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John Sheridan would not mind Izale McLeod leaving Notts County

John Sheridan has said he will not stand in Izale McLeod's way if he wants to leave Notts County, adding that he cannot guarantee the former Crawley man any first-team football.
The striker's future at Meadow Lane has been under the spotlight this summer, with rumours of a potential move to Stevenage surfacing in the press.
Sheridan has a glut of forwards at his disposal aside from McLeod including Adam Campbell, Jonathan Forte, Jon Stead and loanee Vadaine Oliver.
"Izale's an experienced player and has been a very good player over the years," Sheridan told the Nottingham Post.
"I don't want to patronise or be clever with anyone, I think Izale needs to be playing football.
"I've spoken to him. It's important he gets a regular place somewhere and I can't offer him that here.
"I've explained that situation to him and if a club comes in then I wouldn't stand in his way."
Should Izale McLeod leave Notts County? Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones

Notts County 2016-17 Squad Analysis

With just two days to until the 2016-17 League Two season gets underway, Rob Davies has produced an extensive analysis of the Notts County squad which will be in contention for the first fixture against Yeovil Town on Saturday.
The sensible, no-nonsense approach of John Sheridan has been typified by a summer of transfer activity that seems to have been led by something badly missing from Meadow Lane before his arrival – logic.
Sheridan has ‘only’ made seven permanent signings this summer, just a third of the number of new additions that arrived at Meadow Lane last summer. But all seven arrive with strong pedigree. And all seven would go into the starting XI when fit and possess strong experience at this level.
Aged 25-31, they all possess the right kind of ‘experience’ too, with plenty still to offer the cause beyond this season.
Assuming no further new players arrive and one of the new additions, Michael O’Connor, remains sidelined through injury, Sheridan’s team for the opener at Yeovil Town seems to be a fairly easy one to predict:
 
