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Joe Jones
Notts County and Stevenage FC have only ever met nine times, the first meeting coming on 17 September 2011 at Broadhall Way (known as the Lamex Stadium) - the result on that day was 2-0 to the Magpies.
Our head-to-head record is pretty simple: five wins for Notts, four wins for Stevenage, no draws.
Stevenage in their current form have only been in existence since 1976, but there have been numerous incarnations of the club that stretch back over a century.
A club called Stevenage FC was formed in 1894, but they soon adopted the name Stevenage Town.
In 1951 the club were founder members of the Delphian League. In 1956 they merged with Stevenage Rangers to form Stevenage FC, before reverting to Stevenage Town four years later.
They had some success in the Southern League but folded in 1967, after which Stevenage Athletic were created in their place a year later. This incarnation again knocked about in the Southern League but went bankrupt in 1976.
This brings us to Stevenage Borough, formed shortly after Athletic's demise, and this time they managed to prosper and work their way up the leagues until finally reaching the Football League in 2010, at which point they took the whole thing full circle by dropping the Borough from their name and becoming Stevenage FC.
Despite their relatively short history, Stevenage have won a number of trophies and competitions, including two FA Trophy cups in 2007 and 2009.
The Lamex Stadium holds 6,722 people, 3,142 of which can be seated. To put it into perspective, three full houses at Stevenage could fit into the Meadow Lane stands with 45 seats to spare.
The highest attendance recorded at the stadium was 8,040 for a match against Newcastle United in the FA Cup fourth round on 25 January 1998. A temporary stand was erected behind the away end to increase the stadium capacity to 8,100, enough to satisfy FA requirements.
Two films were set in and around Stevenage: "Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush" and "Boston Kickout". "Spy Game" was partly filmed in Stevenage but set in Washington DC.
A number of famous sporting figures were born in Stevenage, the most notable of which are Lewis Hamilton, Jack Wilshere, Ashley Young, Ian Poulter, Kevin Phillips and Jason Shackell.
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Michael O'Connor is expected to be included in the Notts County squad for the first time this season when Stevenage visit Meadow Lane.
The midfielder, signed from Port Vale in June, has been nursing a hamstring injury but Magpies manager John Sheridan said at his pre-match press conference on Thursday that O'Connor is now fit.
Stevenage boss Darren Sarll could keep the starting XI who shocked Ipswich Town in the cup in midweek.
Ben Kennedy, who scored the winner at Portman Road, started his side's opening-day defeat to Crewe Alexandra on the bench but could now be rewarded with a starting spot on Saturday.
New signing Rowan Liburd should keep his place in attack after making his debut on Tuesday night.
Dean Wells was taken off at Ipswich with a tight hamstring but should be fit to start while Ronnie Henry is questionable for the trip.
How will Notts get on against Stevenage? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up for FREE to the website, visiting the forum and joining the discussion.
Joe Jones
John Sheridan has revealed that he is looking to add a centre-back to his Notts County squad and says he has spoken to two clubs about signing players on loan.
The Magpies boss has pledged to turn his side into an attacking force, particularly at Meadow Lane, but he is still keen to bolster his back line.
"I am just waiting for the clubs to get back to me, they know the interest," Sheridan told reports.
"There are two clubs I've asked about a centre-back. It will be a loan deal.
"Again, I can't just go and pick them up so obviously you just have to wait.
"But we've enquired about the same position at two clubs so hopefully it will be the first one who comes back."
Sheridan has already signed defenders Matt Tootle, Richard Duffy and Carl Dickinson this summer.
Who would you like to see added to the Notts defence? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones
Notts County manager John Sheridan has pledged to play attacking, winning football at Meadow Lane as he targets home form as a key factor in leaving League Two.
The Magpies have failed to score in their two competitive games so far this season, both of which were away, but will welcome Stevenage to NG2 this weekend.
Sheridan told reporters: "The form at Meadow Lane is going to be massive for us. It always is when you are trying to get out of any division.
"I want us to be very positive and really go for games at home. I am going to be very attack-minded, and you need to score goals.
