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Joe Jones
Notts County have revealed that they voted in favour of Premier League academy teams taking part in the EFL Trophy next season.
In what will be a one-season trial, 16 tier one academy teams - most of which are in the top flight - will join the competition, formerly known as the Johnstone's Paint Trophy, alongside League One and League Two teams.
In a statement on the official Notts website, a statement said: "The discussion at the EFL Conference confirmed the competition is in serious need of innovation to survive and a number of clubs even stated they would consider withdrawing from the competition if it was not boosted.
"Many clubs struggle to break even from EFL Trophy matches, and numerous clubs voiced genuine concerns the competition would fold if it does not improve quickly, as the prize money and TV interest is low.
"Notts County supported the decision to trial a solution to save the competition, which currently does not have a sponsor. This is for a set period of one year and if the proposals do not work, they will not be renewed for the following season. The prize money for the competition will be doubled for next season.
"This is not in any way opening the door to Premier League 'B Teams' entering the league structure and Notts County would be vehemently against any such proposals.
"While some supporters will disagree with the proposed changes, after careful consideration and discussion, we felt that it was important to explore ways to boost the competition and ensure that it could continue."
The changes, which include the introduction of a group stage, were voted for by more than 50 percent of clubs in the bottom two tiers of the Football League and will see the Premier League increase the prize fund by £1m.
Joe Jones
Notts County have expressed an interest in signing ex-Rotherham United goalkeeper Adam Collin, according to reports.
The 31-year-old shot-stopper, who was released by the Millers at the end of the season just gone, previously played for Newcastle United and Carlisle United, as well as enjoying a loan spell at Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership.
The Nottingham Post believes that Magpies manager John Sheridan is keeping a close eye on Collin, who helped the South Yorkshire club reach the Championship via the playoffs in 2014.
Notts currently have just one goalkeeper, Scott Loach, on their books after Roy Carroll was released at the end of last season.
Although goalkeeping coach Kevin Pilkington is registered as a player and can cover between the sticks, he tends to only be used as a reserve.
Would Adam Collin be a good fit for Notts County? Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones
Notts County manager John Sheridan has admitted that fans are needing to "get over" the season just gone, but says he is doing all he can to bring new players to the club.
The 2015-16 campaign was nothing short of traumatic for Magpies supporters as unrest in the stands and behind the scenes collided with unacceptable performances on the pitch in the club's first season back in League Two for five years.
Sheridan told the Nottingham Post: "It's still early days but I am really looking forward to the job in hand.
"At the moment I am just looking at trying to get pre-season games sorted out. We left it a bit late, but we finally got there. Now it's about looking at and talking to players.
"It's really quiet at the moment, players are away and fans are still trying to get over last season. But I am working hard to get players into the club."
Who would you like to see in the black-and-white stripes next season? 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 released ticket prices and information regarding the pre-season friendlies against Walsall and Blackburn Rovers.
A reminder of the fixture dates and times:
- Walsall Tuesday 26th July (Kick off 7.45pm)
- Blackburn Rovers on Sunday 31st July (Kick off 3pm)
Only the Derek Pavis Stand (home) and the Jimmy Sirrel Stand (away) will be open for these fixtures, with seating unreserved.
Tickets are on sale NOW.

Both fixtures are priced individually at:
- £12.00 Adults
- £7.00 Seniors (60 years and above)
- £7.00 Young Adults (18-21 years of age)
- £4.00 Juniors (under 18)
- £1.00 Accompanied Juniors (under 18)*
*Can only be purchased in the same transaction when buying adult and senior match tickets and not available online
If fans want to attend both fixtures and purchase the tickets in one transaction prior to the Walsall game, the club is offering them at a reduced price.
This is not an online offer, so anyone wishing to take it up can purchase in-person from the ticket office or by calling 0115 9557210.
The price of tickets for both fixtures purchased in one transaction are:
£20.00 Adults
£10.00 Seniors (60 years and above)
£10.00 Young Adults (18-21 years of age)
£5.00  Juniors (under 18)
£1.00 Accompanied Juniors (under 18)*
* Can only be purchased in the same transaction when buying adult and senior match tickets
Are you looking to go to these two pre-season friendly games? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones
Notts County have expressed an interest in signing former Aston Villa striker Jordan Bowery, according to reports.
The 24-year-old was released by Oxford United at the end of last season after being deemed surplus to requirements by manager Michael Appleton.
This was despite the forward scoring seven goals in 17 league appearances for the U's, which helped them to promotion to League One.
Bowery, now a free agent, is said to be on the radar of several clubs, including the Magpies, according to the Nottingham Post.
