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Joe Jones
Alan Hardy has paid a heartfelt tribute to former Notts County chairman Derek Pavis, who sadly passed away last week aged 87.
Pavis, who has the west stand at Meadow Lane named in his honour, guided the Magpies through their most successful period in their recent history.
He also oversaw the redevelopment of the stadium before stepping aside after 13 years at the helm at the age of 70.
In his Nottingham Post column, Hardy wrote: "I was deeply saddened to learn of Derek Pavis' death over the weekend. It has made for a sombre few days at Notts County.
"He was a terrific man who gave his all and was a wonderful custodian of this football club.
"He was at the helm for 13 years, during which time he oversaw an immensely successful era in the club's history.
"It would have been extremely remiss of me not to pay tribute to him when you consider what he did for our football club during his time as chairman.
"For the fans that were lucky enough to experience the good times, there were occasions that will live long in the memory.
"Without his care, love and extremely strong leadership, these iconic moments in Notts County's history simply wouldn't have been possible.
Watching the tributes pour in over social media, it did not surprise me in the slightest because of his achievements and the person he was.
If I can be as half as successful in my role as one of his successors, I assure you I will be a very happy man."
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Joe Jones
Notts County have confirmed that player of the season Rob Milsom has signed a new contract at Meadow Lane.
The 30-year-old midfielder has made 59 appearances for the Magpies since joining from Rotherham United in 2015.
"The way the second half of the season went with the new chairman (Alan Hardy) and manager (Kevin Nolan) was really good. It's exciting times," Milsom is quoted by the Nottingham Post as saying.
"My aim at the start of last season was to stay fit and play as many games as possible. My performances improved throughout the campaign so I want to carry that form into next year.
"Goalscoring is something I want to work on. Thommo (Richard Thomas, assistant manager) had been working with me on it before the end of the season and we will carry that on in pre-season.
"I like to get up and down the pitch so if I can add goals to my game it will only help the team."
The length of his new contract has not been disclosed but Hardy added: "We're delighted to have him on board for the new season."
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Joe Jones
As June comes along to bring about the end of May, Pride of Nottingham looks at the big news stories from Meadow Lane in the last month.
May 3
Alan Hardy vowed to keep using Twitter to interact with Notts County fans, but insists that abusive messages sent to him on the platform are not acceptable.
May 5
Rob Milsom said he was delighted after he was rewarded with the Notts County Fans' Player of the Year and the Players' Player of the Year awards.
May 6
Notts County finished the 2016-17 League Two season on a losing note as Newport County sealed survival on the final day.
May 9
Notts County confirmed that they have voted for the EFL Trophy to remain in its current 64-team format.
May 12
Goalkeeper Scott Loach bid an emotional farewell to Notts County after he confirmed he would be leaving Meadow Lane.
Notts County released their retained list for 2016-17.
Matt Tootle opened up on his battles with anxiety and depression, saying nobody is immune from mental health struggles and urging people to seek help.
May 18
Notts County made their first signing of the 2016-17 post-season by recruiting Lincoln City winger Terry Hawkridge on a two-year deal.
May 19
Elliott Hewitt accepted Notts County's offer of a new contract, signing a new two-year deal at Meadow Lane.
Former Millwall, Wimbledon and Republic of Ireland forward Jon Goodman was appointed as Notts County's new academy manager.
May 20
Alan Hardy outlined his plans to set up a girls' academy at Notts County with a view to forming a sustainable Lady Pies outfit which will work its way up to the Women's Super League.
Alan Hardy set a target for Notts County to finish either in the playoffs or very close to them next season as he confirmed he would increase Kevin Nolan's playing budget by 10 percent.
May 23
Haydn Hollis became the latest player to commit his future to Notts County after signing a new deal at Meadow Lane.
May 24
A petition to wind up Notts County was dismissed at the High Court in London after a "dramatic compromise" was signed at the door of the court.
May 26
Notts County announced the signing of former Hartlepool United winger Lewis Alessandra for an undisclosed fee.
May 27
It was announced that former Notts County chairman Derek Pavis had sadly passed away, aged 87.
May 29
Notts County launched a sponsorship package which allows firms to sponsor the team shirt on a month-by-month basis.
May 31
Notts County confirmed that player of the season Rob Milsom has signed a new contract at Meadow Lane.
Share your thoughts about this news recap on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.
Joe Jones
Alan Hardy says he is happy to pay transfer fees for Notts County's targets, so long as it's within reason and fits with the club's financial structure.
The Magpies owner funded the arrival of Lewis Alessandra on Friday when he agreed an undisclosed fee with Hartlepool United for the player.
Alessandra was the second signing to arrive at Meadow Lane, after Terry Hawkridge's arrival from National League champions Lincoln City.
"It is really important that we get the balance right between players that we pay fees for, those we sign on a free and those who will come on loan," he said.
"Even though our budget is bigger than what we originally said, we do have to watch how much we do pay.
"But I am sure that once Kevin Nolan (Magpies boss) returns from holiday, there will be one or two more players he fancies.
"If they command a fee, then as long as it fits in with the structure of the football club, and as we did with Lewis, then I am happy to support the manager.
"You have to make sure the deal makes sense and as Lewis proved, that was one that did, given his contribution to Hartlepool's team last season."
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Joe Jones
Everything has now been wrapped up in the Premier League and Football League, with all 92 clubs knowing where they stand next season.
No sooner has the final whistle gone on the final playoff fixture, that we have all the necessary dates to put in our diary and look forward to for 2017-18.
Here are the key dates you must know about.
EFL fixture release
Wednesday, June 21
EFL 2017-18 season kickoff
Weekend of Friday, August 4 - Sunday, August 6
EFL Cup competitions
EFL Cup (Carabao Cup): Week commencing August 7.
EFL Trophy (Checkatrade Trophy): Week beginning August 28.
Final matches of EFL 2017-18 season
Weekend of May 5, 2018.
Playoff finals in 2017-18
Championship final: May 26
League One final: May 27
League Two final: May 28
Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.
Joe Jones
On Saturday, it was announced that former Notts County chairman Derek Pavis had passed away aged 87.
Pavis, who has the west stand at Meadow Lane named in his honour, guided the Magpies through their most successful period in their recent history thanks to his shrewd appointment of Neil Warnock and investment in the squad.
He also oversaw the redevelopment of the stadium before stepping aside after 13 years at the helm at the age of 70.
Here are just some of the tributes left on the PON site to one of the finest chairmen in the club's history.
 