"A lot of the time, the formation will be set-up for us to play with a purpose like we are going to create chances."
Sheridan did, however, stress the importance of stemming the flow of goals at the back too, citing the 2-0 EFL Cup defeat at Scunthorpe United in midweek.
He added: "Even though I thought we defended well the other night, and our shape was good, we gave a silly free-kick away and it led to a goal.
"And for the second goal, we were in possession of the ball. It's not just down to the keeper and the defenders.
"That's people higher up the pitch sometimes giving you a problem by somebody taking too many touches and so on.
"It's about the team and we are trying to work hard as a team to stop goals from going in."
How will Notts fare against Stevenage this Saturday? 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 praised his Notts County side for their performance in their 2-0 EFL Cup first-round defeat at Scunthorpe United, saying the players should have got something from the game.
The Magpies took their opponents to extra time after a goalless draw at Glanford Park, but Kevin van Keen's brace sent Notts home with nothing to show for their exploits.
"I don't know whether to laugh or cry," Sheridan told reporters. "We had some great chances to score and we made good openings through good football as well.
"I thought we played, really, really well. I am just a bit down because I am gutted for the players.
"I was very frustrated on the sidelines because I thought our performance warranted something out of the game.
"I am gutted we have lost. It was a massive up on Saturday's performance. I made one or two changes. People came in and did well.
"The system worked and we worked our socks off."
What do Notts County need to do to improve this weekend against Stevenage at Meadow Lane? Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones
Notts County have been knocked out of the EFL Cup at the first hurdle after falling to a 2-0 extra-time defeat at Scunthorpe United in Tuesday's first-round tie at Glanford Park.
The Magpies had the opening shot on target as a cross was floated over by Jon Stead and hit on the volley by Alex Rodman which Luke Daniels parried away.
Alan Smith then tried his luck with an audacious volley from about 30 yards out which wasn’t too far off target, while Kevin van Veen came close on 25 minutes for the Iron.
Both sides traded chances throughout the game but neither could break the deadlock by the full-time mark, so extra time it would be.
The hosts went on to take the lead in the 100th minute as Josh Morris's free kick into the box was knocked on by Murray Wallace and drilled home by Van Veen.
The Dutchman then sealed the win for Scunthorpe when he received the ball on the edge of the box and curled into the bottom corner to send John Sheridan's team home with a second consecutive competitive defeat of the season - with no goals scored.
Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts on Tuesday's game by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones
John Sheridan admits that promotion from League Two is the priority for Notts County this season, but he will still put a strong team out for tonight's EFL Cup meeting with Scunthorpe United.
The Magpies travel to Glanford Park this evening for the first-round tie hoping to get through and hopefully secure a glamour tie in the next round.
Notts have enjoyed League Cup trips to Liverpool and Aston Villa in the last few years, giving their Premier League opponents a game and creating memorable nights for the Black and White Army.
Sheridan told reporters: "Every game I play I want to win, but the league is the priority. I'd be stupid if I didn't say that.
But with the cup there is always that attraction of getting a big team and going as far as you possibly can.
"I will put a strong team out to try to win the game because it will be a difficult one. We have to put up a brave showing and try to get a good result if we can."
Can Notts County get past Scunthorpe United this evening? Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones
Notts County against Scunthorpe United is a relatively new fixture in English football - the first time these two faced off was on the 4th January 1969 in the old Division Four.
On that day, goals by George Kerr and Nigel Cassidy gave the Iron a 2-1 victory (Richie Barker netted the consolation for the Magpies).
Since then, the two sides have played 27 games, and the record is firmly in the Magpies' favour, winning 18, drawing 4 and losing just 5.
Scunthorpe United were formed in 1899. In 1910 they merged with local rivals Lindsey United to become Scunthorpe & Lindsey United, and joined the Midland Football League in 1912.
In 1950 the club was accepted into the Football League, ahead of Workington and Wigan Athletic, when the league structure was expanded, with the "Lindsey" part of the name being dropped shortly after.