The Nottingham-born footballer played under current Notts boss John Sheridan at Chesterfield.
Would you like to see Jordan Bowery at Notts County? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones
Notts County CEO Jason Turner has confirmed that the club is no longer shackled by the transfer embargo placed upon them in May.
A number of unsettled bills had led the Football League to place the restrictions on the club, leaving them unable to sign players until the outstanding payments had been made.
These have now been dealt with, and Turner also revealed that Wes Atkinson and Haydn Hollis had signed contract extensions at Meadow Lane, with new signings possibly being announced next week.
In his open letter on the club's official website, the chief executive wrote: "I’m pleased to inform fans that outstanding payments to football creditors were made by the club last week. This means we are no longer restricted by the temporary transfer embargo imposed upon us and we are once again able to be active in the transfer market.
"We are now working hard to secure the core of the first team squad for next season, with a considerable number of calls being made and meetings held with players and agents.
"Both Wes Atkinson and Haydn Hollis have agreed to sign the new contracts offered to them and we hope to be in a position to announce our first new signings for the coming season next week."
Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts on this story by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones
Port Vale captain Carl Dickinson is rumoured to be in talks with Notts County over a move to Meadow Lane.
The defender, who is out of contract at Vale, has been offered a new deal by the Valiants but is one of a number of players asked to take a substantial pay cut following a cut to the club's player budget.
According to both the Stoke Sentinel and BBC Radio Nottingham, Dickinson is weighing up a move to Notts as he admitted that, despite enjoying his time at Vale Park, the idea of a pay cut would lead to tough decisions about his future.
Dickinson, formerly of Stoke City, has played 143 games in his three years with Port Vale and was the Supporters' Club's player of the season in the 2013-14 campaign.
Would you like Carl Dickinson at Notts County? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones
Former Notts County midfielder Liam Noble has wished the Magpies all the best and urged them to get promotion next season.
The ex-Carlisle United man was released at the end of the 2015-16 campaign but says he will continue to keep an eye on his former team whenever he gets the chance.
Noble is quoted by the Nottingham Post as saying: "I had two years with the club and have a lot of love for the place and the people there," he said.
"Two of my best mates, Adam Campbell and Elliott Hewitt, are still there and I will come back to watch whenever I get the chance.
"The people who work behind the scenes – they are lovely people.
"I had some great times and the fans were brilliant with me. I know I let them down a few times, but I had a good relationship with the supporters.
"It is time to move on but I will be keeping a close eye on the results. John Sheridan is a great appointment and I don't see any reason why they can't go on and get promotion next season.
"One of my favourite memories was the season when we defied expectations and went on that unbelievable run to the top of League One under Shaun (Derry) and Greg (Abbott).
"To be honest though I had a lot of good times there and I wish them all the best for next season."
Should we have kept Liam Noble or was it right for him to be released? Share your thoughts on the Pride of Nottingham forum and join the conversation.
Joe Jones
Notts County manager John Sheridan has pinned his new side's success next season on the revamp of his backroom staff.
The former Oldham boss has brought in ex-Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Mark Crossley as his assistant, while Alan Smith, Mike Edwards and Kevin Pilkington will work under them as both players and coaches.
Speaking of Crossley, Sheridan said: "He's a friend but he knows what he is talking about. He's been around the top level and the lower level.
"We won the league at Chesterfield so he knows what's required. He's a bit different to me. He'll be close to the players.
"It's important to have something different. Alan Smith will be with me. He's learning the game and been a top player.
"Mike Edwards will be with me too. Hopefully we can knit it together.
"They know the club a lot better than me. They know what it's all about."
How crucial will Notts County's backroom staff be next season? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones
Alan Smith has admitted that he is looking forward to proving a point at Notts County and cannot wait to put last season behind him, individually and as a team.
The Magpies finished the 2015-16 campaign, littered with managerial changes, off-the-pitch issues and poor displays, in 17th place.
Ahead of next season, John Sheridan has been installed as manager and Smith has been given a backroom position.
The former Manchester United man said: "Everyone was in the same boat – disappointed that we didn't get any success.
"Football's funny, because if you've had a good season you have to put it to the back of your mind and start again, and be prepared to try to produce again.
"And if you've had a bad season, you can put it behind you and start again as well.
"Everyone will be going away disappointed but wanting to come back with a point to prove and do a lot better than we did last year.
"That's the good thing about football, one season has gone and another one comes around.
"It's an opportunity for people to push to get in the team, for younger lads to develop themselves and look forward."
Will Alan Smith make more of an impact this season? 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 called on his players to prove that they have a future at Meadow Lane.
Fifteen players are still under contract, while the likes of Ronan Murray and Filip Valencic could potentially be given new deals despite being released last month.
