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Jamie Fullarton favourite for Notts County job as club announce Monday press conference

Notts County have confirmed that they will be announcing their new managerial appointment in a press conference on Monday.
Speculation is rife that the successful candidate is Nottingham Forest Under-21s development coach Jamie Fullarton, who jumped straight to the top of the bookies’ list to become odds-on favourite, and Colin Slater also suggested that the 41-year-old - who, like County's three previous managers, Chris Kiwomya, Shaun Derry and Ricardo Moniz, has no experience of managing an English football club - is favourite for the helm.
Interviews for the job were wrapped up on Friday, and Paul Hurst, the current Grimsby Town manager, is said to be out of the running and so too is Lee Clark, the former manager of Huddersfield Town and Blackpool. Mark Cooper and John Sheridan are still billed to be in the running, however.
The new manager will replace Ricardo Moniz, who was sacked following the 2-2 draw at home to Morecambe on December 29, and will have a week to work with the players after the Magpies' trip to Accrington Stanley was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch.
What do you think about this latest turn of events? Can the speculation be trusted? Would you like to see Fullarton at the Magpies helm or should the position go to a more experienced manager? Visit the Pride of Nottingham forum and join the conversation.
Joe Jones

Notts County ‘to choose new manager from three-man shortlist this weekend’

Notts County hope to appoint a new manager over the weekend after narrowing down their shortlist to three candidates, according to reports.

The Magpies have been without a manager since sacking Dutchman Ricardo Moniz, along with his assistant Dave Kevan and defensive coach Dean Yates, on December 29.

Over the last week a number of individuals have been tipped for the job, including Northampton Town manager Chris Wilder, Grimsby Town boss Paul Hurst, Newport County’s John Sheridan and former Swindon Town gaffer Mark Cooper.

Sky Sports News also believes that former Birmingham City and Huddersfield Town manager Lee Clark is among the names being considered for the post.

Mick Halsall, County's academy manager, and Richard Dryden, County's Under-21 coach, have been in caretaker control of the first team since Moniz's dismissal and oversaw the 4-2 home defeat to Oxford United last Saturday.

The pair will be in charge for their side’s clash with Accrington at the Crown Ground this weekend.
Be apart of Pride of Nottingham, join our growing community and express your views on club matters.
Joe Jones

Stat Attack: Accrington Stanley vs. Notts County

Notts County have only played Accrington Stanley 14 times in their history. The first fixtures were in August and December 1958, when both sides played in Division Three. The Magpies drew 1-1 in the first match, before losing 3-0 in the second.
A hiatus of 48 years followed before the teams met again in the fourth tier, now called League Two, on 9 September 2006. The result was a 3-2 win to Notts.
The last time the two met was on 22 August 2015, a 1-1 draw in League Two.
The original town's team, Accrington, were amongst the twelve founder members of the Football League in 1888, before resigning from the league after just five years.
A team called Stanley Villa already existed at the time, named as such because they were based at the Stanley Arms on Stanley Street in Accrington. With the demise of Accrington, Stanley Villa took the town name to become Accrington Stanley.
The club re-formed after World War I and entered the League in 1921 with the formation of the old Third Division North, along with the other top northern non-League clubs.
This original incarnation was dissolved in 1966, before re-emerging two years later. In 2005–06, Stanley won the Football Conference and were promoted to League Two.
Ironically, Oxford United, the team they switched places with, was the team that had been elected to replace the former Accrington Stanley as members of the Football League in 1962 when they were struggling with debt.
Accrington Stanley is perhaps most well known for being discussed in a late 1980s advert by the Milk Marketing Board (for all you younger readers, Ian Rush was one of the greatest strikers of his day, and Liverpool's all-time leading goalscorer).
Famous people from Accrington include Vicky Entwhistle and Julie Hesmondhalgh from Coronation Street, Yes singer Jon Anderson, cricketer Mike Atherton, Diana Vickers from The X Factor, and Mystic Meg.
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Josh Windass and Matt Crooks are both available for Accrington's fixture with Notts. On Wednesday the duo signed pre-contract terms with Scottish side Rangers to move to Ibrox in the summer, but Stanley manager John Coleman confirmed they will be considered as normal in the meantime.
Joe Wright, Brad Halliday and Liam Wakefield all extended deals with the east Lancashire club until the end of the season this week so will also stay in the reckoning.
Central defender Dean Winnard, however, has been absent since mid-November.
Notts caretaker managers Mick Halsall and Richard Dryden expect to have Alan Smith available, despite the experienced midfielder holding transfer talks with League Two leaders Plymouth.
Scot Bennett will be back in the squad after returning from his loan spell at Newport. It was hoped the defender would be able to feature last weekend against Oxford but international clearance was not received in time.
Bennett will be vying for a recall to the starting line-up along with the likes of Thierry Audel, Curtis Thompson, Jimmy Spencer and Ronan Murray.
Midfielder Liam Noble will complete a four-match suspension while winger Will Hayhurst remains a long-term injury absentee.
Joe Jones

Former Magpie Fabian Spiess Joins Boston United

Former Notts County shot-stopper Fabian Spiess has joined Boston United, after the Pilgrims struggled to fulfil the position prior.