Ever since the club entered the league their nickname has been ‘The Iron’, a metal which has long played a role in the team’s nomenclature. Before 1950s Scunthorpe United were known as the Knuts.
The origin is uncertain but it is generally accepted as being when they won one of the local charity cups. The vicar of Frodingham, the Rev Cryspant Rust, said “that indeed Scunthorpe and Lindsey United were a tough (k)nut to beat”.
For a small club, the Iron have an impressive roll call of former players and managers. The most notable is Kevin Keegan, one of England's greatest ever footballers, who played for Scunny between 1966 and 1971.
Other alumni, either in a playing or managing capacity, include Ray Clemence, cricketer Ian Botham, Ian Storey-Moore, Neil Warnock, Jermaine Beckford, Billy Sharp, Andy Keogh, and former Leicester City manager Nigel Adkins, who used to be the club's physiotherapist.
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Midfielder Sam Mantom is in contention to make his Scunthorpe United debut on Tuesday against Notts County, after his summer move to Glanford Park from League One rivals Walsall, while striker Paddy Madden remains sidelined with a calf strain.
Notts County captain Michael O'Connor is unlikely to lead the Magpies for the first time as he is yet to prove his fitness after an injury-hit pre-season.
Boss John Sheridan, however, is expected to make a number of changes following the 2-0 defeat by Yeovil Town.
How will Notts fare at Scunthorpe United? Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones
John Sheridan has expressed his disappointment at Notts County losing their opening game of the season at Yeovil Town to two "poor" goals.
Kevin Dawson gave the Glovers the lead when he forced Adam Collin into a mistake amid claims the goalkeeper was fouled in the build up, before Otis Khan then made it 2-0 after Ryan Hedges' shot was parried away by Collin.
"It is disappointing start because you want to hit the ground running as quickly as you can," Sheridan said.
"The two goals have cost us the game. We started okay in the first five minutes and we were never in any danger, but they've had a good chance before they scored.
"I don't actually think we played that bad, but you can't start playing when you are 2-0 down.
"The opposition are going to sit back and try to consolidate the lead. But the goals we conceded were very poor.
"You can't concede goals like that. It was an uphill battle although I thought we had a go in the second half.
"We took the game to them, but I was disappointed because you want to get something from your first game."
What do Notts need to do ahead of Tuesday's meeting with Scunthorpe? Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
shepshedpie
Notts County Youth Team vs. Scunthorpe United Youth Team, Saturday 6th August 2016, Highfields
Notts County’s youth team played their first league game of the 2016-17 season at the University of Nottingham pitches at Highfields, Beeston, after a two-year spell at Arnold Town FC. The pitches are certainly an improvement on the ones at Arnold.
The Magpies' first opponents were Scunthorpe United, who finished second last season in the league, so it would surely be a tough test for the young Notts academy players in their opening game.
The kick-off was slightly delayed when the Scunthorpe coach, approaching the ground from the wrong direction, had to let the players off to walk the last part of their journey. He then compounded his problem by touring Nottingham to approach the ground from the right direction, only to scrape the side of the coach against a piece of the fenced entrance to the ground.
The game was competitive right from the start, with both teams determined to impose themselves on their opponents. Notts took the lead after only 16 minutes when skipper Dominic Brownhill got hold of a cross from Nathan Cobain just outside the area.
His shot was blocked, but Dom collected the rebound and fired in a hard shot high and just under the crossbar giving the visiting goalkeeper no chance.
The game continued to be an even affair and it was no surprise when a spell of Scunthorpe pressure resulted in an equaliser on 26 minutes.
Straight after the equaliser, Tamar Clayton-Naute went off on a tricky run beating two defenders only for his shot to crash onto the cross-bar before being cleared away.
Towards the end of the first half Notts had a spell of dominance where Tamar Clayton-Naute and Nathan Cobain both saw decent shots go just the wrong side of the posts.
Half time: Notts County 1-1 Scunthorpe  
Notts began the second half well and on 53 minutes they regained the lead. Harry Gibbons went on a good run down the left wing, beat his full-back, then picked his head up and pulled the ball back perfectly for Tamar Clayton-Naute to side-foot home.
