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Joe Jones
Former Notts County boss Martin Allen motivated his players ahead of a derby against Nottingham Forest by walking half-naked into the River Trent at five in the morning.
The story is another of the anecdotes featured in the book One Flew Over the Magpie's Nest, written by lifelong Magpies fan Paul Mace and containing stories from former players, managers, directors and fans.
Following Monday's revelation of Roberto Mancini almost taking the reins at Meadow Lane, it was revealed on Tuesday that the ex-Notts boss, nicknamed Mad Dog, went the extra mile to try and gee up his boys ahead of the League Cup tie at the City Ground in September 2011.
The extract reads: "I was so intense and focussed for the game. I didn't think Forest were any good. I thought we could beat them.
"At 5am on the morning of the game, I went to the back of the Trent End by the River Trent to shoot a motivational video for the players. I went along with our rather bemused video journalist Dane Vincent.
"I explained to the players on the video to have no fear. Play with your shoulders back and your head up and we will beat them; play with fierce determination and fantastic self-belief and if we do that we will beat them. You must have no fear.
"At which point I took off my shirt, tracksuit bottoms and shoes. It was freezing cold. I stared down the barrel of the lens. 'You must have no fear.'
"And with that I walked into the river in my pants. It was like something out of a Monty Python film. Off-camera behind me, someone was walking their dog and looked at me in amazement. I walked down the steps and dived in to completely submerge myself.
"The water was freezing. As soon as I went in I wanted to get back out straight away. My body was so cold. I shivered, came out and looked down the lens of the camera again.
"I put on my clothes and then started to run along the embankment into the distance. It was very funny, the players loved it. There was passion, self-belief and I had done it on the enemy's territory on their side of the river."
The game finished 3-3 after extra time before the Reds won it on penalties.
One Flew Over the Magpie's Nest is available online now at www.nottscounty1862.co.uk/order/ or at the Notts club shop from Saturday.
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Joe Jones
Notts County were on the verge of appointing Roberto Mancini as manager during the Munto season, Sven Goran-Eriksson has revealed.
The sensational anecdote is reported in a new Notts County book titled One Flew Over the Magpie's Nest, written by lifelong fan Paul Mace and containing stories from former players, managers, directors and fans.
The Italian coach, who had just won three successive Serie A titles with Inter Milan but was sacked to make way for Jose Mourinho, had agreed a four-year contract worth £12m, the book reveals.
Only a last-minute change of heart by Sven, who began doubting the realities of the seemingly perfect financial situation at Meadow Lane, saw him contact Mancini and tell him not to put pen to paper.
"This was the first time I realised all was not as it should be," the book quotes Sven as saying.
"I knew Roberto well from my days at Sampdoria. I was manager and he was a player and a coach with me. He had left Inter Milan and was out of work when I came to Notts County.
"At Notts we spoke about Mancini and I arranged for him to come and talk to the club.
"Roberto came with his representative to London to meet with us - Russell King and Nathan Willett were also present.
"We spent a full day talking in London about the project and the plans for the club. Roberto was keen and wanted to come. It was agreed that he would become the head coach under myself as the sporting director.
"Everything was confirmed, he had agreed to come. The financial terms were not a problem. We broke up for the day and it was our agreement that Roberto would join Notts County as head coach.
"I went into Meadow Lane the following day but still everyone was talking about money. It seemed to be the case that we were always talking about money or a lack of it. Where was the money?
"I started to wonder and have doubts. I did not want to be responsible for bringing Roberto to Notts County and for it to go wrong. It would have reflected very badly on me.
"I rang him and said I do not think that you should come at this time. You are better off staying where you are in Italy. At that point he was still being paid by Inter Milan.
"As it all transpired, there was no money. I did speak to Roberto again after that when he contacted me as he still wanted to come to the club but I could see that things were getting worse not better.
"It was definitely the right decision that Roberto did not come to Notts County. It all turned out well for him because a couple of months later he joined Manchester City."
One Flew Over the Magpie's Nest is available online now at www.nottscounty1862.co.uk/order/ or at the Notts club shop from Saturday.
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Joe Jones
Notts County boss John Sheridan has confirmed that the club will be appealing Aaron Collins' red card in their 2-1 win at Portsmouth on Saturday.
The on-loan Wolves striker was dismissed late on when he appeared to collide with Pompey goalkeeper David Forde while charging down a clearance.
Sheridan was furious with the decision and told reporters after the game: "He hasn't touched him. I've seen it on the video.