The 21-year-old German born player is poised to go straight into Boston’s squad ahead of their trip to Curzon Ashton within the National League North. Spiess enjoyed breaking through the youth system, in place at Notts as a promising teenager, making nine senior first appearances during his time at Meadow Lane.

Before later moving out on loan to Bristol Rovers, then signing permanently Torquay United and later Alfreton Town.

Despite remaining largely on the bench for the Magpies’, after Northern Ireland international Roy Carroll, the 21-year-old caught the attention of Liverpool and spent several weeks training with the Premier League team at the end of last season.

Unfortunately a move to the former European giants wasn’t on the cards and Spiess was let go by then County boss Ricardo Moniz during the summer clear-out.

Spiess’s arrival to the Pilgrims, will see him most likely start against Curzon subject to ratification by the National League and Football Association.
Join in the discussions within our community forum - Here. Let us know your opinion on this story below.
Chris

Notts-Joe: We need stability all-round

The easiest thing to do during difficult seasons is to depart terms with your manager, yet this leaves repercussions and after a recession, you can sort of lose your identity and over the years, especially since running and starting the Pride of Nottingham website – I have spoken about this in the form of securing the better players within any Notts County squad.

Yet for me, despite craving success and stability – I am prepared to see things pan out some of the time.

I don’t think this can be applied with players. Yes managers prefer to build their own squad, yet often the first thing they do is recall players who are out on loan to access the depth and strengths of his new team.

I am also undecided if we could have afforded to give Ricardo Moniz a little longer, everyone will say they ‘grew tired’ of defending and again, this is something I can apply myself to but I do feel this is where a ‘sensible’ appointment comes down to it.

Of course, there’s no guarantee that managers who have a good track record will be able to work their magic, yet for me – I think this is more possible with the right foundations in place before any changes are made, certainly before they are released.

I hope that the next manager is someone who can build and retain a ‘core’, which will allow us to build properly as we attempt to move forward and ultimately I think this makes it easier on managers.

I couldn’t personally imagine going out and signing x amount of players, I mean this isn’t Football Manager 2016 and we don’t have the ability to just continue the circle.

Ricardo’s biggest downfall for me stems from his first and only fans’ forum – ‘Small Squad’ and ‘English players’. Now don’t get me wrong, Stanley Aborah for example is a very classy player but then you look at the same team sheet and realise Civard Sprockel is perhaps one of the worst to wear a Notts shirt in the last 10 years – even if he manages to last 45 minutes unlike some within the same class.

I think the point is, we should have seen that as the warning sign – was it his sole decision regarding transfers? And the policy to look overseas?

Perhaps like the many whom tell me Ricardo literally had no idea, yet I do think he tried too hard to impress.

For this reason, I do not blame him for not having placed us closer to the play-offs or the fact that we have conceded some awful goals so far this season – Roy Carroll anyone? I also acknowledge he leaves behind a decent squad, so it’s important the next manager can get to grips with it.

Whilst stamping his mark on our club, on his squad and we all learn to move forward forgetting the past.
Find all the latest content via our 'activity stream' - Here | Also, why not join our ranks? We have a flourishing community | Sign up Here.
Chris

Accrington Stanley: Scouting Report

Accrington Stanley are flying high at the moment, they are currently 7th, yet despite being just outside of the play-off zone – they retain games in hand over Wycombe Wanderers and Bristol Rovers. The Magpies stats are known to all, we have not won since the opening day away to Stevenage.

Lancashire based Stanley will be hoping to keep Notts quiet at the Crown Ground, with the expectation being placed upon them to return back to the play-offs.

They have won three of their last six games, having drawn two and losing once, Stanley are 9 points above Notts with 39 points in total.

Run-down of their last six games.

Saturday 14th November – Accrington Stanley 2 Newport County 2
Saturday 21st November – Cambridge United 2 Accrington Stanley 3
Saturday 28th November – York City 1 Accrington Stanley 5
Saturday 19th December – Stevenage 1 Accrington Stanley 1
Monday 28th December – Northampton Town 1 Accrington Stanley 0
Saturday 2n January – Mansfield Town 2 Accrington Stanley 3

The Players – Fact Sheet

Highest Goal Scorers; Billy Kee 10, Sean McConville 5, Terry Gornell 2 and Piero Mingoi 2.

Persistent Foulers; Tom Davies 6 yellow cards, Dean Winnard 5 yellow cards, Matty Pearsoan 5 yellow cards and Billy Kee 4.

The Key Players.

At the back Tom Davies has been putting in steady performances, he likes to push players onto their weaker foot and this is something which he does extremely well.

The Stanley squad consist of a solid unit, which works well together, and for me personally, I would highlight Piero Mingoia as the midfielder who is their driving force, and yet they have some decent options upfront.

None more so than Stanley's highest goal scorer Billy Kee, he is a tricky forward whom partners well upfront and works well within the Stanley system. Another player, which deserves a mention, is Sean McConville who can really offer more mobility to their attacking movement and forward play.

Style of Play, Strengths, and Weaknesses.

Accrington Stanley are a well setup team, who’s tactics frequently show alot of understanding to the dynamics in which their opposition possess. They are a unit based side, typically considered to be no thrills but they can get the job done.