 
 



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Joe Jones
Notts County have launched a sponsorship package which allows firms to sponsor the team shirt on a month-by-month basis.
The club's association with Ladbrokes has now ended, and Magpies owner Alan Hardy is eager for the companies sponsoring the top to have a presence in Nottingham.
According to the Nottingham Post, law firm Eversheds and accountancy firm Baldwins have already signed up, while Hardy's Paragon will sponsor the shirts for the cup matches.
"It would have been easy for us to tout ourselves with a big national firm, but our ethos as a football club has always been about the community," Hardy said.
"We want them to have a presence in the city so people can relate to them and as a club we feel it's vitally important for us to engage with the local business sector.
"The response we have had so far has been fantastic because I think businesses realise the mass brand exposure they can generate from being associated with us.
"There are obvious other benefits too because those that do take up the opportunity will also enjoy unrivalled access to the football club."
Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.
Joe Jones
With Notts County having such a rich history, there are dozens of illustrious former players for every generation over the last 150 years, with some individuals having excelled for the club so far back that nobody currently alive will have seen them play.
This is the case of James "Jimmy" Logan, who was born in a time when Alexander Graham Bell, Thomas Edison and Queen Victoria were still alive.
Born on 24 June 1870 in the Scottish town of Troon, Logan began his career at Ayr United, just down the coast from his hometown.
National scouts soon spotted his potential and, in March 1891, he played in the Scotland side that beat Wales 4-3 in Wrexham, scoring on his debut.
However, the Scottish game was amateur at the time, while south of the border, clubs were turning professional, so many footballers were drawn to England.
On the day of the win over Wales, Logan was spotted by Sunderland scouts, and soon enough he signed for the Wearside club, though he only made two appearances as they won the 1891-92 Football League.
In October 1892 he returned to Ayr briefly before signing for Aston Villa for a transfer fee of £30.
He played ten times for them in the 1892-93 season, scoring on seven occasions, and followed that up with one goal in four games before Notts County signed him.
The Magpies were a Second Division club at this point, but Logan did not let this deter him, scoring 21 goals in 21 games and guiding the club to their first FA Cup Final.
To get there, Notts eliminated three clubs from the First Division, including Nottingham Forest, who they beat 4-1 in a replay, and so they lined up to face Bolton at Goodison Park.
In front of 37,000 people, Notts were done and dusted by the 70th minute as Arthur Watson opened the scoring in the 18th minute before Logan struck in the 29th, 67th and 70th minutes of the match - a feat managed by just one player before.
Another record broken was that Notts became the first team from outside the top flight to win the FA Cup and, appropriately enough, they received a hero's welcome when they returned to Nottingham.
“One would have to seek far back into the annals of demonstrations of a public nature to find a parallel to the proceedings on Saturday night,” enthused the Nottingham Evening Post.
The loudest cheers were for the man of the match. “Logan was the hero of the day,” wrote the Sheffield Independent, “and played in a brilliant fashion”. Another writer was moved to state: “He was like a clipper in full sail all through.”
Logan then moved on to play for Dundee and later Newcastle United in short but successful stints, scoring eight goals in the nine games, before transferring to Loughborough.
It was here that his career, and sadly his life, ended, in very unfortunate circumstances.
On Friday, April 3, the Luffs travelled to Sandbach to play Crewe Alexandra, and won 2-1.
The next day, they travelled by train to Manchester to take on Newton Heath, the club which later became Manchester United - but had forgotten the kits in Sandbach.
“Loughborough turned out in borrowed plumes,” reported The Monitor and News. “The search for clothing delayed the start for half an hour.”
In driving rain, 4,000 witnessed Loughborough lose 2-0 and the team, wearing the same drenched clothes as they wore in the game, returned to the Midlands.
Logan – who had a history of ill health – caught a chill and missed the next three games.
He recovered to return to action and scored in the final game of the season, a 4-1 win over Crewe, and looked to be recovering over the next month, but sadly it wasn't to be.
“No serious consequences were anticipated ’til Saturday,” reported the Monitor, “when the internal complaint of which he suffered led to complications and in the end brought on pneumonia.”
From then on, Logan went rapidly downhill. By Monday, James Logan was dead. He was 25.

