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Report: Notts County settle debt with HMRC as Ray Trew pays out of own pocket

Notts County have settled their debt with HMRC, according to reports.
The club were due in London's High Court on Monday with £84,500 outstanding, but the Nottingham Post claims that owner Ray Trew has now settled the debt out of his own pocket.
It is now expected to be dismissed on Monday when the case is brought before the judge with the HMRC expected to confirm payment.
The case was originally heard last month but was adjourned because the club was in the process of being taken over, with Trew promising he would settle the debt himself if the sale of the club had not yet gone through.
Notts County remains up for sale, with the likes of Paragon owner Alan Hardy, an Asian corporation and a UK-based hedge fund having expressed their interest in recent months.
When will the club be sold, and to whom? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones

Match Report: Happy homecoming for Shaun Derry as his Cambridge get the better of Notts County

Notts County's season continues to peter out into nothingness after Shaun Derry's Cambridge United came to Meadow Lane on Saturday and left with all three points in a 2-1 win.
The hosts took the lead in the League Two clash after just four minutes when Luke Berry charged down a clearance from Scott Loach which flew into the far corner of the net.
Harrison Dunk then struck the base of the post with a fierce shot moments after the restart, with Zeli Ismail following up and forcing a fine save from Loach as United dominated the early stages.
Mark Cooper's side, however, weathered the storm and were back in the game just before half time, as Haydn Hollis leaped on to Liam Noble’s long set piece delivery in the 39th minute, which was sidefooted against Norris and into the net.
It took the U's just ten second half minutes to restore their advantage when a scramble inside the Notts area from Max Clark’s corner ended with Williamson prodding home from three yards.
From that moment on, the visitors continued to press on and saw not one but two more strikes into the net ruled out by the linesman.
Any hope that Notts had of claiming something from the game went out of the window when Liam Noble lashed out at Darnell Furlong with his right boot to receive a straight red from the referee 11 minutes from time.
Will Notts get any more points this season? Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones

Shaun Derry recalls "wonderful times" at Notts County but stresses commitment to Cambridge

Cambridge United manager Shaun Derry has expressed his pride at having played at and managed Notts County, but insists that he will be focusing solely on managing the U's to victory at Meadow Lane.
Derry, who helped the Magpies achieve the Great Escape in 2013-14, also admitted his father, a lifelong Notts fan, will put family first on Saturday by rooting on his son's side.
Derry said: "I'll be walking back into Notts County's stadium full of pride that I'm the manager of Cambridge United.
"I've enjoyed every single moment that I've been here and I'll be going there only concerned with what my team do.
"I've got no concern whatsoever of Notts County or the job they've got over there. My single goal is what I can achieve for Cambridge United.
"I'm always looking forward. You can't look back – not just in football, but in life.
"I had some wonderful times at Notts County, with some highs and some lows, but that's the nature of the game.
"My dad's been a Notts fan all of his life and I think it will be the first time he'll be sitting in the away end.
"He'll be fully behind me, as his son, and then wishing Notts County well after the weekend.
"He's been a great support mechanism for me throughout my career and will continue to be so. I know he's looking forward to the weekend, as are all my family.
"They'll probably be seeing it from a different angle to what I will. I'll be seeing it as my job and they'll be seeing it as a bigger event than what I'm seeing it."
Do you think Derry will claim victory over his old side? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones

Stat Attack: Notts County vs. Cambridge United, Saturday 23 April 2016

Notts County and Cambridge United have met just 24 times in their history, with the first meeting coming on Boxing Day 1970. The result? A resounding 4-1 win to the Magpies at Meadow Lane.
Notts hold the advantage in the head to head, with 11 wins, 7 draws and just 6 defeats against the U’s. The last game, however, was a 3-1 win for Cambridge earlier in the season.
The club was founded in 1912 as Abbey United before taking the name Cambridge United in 1951. 
It first competed in the Football League in 1970 and stayed there until relegation in 2005, nine seasons in the Conference following until climbing back out of non-league.
Cambridge have had two spells in the league's second tier, and reached the quarter-finals of the FA Cup twice and Football League Cup once during the early 1990s, the club's most successful era to date. 
United's highest ever finishing place in the Football League is fifth in the Second Division during the 1991–92 season, competing in a season-ending four team playoff for the final promotion slot to the Premier League's inaugural season.
The club is based at the Abbey Stadium on Newmarket Road, just under 2 miles east of Cambridge city centre. The stadium has a capacity of 8,127, made up of terracing and seated areas.
During their days in Division Two, with John Beck at the helm in the 1980's, the club earned a reputation for bizarre training methods and "dirty tricks" to make their opponents feel ill at ease. 
These included freezing cold showers for his own players, dirty changing rooms and deflated kick-about balls for the opposition and long grass in the corners of the pitch to slow the long balls into those areas, allowing the U’s forwards to reach them. 
Beck carried on his dirty tricks even after leaving to take charge of Preston North End – taking nine of the Cambridge United players with him.
He was not the only famous manager at the club, with Ron Atkinson taking the club from the Fourth to the Second Division and Ex-England and Derby County centre-half Roy McFarland also sitting in the hot seat.
Before their entry into the League, a local animal sanctuary had an escapee and it was found grazing on the pitch at the Abbey Stadium. This lead to the moose connection with the club, and in the club shop you can buy a range of moose souvenirs to show your allegiance to the U’s. 
Famous alumni include Dion Dublin and Luke Chadwick, while famous fans include football commentator Gary Newbon and Tom Findlay of Groove Armada. And connecting the two clubs – none other than former Notts manager Shaun Derry, now a the helm of the U’s.
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Notts County manager Mark Cooper laid into his first-team players on Tuesday night following their meek 3-1 defeat at Barnet, a result which followed a 5-0 thrashing at Mansfield Town, and said he could potentially bring youth team players into the squad to see the season out.
Montel Gibson was recently handed his debut by Cooper and has featured in the last three matches so he could be in line for his full debut against the U's, while fellow teenagers Lartey Sarpong and Luther Wildin might also get a chance to impress.
Cambridge are expected to name an unchanged squad following Tuesday's 7-0 thrashing of Morecambe. They are aiming to sneak into the play-off places and were boosted by the return, to the bench, of midfielder Ryan Donaldson against the Prawns.
Ryan Haynes and Leon Legge are short-term absences, while forward Barry Corr, defender Greg Taylor and midfielder Conor Newton are all out for the rest of the campaign.
Share your thoughts on the game by signing up to the Pride of Nottingham website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones

Mark Cooper readying summer transfer target list in case he is given Notts County job permanently

Notts County manager Mark Cooper has claimed he is already looking at players to sign next season in case he is given the job on a permanent basis at Meadow Lane.
According to reports, the former Swindon boss is yet to trigger the points tally which will guarantee him a permanent deal at the club.
Nevertheless he is not letting the uncertainty over his future stop his planning and says there are a number of players he is aware of.
Cooper said: "You get a detailed list of players in the position you need and I would label them A, B and C.
"If we can afford the top target and he wants to come, then great, if not then we move on. That's how it should be.
"In the summer there are going to be an awful lot of good players out of work.
"There are players out of contract that I know we could go and get straight away, but we need to know what's going to happen with the club first. Nothing is going to happen until that is resolved."
What players would you like to see wear the black and white shirt? Share your thoughts by signing up to Pride of Nottingham, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones

Mark Cooper eager to put together a Notts County team "up for the fight"