Their ability to play basic football bodes well, as this allows them to take the simpler approach within games.

Yet at times they can play some very solid attacking football, with both energy and pace and this allows them to break sides down.

Weaknesses for me will be found with their right side of the field, I believe Stanley are stronger on the left and if we aim to play the ball through the centre of the park – Notts must be as direct as possible.

Aerial threats will be a way for the Magpies’ to gain chances, which should suit both Jon Stead and Izale McLeod – provided we apply ourselves well.
Not a member yet? Join our website - Here | Interested in reading more? Visit our homepage - Here.
Chris

League Two News - Orient owner accepts part of FA misconduct charge

Leyton Orient president Francesco Becchetti has admitted part of a Football Association misconduct charge.
Television pictures appeared to show him aiming a kick at his club's assistant boss Andy Hessenthaler after their 3-2 win against Portsmouth on Boxing Day.
A club statement said Becchetti accepted his actions on the touchline were 'improper conduct', but added that he "strongly denied" it was violent conduct and had requested a personal FA hearing.
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League Two side Luton Town have appointed Brighton & Hove Albion first-team coach Nathan Jones as their new manager on a two-and-a-half-year deal.
The 42-year-old Welshman, who enters his first permanent managerial role, succeeds John Still, who was sacked last month.
Luton, on a run of one win from their last nine games, sit 15th in the table.
"We believe we have found the best man to lead the club's footballing aspirations forward," chief executive Gary Sweet told the club website. 
"Nathan is a professional, disciplined, strong and open-minded character who is going to install a hard-working team ethic and, importantly, the prospect of fast-flowing football to Kenilworth Road.
"The board believe Nathan will modernise our club's football culture, blending the elements of our footballing heritage with a modern, forward-thinking philosophy.
"As a club we realise a change of thinking will not happen overnight, but we are already excited at the prospect of Nathan's ideas and vision for Luton Town."
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Accrington Stanley manager John Coleman has accused Josh Windass and Matt Crooks of disrespecting his club on social media after sealing their moves.
The pair have signed pre-contract deals at Rangers after snubbing the chance to stay with the League Two side.
But Coleman has slammed the duo for their posts on social media about making the switch to a 'massive club'.
He said: “I don’t get embroiled in social media but I do think going on and seeing the players had tweeted about ‘buzzing to play for a massive club’ is disrespectful to our fans.
“Our fans have backed them through thick and thin and I do think there should be more respect in place. When I became a manager, my ethos was always to treat players how I would want to be treated and I just wish there had been more communication from the players to myself.
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Plymouth Argyle manager Derek Adams has admitted that he hopes to start contract negotiations with his players soon.
Most of his squad are out of contract in the summer, with players such as Graham Carey, Reuben Reid and Jake Jervis able leave the club for nothing.
"I hope to do that very soon," Adams said when asked when talks would begin.
"I just need to get the go ahead to do that and then we'll be in a place to speak to the players because I think that's important."
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Cambridge United left-back Greg Taylor has been ruled out for the rest of the season as he requires ankle surgery.
The 25-year-old has made 19 appearances for Shaun Derry's side this term, but was injured in the Boxing Day victory over Dagenham & Redbridge.
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Midfielder Michael Collins has left Oxford United by mutual consent, having failed to make an appearance for the League Two club this season.
The 29-year-old played 42 games for the Us after joining from Scunthorpe in the summer of 2014.
The former Huddersfield player spent time on loan at York City earlier this season, making seven appearances.
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Hartlepool manager Ronnie Moore has claimed his side's extended break might help them in Saturday's FA Cup third-round tie against Championship side Derby.
Pools have not played since 19 December after their games with Notts County, Carlisle and Newport were postponed.
"It's unusual, missing the Christmas period. I've never had that, only when I'm out of work," Moore told BBC Tees.
"Hopefully it's come at the right time, maybe we needed a bit of a break and hopefully we can kick on."
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Bristol Rovers have signed Shrewsbury Town club captain Liam Lawrence.
Lawrence, 34, has played 23 times for Shrewsbury this season, having joined them from Barnsley in July 2014.
The former Republic of Ireland midfielder, who won 15 caps for his country, started his career at Mansfield and has also played for Sunderland, Stoke and Portsmouth.
 
What are your thoughts on this week's news in League Two? Visit the Pride of Nottingham forum and join the conversation.
Joe Jones

Richard Dryden insists Alan Smith 'is still in the Notts County squad'

Richard Dryden has played down reports of Alan Smith leaving Notts County, insisting that he is still in the squad for now.
Plymouth Argyle have reportedly offered Smith a deal until the end of next season, with the 35-year-old keen to extend his playing career before moving into coaching.
A photo emerged on Wednesday of what appeared to be Smith walking alongside Pilgrims manager Derek Adams in the Devon city.
Dryden, however, told reporters on Thursday: "Alan is in the squad.
"Alan is Alan. He comes in and works hard, people look up to him as a leader.
"He's going to be involved with us from now until the end of the season hopefully. I take it he is still going to be here."
Do you want Alan Smith to remain part of the Notts team, or are you happy to see him head to the South West? Visit the Pride of Nottingham forum and join the conversation.
Joe Jones