As a mark of respect, the next day the Midland League championship flag was lowered to half mast at the club’s Athletic Ground.
At 3.30pm on May 29, Logan's body was lowered into the grave at plot 34 of compartment 114 at Loughborough Cemetery. A nameless hole in the ground. A pauper's grave.
This is seemingly where the story ends, but fast forward 120 years, Andy Black and Jimmy Willan launched a campaign to give Logan the recognition he deserved.
Until August 2016, the only reminder of him had been a sign on a dirt road leading to the town's Derby Road playing fields, bearing the name James Logan Way.
Andy and Jimmy's campaign culminated in the unveiling of the headstone at Loughborough Cemetery, in Leicester Road, on August 23, 2016.
A proper tribute to a legendary football player - just how it should be.

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Chris
Notts County's latest signing Lewis Alessandra feels his instincts told him he will be successful with Notts after he became the clubs second signing of the summer.
The Magpies secured the services of the wide-man from Hartlepool United on a two-year deal after fending off serious competition from Port Vale and successfully agreeing terms for a five-figure fee for his services.
Alessandra says he is also keen to experience success at the club and believes he has found the right club in order to fulfil his ambitions.
"We've just got to start the season well and go from there, you don't want to be playing catch-up."
"If you can keep the good players fit then you never know what can happen. If you look at Notts' form since the gaffer came in then you'd like to think we can do well."
"But I am at an age now where I am 28 and want to be successful."
"That was probably one of the main reasons why I came here because my instinct told me that I will be successful here."
Notts County still target Forest playmaker Jorge Grant as a summer recruit, with Magpies' chairman Alan Hardy stating his desire to see Grant return to Meadow Lane.
Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.
Chris
Notts County announced the signing of former Hartlepool United winger Lewis Alessandra for an undisclosed fee
The 28-year-old arrived at the Pools from Rochdale last summer and became a permanent fixture on the wing scoring nine goals in the 2016-17 season despite Pools' relegation to the National League.
A graduate of Oldham Athletic's academy, the skilful forward - who scored a number of stunners during the last campaign had attracted interest from a number of clubs.
However, Magpies boss Kevin Nolan has won the race for his signature and he now becomes Notts' second signing of the summer following the arrival of Lincoln’s Terry Hawkridge.
Alessandra, who has signed for Notts on a two-year contract, told the club: "What happened at my former club last year was very disappointing."
"I was gutted but I knew I still wanted to play league football, so when the chance arose I grabbed it with both hands."
He continued to add, "I don’t think I would have come here if I didn’t think we had a shot at doing well next season."
His departure to Meadow Lane comes on the same day that Hartlepool United Welsh Premier League winning-boss Craig Harrison their new manager.
Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.
Chris
The 2016-17 season ended a few weeks ago, however Notts have already announced their pre-season line-up which sees two key fixtures at Meadow Lane. One of which includes a late Wednesday night against our neighbours and rivals Nottingham Forest.
The Magpies will be looking to use the month of July as a way to get back to full fitness and fine-tune every aspect of the team before the start of the season.
Here are the fixtures:
Saturday 8th July, 3pm: Rolls Royce Leisure (A)
Saturday 15th July, 3pm: Basford United (A)
Wednesday 19th July, 7:45pm Nottingham Forest (H)
Saturday 22nd July, 3pm: Wigan Athletic (H)
Saturday 29th July, 3pm: York City (Y)
Are you planning to go to any of the pre-season friendlies? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Chris
Notts County are reportedly closing in on Lewis Alessandra who is set to have a medical with the club.
The Magpies' may have fought off competition from Port Vale for the Hartlepool United winger, who is set to become the second signing of the summer at Meadow Lane according to The Post.
Vale had reportedly shown interest in Alessandra, yet it is understood that the attacking wide-man is now set to undergo a medical on Friday after Notts successfully reached an agreement over a fee with Hartlepool.
Notts owner Alan Hardy has allegedly stumped up a five-figure fee for the 28-year-old, who impressed for Pools last season despite their relegation to the National League.
Although Alessandra can play upfront as a striker, he regularly featured on the right wing for Pools last season where he impressed largely with his performances in League Two.
