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Joe Jones
So, after just under a fortnight of waiting, Notts County have their new manager. Ricardo Moniz's promise of attacking football did not translate well in League Two, a division full of plodders and sluggers, and so he paid the price just after Christmas with the Magpies in the bottom half of the table.
Since the departure of Keith Curle, the Magpies have been in freefall. From a top-half League One table, we deteriorated season upon season until, in May 2015, we had slipped into the bottom division of English professional football once again. 
Since Curle, all the managers we've had did not have any experience of managing an English league first team - Chris Kiwomya was a reserve team manager, Shaun Derry was still a professional player when we entrusted him with the Notts reins, and Moniz had only ever managed sides in various top divisions on the continent, a completely different kettle of fish to the depths of English football.
Much as it pains me to think of Notts County, my beloved team, the Oldest Football League Club in the World TM, slumming it in the fourth division, this is the harsh truth. And as we are here, we must adapt by taking on a manager who has experience of Leagues One and Two, who can help drag us out of this mire.
Over the last week a number of individuals have been tipped for the job, including Northampton Town manager Chris Wilder, Grimsby Town boss Paul Hurst, Newport County’s John Sheridan and former Swindon Town gaffer Mark Cooper. Former Birmingham City and Huddersfield Town manager Lee Clark was also said to be among the names being considered for the post.
All of these individuals would have been alright to some degree. Hurst would have been the biggest gamble of the lot as he hasn't managed in the Football League, but he has done such a good job with Grimsby Town that he would have been a good prospect.
Considering how tense the Notts fans are at the moment, having witnessed their team deteriorate to the state they're in now, he appointment of a manager with prior league experience would have been reassuring. It would have said "alright, we are in a mess, but here are some safe hands who know the name of the game and know what it takes to get out of this god-forsaken division".
What would not have been alright, however, is yet another unpopular appointment featuring another unproven, untested individual like we have done for our last three managers.
And lo and behold, we've now got Jamie Fullarton, whose only experience of management is youth teams, as our new manager.
Sure, he "could" end up being a brilliant manager, much like the relatively untested Neil Warnock was 25-odd years ago. But at least Warnock was proven in the non-League - like Hurst. Fullarton is another unknown quantity, and nobody knows what to expect. And therein lies the problem - it's not a reassuring appointment. It doesn't offer peace of mind. It's another complete shot in the dark.
And given how all our expectations and hopes have been dragged through the wringer in the last few years, is this really what Notts fans deserve at this stage in time?
Share your thoughts and opinions on this column by visiting Pride of Nottingham's forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones
Notts County have confirmed the appointment of Jamie Fullarton as the club’s new manager.
The Magpies sacked Ricardo Moniz in December, with Mick Halsall and Richard Dryden taking over first-team duties in a caretaker position.
Fullarton, 41, has spent time this season in charge of Championship side Nottingham Forest’s development squad after leaving Bolton Wanderers in 2014.
Notts chairman Ray Trew says he was impressed after holding talks with Fullarton, telling the official club website: “I don’t think I have ever been as impressed by someone at an interview as I was by Jamie. He had us all captivated throughout what turned out to be a lengthy assessment of his suitability for the role.
