Jump to content
Show all categories

Articles

Our website articles
Joe Jones
Kevin Nolan has urged Premier League academy prospects to consider making switches to Football League teams, where they can get first-team action in challenging environments rather than remain in the "no-pressure" environment academies.
The Notts County manager recruited a number of top-flight youngsters on loan in January, as Arsenal's Marc Bola, Hull City's Josh Clackstone and West Bromwich Albion's Tahvon Campbell switched to Meadow Lane.
Bola has already spoken of how he is improving as a player on loan at Notts, and Nolan has echoed his sentiments, adding that the failure of Under-23 teams to get "anywhere near the final" of the Checkatrade Trophy is proof that their young players are not prepared for competitive action.
Nolan told the Nottingham Post: "It's been shown in the Checkatrade Trophy that no Under-23s team has got anywhere near the final. When it's come down to it, they just haven't been prepared for it.
"I am not knocking academy football, but there's no pressure. We've got Marc Bola who, if he makes a mistake in an academy game, then it's okay don't worry about it. But if he makes a mistake here it could mean the difference between three points or not.
"He's relishing it and done really well. He's got a great head on his shoulders."
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 spoken in favour of the EFL Trophy, believing in its goal of nurturing young English talent, but insists that it needs the support of every team in the Premier League.
The competition, known as the Checkatrade Trophy for sponsorship purposes, has come under intense criticism this season after Premier League academy teams were entered into the tournament.
A number of League One and Two clubs have fined for picking weakened teams, while Bradford City changed their goalkeeper after three minutes to comply with the rules.
However, Hardy believes that, with a few tweaks, it can become a worthwhile competition.
He wrote in the Nottingham Post: "The build-up to the final is already underway which, naturally, has sparked debate about this season's competition and whether it has been a success.
"The inclusion of Premier League academy sides has proved to be a hugely contentious issue, raising questions as to whether it's actually been worth it.
"I am quite clear where I stand on this: I support it 100 percent because developing young English footballers is hugely important.
"Wouldn't it be great to see real Premier League stars of the future 18 months or so before they make their debut?
"Unfortunately, only Chelsea out of the Premier League's so-called 'big teams' said they would enter a team for this season's competition, which was disappointing.
"Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United and Spurs decided not to field their academy sides and, for me, if the competition is to move forward, it has to be all or nothing.
"For us at Notts County, we lost money on our Checkatrade games once we had paid for stewarding and other matchday costs.
"In my opinion, it needs the full support of everybody in the Premier League and if that isn't the case, the competition needs to be reformatted."
To read the full column on the Nottingham Post, simply 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
Notts County boss Kevin Nolan has expressed sadness at the plight of former club Leyton Orient.
The 34-year-old was appointed as player-manager at Brisbane Road in January 2016, but despite winning seven of his 15 games in charge, was downgraded to player when Andy Hessenthaler took the reins in April.
A further three months passed before Nolan left the club altogether, and Orient's loss was County's gain as he has so far taken the Magpies from the brink of relegation to the brink of safety.
Meanwhile, Orient have plunged into crisis under owner Francesco Becchetti, with the O's having been before the High Court over a tax debt to HMRC and all but consigned to the non-league next season.
Nolan told the Nottingham Post: "I loved Orient and I am so gutted to see what is happening there now.
"I am devastated for those involved, because there are a lot of good people there. What's happening is tragic. I hope they do bounce back if they do go down.
"It's a tough league when you get relegated. It's just a sad, sad situation to see what's happening.
"That's gone and it's in my past now and I can't worry about it. I can only wish them all the best and that's genuinely from my heart."
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 revealed that Notts County will not break even before 2022, but admits that he is thoroughly enjoying the challenge of being chairman and has no regrets.
Hardy said Notts were losing £1.6m a year when he took over in January, but insisted the club was making progress off the pitch after having put things right on it.
"It is step in the right direction, but it is still a lot of money we are losing every year. The whole business model has to change," Hardy told BBC Radio Nottingham.
"While I am thoroughly enjoying it, the challenge is immense. It is made very special by the success on the pitch and the great job Kev has been doing, but it has been hard work.
"I don't regret it, but it is much tougher than I thought. I am having a great time - and it helps that we have been successful. If we were in the bottom two then maybe it would be a different story.
"But this is five-year plan and it will be five years before we break even. We have to do more off-pitch stuff, more commercial stuff, to support the football side."