"Aaron stupidly has made an effort to block the ball, but there's no maliciousness in it.
"You could say both feet are off the ground, but he hasn't touched him.
"It's a bit of a joke to get him sent off and the referee hasn't even seen it.
"I am going to appeal it because I have seen the video. I am hoping we will get off with it."
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Joe Jones
Notts County goalkeeper Adam Collin has claimed that his side's ability to adapt to their opponents' game was crucial in sealing victory at Portsmouth.
Following the Magpies' 2-1 win at Fratton park, he told the official website: "I'm delighted with the result mainly.
"Obviously I'm really pleased with my performance, but getting three points at a really tough place like this is the main thing.
"They dominated the first half - we adapted at half-time and, especially with 10 men, we looked solid and compact and came out deserved winners.
"We've said it since the start of the season: we want to be up there challenging. If you want to do that you have to come to places like this and get positive results, and that's what we've done.
"Hopefully that sets a good marker to everyone else in the league - they'll sit up and take notice.
"I've felt my game's been in good shape over the last few weeks and I've just brought that into today.
"It's a great place to come and play football with a fantastic crowd - 17,000 is a Championship-level crowd - and we enjoyed the occasion.
"It was a battle, I'm just glad we came out on top."
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Joe Jones
Notts County climbed into the League Two playoff places after an impressive 2-1 win at Portsmouth on Saturday.
The hosts began brightly at Fratton Park but John Sheridan's charges went on to take the lead in the 21st minute through Adam Campbell.
A good ball from Richard Duffy allowed the former Newcastle man to coolly loft the ball into the far corner of the net.
County's defensive flaws flared up once again six minutes later as Conor Chaplin latched onto a neat cut-back from Gary Roberts and confidently guided the ball home for the equaliser.
Kyle Bennett then had the chance to give Pompey the lead five minutes into the second half but his header from a Carl Baker cross flew just wide.
In the 71st minute the visitors were ahead again when Jonathan Forte ran clear and played an inch perfect pass into Campbell, made the most of sloppy defending to bury the ball into the bottom corner.
Pompey were given hope when the Magpies were reduced to 10 men with 13 minutes left after Collins flew in late on David Forde and got a red card for his troubles.
However, Notts hung on to clinch their fifth away win of the season and climb to sixth in the table.
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Joe Jones
Notts County and Portsmouth have met a total of 28 times over the years, the first meeting coming on the 20th November 1926, which the Magpies lost 3-2 at Meadow Lane.
We have beaten Pompey 12 times and played out six draws, with the South Coast side winning on 10 occasions.
Between December 1992 and December 1994 the two teams played each other six times, with Notts failing to get a win in a run that saw three draws and three defeats.
Our last five games against Portsmouth saw us clinch four consecutive wins between September 2012 and October 2015, but the last fixture, at Fratton Park in March 2016, saw us thrashed 4-0.
Portsmouth have been champions of England twice, in 1949 and 1950. The club has also won the FA Cup on two occasions, firstly in 1939 and most recently in 2008, and also reached the final of the competition in 2010.
Portsmouth were moderately successful in the 2000s, especially during the 2007–08 Premier League season, when they won the FA Cup, beating Cardiff City 1-0 in the final.
They subsequently qualified for the 2008–09 UEFA Cup competing against European heavyweights such as seven-times European Cup winners AC Milan.
During this period, Portsmouth were recognised to have a large number of international footballers, including England players Glen Johnson and Jermain Defoe, as well as Peter Crouch, David James and Sol Campbell.
However, financial problems soon set in and Portsmouth were relegated to the Football League Championship in 2010. In 2012 they were again relegated, to League One, and again, in 2013, to League Two.
They began the 2013–14 season in the fourth tier of the English football league system for the first time since the late 1970s.
Portsmouth became the largest fan-owned football club in England, after the Pompey Supporters Trust (PST) successfully gained possession of Fratton Park in April 2013.
Team News
Portsmouth pretty much have a fully-fit squad for their League Two clash against Notts County at Fratton Park.
Pompey boss Paul Cook will welcome back Drew Talbot, Adam Buxton and Matt Clarke from injury, and all three players could feature.
Striker Noel Hunt is also back in training after a groin injury but Saturday's match could be too soon to return as Pompey look to extend their unbeaten league run to three games.
The big injury news for Notts County is that top scorer Jon Stead will not be involved.