Two new names emerge as contenders for Notts County manager's job

Two new names have emerged in the running for the Notts County manager’s job.
One of those is Grimsby Town boss Paul Hurst, who led his side to the Conference play-off final last season, which they lost to Bristol Rovers at Wembley.
Hurst was a teammate of Notts head of recruitment Guy Branston at Rotherham United when they won promotion to the second tier in 2001.
The Magpies are said to have been monitoring Hurst, whose side have lost just two of their last 14 league and cup matches, racking up nine wins in the process.
Grimsby have also recorded an emphatic 3-0 win over Notts in pre-season, a display that the Kop faithful still refer to today as a particularly poor performance from their side.
As well as Hurst, Northampton manager Chris Wilder's odds also shortened dramatically as he was installed as second favourite. 
Wilder is based in Sheffield and played for Notts in the 1996/97 season. He was reportedly considered for the Cambridge United job, which was eventually given to ex-Magpies gaffer Shaun Derry.
The Cobblers, who are second in League Two, have been plagued by off the field problems, but have since been taken over by Kelvin Thomas, who was Wilder's chairman at Oxford United.
Joe Jones

Away Day Travel: Accrington Stanley

The Crown Ground is the next destination for both club and fans, as we prepare for the game ourselves - we provide you with all the information required to safely secure your travel and tickets before the game. This information is provided with the latest known details as of 06/01/2016 and may be subject to change.

If you are planning to travel via coach, we have listed all the current options known to us below.

Notts County have been allocated 200 tickets, you can pay on the day also. For all information leading to up-to the away day, you will find within this article.

Match Tickets are priced at:

£15.00 - Adults
£10.00 - Seniors (64 years and above)
£10.00 - Students (I.D required)
£10.00 - Under 17's
£0.00 - Under 12's

*must be purchased with an adult or senior ticket.

Supporters Club travel is as follows:

Coach leaves at: Saturday 9th January at 10am
Adults: £20
Under 16’s: £14
Under 11’s: One FREE with each paying adult.

To book your seat, please contact: 07946021408

Official travel is as follows:

Coach leaves at: Saturday 9th January at 10:00am
Adults: £20
Under 18’s: £10

For more information please visit the OS website - Here
Pride of Nottingham wishes all Notts safe travelling. You Pies!!
Chris

League Two Preview: 06/01/2016

League Two Preview Saturday 9th January 2016 and Tuesday 12th January 2016.

It's a much reduced League Two programme this Saturday due to teams participating in the 3rd round of the FA Cup, so this week I've included the two midweek games in my preview.

*Important games **Key Game

Saturday 9/1/2016
**Accrington v Notts County – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (2-0)
Wimbledon v Carlisle – Postponed
*Barnet v Bristol Rovers – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (0-1)
*Crawley v Cambridge – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (1-1)
*Mansfield v Stevenage – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (2-0)
With there being so few games it gives those teams that are playing a chance to take advantage and improve on their league positions so for that reason all this weeks fixtures are important games and again I've made Notts' game the key fixture.

Bristol Rovers will be hoping to maintain their play off hopes and put pressure on the teams around them at the expense of Barnet, who themselves will be hoping to shoot up the table.

Likewise Crawley and particularly Cambridge will be hoping for maximum points to push up the table.

Mansfield can also return closer to the play off places though Stevenage could easily help their own cause and climb further up the congested mid table places.

Tuesday 12th January 2016

*Morecambe v Exeter – Kick Off 19:45 – Score Prediction (1-0)
*Plymouth v Northampton – Kick Off 19:45 – Score Prediction (2-0)

Morecambe are 1 point better off than Exeter but again both teams have a chance to keep their play off hopes alive.

The real stand out game of the weekend could see Plymouth extend their lead at the head of League Two to 6 points but Northampton could, with a win, catch them up.

Once again I feature Notts as my key game.

**Accrington v Notts County

At the time of writing Mick Halsall and Richard Dryden are still temporarily in charge of team affairs with Notts 9 points short of a play off place.

Accrington, at 7th, occupy the last play off place in League Two with 39 points and have played two games less than Notts.

When Notts played Accrington earlier in the season on Saturday 22 August it ended 1–1 with a 90th minute equalizer by the visitors cancelling out Burke's 76th minute opener.

In the 2011/12 season League One Notts beat League Two Accrington 4–1 in the 1st round of the FA Cup but Accrington got their revenge last season winning a replay 2–1 after a goalless draw at Meadow Lane.

Notts really need all 3 points to give the new manager, whoever that may be, any real hope of resurrecting Notts' season. I've gone 2–0 to Accrington, please prove me wrong Notts.
super_ram

Alan Smith 'to discuss future at Notts County with new manager'

Notts County midfielder Alan Smith will wait until a new manager is in place before discussing his future, according to reports.
The 35-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and is said to be on the radar of Plymouth Argyle, an offer that he is considering.
According to the Nottingham Post he has informed the Magpies board that he is happy to stay should they offer him a new deal, but will speak to the new boss over his role at Meadow Lane going forward.
A poll carried out by the Plymouth Herald found that 68 percent of Argyle fans would welcome the former Manchester United man at Home Park.
Would you like to see Smudger remain at Meadow Lane, or is it time for him to go? Visit the Pride of Nottingham forum and join the conversation.
Joe Jones

Mid-Season Notts County Player-by-Player Review

The start of this years campaign, especially pre-season seemed a million miles away at the beginning and the slow build-up – although not uncommon, it did seem slower than normal. As I waited for signings to be announced, I hoped that by this stage we might be on verge on gaining promotion however, at the moment in time this seems far away.