“I’ve got to stress that we had an incredibly high standard of applicant for the vacancy, some of whom were unable to commit to the role to the level we were looking for and some who gave us plenty to think about when it came to conducting the interviews.
“However, when Jamie came in for his interview we all agreed that he stood out as the man that we wanted to take on this exciting challenge, with his meticulous attention to detail and his mix of self-awareness and self-assurance shining through.”
Fullarton will take charge of first team duties from Monday before taking his new side to Crawley Town on Saturday.
He admits he is relishing the task of managing the world’s oldest Football League club.
“I am delighted and excited by the prospect of managing such a great club as Notts County, laced with history and tradition,” said Fullarton.
“To manage a club which has in place an infrastructure, strategy and vision off the pitch that provides a genuine opportunity to be successful on the pitch is a fantastic foundation to build upon.”
The Magpies are currently 18th in League Two and without a win in their last four matches.
JAMIE FULLARTON FACT FILE
A midfielder by trade, he began his footballing career at Scottish club St Mirren and spent five years there, racking up 143 appearances, before a spell in France with SC Bastia.
In 1997 he moved to Crystal Palace, where he played 77 times and, following a short loan at Bolton Wanderers, he moved back to Scotland with Dundee United.
Fullarton's next destination was Brentford before winding down his career with Southend United, Chesterfield and Woodlands Wellington FC.
Following his retirement, he moved to Spain where he set up his own football academy, running teams from Under-8 to Under-19, playing against Spanish lower league professional club's academies.
In July 2011, Fullarton took over as Youth Team Coach at Bristol Rovers, and a year later he became the coach of the Bolton Wanderers Under-21s from where he was released by mutual consent in October 2014, after which he became the academy manager at Nottingham Forest.
What do you think about the appointment of Jamie Fullarton as Notts County's new manager? Visit the Pride of Nottingham forum and join the conversation.
Joe Jones
Notts County have confirmed that they will be announcing their new managerial appointment in a press conference on Monday.
Speculation is rife that the successful candidate is Nottingham Forest Under-21s development coach Jamie Fullarton, who jumped straight to the top of the bookies’ list to become odds-on favourite, and Colin Slater also suggested that the 41-year-old - who, like County's three previous managers, Chris Kiwomya, Shaun Derry and Ricardo Moniz, has no experience of managing an English football club - is favourite for the helm.
Interviews for the job were wrapped up on Friday, and Paul Hurst, the current Grimsby Town manager, is said to be out of the running and so too is Lee Clark, the former manager of Huddersfield Town and Blackpool. Mark Cooper and John Sheridan are still billed to be in the running, however.
The new manager will replace Ricardo Moniz, who was sacked following the 2-2 draw at home to Morecambe on December 29, and will have a week to work with the players after the Magpies' trip to Accrington Stanley was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch.
What do you think about this latest turn of events? Can the speculation be trusted? Would you like to see Fullarton at the Magpies helm or should the position go to a more experienced manager? Visit the Pride of Nottingham forum and join the conversation.
Joe Jones
Notts County hope to appoint a new manager over the weekend after narrowing down their shortlist to three candidates, according to reports.