Alessandra scored nine goals and created another nine which led to significant interest, but is now expected to sign for Kevin Nolan after the Notts manager expressed a desire to add more of a goal threat.
Notts have also signed Terry Hawkridge from Lincoln City earlier this month.
Joe Jones
Notts County owner Alan Hardy has expressed his desire to forge closer links with Nottingham Forest and praised the attitude of their young players.
Jorge Grant, who Forest are looking to sign up on a three-year deal, had a successful loan spell at Meadow Lane, and Hardy believes all their academy prospects are being brought up the right way.
In his weekly Nottingham Post column, he wrote: "We want to continue to strengthen links with our neighbours.
"I do know that our manager, Kevin Nolan, has a good relationship with Frank McParland, their director of football.
"Forest do have an abundance of excellent young players who are on our doorstep and it would be remiss of us not to explore those avenues.
"There's something I greatly admire about the character of those Forest boys. They are really nice people to have around your football club and in the changing room.
"They have a great work ethic, they are the last off the training pitch, they always have a smile on their face and it's just the type of people that Kevin and I like as players.
"Whatever Forest do over there, they are certainly teaching them the right way."
To read the rest of Alan Hardy's weekly Nottingham Post column, click here.
Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.
Joe Jones
Alan Hardy has reiterated that he wants Jorge Grant back in a Notts County shirt but is unsure of Nottingham Forest's plans for the 22-year-old.
The Magpies chairman is willing to fund a move for the in-demand playmaker, who scored six goals in 23 games for the Magpies after arriving on loan from the City Ground in January.
However, Forest - who had the option of extending Grant's contract by another 12 months - have opted to put a three-year deal on the table, while there is also interest from Wigan Athletic.
"I would love to buy Jorge because he is a quality player and a really good lad," said Hardy.
"While it's great taking players on loan nothing can beat having a player on your books who lays down roots and becomes part of your long-term journey.
"He was instrumental for us last season and produced some wonderful goals and football along the way.
"But at this moment in time we don't know what Mark Warburton's view is.
"He may well fancy him for next year and make him a part of his plans. That's something we are waiting to find out.
"We would love to see him back here on loan if we cannot take him on a permanent deal.
"The fans absolutely love him here, he played regularly and the way he conducted himself was fantastic.
"He has that sparkle and the ability to turn a game on its head.
"Jorge is obviously settled in Nottingham and that's important for a player as it allows them to concentrate on their football.
"He doesn't have to worry about travelling, what hotel he is staying in and so on.
"We are really pleased that Jorge is wanting to put roots down in Nottingham and hopefully we will see him back at Meadow Lane next season."
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Joe Jones
The threat of liquidation hanging over Notts County has been formally lifted.
A petition to wind up the club was dismissed on Wednesday at the High Court in London after a "dramatic compromise" was signed at the door of the court.
Notts were being pursued for debts said to be more than £600,000 owed to Pinnacle Advantage Ltd, a company of which former Notts owner Ray Trew was director.
The League Two club had been trying to agree a settlement with the administrators for Pinnacle, which was liquidated last July.
When the matter returned to court, Simon Johnson, appearing for Pinnacle, told Miss Registrar Derrett: "A dramatic compromise has just been signed outside court".
James Pickering, representing Notts County, confirmed the compromise, and there were no other creditors the registrar declared: "The petition is dismissed with no order as to costs."
Originally, the club had faced a winding-up application brought by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs over reported debts of £500,000 - when the tax man's bill was settled, Pinnacle stepped in as a "substitute creditor".
Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.

About PON

Pride of Nottingham

Pride of Nottingham is an independent fansite devoted to Notts County, the world’s oldest professional football club. Created in 2013, it has served as a source of Magpie news, features, match previews, reports, analysis and interviews for more than three years.

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