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 goalkeeper Scott Loach has expressed surprise that Vadaine Oliver did not remain at Meadow Lane or switch to another Football League club in January.
Oliver completed a loan switch to the Magpies at the start of the season, but returned to parent club York City early in the year after one goal in 25 appearances.
Since then, he has scored five times and recorded four assists in 14 outings for the Minstermen, who are in the National League.
Loach, who has made a loan switch to Bootham Crescent, told the York Press: “I can’t believe Vadaine didn’t stay at Notts County or isn’t playing at another League club, but there are some good players at this level when you look at the likes of Newts (Sean Newton) as well.
“Dagenham also had some decent lads on Saturday, as do clubs like Lincoln and Forest Green. But that’s football - where you play can sometimes come down to other circumstances.
“Not only is Vadaine a good target man, but he also works hard and keeps going. If he doesn’t win the first header, he goes for the next one and I think it will be good for him learning off Jon Parkin, who’s a similar player, but has been there and done it.”
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
Kevin Nolan has reiterated that Notts County must not get into the mindset of having done their job following their 1-0 win at Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday.
Shola Ameobi's goal proved enough for the Magpies to claim all three points at Adams Park, putting them 13 points clear of the League Two relegation zone.
Many Notts fans have breathed a sigh of relief at the distance between the club and basement sides Newport County and Leyton Orient, whose recent form has been wretched to say the least.
However, Nolan previously said that he doesn't want to consider Notts safe from relegation until it is mathematically impossible for them to slip back into the bottom two.
Now, the manager has made it known that he wants the players to prove themselves from now until the end of the season, making a hint towards seeing who will make the cut in the summer.
Nolan told the Nottingham Post: "We need momentum going into next year. We don't want to be now thinking we are safe and then just tail off and think the season has ended.
"No, I want to see what these lads have got from now until the end of the season because there are a lot of decisions to be made once we know are safe. I don't think we can afford to take our foot off the pedal."
Up next for Notts is Saturday's League Two home clash with Colchester United, game number 40 of the 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.
Joe Jones
The feelgood factor around Notts County continues as Shola Ameobi praised his teammates, in particular strike partner Jon Stead, as well as miracle worker Kevin Nolan.
The Magpies are 13 points clear of the League Two bottom two with seven games to go, and although safety is not mathematically certain, it has allowed fans to breathe a lot easier, in particular with the downturn in form of basement sides Newport County and Leyton Orient.
Ameobi, who scored the winner in County's 1-0 win at high-flying Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday, told the Nottingham Post: "Jonny did brilliantly down the right and all I had to do was put it in.
"He did most of the work so it's a great feeling, but an even greater feeling knowing we have got the three points.
"We have a lot of experience and hopefully still a little bit of quality in there as well. The more we play together, the more we understand each other's games which is helping.
"But as a team we are evolving. There is a progression and the manager is doing a lot of work in the background and on the training pitch in which he is cultivating a way to play.
"You can see that more and more. We've got it at home but it's about bringing it away which is what he wanted to see at Wycombe.
"We are just delighted that we are able to put up a fight first and foremost, but the defence and Richard Duffy and Haydn Hollis were brilliant at snuffing them out and keeping us out the box.
"It's great to obviously score the goal and for it to be the winner, but the performance, given we have struggled away from home, was excellent.
"The manager has tried to instil the ability to come away from Meadow Lane and that the type of performances we need is the one we showed at Wycombe.
"We want to keep this run going now. We've only lost once in the last eight or nine games and you can see there is a lot of confidence in the boys now in the team and its shape.
"It's great when you get the wins, but it's a continued progression and building on what we have done so far.
"Our home record has been great, and it would be nice to keep that going against Colchester at Meadow Lane on Saturday."
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.
Joe Jones
Shola Ameobi scored the only goal as Notts County took another step towards survival in League Two thanks to a 1-0 win over Wycombe Wanderers at Adams Park on Saturday.
The former Newcastle United forward's 27th-minute strike proved the winner against Gareth Ainsworth's Chairboys and put the Magpies 13 points clear of the bottom two.
With just seven games left and basement sides Newport County and Leyton Orient in torrid form, the general consensus among the Black and White Army is that their beloved club will still be playing League Two football next season.
The official Notts County YouTube page has shared the highlights of the game against Wycombe - see for yourself how Kevin Nolan's boys did.
 