My entail optimism only peaked once signings like Scot Bennet, Gill Swerts and Scott Loach had been made.

In this article, I will give a player-by-player review and share my thoughts on the main ones.

Roy Carroll – Was a shining light in the previous campaign, however I do share similar concerns regarding performances put in by the Magpies number one, although he often keeps us within games, I just find him to be largely inconsistent – yet to be fair, this may improve with a steady back four willing to protect our goal.

Verdict – B. It’s easy to point the finger, however without some of his spectacular saves we may be in some serious trouble considering the amount of goals conceded but I have no doubts, he must step it up.

Mawouna Amevor – Looked very promising at Stevenage, the towering defender looked quite ideal for League Two – however I largely feel he hasn’t been given a fair chance and hopefully under our new manager he will.

Verdict – C. He just hasn’t given us a glimpse of what he can do, yet I firmly believe he may be part of the solution once settled.

Haydn Hollis – The young, home-grown prospect has been out of favour since losing his confidence in the earlier part of the season but against Oxford United recently – I felt he has shown exactly why he’s useful to have around.

Verdict – C. He needs to focus on his distribution and concentration, yet I must praise him for being one of the only defenders to timely place last-ditch tackles and I do believe more will come with time.

Mike Edwards – A player that no doubt many didn’t expect to see feature as much as he has done so far, yet he’s shown us why he earned the nickname the ‘phoenix’ and some of his goals have been crucial within this campaign – he just needs to complete his first hat trick!

Verdict – C+. There’s no dispute that ‘Steady Eddie’ has lost his pace, yet his awareness and calm influence at the back has largely helped.

Elliot Hewitt – Another player who has pleasantly surprised us so far this season, he looks a brilliant prospect and his general game is a joy to watch considering he’s a defender. Since his first start, I believe he sums up what we require from more players whom don’t regularly start – you must take what chances you get and he has done.

Verdict – B. I agree his defence side could largely improve but I genuinely believe this will with time. Going forward he’s smart and isn’t afraid to contribute, yet the most promising thing for me is his versatility and dedication towards making important runs.

Gill Swerts – One of the players I thought liked sheer class pre-season and I felt he would have established himself as a fan favourite by now. However, this isn’t the case and he has largely found himself expelled from the starting line-up.

Verdict – D. Being played out of position hasn’t helped, neither has being repeatedly moved around. As a right back, he looked a far different player than that of a left or centre back.

Thierry Audel – Another player I hoped to see better from, however unlike Swerts – I cannot say the same about Audel and he has been largely disappointing for me. When he shows greatness, it’s often deflected by his inability to make the right decision when it comes to his distribution and I find his first touch requiring greater focus, as I do with his passing.

Verdict – D. Simply not good enough so far, by far one of the most frustrating players but largely because you can see he’s a talented player.

Alan Sheehan – His return symbolized something majorly lacking the 2015/16 squad and that is passion, belief in his own ability and pride for the shirt hes worn whilst on loan.

Verdict – B. Please sign him up, so we can see him further help improve the back four.

Alan Smith – For a period, he looked to be getting increasingly useful and his crunching tackles are something I feel gives Notts a presence on the field. However, his form seems to dip and likewise does his ability to fit in.

Verdict – D. Unarguably he could be far more consistent if used as a rotational player, I personally would prefer to see him utilized in games, which require his no nonsense approach.

Curtis Thompson – No doubt he should have featured far more under Ricardo Moniz, his energy and hunger is clear as day. He isn’t afraid to work hard for the team and it’s pleasing to see him score this season, I firmly believe with the right centre pairing he would continue to dazzle Notts fans.

Verdict – C+. His confidence dipped a bit mid-way through but with the chance, he will continue work hard and overcome these obstacles in my opinion.

Liam Noble – Has come into his element within League Two, with his attitude and influence being key in stages. Despite the two red cards and three yellows, he has given many moments of brilliance and offers so much more than goals. He is a true leader within our midfield and the passion which elites his game is showing us - we must use this to our advantage.

Verdict – B. We need him for selection, there are no arguments about that and he just needs to be a little more wiser.

Stanley Aborah – One of the best signings to have worn a Notts shirt for some time, he could easily fit within a lower to mid-tier Championship team. His passing, movement and skill provides us the entertainment we have lacked. With a more consistent Notts County, I believe Stanley could be a player which enables us to push for promotion.

Verdict – B+. Just brilliant, keep him fit and available – we could build around him and finally move forward.

Graham Burke – Despite being another player who’s youth career I had followed, I wasn’t keen on this signing as I wasn’t sure where he could feature but on merit it has proven to be a useful squad addition and within time – the glimpses we see in games, like against his former club Aston Villa – it will highlight just how wise this purchase was.