Collin
Audel Duffy Hollis
Hewitt Rodman Tootle Dickinson
Aborah
Stead Forte
 
Many, rightly, will highlight the lack of depth as a factor here, something which was evident in the recent friendly with Walsall when the Magpies conceded two late goals after a raft of substitutions. However, for me it is a refreshing to see a logical approach to pre-season, with combinations and systems being worked on to prepare and build for the season ahead. 
Think back to last season, when the most commonly used defensive pairing in pre-season – Alan Smith and Scot Bennett – never once played together competitively, and the defensive duo that did start the season, Thierry Audel and Civard Sprockel, were both signed days before the season, seemingly in a state of panic. 
Things seem calmer now, with an experienced manager having a clear idea of the way he wants to play and sole control over transfers. Long may it continue.
That squad in more detail:
Goalkeepers
Few would’ve expected Sheridan’s first signing to be a keeper, with Scott Loach more than capable at this level. However, Adam Collin is a commanding presence and an undoubtedly impressive addition – he was Rotherham’s first choice for their promotion to the Championship and throughout their first season in the second tier, only losing his place last season. 
Loach will have to decide whether he is again content with starting the season as one of the strongest understudies in League Two. If he leaves, reinforcements will undoubtedly be needed, with Kevin Pilkington – third choice during the title-winning season six years ago – now 42. The lack of the option to dip into the short-term loan market would also be a factor here if this scenario did arise.
Defenders
With Sheridan looking certain to start the season with a back three, at least one new centre-back is a must – primarily because the club only has four senior centre backs, one of which is a player who was signed in ‘an emergency’ capacity two years ago. 
Richard Duffy looks a strong addition, though at 5’11” is a little on the short side for a centre back, but it’s the presence of Haydn Hollis and Audel in the starting XI that will worry many supporters. Both have enjoyed strong pre-seasons but will need to convince they have the consistency to be relied upon every week. It really is now or never for Hollis.
When O’Connor returns to fitness, this could have the knock-on effect of pushing Matt Tootle wide and Elliott Hewitt centrally into the back three; it was at centre back where the former Ipswich player was at his best in a poor first season. Similarly, Dickinson is equally capable at the heart of the defence and would arguably be more suited to the left-sided centre back role than the wing back spot he currently occupies.
Full/Wing-backs
Audel, Jack Barmby and Scot Bennett were amongst the players to start at left-back last season; the arrival of Dickinson is welcomed with open arms. The no-nonsense full-back is vastly experienced having played regularly for Stoke, Watford and Portsmouth in the Championship before captaining Port Vale, but is still only 29. Looks to be the captain-elect, but the first-choice cover behind him appears to be Rob Milsom, who is predictably injured currently. Youngster Rhys Sharpe was a Guy Branston signing but still looks raw in the pre-season games.
On the other flank, Tootle is another full-back who is better defensively which doesn’t really lend itself to the 3-5-2 system. Hewitt would appear tailor-made for the wing back role in which he’s likely to start the season, but will need to iron out the positional lapses which cost the team a number of goals last campaign. Jordan Richards is another option down the right following hugely promising loan spells with Boston and in Ireland last year.
Midfielders
When everyone is fit, Sheridan is blessed with options here with O’Connor, Tootle, Alex Rodman, Stanley Aborah, Curtis Thompson, Milsom, Graham Burke, Wes Atkinson, Richards and, of course, Alan Smith (he’ll inevitably be back in the team at some stage) all vying for three places. 
The decision to move Aborah into a more advanced position looks to be a masterstroke; if he is out, it is also a position that Burke has the potential to excel in. That leaves a number of players vying for the two deeper positions – Rodman is primarily a winger or attacking midfielder but has looked capable in a more defensive position, as has Tootle who has spent most of his career at right back. O’Connor is a certain starter when fit and I still have high hopes for Thompson; midfield is an area we really shouldn’t be worrying about.
Strikers
The blank numbers #9 and #10 on the original squad numbers list got tongues wagging that this meant at least one more first-team striker was on his way to Meadow Lane, but I feel this is more of an anomaly, with Jon Stead preferring #30 and Jonathan Forte #11. These two represent a strong-looking first-choice front two, with newly-signed York City loanee Vadaine Oliver – a physical presence – likely to start as ‘Plan B’ from the bench. 
Izale McLeod is still at the club, of course, and it’d be dangerous to write off a proven striker on the back of one bad season, but if a suitor could be found it’d be hard to justify keeping one of the highest-paid players at the club as fourth choice striker, when the money could be invested elsewhere.
Adam Campbell and Genaro Snijders are both likeable players but look vulnerable if the decision to play without wingers becomes a permanent one. Campbell managed to convince all three managers that he should be a regular last season, but desperately needs an end product to go with his endeavour, while Snijders has said end product but never seemed to be given much of a chance. It’ll be interesting to see if they can play their way into contention this time around; Sheridan stressed the desire in pre-season to get some pace in the ranks and this does still appear to be lacking, so these two could still have a role to play.
Overall
This squad isn’t yet the finished product, but it is worlds apart from last season’s approach where going into the season there only looked to be 4-5 guaranteed starters, the captain wasn’t decided and players were in the team one week and not in the squad the next.
The key area is still the defence; Audel seems to switch between being brilliant or terrible, often in the same game, while Hollis finally needs to iron-out the mental blocks and inconsistencies that have prevented him kicking-on with his career. Edwards and Smith are next in-line. If Edwards is the no.1 centre back by mid-September – as was the case last season – something has gone drastically wrong.
As supporters, it’s important to put last year’s debacle behind us and give the likes of Stead, Hewitt and Hollis a chance to right the wrongs. It was never plausible – or sensible – to ditch all of last season’s under-performers. One thing’s for sure, we’re in much better shape this time around. In Sheridan we trust.
Strongest squad: 
Collin
Hewitt Duffy Hollis
Tootle Rodman O’Connor Dickinson
Aborah
Stead    Forte
Subs: Loach, Audel, Thompson, Milsom/Campbell, Burke, Snijders, Oliver.
Share your thoughts on this article by signing up to the Pride of Nottingham website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
PON_News

Adam Campbell: 'Notts County can't go wrong this season'