Joe Jones
Kevin Nolan has described Notts County's performance in their 1-0 win over Wycombe Wanderers as "absolutely fantastic", but is not getting carried away with regards to the issue of League Two safety.
The Magpies are now 13 points clear of the division's bottom two after Shola Ameobi netted the winner in Saturday's victory at Adams Park.
With Newport County and Leyton Orient struggling for form and entrenched in the relegation places with just seven games to go, many Notts fans and pundits - including Mark Stallard - have breathed a sigh of relief and declared the club to be safe.
However Nolan, despite his delight with his players, does not want to take his foot off the pedal, telling the Nottingham Post: "We are still not mathematically safe and it's not done until done.
"But I was just so pleased with what we put on show. I thought we were absolutely fantastic. We really nullified Wycombe and their strengths. We were very worthy of the win.
"I was thrilled with the way we went about it because we didn't let them build momentum. It was a fantastic result because we've not only won the game, but we have kept a clean sheet as well against a team who pose a real attacking threat.
"We knew they were going to throw everything at us but I felt we dealt it with it very well. They had few half chances but it was tricky because the conditions were difficult.
"There was wind and the surface was a bit bobbly. But we played it very well and I am delighted to a man with all the lads. It was an excellent performance."
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.
Joe Jones
Shola Ameobi scored the only goal as Notts County took another step towards survival in League Two thanks to a 1-0 win over Wycombe Wanderers at Adams Park on Saturday.
Both sides traded chances in a frantic opening to the match with Jon Stead forcing a brilliant save from Jamal Blackman, before Luke O'Nien blazed over from seven yards.
The midfielder was then denied a goal by a terrific block by Richard Duffy.
It proved a crucial intervention as Kevin Nolan's charges scored from their next attack when Ameobi rattled home via the post, following some brilliant work by Stead just before the half-hour mark.
Wycombe tried to claw their way back into the game and could have drawn level when Adebayo Akinfenwa volleyed wide of the post.
The hosts then appealed for a penalty when Myles Weston went down in the box but referee Ross Joyce waved play on as the Magpies held on to claim all three points and go 13 points clear of the bottom two.
Share your thoughts about this game on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat.
Joe Jones
Kevin Nolan has urged the Notts County players to build on their impressive home form by translating it to away fixtures as well.
The Magpies are 10 points clear of the bottom two in League Two and head to Wycombe Wanderers hoping to extend that gap by securing victory over Gareth Ainsworth's side.
All of Nolan's defeats so far have come on the road, but with eight games left of the season, the manager is eager to build on that aspect over the next few weeks, beginning at Adams Park on Saturday.
"Hopefully we can now start taking our home form away," he told the Nottingham Post.
"We've got to get that balance right. We can't go away and play open expansive football all the time.
"There are going to be moments in games when you can do it, but there are others when you realise it's not possible.
"Game management is what we are working on and that's when to sit in and let them play in front of us, or when do we open up and have a go.
"I am learning along the way about the lads and we are trying a few different things. Hopefully it will all come to fruition on Saturday against Wycombe which will be a tough game."
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.
Joe Jones
Notts County and Wycombe Wanderers have faced each other a total of 33 times over the years, with the first meeting coming as late as 1995, when the Magpies won 2-0 at Meadow Lane.
The Chairboys are way ahead in the head-to-head, having beaten Notts 16 times and drawn nine – we have beaten them just eight times.
Our last encounter was on 10 December 2016, a 2-0 defeat which proved controversial due to a number of contentious decisions made by referee Eddie Ilderton, prompting former manager John Sheridan to launch a tirade against the match officials which ultimately cost him his job.
In 1887, a meeting held at the Steam Engine public house in Station Road, High Wycombe saw the formation of Wycombe Wanderers F.C. It is highly likely the club was named Wanderers after the famous Wanderers, winners of the first FA Cup in 1872. The club played just friendly matches between 1887 and 1896.
Wycombe first entered the FA Amateur Cup in 1894 and the FA Cup in 1895. In 1895 the club moved to Loakes Park, which would become its home for the next 95 years.
In 1896 the club joined the Southern League and competed in the Second Division until 1908, but in the summer of 1908 the club declined the invitation to retain their membership of the Southern League.
The club decided to pursue amateur instead of professional football and joined the Great Western Suburban League and remained there until the outbreak of the First World War.
After the hostilities had ended the club joined the Spartan League in 1919 and were Champions in successive years. In March 1921 the club's application to join the Isthmian League was accepted.
Wycombe enjoyed a fairytale season in 2000–01 as the club reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup. First Division sides Grimsby Town, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Wimbledon were all beaten before a memorable quarter-final with Premier League Leicester City.
In a game that has gone down in FA Cup history, striker Roy Essandoh headed an injury-time winner to seal a 2–1 win at Filbert Street as manager Lawrie Sanchez looked on from the dressing room, having been dismissed from the touchline during the game. The ensuing semi-final at Villa Park saw Liverpool pushed all the way before claiming a 2–1 victory.