The former Newport County and Oldham Athletic boss insists that he will be bringing new players in, but the ones still on the books can redeem themselves following last year’s abysmal campaign.
"Whoever is under contract has an opportunity to impress me. They struggled last season and they struggled for a reason," Sheridan said.
"Obviously I'm going to add players. I know the leagues well and I know what type of player we need to improve on last season.
"The players who are here have an opportunity. If a player doesn't want to be here he's not going to figure. I'm not looking at last season. I'm looking forward.
"The players are the ones who will win games and get us out the division. I do feel I need to add.
"I'm already working behind the scenes and talking to players. I'm trying to get the right ones in."
Who should stay and who should go? Voice your opinions on the Pride of Nottingham website by signing up, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones
New Notts County manager John Sheridan has outlined his ideal transfer targets going into next season, with players who have proven themselves in League Two or higher top of his agenda.
The Magpies will reportedly come out of a transfer embargo by the start of next week at the latest, giving the former Oldham Athletic boss a chance to recruit his own players and possibly ship others out.
When asked what kind of players he would be after, Sheridan said: "Players who know this league. Possibly players who've been in play-offs and been in division one (League One) and done well.
"Possibly there's an age limit but I'm not frightened of young players at all. Most important is to get a balance to the team.
"When I won the league with Chesterfield we scored lots of goals. We were fortunate to have very good players.
"We were very attack minded. I went out with the attitude we'll score more than the opposition.
"At the same time, we went to Plymouth and had 22 clean sheets. As you gain experience as a manager it's important you are organised.
"The pitch is a big one here (at Meadow Lane) so you need pace on it. They're the things I'm looking at."
What names would you like to see at Notts County this coming season? Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones
New Notts County manager John Sheridan has described Jon Stead as "one of my best players" and has vowed to do all he can to keep him at Meadow Lane.
The former Sunderland and Blackburn Rovers striker has been linked with a move to Scotland despite being under contract with the Magpies for next season.
Sheridan, however, said of the forward: "He's a good player. He'll be heavily involved while I'm manager. I wouldn't want him to go. He's one of my best players."
The former Newport and Oldham boss also outlined his plans for next season, including the purchase of more players and the recruitment of a new chief scout.
He continued: "I've been assured (the embargo) will be done by the end of the week or the beginning of next week. That's not a problem to me.
"I've been told it will all be sorted in the next few days. I've not spoken to them about the takeover. I try not to let it bother me.
"If it worried me I'd have been worried about coming here. It will take care of itself. I'll just try to bring a few players in and then you can see where we want to go.
"Ray Trew has given a deadline for the sale. I concentrate on bringing players in... I'll bring a chief scout in.
"I know these leagues and I know the types of players I need. A lot of it will be down to me more or less.
"I will be bringing my own people in. I don't think you need more than a chief scout and a couple of scouts."
Are you excited for what next season will bring for Notts County under John Sheridan? 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 promised to get Notts County "back where they belong" after his “instincts” told him not to turn the job down.
The former Sheffield Wednesday and Republic of Ireland midfielder, who has put pen to paper on a three-year deal at Meadow Lane, has set his sights on immediate promotion out of League Two and into League One.
At his first press conference at the helm of Notts, Sheridan told reporters: "I've played here and managed here. They've been in the top leagues.
"It's just the size of the club really. I don't know if I'm getting a reputation of coming in and getting clubs out of the dire situation they're in.
"I think it's a really attractive proposition for me to come and try to do what I've done of late, to try and get the club back to where they belong.
"First of all get them out the second division (League Two) and get them into the first. It's my instincts that feel I can come in and do well for them. It's a really big club to get going again.
"It was very hard to leave Oldham. Everyone knows my affection for them. I was there as a player and a manager… I'm just going with my instincts. They're telling me to come here.
"I went to Oldham in difficult circumstances. I feel as though I've done a really good job to keep them in the league.
"That was my main objective. I had a contract there and was looking forward to next season.
"This offer came along and it was one I felt I couldn't turn down."
Do you believe John Sheridan can lead Notts County out of League Two next season? Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones
Notts County striker Jon Stead is courting interest from clubs in Scotland, according to reports.
The former Sunderland and Blackburn Rovers forward, 33, was the Magpies' top scorer with 14 goals last season.
As Stead is under contract for another year at Meadow Lane, the club would be able to command a fee for the player they signed from Bradford City on a free last summer.
It remains to be seen whether the reports are true and, if so, what new manager John Sheridan has in store for the club's latest Player of the Season.
Would you like to see Jon Stead remain at Meadow Lane? Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

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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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