Notts County manager Mark Cooper has pledged to put together a group of players that will put up a good fight in the remaining League Two games of the season.
The Magpies secured safety last week following a 1-0 win over Hartlepool, but since then they have fallen to a 5-0 thrashing at Mansfield and a disappointing 3-1 defeat at Barnet.
County's players received criticism from Bees boss Martin Allen, who said they had let a lot of people down.
Cooper added: "Martin has the right to his opinion and if you had watched the second half you would probably have to agree with him.
"In the pre-match meeting on Tuesday I also showed them comments made by Mansfield and their manager.
"You shouldn't want to read that as a player. It should really hurt. That's two managers now and they can't all be wrong.
"What we have to do now is put a group together that's going to fight and scrap and play some decent football.
"I want to trust players and pat them on the back and say 'hey, well done out there'.
"But they have to give me 95 minutes of effort and desire. You have to earn the right to play.
"We will see in the performance on Saturday whether they can drag themselves up and be up for the fight.
"We have some players who will fight, but possibly not enough.
"I know Martin Allen was desperate to beat Notts in midweek and I am sure Shaun will be too.
"It will be the same with Keith Curle, who comes here with Carlisle on the last day of the season.
"What we have to do is stand up to the challenge and try to put a team out there that wants to fight.
"Shaun's team epitomises him as a player – a good footballer but a fighter.
"We have to match it otherwise you have no chance.
"They are going for the play-offs, Shaun has stabilised them and if they miss out this year, they will certainly be a danger next year."
How will Notts get on against Cambridge United? Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones

Martin Allen: 'Notts County players offered nothing against Barnet and let everyone down'

Barnet manager Martin Allen has joined Notts County boss Mark Cooper in criticising the Magpies players following their 3-1 loss at The Hive.
Cooper's side led 1-0 at half time through Jon Stead's penalty, but the Bees struck three unanswered goals in the second half to clinch all three points.
"You could probably say there was six or seven from our strongest team not playing and we managed to come out with a 3-1 victory," said Allen, who was in charge at Meadow Lane from 2011 to 2012. "I would say it was a very comfortable victory.
"In the second half (the Notts players) offered nothing. They turned their back on their club. I think they let all their supporters, their manager and everyone down from the way they played.
"Obviously I've got an interest in that club because I worked there and I've got very fond memories of my time there.
"But that performance… whoever's picked those players or bought those players or got those players in, needs to take a long, good, hard look at themselves, I think."
Is Mad Dog right? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the discussion.
Joe Jones

Mark Cooper criticises Notts County players for 'caving in' at Barnet

Notts County manager Mark Cooper has criticised his players following their 3-1 defeat at Barnet and 5-0 thrashing at Mansfield Town, saying they "caved in" and that he is considering starting youth team players in their place.
The Magpies led 1-0 at The Hive on Tuesday night but conceded thrice in the second half, just a few days after slumping to their biggest ever defeat in the Notts-Mansfield derby.
Cooper said: "I was really frustrated that we were really comfortable for half a game but the slightest bit of pressure from Barnet and we went under.
"No matter what players play, and they've all had an opportunity more or less, it may get to the stage now where I just throw the kids in. 
"You know they are going to run about, they will have no fear, and they will be desperate to play.
"Maybe we throw all the kids in and they will be proud to play for Notts County. That might be the way forward.
"Why not? I don't think we can get relegated and we need to salvage a bit of pride.
"The same players keep letting us down. I don't really like criticising players but sometimes you have to be truthful and say, 'hang on, this isn't acceptable'.
"We've had supporters come all the way from Nottingham and the tiniest bit of pressure and we cave in.
"If I get the job, the first thing I will look for is strong characters that can play Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday, Tuesday, can mix it, can play and ultimately can fight."
Cooper is in charge until the end of the season and has been set a points target to earn an extended contract. 
He added: "I said to them 'you have got two managers the sack already and you are not getting me out."
Is Cooper right? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones

Tom Walters: Derby day defeat leaves Cooper with new questions and answers

Unsurprisingly, following Notts County’s 5-0 drubbing by Mansfield Town at Field Mill, Mark Cooper’s post match interviews displayed a man who was perplexed by what he had just seen. He wasn’t the only one. The only consolation for Notts at this moment in time is that results are not crucial, with league safety assured.

But, as any die-hard football fan will tell you, a local derby is a different beast entirely, whether you have something to play for or like Notts, you’re simply filling your games quota. Passion, commitment and determination are essential ingredients for any team. And pride – a word that seemed to escape Notts for 90 minutes at Field Mill, is the CRUCIAL thing you simply have to play for. Fans expect it and needless to say, the manager expects it.