Verdict – C+. Prior to the dip in our form and confidence, I think Burke would be pushing for a B – yet he’s drifted out of things as of lately and we need to see his spark return.

Adam Campbell – When some questioned his height, I instantly knew what an asset Campbell could be for us if we could feature him wisely. Having followed his career at Newcastle, the signing pleased me and he gives us electricity with his rapid pass and if he can perfect his finishing (which anyone who’s seen his youth career will know he’s got within locker) he will go on to further prove himself.

Verdict – B+. He’s proven he can play on the wing, recently hasn’t contributed what I believe he can but no doubt he’s worth his weight in gold (and more). As a fan recently told me during ‘Meet the Fans’ he’s got the appearance of being a value marketable assist (which is rare for us).

Jon Stead – One of the signings, which I argued at the start of the season, he wouldn’t get us goals. Which on reflection seems harsh but true. What he gives us is a player upfront willing to give 100%, yet that said, I would prefer to see him partner McLeod and remain an option upfront – rather than drifting back or onto the flank.

Verdict – C. He could be more lethal as a striker, we know he has an eye for goal and a pass but sadly, by the time chances come – he often seems too tired.

Izale McLeod – Honestly? He frustrates the life out of me. He has the talent, which is present with confidence and when we play to his strengths, he’s a good natural striker. Yet for me, his constant diving (or going down easily) just punishes us and it’s not necessary. Whilst he goes absent far too often in games, yet he is what he is.

Verdict – C+. He gets the goals, which we have been missing, and likewise with Aborah we can build around him – yet I hope he works on the negative side of his game a little more.

Within the upcoming days, I will publish another catching up on some of the players I haven’t featured and of course who could do a job for us – if we decide to tweak our squad better.
Discuss all the latest content within our community forum - Here.
Chris

Newport County director ‘No approach from Notts County for John Sheridan’

Gavin Foxall, a director at Newport County says that Notts County have not made any sort of approach for the Exiles manager John Sheridan.

It is rumoured that John Sheridan is heavily linked with the vacant position at Meadow Lane, however bookmakers have suspended betting for the position as manager of Notts – whom held the favourite likely to succeed the recently departed Ricardo Moniz.

Whilst it is understood, that Notts County board have made Newport County’s manager their top priority to succeed the former Dutchman.

When asked about the vacant position by the Argus, Foxall replied, “No, we have not had any approaches”. Further adding, “As far as we’re concerned John is our Manager. We’ve not been approached by Notts County, or any other club and nor has John as far as we’re aware”.

“For us it’s business as usual, we’re focused on a massive game on Saturday against Blackburn Rovers.”

“As John has said in various interviews, he’s focused with us as a club and he’s done a great job since he’s come in. We’re pleased with the way he’s operating and conducting himself and the way we’ve seen that transport on the pitch”.

“He’s given the players the belief and the confidence they need and we’re watching some good football”.

He added “If they do, like all things, we’ll address the issue at the time. As far as we’re concerned today John is still our manager, he’s with us until the end of the season and if you spoke to John today he’d say to you ‘look, I’m focused on Newport County, I’m focused on the cup first and foremost in terms of Saturday’s game’.

“But also there’s a job to be done. We’re nowhere near away from the challenges of relegation. He came here to do a job and we’re expecting him to do that.”

On the 2nd of January, ahead of the game against Oxford United. Notts fans were heavily speculating that John Sheridan might become the manager – with reported sightings claiming to have been made the previous week.

Also linked to the Notts vacant position is Malky Mackay who has also distanced himself from the managerial position – whilst the former Swindon Town manager Mark Cooper is reportedly set to held talks with the club.

Interviews are set to be held this week with chairman Ray Trew and chief executive Julian Winter before the weekends game against Accrington Stanley.
Join in the discussion regarding the vacant hot-seat at Meadow Lane - Here.
Chris

Notts leading scorer Izale McLeod nominated for 'PFA Fans' Player of the Month'

Izale McLeod has been nominated for the PFA Fans’ Player of the Month after scoring four goals in December. The Magpies’ front man scored a brace against Newport County AFC and Morecambe.

McLeod will be competing for the award against Carlisle United’s Jacob Ibehre and Portsmouth midfielder Gareth Evans.

The reported £150,000 striker has scored currently scored nine goals in eighteen appearances since his arrival back in late August, eight of which have been scored within league games and the remaining goal was scored in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

Below you can re-watch the highlights from both games courtesy of the Official Notts County YouTube channel.

Notts County 4 Newport County AFC 3
Notts County 2 Morecambe 2
To vote for Izale McLeod you can do so by visiting – Here.
Chris

'We should have stuck with Shaun Derry'

