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Joe Jones
Notts County midfielder Rob Milsom admits he's "gutted" that his on-pitch partnership with Michael O'Connor has had to be put on ice but believes Elliot Hewitt will continue to be a great replacement in the centre of the park.
O'Connor suffered serious cruciate ligament damage in April and is expected to be out until next year as he prepares for knee surgery.
Hewitt has however done well in his place and, after committing to a new deal at Meadow Lane, is expected to continue partnering Milsom in midfield.
"I am really gutted for Mickey because we had built up a really good partnership just like we had done at Rotherham when we won promotion," Milsom told the Nottingham Post.
"He was producing some absolutely brilliant performances and he was exceptional against Crewe when he really showed what a good player he is.
"I was gutted for him when I found out about his injury because he's a great lad and obviously I've known him for a fair while as we've been at Rotherham and Notts together.
"I know he would have been relishing to start the season given how well we finished it and it's not nice when you know one of your teammates is now going to miss it.
"Obviously I don't know what's going to happen there in midfield, but Ells came in and did a good job after Mickey's injury.
"He produced some really strong performances in the last few weeks of the season and he's more than capable of playing in the middle.
"He gets up and down the pitch and really puts a shift in and he scored a terrific goal against Luton too."
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Joe Jones
Alan Hardy has "completely transformed" Notts County since taking over the previously beleaguered club at the start of 2017, according to one of the new team sponsors.
Macesport, based in Nottingham's Lace Market, have signed up to be the first name on the Magpies shirt following the announcement of the club's never-before-seen monthly sponsor arrangement.
And lifelong Notts fan Paul Mace, who founded the company 12 years ago, has praised Hardy's work so far, urging other local companies to get involved.
He told the Nottingham Post: "Without Alan, Notts County would no longer be a Football League club. In six months he has completely transformed the culture, ambition and professionalism of the club.
"It is now beholding of the local business community to rally around Alan and support him. Notts are the only football club in Nottingham owned by a Nottinghamshire man who fully understands the heartbeat of the local community.
"It's an easy decision to show my support for Alan because of my lifelong passion for the club, my family's backing which goes back to the 1880's and my roots in Nottingham.
"Alan has invested a substantial seven-figure sum, which saw a near instant doubling in attendances and a huge increase in families attending Meadow Lane.
"Equally, the business community now has to step up to the plate collectively and pledge their support too. We are all in this together.
"Restoring the world's oldest football club to its former glories is going to deliver substantial benefits to the regional economy.
"All local businesses – from the major international organisations, universities and local authorities, though to small family businesses – have employees who support Notts County and business employers need to reflect that with tangible support for Notts."
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Joe Jones
Rob Milsom has admitted that he wants to establish himself as a goalscoring midfielder at Notts County, and believes that Kevin Nolan is just the guy to coach him into it.
The 30-year-old has been at Meadow Lane for two seasons and, following a disappointing first campaign, really came into his own in 2016-17 and was rewarded with the club's player of the season awards.
Milsom was utilised in a variety of positions at the club but, now that he is deployed in central midfield, he wants to build on his existing work - and given he hasn't yet scored in 59 Magpies appearances, that will be his next challenge.
"You only have to look at the gaffer's record to see he had perfected the art of getting in the box late and scoring goals," Milsom told the Nottingham Post. "He made a great career out of it and that's something I would like to my own game now.
"Towards the back end of last season, I did some work on it with Richard Thomas (assistant manager) but it was quite late on.
"But I think looking forwards that's something we will do more and more of so I can chip and contribute with goals just so it can take some of the pressure off the lads up top.
"I can get up and down the pitch, but getting in the box and scoring goals is something that I've always wanted to do.
"I found myself in some excellent positions last season and it's about making sure I take advantage of that, and making sure the runs are made at the right time.
"You don't want to keep getting into the box and leaving big holes behind you so you've got to make sure you do it at the ideal moment.
"I've spoken to the gaffer about it and there's no better person to learn off really when you consider the goals he scored."
As well as his own personal development, Milsom is targeting the holy grail for any club in League Two - promotion.
"I've experienced promotion before with Rotherham and once you do it changes your outlook as a player because you just want more of it," he continued.
"When you finish your career you want to be able to look back and feel that you achieved either a title or a promotion.
"We finished the season really well and I don't think there is anything to fear at all next season given the way we played.
"Notts are one of the biggest clubs in the league and I would love it if we are up there chasing the top three or a place in the play-offs."
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 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."
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
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."
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
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.
 
 
 



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
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.

Share your thoughts about this Notts Alumni piece on James "Jimmy" Logan 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'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.

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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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