Adam Campbell has claimed that Notts County "can't go wrong" this season given the recruitment of players who know the Football League well and the confidence within the squad.
The Magpies endured a season of turmoil in 2015-16, ending up in relegation trouble despite being expected to bounce back into League One at the first attempt.
When asked if the current squad is stronger than last season's team, the striker said: "It's pretty much similar to last year when we had a whole new squad.
"But last year was more the foreign lads coming in who really hadn't played in this league before and now we've got all lads who know what they are doing, who have been here for years in and around these leagues.
"We can only go in full of confidence and we're looking to go up, that's got to be the aim. We can't go wrong with the lads we've got."
Notts begin their season away at Yeovil Town this weekend.
Can Notts County challenge for promotion this season? Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones

Adam Collin: 'Notts County will be among League Two's top teams'

New Notts County goalkeeper Adam Collin has the belief that the Magpies will be in the upper reaches of League Two this coming season.
The 31-year-old is one of several summer signings at Meadow Lane as John Sheridan moulds the squad in his image in a bid to challenge for promotion.
Collin, who has joined the club on a two-year deal, said: "The squad's really good, it's got a good mix of experience and youth in there. And the manager says he wants to bring a couple more in still, which will only strengthen us. I'm sure we're going to be very capable and up at the top end of League Two.
"We've had a good pre-season of fitness and ball work and now you can see on the pitch the lads are well drilled and know what they're meant to do.
"The season has come around quickly, but we're ready for it. It's a long trip to Yeovil, but we're looking forward to a good, positive season.
"There's always a new buzz going into every season. There's a bit more for me personally, coming to a new club, and the manager has brought quite a lot of new signings in.
"There's a lot going on at the club and we just want to start with a positive result at Yeovil and carry on our positive work from pre-season."
Who will be the number one choice for Notts in goal this season? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones

Vadaine Oliver eager to seize opportunity with Notts County

New Notts County loan signing Vadaine Oliver has expressed his eagerness to fire the club up the table and avoid the relegation stress he encountered last year with parent club York City.
The Minstermen dropped out of the Football League despite the 24-year-old's 10 goals, which saw him finish the season at the club's top scorer.
Oliver told the official site: “I’m happy to be here – it’s a massive club and a great opportunity for me.
“When you’re in a relegation side it’s a struggle every day – the morale is so low. But now I have a great opportunity to kick on from last year.
“I was top goalscorer last year and I’m looking forward to scoring goals here.”
How involved will Oliver be for the Magpies this coming season? Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones

Notts County clinch York City striker Vadaine Oliver loan signing

Notts County have secured the signing of York City striker Vadaine Oliver on a six-month loan deal.
The 24-year-old scored 10 goals in 42 appearances last season as the Minstermen were relegated from League Two.
Oliver, a former Sheffield Wednesday trainee, will remain at Meadow Lane until January 7, a fixture away at Morecambe.
He has previously had spells at Lincoln City, Crewe Alexandra and Mansfield Town, and has been allocated the number 9 shirt.
Oliver is set to compete with the likes of Jon Stead and Izale McLeod for a starting slot as Notts begin their season this Saturday away at Yeovil Town.
Share your thoughts on the loan signing of Vadaine Oliver by signing up to the Pride of Nottingham website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones

Mark Crossley: 'Notts County always hunting for more players'

Notts County could yet make more signings before the end of the summer transfer window, according to assistant manager Mark Crossley.
The club has already bought seven players as they bid to bounce back from a horrendous 2015-16 season, but should the board ratify more purchases, then Crossley and John Sheridan will make the most of the opportunity.
"There's still this week to go and I think the manager would like an extra couple of bodies, there's no doubt about that," Crossley told reporters.
"We're always looking, we're always on the hunt and if we get the green light where we can bring somebody in that is going to make us better then we'll try to do it. Otherwise we will go with what we have got, which we're pleased with anyway.
"If we can strengthen we will be strengthening, but the manager, the owner and the chief exec will decide on that."
How many more players should Notts County look to sign? Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones

Stanley Aborah "fine" after injury scare, says Mark Crossley

Notts County assistant manager Mark Crossley insists that Stanley Aborah's injury scare in Sunday's pre-season game against Blackburn Rovers is not worrying, and that the midfielder will be "fine" for Saturday's League Two opener at Yeovil Town.
Aborah was sensational in the centre of the park in the Meadow Lane friendly, but signalled to come off just before half-time and looked in distress as he walked off the pitch to a standing ovation.
Crossley sought to calm down fears of a long injury lay-off, telling reporters: "He's fine. He was excellent in that first half, he's going to be a very important player for us.
"You can see he is a little bit higher up the pitch than he was last year, that's where the manager thinks he's the most effective.
"And we expect the players around him to realise that he's probably one of our most effective players and a lot of the game is going to revolve around him.
"He's fine injury-wise. He's had a little knock, but he'll be fine. It was just precautionary that he came off the pitch.
"He won't be out. He wanted to stay on actually, but the most important thing is next Saturday not a friendly game where you could go on and make it worse, so we just decided to bring him off the pitch and prepare for Yeovil."
How crucial will Stanley Aborah be to Notts County's 2016-17 season? Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones

Notts County youth team end pre-season on high note with victory over Ilkeston

Notts County’s youth team played their last pre-season game at the picturesque ground of Awsworth Villa FC in Nottinghamshire against their Ilkeston FC counterparts.
The game got off to an explosive start when, straight from the kick-off, Sam Osbourn raced at the Ilkeston defence, side stepping a number of defenders before firing  a shot from the edge of the area which went in off the inside of the post giving the goalkeeper no chance.
So, after only a few seconds played, Notts were already a goal ahead.
The rest of the first half was evenly contested but, moments before the break, a great through-ball from an Ilkeston midfielder put their 'number nine' through on goal, and the striker made no mistake to bury the ball into the back of the net.
So at half time, the score was Ilkeston 1-1 Notts.
Ilkeston started the second half the better of the two teams putting Notts under considerable pressure, but it was the Magpies who went closest to scoring when Alex Howes hit a shot from the edge of the area which rattled the joint of the post and crossbar – he was very unlucky not to score.
On 78 minutes, Howes cut inside his full-back on the left wing before firing a rocket of a shot past the Ilson goalkeeper and into the corner of the net to put Notts into a 2-1 lead.
With only a few minutes remaining, the Magpies sealed the victory when Remaye Campbell, inside the area, turned and rifled past the keeper to make the full time score 3-1.
A good workout for the youngsters in readiness for their first league game next Saturday at home to Scunthorpe United – fellow fans, come down and give the boys some support!
shepshedpie

Jon Stead looking forward to match against former club Blackburn Rovers

Notts County striker Jon Stead has fond memories of his time at Blackburn Rovers, the Magpies' final pre-season opponents, but insists that the match will be all about ironing out the last few flaws within the team.
John Sheridan's side will take on the former Premier League champions on Sunday at Meadow Lane, their last match before the 2016-17 Football League season gets underway.
"I have brilliant memories of my time at Blackburn," said Stead, who joined the Lancashire club from Huddersfield Town in 2004. 
"They gave me my first chance of Premier League football and I really enjoyed it.
"The season we stayed up was a highlight and scoring against Manchester United was nice too. I had a good time there, so I am looking forward to it.
"But more important than that it's about us getting our house in order. We have to make sure we are right and iron out the little mistakes."
Will Stead impress this coming season? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones

Notts County announce 2016-17 season squad numbers

Notts County have announced their squad numbers for the 2016-17 League season.
Notable changes include Mike Edwards swapping 35 for 37, Genaro Snijders switching from number 11 to number 7, and Wes Atkinson changing from number 29 to number 20.
Youth academy products Jordan Richards and Montel Gibson move to numbers 19 and 21 respectively, while new graduate Jack McMillan gets shirt number 22.
New signings Carl Dickinson and Matt Tootle take up numbers 2 and 3 respectively, with Richard Duffy taking up the number 5 shirt. Michael O'Connor will be number 8, with Alex Rodman wearing the number 23 shirt, while Adam Collin will wear the number 1 shirt, and Jonathan Forte taking up number 11.
 