My first tweet following the news of Ricardo Moniz’s sacking was along the lines of the managerial merry-go-round still turning at Notts. Sadly on this occasion, I do agree with the decision to make a change and I think the timing is perfect. 
I wasn’t in favour of Shaun Derry’s departure, partly because of the man himself but mainly because of the timing of his sacking. Despite the fact he had been at the helm while we dropped like a stone towards the relegation zone of League 1, I always felt he was probably the one man who would be able to get us out of it. 
Also, the timing of his dismissal left little time for a new manager to save us from the drop – reinforcing to me that we should simply have stuck rather than twisted during such a crucial time.
My last article back in November called for calm and for fans to back the manager and hope that our position in January showed improvement – sadly this never materialized and despite backing what Moniz was trying to achieve, even I couldn’t back him any further. 
Our defence has leaked goals at an alarming rate and the potential of the squad has not been utilized at all. With the squad we have, we should at least be sniffing around the play-offs by now. 
Moniz was in favour of attacking football and that’s great when you’re in the Championship or Premier League with players who are tactically more aware, but I don’t think he ever grasped the way League 2 football is played and his stubbornness was ultimately his downfall. His lack of defensive nous was there for all to see and the way we’ve defended this season is genuinely alarming.
So now the powers that be must decide on a new manager to take the helm and try to rescue our season. There are a few names I have in mind that I would welcome to the hot seat. 
Top of my list (but someone who I know for a fact will probably not come back), is Neil Warnock. His knowledge of the football league is vast and he’s big on discipline and organization – something we desperately need. It might be a great final hoorah for him to end his managerial career on. 
Second on my list is John Sheridan and out of all the names mentioned in the betting odds and in the press, he’s the one I would choose. He’s transformed Newport County despite all their issues this season in the squad with injuries and he’s proven his abilities at Chesterfield and to some extent at Plymouth. 
Chris Wilder would also be up there, having worked wonders at a financially stricken club like Northampton and seen success at Oxford by guiding them back into the Football League as well as stabilizing them in the football league upon their return.
With Wilder the key question is, would he abandon the hard work he’s put into Northampton to get them to where they are now in order to take a gamble on achieving something at Notts – and based on our track record with managers in recent years, any man taking the job must look on it as a gamble to some extent.
Let’s hope that this time we do get the right man for the job and whoever takes the position can transform our poor away form and our leaky defence. What the club needs now more than ever is stability – not a word Notts fans can say they’re all that familiar with, but one we must adopt from here on in.
Tom Walters

Liam Noble 'attracting interest from Portsmouth and Cambridge United'

Notts County midfielder Liam Noble is attracting interest from Portsmouth and Cambridge United, according to reports.
The mercurial 24-year-old is out of contract in the summer, and with less than six months remaining on his current deal, he can now talk to other clubs regarding a move away from Meadow Lane.
According to the Nottingham Post, former Magpies boss Shaun Derry, now at Cambridge, is understood to be keen on linking up again with Noble, having signed him when manager of Notts following his release from Carlisle in June 2014.
Pompey manager Paul Cook is also said to be a firm admirer of the former Sunderland man, who has scored eight goals this season.
In total, Noble has made 60 appearances for Notts, scoring 14 goals in all competitions, but his time in the East Midlands has been plagued with a poor disciplinary record, accruing five cards in one-and-a-half seasons.
Should Noble stay or should he go? Visit the Pride of Nottingham forum and join the conversation.
Joe Jones

Meet the Fans 15/16 - Oxford United

Prior to the game against Oxford United at Meadow Lane on the 2/1/2016, Notts-Joe and Joe Jones took the time to interview several fans regarding key matters relating to Notts.

This covers the departure of Ricardo Moniz, possible further departures within the January transfer window, possible squad additions, who could come in to take the reigns at Meadow Lane and much more.
 
Catch up with all the latest content via our 'Activity Stream' - Here.
Chris

Curtis Thompson: 'Notts County heads dropped when Oxford equalised'

Curtis Thompson has claimed that Oxford United’s second goal proved the turning point in Notts County’s 4-2 weekend defeat at Meadow Lane, because that is when their “heads dropped”.
Liam Sercombe drew first blood with a penalty in the first half, but Jon Stead levelled on the hour.
Thompson then struck 76 minutes in to put the Magpies in the lead, but just three minutes later Alex MacDonald scored the U’s second, before late goals from Callum O'Dowda and Kemar Roofe sealed the win.
Thompson told local media: "The first half was very difficult because Oxford were the better team. They were popping the ball around and you could see why they are further up the table.
"In the second half we came out with a bit more belief and we started to get on the ball a lot more. We played with a bit more confidence and it showed because we got back into the game.
"We made it 1-1, then made changes when I came on and managed to score, which was great. We looked strong at that stage and looked the better team. But they got the second goal and from then on we switched off a bit.
"They were good goals late on, but after their equaliser our heads dropped. We lost our shape, we didn't tuck in and the discipline went.
"A lot of gaps were created which they took advantage of. But we've got to put it to the back of our minds, pick ourselves up and go again against Accrington."
To discuss this article, visit the Pride of Nottingham forum and join the conversation.
Credit to Dan Westwell for the image.
Joe Jones

Notts County: An update on the vacant manager's position

Notts County’s search for a new manager continues, with former Cardiff City and Watford boss Malky Mackay considered to be out of the frame for the Magpies gig.
Mackay is rumoured to be interesting Celtic – a club where he used to ply his trade as a player – as their current manager Ronny Deila is under pressure following a run of poor performances.
John Sheridan, the current boss of Newport County, remains the favourite to claim the Notts job, while the currently unemployed Mark Cooper is also set for talks with the club and has made it clear he is keen on the position, a season after guiding Swindon Town to the League One play-off final.
According to local media, interviews are set to be held this week with chairman Ray Trew and chief executive Julian Winter, with an appointment not expected to be made until after the League Two clash with Accrington Stanley.
This means that means Richard Dryden and Mick Halsall will remain in charge of the club in a caretaker capacity and are hoping to bounce back from Saturday's 4-2 defeat at home to Oxford United.
To discuss this article, visit the Pride of Nottingham forum and join the conversation.
Joe Jones