An even game ensued with both teams taking their turn to apply pressure but Notts, in a good all round team performance,  held on to their lead to start the season with a win over a good Scunthorpe side.
Full time: Notts County 2-1 Scunthorpe United
Team:
1.    Joe Searson-Smithard
2.    James Anstey
3.    George McCartney
4.    Dominic Brownhill (c)
5.    Ryan Ebanks
6.    Jordon Richards
7.    Tamar Clayton-Naute
8.    Sam Osborne
9.    Nathan Cobain
10.    Harry Gibbons
11.    Alex Howes
Subs:
12.    Declan Dunn (on for Alex Howes on 70 mins)
13.    Curtis Hall
14.    Remaye Campbell (on for Nathan Cobain on 87m)
15.    Edwin Towers
16.    Louis Robinson (on for Harry Gibbons on 80 mins)
How do you feel the Notts County academy team will get on this season? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up for FREE to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones
Notts County manager John Sheridan says he will consider selecting different players away from home.
The Magpies began their League Two season with a 2-0 defeat at Yeovil Town, prompting the veteran boss to consider which of his squad may be more effective on the road.
"Hopefully there aren't one or two players in the comfort zone thinking they will play all the time because I just won't do that," Sheridan said.
"We haven't got a best player at this club, they are all evenly matched. But I will pick a shape and a team that will suit us. I will look at away differently to how we play at home.
"I've done it before when I had Jack Lester at Chesterfield. I never played him away from home and he was my best player.
"These are decisions I have to make and I will be making them early. I won't be doing it after 10 to 15 games of the season.
"I've got to sort it out and see which players will get us results away from home and those who will be effective at home. If I have to do that, then that's not a problem."
Do you think Sheridan's idea will work at Notts? Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones
Notts County began the 2016-17 League Two season with a defeat as they went down 2-0 at Yeovil Town.
The Glovers dominated the first half at Huish Park and struck twice to give John Sheridan's men too much to do as Kevin Dawson scored his first goal for the club in two years.
It proved to be a controversial strike as he appeared to impede goalkeeper Adam Collin before nudging the loose ball into the net in the 16th minute.
Seven minutes later, it was Otis Khan's turn to get on the scoresheet as he netted on his debut, the former Barnsley winger reacting to a Ryan Hedges shot that Collin could only parry and slotting home.
The Magpies improved as the match ticked on, with Jonathan Forte, Graham Burke and Carl Dickinson all weighing in with chances.
Forte, in particular, was denied a goal by a fine save from Artur Krysiak after he had latched onto a great knockdown by Vadaine Oliver, but that was as close as Notts came to getting on the scoresheet as Yeovil saw the game out.
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Joe Jones
Notts County and Yeovil Town have only met 13 times over the years.
The first game took place at Meadow Lane on 4 November 1961, with the Magpies beating their opponents 4-2 in the FA Cup. That was the only meeting of the two pre-21st century - the 12 meetings following that game all took place between 2004 and 2016.
Yeovil have the upper edge in the head-to-head with 6 wins, 5 defeats and 2 draws against Notts.
Yeovil Football Club was founded in 1890, and shared their ground with the local rugby club for many years. Five years later they were renamed Yeovil Casuals and started playing home games at the Pen Mill Athletic Ground.
In 1907 the name Yeovil Town was adopted, which on amalgamation with Petters United became Yeovil and Petters United. The name reverted to Yeovil Town prior to the 1946–47 season.
The Somerset outfit have spent most of their existence in the lower leagues, though they briefly made a name for themselves in the 1948-49 season when they beat Sunderland 2-1 in the FA Cup fourth round.
In the 1980s, Yeovil were founder members of the Football Conference, where they remained for the next two decades, save for a few relegations to the Isthmian League which usually resulted in an instant return to the above tier.
Yeovil Town earned promotion to the Football League in the 2002-03 season, by winning the Football Conference by a record 17 points margin, accumulating 95 points and scoring 100 goals, remaining unbeaten at Huish Park.