Stead had to come off with an injury at half-time against Crewe last weekend and Magpies manager John Sheridan is awaiting the results of a scan before putting a time frame on how long the nine-goal striker might be absent.
Michael O'Connor is back in training after missing the last four weeks with a groin problem and will be part of the squad against Pompey.
Fellow midfielders Alan Smith and Curtis Thompson continue to work their way back to full fitness.
How will Notts fare at Pompey? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones
John Sheridan has reiterated the importance of keeping tight at the back as Notts County prepare to visit Portsmouth, a team deemed by the boss to be the best in League Two.
The Magpies go into the Fratton Park game one point off the playoffs, but there has been much frustration due to poor goals conceded by the squad in the last few games.
"The players understand, and I do as the manager, that we have to try to work harder to keep clean sheets," Sheridan told the assembled media at his weekly press conference.
"The number of goals we have conceded isn't what I would like it to be. We can't keep doing it.
"Their confidence isn't down, but they know they can do a lot better.
"We've worked on it this week because I do feel that we have goals in us so if you keep clean sheets then you have a good chance of winning.
"Even the goal against Crewe was criminal. All goals you concede, when you look back at them, you can prevent them.
"It's just a question of organising a bit quicker, communicating and seeing things before they happen.
"But it's a lot harder when you are playing and out there. It's a lot easier when you are watching.
"When things are happening quick you've got to stay focused and keep your mind switched on and work harder to keep the ball out of the net.
"It just doesn't happen to us though. I watched Huddersfield the other night and they conceded three goals from crosses and they are top of the Championship.
"I just want us to be a good team, to be strong, and I don't want to concede sloppy goals. We are all right when we are set-up and not many people play through us."
Sheridan also described Pompey as the best team in the division, but insists that anybody can get a result on their day and shoot up the table.
"Portsmouth are probably the best team in the league with the players they have got," he said.
"Luton are going strong too. Plymouth are top of the league but I watched the DVD of them against Portsmouth who battered them, but they got a draw.
"A couple of wins gets you right in the mix and while I expected us to be higher, it's a very evenly matched league. It's about getting a run together.
"I just concentrate on ourselves and there's no better place to bounce back than Portsmouth and we will go there with the belief we can get back to winning ways."
Notts will be forced to take the field on Saturday without Jon Stead, who has been ruled out due to a suspected ankle injury and will need a scan.
"Jon is a bit sore and won't be okay," said Sheridan. "We are waiting for a scan and he is with the physio at the moment.
"It's unfortunate because he has a lot of bruising. I don't try to say how long he is going to be out or when he is going to be back – I just wait for the scan.
"He is in good hands with the physio, John (Wilson). We will wait for the scan to come back and we will have a better idea of how long he will be out for."
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Joe Jones
Notts County defender Matt Tootle has admitted that his recent performances for the club have not been up to scratch.
The Magpies suffered two consecutive defeats, against Mansfield Town and Morecambe, to slip down the League Two table.
Meanwhile, the 1-1 draw against Crewe Alexandra came about because of lacklustre after scoring their first goal, conceding within 60 seconds.
"I feel as if I need to get a bit of a run going myself," Tootle told reporters.
"I started the season really well, but I've been disappointed in myself the last three games.
"But I am not going to put that ahead of anything else.
"I know if I keep on working hard and get a run in one position, it will come."
Notts take on Portsmouth away in their next league fixture, which is this Saturday.
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Joe Jones
Notts County loanee Aaron Collins is eager to make John Sheridan's starting XI, treating every substitute appearance he's made so far as if he's "knocking on the manager's door".
The Wolverhampton Wanderers winger has impressed for the Magpies since joining on loan in August, scoring several goals and adding energy when coming on.
"Every time I go out on the pitch, I feel as though I am knocking on the manager's door," Collins told reporters.
"I've done well every time I have come on, and I am looking forward to that start when it does come.
"I will be ready for it and if it comes against Portsmouth then that would be a great achievement for me personally.
"It's such a big club with the amount of fans they get at a big stadium.
"Hopefully if I do start, I will do as well as I can, see if I can score a goal and see what the result pans out like."
Notts face Portsmouth on Saturday in a League Two fixture at Fratton Park.
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Joe Jones
Notts County defender Matt Tootle has expressed his dismay at conceding a minute after scoring against Crewe Alexandra, admitting his side were not switched on after kickoff.