League Two Round-Up: Saturday 2 January 2016

The disappointing season continues for the Notts faithful with a heartbreaking finale to Saturday's game. Having given away a penalty right at the end of the first half, Notts recovered to take a 2 - 1 lead, only to concede 3 late goals, two of them coming in the 90th minute.
Notts slip to 17th, 9 points off a play-off place and 13 points above the relegation places.
League Two Results Saturday 2/1/2016
Bristol Rovers 2 – 0 Luton
Cambridge 1 - 4 Wimbledon
Carlisle 0 – 2 Plymouth
Exeter 1 – 2 Dagenham & Redbridge
Mansfield 2 - 3 Accrington
Newport -postponed-Hartlepool
Northampton 3 - 0 Barnet
Notts County 2 – 4 Oxford United
Portsmouth 3 – 0 Crawley
Stevenage 2 - 2 Leyton Orient
Wycombe 0 - 2 Morecambe
Yeovil 1 – 0 York
Today there were 4 home wins, 6 away wins, 1 draws and 1 postponement.
League Two update
There's no change with the top 4 places.
Plymouth remain top with 52 points from 25 games but their 2 -0 away victory over Carlisle has sent the Cumbrians down to 9th on 37 points having played 2 games less.
Northampton lie 2nd and 3 points adrift of Plymouth but with a game in hand.
Oxford's late win at Meadow Lane keeps them in the final automatic promotion place, and 3rd, with 48 points from 25 games.
Portsmouth's 3 – 0 drubbing of Crawley keeps them 4th with 44 points on 25 games but Crawley drop to 14th with 31 points from the same number of games.
Bristol Rovers move up to 5th on 43 points after beating Luton who fall to 15th with 30 points.
Wycombe slip to 6th on 40 points after losing 2 – 0 at home to Morecambe who climb to 13th on 31 points from 24 games.
7th and final play off place goes to Accrington, Notts' next opponents, on 39 points from only 22 games, thanks to their 3 -2 away win at Mansfield who consequently fall to 12th with 35 points from 24 games.
Leyton Orient move above Carlisle on goal difference, just outside the play off places, to 8th with 37 points from 25 games.
Wimbledon, at 10th, climb above Cambridge who fall to 11th, both on 36 points and from 25 games.
Mansfield drop to 12th with 35 points from 24 games.
Morecambe are 13th, above Crawley (14th) and with the same points total of 31,but from only 23 games, 2 less played than Crawley.
Luton, Exeter and Notts are 15th, 16th and 17th respectively; all with 30 points but Luton have played one game more, 25.
Barnet, with 28 points and Stevenage, with 27 points remain static at 18th and 19th both from 25 games.
Newport, 24 games played, and Hartlepool, 21 games played also stay put at 20th and 21st both wit 20 points.
Dagenham & Redbridge climb out of the relegation places with 19 points from 25 games.
Yeovil's 1 – 0 victory over York lifts them off bottom place to 23rd with 17 points from 25 games while the latter take their place at 24th with 16 points from 24 games.
Upcoming fixtures
Once again there are no midweek League Two fixtures this week.
Notts' next game is away at 7th placed Accrington on Saturday 9th January 2016 with a 3pm kick off and a curtailed league programme due to the FA cup.
Will a new manager be in place by next week? Will there be any movements in or out of Meadow Lane with the transfer window now open? Plenty to discuss - so come to our forum and join the conversation.
super_ram

Richard Dryden: 'Opening Oxford goal was never a penalty'

Notts County co-caretaker manager Richard Dryden has bemoaned referee Carl Boyeson's decision to award Oxford United a penalty on the stroke of half time in their win against Notts County on Saturday.
Two late strikes from Callum O'Dowda and Kemar Roofe helped the U's to a 4-2 win at the managerless Magpies, but it was the crucial penalty decision that angered Dryden.
He was convinced that goalkeeper Roy Carroll had not brought down Liam Sercombe and thought the decision changed the game.
"It was tough on us especially to go in a goal down before half-time," Dryden told local media. "I've seen the challenge from Roy again, because at the time from where I was stood you couldn't say yes or no.
"But watching the video again, Roy was a mile away and it was never a penalty. It was a minute before half-time and while it was not the end of the world, it knocks you back a bit.
"We only really started to show how we could play in the second half. We knew, from watching footage of them, that Oxford were a really good attacking side with lots of pace. They like to suck you in a bit, and then hit you on the counter-attack. The fourth goal summed that up.
"We sat a little bit deeper than usual and it was no secret we've tried to work on the defensive organisation of the team. We've made a few changes at the back and it's almost a brand new back four."
The result sees Notts slip to 17th in League two with 30 points from 24 games.
Credit to Dan Westwell for the image.
Join in with the Pride of Nottingham match discussion - Here.
Joe Jones

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