In their second ever season in the Football League, the Glovers went one better by achieving promotion to the third tier as champions of League Two, and in the following years even reached the League One playoffs, beating Nottingham Forest in the semi-finals in 2006-07 before losing to Blackpool in the final at Wembley.
Six years later, however, Yeovil achieved what had been deemed unthinkable a decade earlier - they reached the second tier of English football after beating Brentford in the 2013 League One play-off final. Their stay in the Championship was brief, however, and they went on to suffer back-to-back relegations, leaving them in the bottom tier of the Football League.
Yeovil is a pretty small town, home to just 40,000 people - two Meadow Lanes' worth of people could comfortably take in the entire population!
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Yeovil captain Darren Ward is a doubt for their opening League Two clash against Notts County on Saturday - he is still recovering from a knee injury.
Alex Lawless could make his debut after securing a deal at Huish Park, following his release from Luton Town.
Swansea loan duo Liam Shephard and Ryan Hedges should feature but frontman Francois Zoko, formerly of Notts, is set to miss out as he struggles for fitness.
John Sheridan's first competitive match as Magpies boss will most likely see several players making their bows for the club.
Striker Vadaine Oliver became the club's eighth signing of the summer when he joined on loan from York City earlier this week.
Rob Milsom will not be available but should be able to play in a couple of weeks, while fellow midfielder Curtis Thompson remains sidelined by an ankle injury and new captain Michael O'Connor is also unavailable for the game.
How will Notts fare against Yeovil? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones
Finally, the 2016-17 League Two campaign is almost upon us and whilst a large amount of Notts County fans I know appear optimistic about the season ahead, I still remain fairly quiet with regards to how we'll do.
I was asked a few days ago, by a fellow fan if I was excited or nervous - my reply was ‘neither’.
I think much of what we can expect will come after about seven or eight games have been played - the first few is always a case of teams sussing each other out and I’m only really excited about returning to Meadow Lane.
However, a good result against Yeovil Town would add much needed fuel to the fire of optimism as Notts strive to be more consistent on the field.
The openers are important but I wouldn’t overly worry myself if this didn’t go to plan at the start – I feel John Sheridan has the know-how on this division and he will no doubt be wanting a squad where the merits of team work will thrive.
The Magpies shouldn’t struggle with a lack of creativity, plus we may be fine in terms of goals from our strikers.
Jon Stead has the ability to be a key figure, but I am unsure if we can rely on him alone. That is where the depth of the current squad comes in – especially the returning Jonathan Forte.
At the back, Notts look to have acquired a very good asset in goalkeeper Adam Collin and this signing should see a healthy rivalry form between him and Scott Loach for the starting spot.
We also appear to have the strength and defensive mind-set, which was desperately lacking during the 2015-16 season. The Port Vale lads know what this league is about, and they shouldn’t be pushovers.
I’m excited about seeing Stanley Aborah playing further up the centre of the park, a popular discussion between myself and three fans at half time – included how Aborah could be utilised better.
This included allowing him to be the engine, the player who can pick up the passes to unleash the wingers and strikers. However, I wonder who will become the defensive midfielder in his absence? Could we see Curtis Thompson given that push?
In prior seasons it’s been fairly easy to say where needs strengthening, what players should play and so on, but this term things look wisely better than we have known.
I do feel Notts would have benefited from a stronger striker also joining the ranks, and I mean no disrespect to Vadaine Oliver, nor any of the existing squad but another firm addition to the squad would have bred more confidence, not just among the squad but the fans.
And perhaps a centre-back? There’s always room for a solid, physical, no-nonsense defender.
Yet I do feel the squad is well equipped, with options of different qualities and although we haven’t signed many League Two gems – the recruitment does seem to be spot on in terms of players who work hard, know the league and have a grasp of what should be expected.
I also feel Notts have a good mix of lads and that should allow the squad to form chemistry – if the results come, things should be a lot more exciting.
It’s been a slow out-of-season, with a quiet pre-season but thankfully this is almost over.