 
The full list of 2016-17 Notts County squad numbers is as follows:
1. Adam COLLIN
2. Matt TOOTLE
3. Carl DICKINSON
4. Alan SMITH
5. Richard DUFFY
6. Haydn HOLLIS
7. Genaro SNIJDERS
8. Michael O'CONNOR
11. Jonathan FORTE
12. Robert MILSOM
13. Scott LOACH
15. Curtis THOMPSON
17. Rhys SHARPE
18. Elliott HEWITT
19. Jordan RICHARDS
20. Wesley ATKINSON
21. Montel GIBSON
22. Jack McMILLAN
23. Alex RODMAN
24. Adam CAMPBELL
25. Luther WILDIN
26. Graham BURKE
30. Jon STEAD
31. Thierry AUDEL
33. Stanley ABORAH
37. Mike EDWARDS
39. Izale MCLEOD
40. Kevin PILKINGTON
Happy with the squad number allocations? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones

John Sheridan to let "one or two" Notts County players leave

John Sheridan has pledged to let a number of Notts County players go in order to bolster his squad as he prepares for the new season.
Despite making a spate of signings this summer, the Magpies boss is keen on strengthening the squad further and is seeking a left-sided centre-back as well as a striker.
Speaking after the Walsall friendly, Sheridan told reporters: "I need to have a chat with one or two people to let them know where we stand. I will just be honest with them and try to move things on if I can. 
"I need to get one or two people out because I think it's for their benefit and mine. That's not being harsh, it's just where I want to go.
"I am enquiring about players, but I realise I've got to get people out before I can bring anybody in. That's what I am trying to do."
Who should leave Meadow Lane? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones

Haydn Hollis ready to step up for Notts County after his "best pre-season"

Notts County defender Haydn Hollis says he has worked harder than ever to get fit for the upcoming season and feels like the campaign will be one of the best ones the Magpies have had in recent years.
The centre-back signed a one-year deal during the course of the summer, being one of only a handful of players from last season's campaign to be offered a new contract, but amid criticism about his distribution, he says he has ironed those flaws out and pledges to be more consistent.
Hollis told the Nottingham Post: "There are only one or two year deals offered to players at this level, and there are so many players still out there who I know of that can't get clubs and they've had 200-odd league games. It's crazy so you have to take every chance you get.
"I did a lot of pre-season work off my own back and I said to myself that I've got to do some preparation for when I came back. If you don't come back fit then you don't give yourself the best chance. But I think this is my best pre-season up to now.
"The manager has pulled me to the side and said he believed in me. He just wanted me to relax and play my own game. I don't think I've done myself any harm.
"A lot has been said about my distribution, but I can do it. It's just about decision making at different times. I think I've proved that I can do it.
"It's just consistency, like the gaffer says he wants. He wants seven out of 10 every week. You can't do it one week and not another.
"I'm very comfortable and confident with the lads we have got this year. That doesn't mean I was not comfortable with the lads we had last year. But I've not had the confident feeling since the (Shaun) Derry days really and I can feel good times for the club coming on again."
How will Haydn Hollis fare this season? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones

Richard Duffy: 'All Notts County players need consistency this coming season'

Notts County defender Richard Duffy has reiterated the need for consistency among his side's ranks if the Magpies are to launch and sustain a promotion charge.
John Sheridan's charges have strengthened their team over the off-season and are hoping to drag themselves out of League Two following last season's troubles.
Duffy told reporters: "Things are going really well although we are still getting our fitness. There's a game to go (in pre-season) but we are closing in and hopefully come the opening day of the season, we are all ready to go.
"Promotion has to be the aim and if you ask all the lads in the changing room, or any changing room in the land, the aim is to always finish at the top of the league. Then if you don't do that then you finish second, and if it's not second it's third.
"We want to finish as high as we possibly can and hopefully we have got the squad to do that. Consistency is going to be absolutely essential if we are to achieve that.
"We play games Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday, Tuesday pretty much all the way through the season. You are going to need the squad especially with the added EFL Trophy games. We are going to need all 22 players, if not more.
"I've said before if you get sixes or sevens out of 10 every week, then you are going to be in the mix but if we don't turn up then we are going to get turned over in this league."
Can Notts find the consistency that eluded them last season? Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones

Notts County boss John Sheridan expresses mixed emotions over Walsall win

Notts County manager John Sheridan has expressed mixed emotions about his side's 3-2 win over Walsall in Tuesday night's friendly at Meadow Lane.
The Magpies raced into a 3-0 lead as goals from Haydn Hollis, Jonathan Forte and Jon Stead put the hosts in command, but two late goals from Saddlers substitute Amadou Bakayoko made for a nervy finish.
"I was very pleased with the 70 minutes, but not happy with the last 20," the former Oldham boss told reporters.
"I made a lot of changes then, but up to that point I thought we looked very solid.
"We were 3-0 up and you think the game is over against a good team.
"I like the way they (Walsall) play possession wise, but we looked a decent outfit.
"We scored three goals and you do expect to see the game out a lot easier.
"I won't even look at the last 20 minutes, because it was just a case of game time for some people."
How did Notts look to you against Walsall? Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones

John Sheridan to enter talks with Notts County trialist Jhai Dhillon

Notts County manager John Sheridan has found himself impressed with trialist Jhai Dhillon and intends to speak with the left-back about his future.
The former Chelsea youngster produced another solid display in the 2-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest on Saturday as he found himself up against Reds winger Oliver Burke.
Dhillon has featured in the majority of the club's pre-season games having been recommended to Sheridan by the Panjab team manager Reuben Hazell.
"Saturday was a good test for him because their winger was very quick," Sheridan told reporters.
"Ideally I would have liked to have played him in a back four rather than a back five because he's a left-back really.
"But while he has been on trial, he's not done anything wrong. 
"I will have a chat with him and see what his thoughts are."
After winning Chelsea's inaugural Asian Star football talent competition aged just 14 in 2009, Dhillon has played for the likes of Stevenage and Hayes & Yeading, as well as plying his trade in futsal.
Should Jhai Dhillon become a Notts County player? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones

Thierry Audel calls on last season's Notts County players to forget bad times

Notts County defender Thierry Audel believes that the remaining players from last season must leave the memories behind them ahead of the new campaign.
The Frenchman was part of the squad which ended up fighting relegation, went through three managers and experienced all-round turmoil.
"There are good players coming into the team and I think we can achieve something good next season. We just have to believe it, keep working hard and we will see," Audel told the Nottingham Post.
"But last season has gone. It was very disappointing and even during the summer you think about it.
"When you start a new season you have to forget what has gone on before. You have to leave it behind you.
"We cannot change it. It has been written down now, we just have to write down something better."
John Sheridan is now in charge at Meadow Lane, with a spate of high quality signings suggesting that Notts will markedly improve on last season.
Can Notts County improve on last season? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones

Stanley Aborah to play in attack for Notts County, says John Sheridan

Notts County manager John Sheridan has praised Stanley Aborah and believes he should be in a more attacking role this season.
The former Ajax midfielder, considered one of the best players last season, was ostracised by one of the former managers but looks to be in the Magpies boss's plans this season as he found himself deployed further up the pitch.
"I just like him up the pitch because you can take chances up there," Sheridan said of Aborah.
"He is confident on the ball and he's better losing it 70 yards from our goal, not that he gives the ball away a lot.
"I just think he is a good player. He needs to be in the opposition half more than the defensive half. And that's where I am going to play him."
Can Aborah shine this season after being ostracised by the manager who must not be named last season? Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones

John Sheridan 'knows what formation to use' at Notts County

Notts County manager John Sheridan has claimed that he is done with experimenting with two different formations in one game following his side's pre-season friendly defeat against Nottingham Forest.
More than 9,000 fans from both sides of the Trent attended the testimonial game for Magpies defender Mike Edwards as goals from Ben Osborn and Jamie Paterson came either side of an Alex Rodman strike.
Sheridan started the game with a 3-5-2 formation, but switched to a 4-1-3-2 after the break - he has used both systems over the course of pre-season, but says he has more or less cemented in his mind what he will use on the opening day at Yeovil Town on August 6.
"It was a good workout for us," he told the Nottingham Post.
"Obviously I don't like losing games. But we played against a good Championship side and I knew it would be a good test for us fitness wise.
"They made us chase around, but I was really pleased with some of the things we did.
"I played two systems and that's probably the last time I will be doing that.
"I've got to get my house in order, but I more or less know what I am going to be playing.
"They scored two deflected goals which was harsh and we were just getting back into the game when it went to 1-1.
"It was a good shift from the lads and I've seen lots of good things, but there are also little things that cost the team last season.
"Just little decisions, people running into wrong areas and that's something we have to iron out of our game."
What will John Sheridan settle on with regards to his side's formation? Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones

Mike Edwards 'humbled' by Notts County testimonial

Notts County veteran Mike Edwards admits he is "humbled" by all the attention regarding his testimonial this afternoon.
The 36-year-old, who has made 350 appearances and scored 30 goals for the club in two spells, will be the focus of attention as the Magpies take on local rivals Nottingham Forest at Meadow Lane.
Edwards said: "I don't think it's really hit home yet. I'm sure it will be a bit like a wedding. There's so much organisation that has gone into it, that the day will go as quick as a flash.
"But emotionally I don't know how I will feel when I am coming out of the tunnel.
"I never used to be one of those blokes who cried until my kids came along.
"I am really looking forward to it. In all honesty I am a little bit humbled by it all.
"But I just hope everybody enjoys it. I've got my boys and family there, some old team-mates and I'm sure it will be a great occasion.
"It's a terrific fixture to have because Nottingham is the city of football and what better way to celebrate that than this game?"
How will Notts fare against their city rivals? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones

Allardyce set for England job

The FA are set to appoint former Notts boss Sam Allardyce as the new England manager today. He will be given a two-year contract.
Allardyce made a name for himself as a bruising centre half in the 70s and 80s, turning out for a host of clubs including Bolton and Preston. But the news will be of particular interest to Notts fans due to his spell in charge of the Magpies; Allardyce joined the club in early 1997 with the team in dire straits at the bottom of what is now League One. He was unable to turn our fortunes around in that first season, as Notts finished rock bottom. We bounced back the following season though, finishing as champions with 99 points and securing the championship in March. Allardyce left the club for Bolton in acrimonious circumstances in October 1999 amid rumours of a breakdown in the relationship between him and chairman Derek Pavis. Notts were third in League One at the time.
Allardyce has since become part of the furniture at the top level, managing 467 Premier League games. Although his trophy cabinet is relatively bare, he has become well-known as a good man manager. He will become the first former Notts manager to manage England on a permanent basis.
StarkMallard

John Sheridan confident of Notts County promotion push

Notts County managed John Sheridan has claimed that his side is more than capable of winning promotion from League Two thanks to the recruitment of players with strong personalities who have achieved success in the past.
The Magpies fell short last season, finishing in the bottom half of the table after relegation from League One, but the new boss has made a number of signings with experience and leadership qualities.
"I think it's important we get strong personalities in the dressing room," the former Oldham Athletic boss told the Nottingham Post.
"I am not really bothered about what happened last season. It's gone and I don't want the fans to think about it. I want to look forward. I am a really positive person.
"I really do believe we will be successful in competing for the play-offs and promotion. That's what I am drilling into my players and some of the players I have brought in have done that (won promotion).
"They have a good background. They are strong personalities. When you are a player, the last thing you want is to keep hearing the manager's voice. When I was a player it used to drive you mad.
"I've got personalities there who are not afraid of saying what they feel although it's got to be in the right way."
Can Notts County achieve promotion? Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones

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