Team news
Wycombe will be without Paris Cowan-Hall for their League Two clash with Notts County on Saturday.
The 26-year-old striker is suspended having been sent off in last weekend's 2-0 win at Hartlepool United, where he came off the bench to score for Gareth Ainsworth's side.
Cowan-Hall had come on for the Chairboys' other goalscorer, Adebayo Akinfenwa, who took a knock in opening the scoring.
Akinfenwa should be fine to lead the line against the Magpies, with Sam Saunders again ready to deputise for Marcus Bean - who sat out the win through injury.
Notts County will travel without the suspended Mark Yeates.
The midfielder was sent off after only 11 minutes against Barnet last weekend and must serve a three-match ban.
Despite their numerical disadvantage for the majority of that game, the Magpies won 1-0 and boss Kevin Nolan will stick largely to the same team.
Curtis Thompson will have his hamstring niggle checked again while back-up goalkeeper Scott Loach has left to join York City on loan.
Share your thoughts about this match preview on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat.
Joe Jones
Marc Bola has given a positive assessment of his loan spell at Notts County so far, believing himself to be improving as a player.
The Arsenal loanee also urges fellow Premier League academy prospects to consider making switches to the Football League, where they can get first-team action in challenging environments.
In an interview with the Nottingham Post, the full-back said: "It's been great for me to come here and get experience. There is a difference in terms of the facilities but you just kind of adapt to that.
"It was a big step to come out of London, but I am getting used to it. The lads are helping me and taking me round town and I've enjoyed that.
"In academy football I am used to the ball being on the floor. You get time and space and you will may be have three options on at one time, but at this level, the ball is in the air a lot more and there's no time. Your first thought when you get the ball is up and over.
"But I am enjoying every moment of being here. I can feel myself improving as a player because I am dishing out instructions to others. I have responsibility to be vocal and you are not scared to scream at somebody to say they aren't doing a job.
"You're not holding back and you need that responsibility to progress. So when I go back to Arsenal if somebody isn't doing their job I will be on them. But I am enjoying every moment of being here.
"If you can get out on loan then I would do it. Under-23s football is good for development but at League Two clubs they are giving youngsters like me a chance and it's such good experience.
"You have to earn respect and it turns you into a man. You have to be on it from minute one, or you will get a kick. I am really enjoying my time here and I am improving as a player."
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
Kevin Nolan says Scott Loach's loan move to York City will enable him to keep tabs of the goalkeeper in first-team action and make a decision on him at the end of the season.
The 28-year-old former England Under-21 international, who has made just seven appearances for the Magpies this season, sealed the switch to Bootham Crescent on Wednesday.
Nolan admits that Loach, whose deal at Meadow Lane is up at the end of the season, was desperate to play first-team football, but has been "first class" in biding his time as Adam Collin's deputy.
"Loachie was desperate to play and be number one somewhere so he could get some games under his belt," Nolan told the Nottingham Post.
"After York rang us yesterday (Wednesday) we just thought it would be an opportunity for him to go and do that.
"We can have a look at Joe Searson as well and then we can make a decision on them come the end of the season.
"I must admit Loachie has been first class since I came in. There's not been one whimper. All he's wanted to do is play games.
"But with Adam's form he's found that difficult. When York came along, I just thought it would be best for us and for him to go and play.
"It gives me a chance of getting a few tapes of him playing week in, week out, and then we can make a decision on him."
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.
Joe Jones
Wycombe Wanderers manager Gareth Ainsworth has claimed that Notts County are "in good hands" with Alan Hardy as their owner and Kevin Nolan as head coach.
The Chairboys, dark horses for a League Two playoff spot, will be welcoming the Magpies to Adams Park on Saturday.
Ainsworth is impressed with how Notts have turned their season around since Hardy took over the club, admitting that they are a "totally different" side to the one that lost 2-0 at Meadow Lane in December.
"Kevin Nolan has injected spirit and desire into the club, and the owner is very passionate about the club; he has a vision and they are in good hands with him," Ainsworth told the Chairboys official site.
"We have a good chance to impose ourselves at home on Notts County, but they will be scrapping.
"With Newport picking up a point in midweek it makes sure it is definitely not dead and buried at the bottom so we will be wary of Notts County coming to us.
"It will be a totally different Notts County to the one we faced in December, but I'm hoping we are a different Wycombe than what it has been just after Christmas."
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.

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.

Useful Links

Support PON

Enjoy our content? Want to help us grow? Your donation will go a long way towards improving the site!

donate-pon.png

Meet the Team

Chris Chris Administrators
super_ram super_ram Global Moderators
DangerousSausage DangerousSausage Global Moderators
CliftonMagpie CliftonMagpie Global Moderators
TheSkipper TheSkipper Media

Social Media

Home
Dashboard
Sign In Register
×
    Search In
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Pride of Nottingham uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. To approve, simply continue using the site or click 'I accept' Terms of Use.

  I accept