Notts stepping it up a gear, they were once again caught out by a Stags goal courtesy of poor work at the back.
Paul Anderson's cross, rather than being firmly claimed by Pindroch, was half-heartedly punched away into the path of CJ Hamilton.
The 22-year-old controlled with his chest before smashing a right-footed effort into the roof of the net from 14 yards to seal victory for the visitors.
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Joe Jones
Kevin Nolan has expressed his eagerness to catch up with former Notts County loanee Marc Bola when the Magpies host Bristol Rovers in the FA Cup on November 3.
The Arsenal full-back joined Notts on loan at the start of January and made 13 appearances as the club survived relegation from League Two.
Now on loan at the Memorial Stadium, Bola is expected to line up for Rovers as they travel to Meadow Lane for the first round of the world's oldest cup competition.
“I am really looking forward to the game and seeing Boles again,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post.
“I was really pleased to get him on the last day of the January window last season and he came here and did well.
“I think he learned a lot given what he was doing playing academy football and being in those luscious surroundings that he would have at Arsenal.
“He came here and cracked on. He had a fantastic back end to the season and got a really good move to Bristol Rovers.
“I wish him well and I hope he is playing when he comes back here. It will be nice to see him and I hope that Jorge Grant, Terry Hawkridge, Liam Walker or Lewis Alessandra gets the better of him.”
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Joe Jones
Mansfield Town boss Steve Evans has confirmed that he will make wholesale changes for tonight's EFL Trophy clash at Notts County as he played down the importance of the competition.
While Notts boss Kevin Nolan has stressed that he is taking the competition seriously, the Mansfield boss admitted that he was more concerned about their League Two game with Exeter City at the weekend.
"We want to go there and represent our football club with some pride, but at the same time, I'm just honest with our supporters,"  Evans told the official Stags site.
"I watch managers around this Checkatrade and they blag it that they're going to be at full strength and then make nine changes, and suchlike. We will make significant changes tomorrow night.
"We'll go there and people will see how committed we are, as we always are as a management team, from the first ball to the last ball.
"By the same token, we've got four games in the space of 14 days now; Saturday-Tuesday-Saturday-Tuesday, and they're big games. The Exeter and Shaw Lane games are big games.
"I watch managers around this Checkatrade and they blag it that they're going to be at full strength and then make nine changes, and suchlike. We will make significant changes tomorrow night.
"We're going to give players an opportunity to step up and be in the team on Saturday. Go and be a real top performer against Notts County and you'll probably start against Exeter.
"We've got three or four that are desperate to play, that want to get in the starting line-up on a regular basis and they've got a fantastic platform at Notts County tomorrow night.
"It's more important to have a freshness about our team against Exeter than [getting] anything against Notts County."
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Joe Jones
Kevin Nolan has suggested that he will make numerous changes to the Notts County starting XI for tonight's EFL Trophy meeting with Mansfield Town.
Although the Magpies boss is taking the much-maligned competition seriously, he appears eager for some of his lesser-used players to stake their claims for a first-team place at Meadow Lane tonight.
“It’s a great game for the players who haven’t had the exposure of minutes they perhaps would have wanted,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post.
“It’s a chance for them to show me that they are ready and waiting so if we do get an injury, they are raring to go.
“We have a squad capable of handling the cup competitions as well as the league. So there’s no pressure on the players because they are part of this squad for a reason.
“They are pushing the 11 to new heights and maximum levels, but what they’ve got to do is now prove why we either retained them or signed them.
“They’ve got to enjoy it because it’s in a good competition, a great pitch, a great stadium and a great dressing room. Enjoy that fact, take the bull by the horns and express yourself.”
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Pride of Nottingham is an independent fansite devoted to Notts County, the world’s oldest professional football club. Created in 2013, it has served as a source of Magpie news, features, match previews, reports, analysis and interviews for more than three years.

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