Let’s make Meadow Lane somewhere we fans can be proud of, that the players who represent us – will want to repay our faith and more importantly lets ensure a togetherness regardless fractions. If last season taught me anything, it’s to listen to the views you may not necessarily agree with.
Fingers crossed we can a good season!
COME ON YOU PIES!
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Joe Jones
John Sheridan has said he will not stand in Izale McLeod's way if he wants to leave Notts County, adding that he cannot guarantee the former Crawley man any first-team football.
The striker's future at Meadow Lane has been under the spotlight this summer, with rumours of a potential move to Stevenage surfacing in the press.
Sheridan has a glut of forwards at his disposal aside from McLeod including Adam Campbell, Jonathan Forte, Jon Stead and loanee Vadaine Oliver.
"Izale's an experienced player and has been a very good player over the years," Sheridan told the Nottingham Post.
"I don't want to patronise or be clever with anyone, I think Izale needs to be playing football.
"I've spoken to him. It's important he gets a regular place somewhere and I can't offer him that here.
"I've explained that situation to him and if a club comes in then I wouldn't stand in his way."
Should Izale McLeod leave Notts County? Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
PON_News
With just two days to until the 2016-17 League Two season gets underway, Rob Davies has produced an extensive analysis of the Notts County squad which will be in contention for the first fixture against Yeovil Town on Saturday.
The sensible, no-nonsense approach of John Sheridan has been typified by a summer of transfer activity that seems to have been led by something badly missing from Meadow Lane before his arrival – logic.
Sheridan has ‘only’ made seven permanent signings this summer, just a third of the number of new additions that arrived at Meadow Lane last summer. But all seven arrive with strong pedigree. And all seven would go into the starting XI when fit and possess strong experience at this level.
Aged 25-31, they all possess the right kind of ‘experience’ too, with plenty still to offer the cause beyond this season.
Assuming no further new players arrive and one of the new additions, Michael O’Connor, remains sidelined through injury, Sheridan’s team for the opener at Yeovil Town seems to be a fairly easy one to predict:
 
Collin
Audel Duffy Hollis
Hewitt Rodman Tootle Dickinson
Aborah
Stead Forte
 
Many, rightly, will highlight the lack of depth as a factor here, something which was evident in the recent friendly with Walsall when the Magpies conceded two late goals after a raft of substitutions. However, for me it is a refreshing to see a logical approach to pre-season, with combinations and systems being worked on to prepare and build for the season ahead. 
Think back to last season, when the most commonly used defensive pairing in pre-season – Alan Smith and Scot Bennett – never once played together competitively, and the defensive duo that did start the season, Thierry Audel and Civard Sprockel, were both signed days before the season, seemingly in a state of panic. 
Things seem calmer now, with an experienced manager having a clear idea of the way he wants to play and sole control over transfers. Long may it continue.
That squad in more detail:
Goalkeepers
Few would’ve expected Sheridan’s first signing to be a keeper, with Scott Loach more than capable at this level. However, Adam Collin is a commanding presence and an undoubtedly impressive addition – he was Rotherham’s first choice for their promotion to the Championship and throughout their first season in the second tier, only losing his place last season. 
Loach will have to decide whether he is again content with starting the season as one of the strongest understudies in League Two. If he leaves, reinforcements will undoubtedly be needed, with Kevin Pilkington – third choice during the title-winning season six years ago – now 42. The lack of the option to dip into the short-term loan market would also be a factor here if this scenario did arise.
Defenders
With Sheridan looking certain to start the season with a back three, at least one new centre-back is a must – primarily because the club only has four senior centre backs, one of which is a player who was signed in ‘an emergency’ capacity two years ago. 
Richard Duffy looks a strong addition, though at 5’11” is a little on the short side for a centre back, but it’s the presence of Haydn Hollis and Audel in the starting XI that will worry many supporters. Both have enjoyed strong pre-seasons but will need to convince they have the consistency to be relied upon every week. It really is now or never for Hollis.