We saw nothing in the way of playing for pride out there on Saturday. It was an abject performance, which left me itching to put on my boots and get out there myself. I’m not claiming to be better than a pro footballer, but what I lack in quality I would make up for in passion and that’s all the fans ask for when players cross the white line come 3pm (or 1pm in this case). I genuinely felt sorry for the fans that made the journey on Saturday and paid good money to watch it. I tuned in on the radio, and that was bad enough.

On my twitter feed on Saturday I quoted Mark Cooper several times following his post-match interview, a couple of which spoke volumes to me. The first was “some questions were answered to me today” – clearly gathering a sense of the fighters in his squad and a list of players he wants to keep for next season. The second quote I loved was “do you want me to sugar coat the fact we just got beat 5-0 in a local derby? I’m not going to do it”. That’s a man who clearly won’t make excuses for poor performances, and it’s refreshing to see in the Notts dugout.

Cooper has some serious evaluating to do ahead of next season should he keep the job permanently. In my opinion, he should stay. Moniz and Fullarton have already had the sack this season – granted they split opinion in a lot of ways, but the players must take some responsibility for their departures. If they were to cost Mark Cooper his job then I’ll be gutted. Cooper needs the chance to build his own squad over the summer and start a-fresh. He has huge potential as well as a hunger and desire that would make him a success story at Notts with the right budget behind him - we’re not even talking millions either.

The fans have been asking for a manager who’s honest, passionate and doesn’t pull punches for some time, and now they have it. Now it’s time to let him build a squad that does the same on the pitch. I hope the potential new owners are taking note.
What do you think about the points raised by Tom? Have your say below. Don't forget to join the discussions within our community forum.
Tom Walters

Match Report: Notts County throw away half-time lead as Barnet clinch victory

Notts County were a goal up at half time in their League Two clash against Barnet, but almost predictably, things did not go their way and their fans were once again left disappointed as the Bees put three past them to claim a 3-1 win at The Hive.
The Magpies got off to a bright start when Izale McLeod was felled in the box to win his side a penalty six minutes in, and Jon Stead was the man to step up, sidefooting the ball past the goalkeeper and into the net to give the travelling Notts fans an early chance to celebrate.
Barnet had nearly scored themselves just before the penalty call, but Scott Loach had saved well, while the hosts continued to press with several good chances after falling behind.
The Magpies were nonetheless a lot more cohesive at the back and dangerous up front than they were on Saturday, with Liam Noble feeding McLeod, who slotted just wide nine minutes in, while Noble and Stead also caused the Bees backline some concern.
Just moments after the restart, however, Barnet won a penalty of their own as Michael Gash drew a foul in the box. John Akinde sent Loach the wrong way to put the hosts level.
In what turned out to be a very similar story to Mansfield, Notts capitulated as they fell behind to Mark Randall's strike from 12 yards out, an outcome that came about because of poor Magpies defending.
Shortly after the hour, Martin Allen's side were three goals to the good, Andy Yiadom's 20-yard volley taking a huge deflection and wrong-footing Loach on the way to the back of the net.
Notts offered nothing in the last quarter of the game as they fell to another defeat, the goodwill and positive vibes around the club this time last week having completely dissipated and turned into the same old noxious fumes.
Are you looking forward to Notts County's season finally being put out of its misery? Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones

Half Time Report: Jon Stead penalty gives Notts County the lead at Barnet

Notts County are leading Barnet 1-0 in Tuesday's League Two clash at The Hive.
Magpies manager Mark Cooper kept faith with the bulk of the team that lost 5-0 at Mansfield Town, giving them a chance to reedem themselves, and they got off to a bright start when they won a penalty six minutes in.
Izale McLeod was felled in the box, and Jon Stead was the man to step up, sidefooting the ball past the goalkeeper and into the net to give the travelling Notts fans an early chance to celebrate.
Barnet had nearly scored themselves just before the penalty call, but Scott Loach had saved well, while the hosts continued to press with several good chances after falling behind.
The Magpies, however, were a lot more cohesive at the back and dangerous up front than they were on Saturday, with Liam Noble feeding McLeod, who slotted just wide nine minutes in, while Noble and Stead also caused the Bees backline some concern.
How did Notts do in the first half and will they secure the win after 90 minutes? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones

Preview: Barnet vs Notts County, Tuesday 19 April 2016

Notts County and Barnet have met each other just 14 times over the years. The first fixture came on 1 November 1997, with the Magpies earning a 2-1 away win in Division 3.
Notts have 8 wins against the Bees, with 3 defeats and 3 draws.
The last fixture was the league reverse n 24 November 2015, with the Magpies winning 4-2 at Meadow Lane.
Luke Gambin could be in line for a return to the Barnet starting XI after coming on as a substitute in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Wycombe and contributing to their recovery from a goal down.
Gavin Hoyte remains injured and will again miss out despite edging closer to a return.
Shaun Batt, meanwhile, is among those pushing to start should manager Martin Allen be tempted to tweak his line-up.
Notts County will once more check on Curtis Thompson after the midfielder missed the last three matches through injury.
Magpies manager Mark Cooper saw his side thrashed 5-0 at local rivals Mansfield Town on Saturday but insists he will not be making too many changes to the starting line up at The Hive.
"We don't have too many realistic opportunities or options to change the team, really," said Cooper. "There might be one or two changes but those who let the supporters down so badly on Saturday, and ruined a lot of people's weekends, will have to go out and try to put that right."
Thompson, if fit, could be one of the players to come into contention while Cooper also has the likes of Roy Carroll, Mawouna Amevor, Alan Smith, Adam Campbell and teenager Montel Gibson to call on.
How will Notts cope against Barnet? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones

Mark Cooper: 'Notts County players need to prove their worth or face departure'

The post-Mansfield post-mortem continues for Notts County as manager Mark Cooper hints at a summer clearout should he be given the gig permanently.
Notts have been left reeling following their 5-0 defeat at Field Mill, their worst result in the history of the fixture.
"It's been a constant theme that they've (Notts) gone on little runs and then just capitulated," said Cooper.
"There is obviously a problem somewhere and it needs to be sorted out.
"I can't change the players right now, but they have to realise – and I said it after the Portsmouth game – that careers are on the line.
"If investment comes, then better players will come in. If there is no investment, then they will be changed anyway.
"They have to show they are worth being at the football club next year.
"It's a massive job. I have learned an awful lot about players' characters and their desire. There is a lot of work to be done."
Of the current Notts crop, who should stay and who should go? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones

Mark Cooper cancels Notts County players' day off after Mansfield Town thrashing

Notts County manager Mark Cooper has cancelled his players’ day off as he criticised them for having “caved in” at Mansfield Town.
The Magpies, who normally get Sunday off, suffered their biggest ever defeat at the hands of their local rivals as they went down 5-0 in Saturday’s League Two derby.
Cooper said: "They caved in and some questions have been answered for me.
"I have a list of players who I think 'yes, they need to stay, and they need to go' but it keeps changing.
"They keep letting themselves down. They have had a real good following and they've let them down again.
"The players are in (Sunday) morning. They thought they were getting the day off, but they don't deserve it."
Can Notts County redeem themselves at Barnet? Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones

Pathetic Notts County disemboweled by local rivals Mansfield Town

In what has to go down as one of the most embarrassing days in Notts County's recent history - possibly even more so than the Salford City loss, also this season - the Magpies fell to an abysmal 5-0 defeat to Nottinghamshire rivals Mansfield Town in Saturday's League Two clash at Field Mill.
The Stags were quickest out of the starting blocks and were ahead as early as the sixth minute when Mal Benning's cross evaded the Notts defence before being drilled home by Matt Green for his 15th goal of the season.
Mark Cooper's charges rallied round and performed admirably up until the half-time whistle, when it seemed like they could have got back into the game, although their front line - with Izale McLeod the worst culprit - was wasteful.
Things soon took a turn for the worse, however, when Mansfield doubled their lead just before the hour, Adam Chapman firing home a free kick from the edge of the box after a sloppy Wes Atkinson tackle..
A poor clearance from the normally steady Mike Edwards was responsible for the Stags' third strike minutes later, as Green seized on the error and coolly slotted past Scott Loach.
Reggie Lambe then made it 4-0 on 67 minutes after Matty Blair's cross gave him a simple tap-in, and with seven minutes to go Mitchell Rose tapped home after Loach spilt a shot into his path.
Share your thoughts on this calamity of a game on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones

Half Time Report: Mansfield Town in the lead over increasingly dangerous Notts County

Notts County are a goal down at Mansfield Town in Saturday's League Two clash at the One Call Stadium.
The Stags were dangerous from the off and duly took the lead after just six minutes when Malvind Benning's cross evaded the Magpies defence and fell to Matt Green, who struck with his right foot to put the ball to the left of Scott Loach and into the net.
Mark Cooper's charges set about trying to get back into the game and embarked on a positive spell of football that saw Jon Stead, Izale McLeod and Liam Noble all come close, in particular Noble's shot 41 minutes in that flew inches wide of the post.
Two minutes of added time passed without incident and the ref's whistle confirmed a half-time lead for Adam Murray's side, though in the second half the Magpies will be attacking towards their own fans.
Will Notts County get back into the game? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones

Stat Attack: Mansfield Town vs. Notts County, Saturday 16 April 2016

Notts County and Mansfield Town have met 46 times over the years, the first fixture coming in October 1937, a 2-0 win for the Magpies in Division Three (South). Out of the 44 games, Notts have the upper hand with 17 wins, 14 defeats, and 13 draws.
Between 1989 and 2001, the two sides met six times – and Notts won each time.
County's record over the last 10 meetings is pretty average, standing at three wins, three defeats, and four draws.
Our last meeting was a win, the Stags beaten 3-1 at Meadow Lane in the first round of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy on the 1st September 2015.
The Stags were formed in 1897 as Mansfield Wesleyans, changing their name to Mansfield Wesley in 1906 before settling on Mansfield Town in 1910.
Mansfield won the Football League Trophy in 1987, in their first game at Wembley Stadium. After a 1–1 draw with Bristol City, they won the cup 5–4 in the deciding penalty shootout, thanks to Kevin Hitchcock saving two penalties.
That remains the only cup win in their history, though they did win the Division Four title in 1974-75, Division Three two seasons later, and the Conference in 2012-13.
Famous people from Mansfield include Olympic swimmer Rebecca Adlington, media presenter Richard Bacon, FA Cup-winning goalkeeper Steve Ogrizovic and award-winning fashion designer Elspeth Gibson.
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Team News
Mansfield Town
Stags midfielder Colin Daniel is doubtful for their League 2 derby game with Notts County on Saturday afternoon.
The 28-year-old, on loan from Port Vale, was forced off with a back injury after opening the scoring in last weekend's 2-1 win at Carlisle United.
Mal Benning impressed after replacing Daniel and could be in line to start, while Emmanuel Dieseruvwe should shake off a knock picked up at Carlisle to feature.
Krystian Pearce and Chris Clements are absent again via suspension and hamstring injury respectively.
Notts County
The visitors will check on Curtis Thompson after the midfielder missed the back-to-back 1-0 home wins against Stevenage and Hartlepool United through injury.
Magpies manager Mark Cooper made only one change in midweek and any alterations will again be kept to a minimum as Notts look to record three straight league victories for the first time since October 2014.
Teenager Montel Gibson made his debut as a late substitute against Hartlepool and he is set to be involved again, with Cooper hinting that more of the club's youngsters might feature in the remaining fixtures.
Can Notts County get the better of Mansfield? Share your thoughts with Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the discussion.
Joe Jones

Mark Cooper says Notts County need cool heads to overcome Mansfield Town

Notts County manager Mark Cooper has claimed his side must have "cool heads" and "big hearts" if they are to stop rivals Mansfield Town from celebrating a league double over them.
The Magpies have played the Stags twice this season, losing to them in a League Two clash right at the start of the season but then clinching a 3-1 win in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.
Cooper said: "You want to see the players cope with the occasion and that they don't become flustered by it. We have to compete but be calm.
"You know you will have to fight but you still have to try to play football. First tackles are important but you've got to make sure you don't get sent off.
"You see a lot of local derbies where the first tackle ends in a red card which changes the complexion of the game. We have to have cool heads but big hearts."
Will Notts get points at the One Call Stadium? Share your thoughts with Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones

Mansfield Town boss Adam Murray is up for "blood and thunder" derby with Notts County

Mansfield Town manager Adam Murray has described Saturday’s derby with Notts County as a "blood and thunder" encounter.
The two sides have met twice already this season, with the Stags winning in the League Two encounter back in August and the Magpies emerging victorious in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy encounter weeks later.
Murray said: “With the money Notts spent and the resources they’ve got, they should be a top five team in this league; everybody would agree with that.
“They’ve obviously had some ups and downs this season but it’s a big club and, as much as we hate saying it because they’re our local rivals, it is a club steeped in history.
“It’s got a massive fan base and they probably haven’t had the season they planned this year.
“I know Coops, he was a very good footballer as a player. He did a great job at Swindon, I’m shocked to be honest that it took him so long to get back in the game after what he did there because I know he was working on limited resources.
“He’ll get them playing the right way and get them working for him. Fair play to him, I think they’re unbeaten in four now.
“Everything goes out of the window in terms of form and what kind of season you’ve had. It’s a local derby, it’ll be ‘blood and thunder’ and we’re up for it.”
Who will win in Saturday's derby? Let Pride of Nottingham know your views by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones

Mark Cooper wants Notts County to lift fans with victory at Mansfield Town

Notts County manager Mark Cooper has praised the club's fans and called on the players to give them a lift by claiming local bragging rights at Mansfield Town.
The Magpies have played the Stags twice this season, losing to them in a League Two clash right at the start of the season but then clinching a 3-1 win in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.
Cooper said: "It would be nice to give the fans something to smile about. They've been really good since I've been here. It would be good to give them a lift and a good result against Mansfield would do that.
"They will be coming in their numbers and you always want your fans' backing away from home – they always seem to be louder. I am sure it will be a really good atmosphere.
"The first thing you have to do is compete. You have to match the opposition's work rate.
"But the players have to be calm and realise that the team which deals with the occasion the best, usually comes out on top.
"It's about playing the game, not the occasion. You don't want to be taken in by the hype, it's about going to do a job."
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Joe Jones

Mark Cooper says "everybody" connected to Notts County deserves credit for unbeaten run

Notts County manager Mark Cooper has praised "everybody" for conjuring up a four-game unbeaten run that saw the Magpies secure Football League safety.
Jon Stead’s goal was the difference between Notts and Hartlepool United on Tuesday, while Liam Noble struck to ensure victory over Stevenage at the weekend.
Prior to that, Cooper’s charges drew 2-2 at Northampton Town and claimed a goalless draw over Wycombe Wanderers.
The former Swindon boss said: "The credit has to go to everybody – the staff, the players and the supporters. They've all got together and we are there as one. That's the only way it can go to get success."
Discussing the Pools game, he added: “Our decision making, the weight of the pass, the option of the pass, the runs the forwards we were making were wrong and that's something we need to get right, but the effort, commitment and organisation was there."
Who deserves the most credit for Notts County's resurgence? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones

Mark Cooper wants to keep Liam Noble at Notts County

Notts County manager Mark Cooper has pledged to try and keep Liam Noble at the club if he is appointed on a permanent basis this summer.
The midfielder scored his 10th goal of the season in the 1-0 win over Stevenage on Saturday to give the ex-Swindon Town boss his first win at the Magpies helm.
Noble, however, is out of contract in the summer and is said to be attracting interest from Cambridge United and Portsmouth.
Cooper, whose side secured their Football League status with a 1-0 win over Hartlepool United on Tuesday, said: "The club needs to keep players like Liam because he can turn a game on its head like he did on Saturday.
"He's done it on more than one occasion this season and when you are talking about creativity in the final third, he has got that.
"There will be times he gets space and blasts it over the bar, but the next time he gets it, he will put it in the top corner.
"If I am going to be here, then I would love him to stay."
Do you want to see Noble in a Notts shirt next season? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones

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