Jonathan Forte opened the scoring for the Magpies in the 80th minute of Saturday's League Two clash at Meadow Lane, only for Alex Kiwomya - nephew of former Notts boss Chris - to equalise moments after the restart.
Tootle told reporters: "You can be susceptible after you've scored a goal and you are more likely to concede.
"We watched in the dressing room and we haven't switched on straight away. It's not right.
"There's a big hole in the middle of the pitch which can't happen. Once you have a couple of people out of position, then everybody is too.
"It's a tough one to swallow because it could have been a good result for us considering it wasn't the best performance.
"We needed one (a result) more than wanted one because it was all about the three points and getting back on a run again.
"We scrapped and battled, did what we needed to do, but were unlucky."
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Joe Jones
John Sheridan has described Notts County's goal concession right after they scored against Crewe Alexandra as "criminal".
Jonathan Forte struck in the 80th minute to put the Magpies in pole position for a second home league win of the season but Alex Kiwomya equalised moments after kickoff.
The final result was 1-1 and Sheridan bemoaned his side's inability to see the game out.
"We are a bit nervy at the moment and you can see that," he told reporters.
"I thought we were the better team in the first half without working the keeper as much as we would have liked.
"I said to them at half-time that if we have to win the game ugly then do so.
"There was desire and a drive to get the goal we were after, but the biggest downer was we didn't see the game through.
"As soon as the players went back into the dressing room, I made them watch the DVD of the goal we conceded.
"It's criminal to concede so early after you score. We were the better team, even though we didn't play great.
"People will be negative and say we didn't do this, or didn't do that, but we got the goal and we should have won the game.
"It was naïve from us and it has happened too many times this season."
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Joe Jones
Notts County have claimed a point in a 1-1 draw against Crewe Alexandra at Meadow Lane, but fans were once again left disappointed as an overall tame performance gave way to a defensive collapse for the visitors' equaliser.
The visitors were brightest from the off as they forced a succession of early corners but soon the action turned into little more than a dirge as goalmouth action was infrequent right until the half-time whistle.
At the break, Aaron Collins replaced Jon Stead, who was withdrawn after taking a knock, and the loanee soon helped the Magpies become more threatening on the pitch.
The Wolverhampton Wanderers winger forced goalkeeper Ben Garratt into a save and then carved out a good chance, volleying over the bar.
An exchange of passes between Collins and Adam Campbell went to waste when the former Newcastle man miscontrolled in a good position.
He made amends soon after, however, when he crossed into the box and, with Crewe failing to clear their lines, Jonathan Forte was able to fire home.
This was in the 80th minute and, sadly for the Meadow Lane faithful, their cheers turned to groans within 60 seconds as Alex Kiwomya - nephew of former Notts boss Chris - sending a composed finish into the Magpies net.
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Joe Jones
Notts County’s head-to-head history with Crewe Alexandra dates back to September 1893, when the Magpies faced the Railwaymen at the Alexandra Recreation Ground. The result was a 2-0 win for Notts.
After several further meetings in the late 1890s, the fixture would experience a hiatus of 63 years; between 1896 and 1959, the two teams didn't play each other.
Despite our shared history going back so far, there have only been 41 meetings between the two sides.
Notts have the upper hand with 21 wins to 13 defeats, and just seven draws have taken place.
Our recent head-to-head record is nothing short of astounding - in the last 10 fixtures between the clubs, Notts have won eight and drawn two.
The origins of the “Alexandra” moniker in the club name aren’t fully known. Whether they took the name from a hotel, patronised by those connected with the railway works and where they held their meetings, or whether it was after Princess Alexandra of Denmark, who married Queen Victoria’s eldest son, later King Edward VII, is open to speculation.
Crewe is synonymous with arguably one of the greatest and most longevous managers in the English game: Dario Gradi.
He is the Alex’s very own Sir Alex Ferguson, having managed the club between 1983 and 2011, with the exception of a hiatus between 2007 and 2009 where he nevertheless took the reins on a caretaker basis for a period.
Gradi currently manages the Academy - one of the best and most renowned in the English lower leagues. The Academy is known to stress technical excellence, which accords with the aim to have the first team play attractive, passing football.
Most of the club's achievements in youth development have come from none other than Gradi, and alumni include Geoff Thomas, David Platt, Robbie Savage, Neil Lennon, Steve Jones, Rob Jones, Danny Murphy, Seth Johnson, Dean Ashton and David Vaughan.