When O’Connor returns to fitness, this could have the knock-on effect of pushing Matt Tootle wide and Elliott Hewitt centrally into the back three; it was at centre back where the former Ipswich player was at his best in a poor first season. Similarly, Dickinson is equally capable at the heart of the defence and would arguably be more suited to the left-sided centre back role than the wing back spot he currently occupies.
Full/Wing-backs
Audel, Jack Barmby and Scot Bennett were amongst the players to start at left-back last season; the arrival of Dickinson is welcomed with open arms. The no-nonsense full-back is vastly experienced having played regularly for Stoke, Watford and Portsmouth in the Championship before captaining Port Vale, but is still only 29. Looks to be the captain-elect, but the first-choice cover behind him appears to be Rob Milsom, who is predictably injured currently. Youngster Rhys Sharpe was a Guy Branston signing but still looks raw in the pre-season games.
On the other flank, Tootle is another full-back who is better defensively which doesn’t really lend itself to the 3-5-2 system. Hewitt would appear tailor-made for the wing back role in which he’s likely to start the season, but will need to iron out the positional lapses which cost the team a number of goals last campaign. Jordan Richards is another option down the right following hugely promising loan spells with Boston and in Ireland last year.
Midfielders
When everyone is fit, Sheridan is blessed with options here with O’Connor, Tootle, Alex Rodman, Stanley Aborah, Curtis Thompson, Milsom, Graham Burke, Wes Atkinson, Richards and, of course, Alan Smith (he’ll inevitably be back in the team at some stage) all vying for three places. 
The decision to move Aborah into a more advanced position looks to be a masterstroke; if he is out, it is also a position that Burke has the potential to excel in. That leaves a number of players vying for the two deeper positions – Rodman is primarily a winger or attacking midfielder but has looked capable in a more defensive position, as has Tootle who has spent most of his career at right back. O’Connor is a certain starter when fit and I still have high hopes for Thompson; midfield is an area we really shouldn’t be worrying about.
Strikers
The blank numbers #9 and #10 on the original squad numbers list got tongues wagging that this meant at least one more first-team striker was on his way to Meadow Lane, but I feel this is more of an anomaly, with Jon Stead preferring #30 and Jonathan Forte #11. These two represent a strong-looking first-choice front two, with newly-signed York City loanee Vadaine Oliver – a physical presence – likely to start as ‘Plan B’ from the bench. 
Izale McLeod is still at the club, of course, and it’d be dangerous to write off a proven striker on the back of one bad season, but if a suitor could be found it’d be hard to justify keeping one of the highest-paid players at the club as fourth choice striker, when the money could be invested elsewhere.
Adam Campbell and Genaro Snijders are both likeable players but look vulnerable if the decision to play without wingers becomes a permanent one. Campbell managed to convince all three managers that he should be a regular last season, but desperately needs an end product to go with his endeavour, while Snijders has said end product but never seemed to be given much of a chance. It’ll be interesting to see if they can play their way into contention this time around; Sheridan stressed the desire in pre-season to get some pace in the ranks and this does still appear to be lacking, so these two could still have a role to play.
Overall
This squad isn’t yet the finished product, but it is worlds apart from last season’s approach where going into the season there only looked to be 4-5 guaranteed starters, the captain wasn’t decided and players were in the team one week and not in the squad the next.
The key area is still the defence; Audel seems to switch between being brilliant or terrible, often in the same game, while Hollis finally needs to iron-out the mental blocks and inconsistencies that have prevented him kicking-on with his career. Edwards and Smith are next in-line. If Edwards is the no.1 centre back by mid-September – as was the case last season – something has gone drastically wrong.
As supporters, it’s important to put last year’s debacle behind us and give the likes of Stead, Hewitt and Hollis a chance to right the wrongs. It was never plausible – or sensible – to ditch all of last season’s under-performers. One thing’s for sure, we’re in much better shape this time around. In Sheridan we trust.
Strongest squad: 
Collin
Hewitt Duffy Hollis
Tootle Rodman O’Connor Dickinson
Aborah
Stead    Forte
Subs: Loach, Audel, Thompson, Milsom/Campbell, Burke, Snijders, Oliver.
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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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