Impressively, Crewe’s final fixture of the 2012-13 season, a 2-0 win against Walsall, involved a starting XI made up entirely of Academy players.
In 2013, the club won its first-ever major silverware after beating Southend United 2-0 in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final at Wembley.
Crewe are known as the Railwaymen because of the town’s links to the British train network. Crewe station was completed in 1837 and is one of the most historic railway stations in the world.
Nowadays, as well as serving the town of Crewe that has grown near it, it still operates as a major junction on the West Coast Main Line (WCML). It also serves as a major station on the WCML and as a major rail gateway for the North West.
The town of Crewe has an interesting roll call of local legends, including rugby player Mark Cueto, professional BMX racer Shanaze Reade, 1990s heartthrob Adam Rickitt (ask a female friend or relative between the ages of 25 and 30), Olympic gymnast Beth Tweddle, and Jimmy MacDonald, also known as the voice of Mickey Mouse.
Team News
Notts County have no fresh injury concerns as they look to bounce back from successive league defeats against Crewe Alexandra at Meadow Lane.
Captain Michael O'Connor is still struggling with a groin problem while fellow midfielder Alan Smith continues to nurse a hip injury.
Curtis Thompson is another midfielder who is working on his comeback but his ankle problem, which he suffered towards the end of last season, keeps him on the sidelines.
Magpies manager John Sheridan has the likes of Vadaine Oliver, a goalscorer from the bench against Morecambe in midweek, Rob Milsom, Adam Campbell, Thierry Audel and Stanley Aborah to call on should he want to make changes to his starting XI.
James Jones returns to the Crewe squad after international duty with the Scotland Under-21 team.
However, Alex boss Steve Davis has hinted he may have his work cut out regaining his place in the side from Billy Bingham, who impressed in his first start since August against Luton Town last weekend.
Defender Ben Nugent was back on the bench at Kenilworth Road after an injury absence but striker Callum Saunders' knock continues to be monitored.
Crewe have been boosted by the return to training of forward Alex Kiwomya - nephew of former Notts manager Chris Kiwomya.
The 20-year-old, on loan from Chelsea, dislocated his shoulder at Grimsby last month but is progressing well in his rehabilitation and could be in contention on Saturday.
How will Notts fare against Crewe? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones
John Sheridan has expressed his frustration at going into this weekend's game against Crewe out of the top seven.
The Magpies lost their last two games, at Mansfield Town and at home against Morecambe, to find themselves 10th in League Two ahead of the Railwaymen clash.
Sheridan also played down the boos directed towards the side, adding that fans "pay their money and are entitled to an opinion."
"I am still frustrated because I would have liked to have gone into the Crewe game four points better off," said the 52-year-old.
"We would have been in a healthier position but as I said it was just the way we played in the last two games.
"We didn't go out with the belief that we could be in the top two or three.
"I have to be patient and believe in my players which is what I do 100 per cent. I've got to stick by them and I am not going to beat myself up.
"I just think there was a good chance to get three or four points and if we had got them, we would have gone into this game thinking we can get even closer to the top teams."
When asked about Notts being booed, Sheridan replied: "It's football. I just think it was frustration.
"They weren't booing the last game we won. They were right behind the team and I loved that. You can feel it as well.
"The supporters pay their money and they are entitled to an opinion.
"That's the way the game has gone. They have been very frustrated for a few years here.
"And, in the back of my mind, I do feel where they are coming from.
"I feel it too as the manager. The game we watched the other night was frustrating.
"But they want what we want. And I want what they want.
"It's important that we don't get too carried away.
"You've got to be careful because they are human and it will affect some of them.
"But that's football. Deep down they want the club to do well."
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Joe Jones
Notts County boss John Sheridan reveals he did not shout at his players following their 2-1 home defeat against Morecambe, as he felt it would not have been "the right thing to do".
The Magpies suffered their second defeat in four days on Tuesday night when the Shrimps won at Meadow Lane, which followed the 3-1 defeat at Mansfield Town.
"I didn't go in shouting, even though I wanted to, I didn't think it was the right thing to do," Sheridan said.
"I will try to pick them up and I am not going to turn around and say we are a bad team.
"We've had two bad performances in four days, had it been the other way, people would have been saying we are a good team and talking positively about us.
"It is going to be a bit negative instead, but the players have got a manager here who will stand up and take it.
"There's no way I will hide. Anybody who knows me will tell you. I'll be fighting all the way and believing we can do well in the league."
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