The Magpies have been without a manager since sacking Dutchman Ricardo Moniz, along with his assistant Dave Kevan and defensive coach Dean Yates, on December 29.

Over the last week a number of individuals have been tipped for the job, including Northampton Town manager Chris Wilder, Grimsby Town boss Paul Hurst, Newport County’s John Sheridan and former Swindon Town gaffer Mark Cooper.

Sky Sports News also believes that former Birmingham City and Huddersfield Town manager Lee Clark is among the names being considered for the post.

Mick Halsall, County's academy manager, and Richard Dryden, County's Under-21 coach, have been in caretaker control of the first team since Moniz's dismissal and oversaw the 4-2 home defeat to Oxford United last Saturday.

The pair will be in charge for their side’s clash with Accrington at the Crown Ground this weekend.
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Joe Jones
Notts County have only played Accrington Stanley 14 times in their history. The first fixtures were in August and December 1958, when both sides played in Division Three. The Magpies drew 1-1 in the first match, before losing 3-0 in the second.
A hiatus of 48 years followed before the teams met again in the fourth tier, now called League Two, on 9 September 2006. The result was a 3-2 win to Notts.
The last time the two met was on 22 August 2015, a 1-1 draw in League Two.
The original town's team, Accrington, were amongst the twelve founder members of the Football League in 1888, before resigning from the league after just five years.
A team called Stanley Villa already existed at the time, named as such because they were based at the Stanley Arms on Stanley Street in Accrington. With the demise of Accrington, Stanley Villa took the town name to become Accrington Stanley.
The club re-formed after World War I and entered the League in 1921 with the formation of the old Third Division North, along with the other top northern non-League clubs.
This original incarnation was dissolved in 1966, before re-emerging two years later. In 2005–06, Stanley won the Football Conference and were promoted to League Two.
Ironically, Oxford United, the team they switched places with, was the team that had been elected to replace the former Accrington Stanley as members of the Football League in 1962 when they were struggling with debt.
Accrington Stanley is perhaps most well known for being discussed in a late 1980s advert by the Milk Marketing Board (for all you younger readers, Ian Rush was one of the greatest strikers of his day, and Liverpool's all-time leading goalscorer).
Famous people from Accrington include Vicky Entwhistle and Julie Hesmondhalgh from Coronation Street, Yes singer Jon Anderson, cricketer Mike Atherton, Diana Vickers from The X Factor, and Mystic Meg.
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Josh Windass and Matt Crooks are both available for Accrington's fixture with Notts. On Wednesday the duo signed pre-contract terms with Scottish side Rangers to move to Ibrox in the summer, but Stanley manager John Coleman confirmed they will be considered as normal in the meantime.
Joe Wright, Brad Halliday and Liam Wakefield all extended deals with the east Lancashire club until the end of the season this week so will also stay in the reckoning.
Central defender Dean Winnard, however, has been absent since mid-November.
Notts caretaker managers Mick Halsall and Richard Dryden expect to have Alan Smith available, despite the experienced midfielder holding transfer talks with League Two leaders Plymouth.
Scot Bennett will be back in the squad after returning from his loan spell at Newport. It was hoped the defender would be able to feature last weekend against Oxford but international clearance was not received in time.
Bennett will be vying for a recall to the starting line-up along with the likes of Thierry Audel, Curtis Thompson, Jimmy Spencer and Ronan Murray.
Midfielder Liam Noble will complete a four-match suspension while winger Will Hayhurst remains a long-term injury absentee.
Chris
Former Notts County shot-stopper Fabian Spiess has joined Boston United, after the Pilgrims struggled to fulfil the position prior.

The 21-year-old German born player is poised to go straight into Boston’s squad ahead of their trip to Curzon Ashton within the National League North. Spiess enjoyed breaking through the youth system, in place at Notts as a promising teenager, making nine senior first appearances during his time at Meadow Lane.

Before later moving out on loan to Bristol Rovers, then signing permanently Torquay United and later Alfreton Town.

Despite remaining largely on the bench for the Magpies’, after Northern Ireland international Roy Carroll, the 21-year-old caught the attention of Liverpool and spent several weeks training with the Premier League team at the end of last season.

Unfortunately a move to the former European giants wasn’t on the cards and Spiess was let go by then County boss Ricardo Moniz during the summer clear-out.

Spiess’s arrival to the Pilgrims, will see him most likely start against Curzon subject to ratification by the National League and Football Association.
Join in the discussions within our community forum - Here. Let us know your opinion on this story below.
Chris
The easiest thing to do during difficult seasons is to depart terms with your manager, yet this leaves repercussions and after a recession, you can sort of lose your identity and over the years, especially since running and starting the Pride of Nottingham website – I have spoken about this in the form of securing the better players within any Notts County squad.

Yet for me, despite craving success and stability – I am prepared to see things pan out some of the time.

I don’t think this can be applied with players. Yes managers prefer to build their own squad, yet often the first thing they do is recall players who are out on loan to access the depth and strengths of his new team.

I am also undecided if we could have afforded to give Ricardo Moniz a little longer, everyone will say they ‘grew tired’ of defending and again, this is something I can apply myself to but I do feel this is where a ‘sensible’ appointment comes down to it.

Of course, there’s no guarantee that managers who have a good track record will be able to work their magic, yet for me – I think this is more possible with the right foundations in place before any changes are made, certainly before they are released.

I hope that the next manager is someone who can build and retain a ‘core’, which will allow us to build properly as we attempt to move forward and ultimately I think this makes it easier on managers.

I couldn’t personally imagine going out and signing x amount of players, I mean this isn’t Football Manager 2016 and we don’t have the ability to just continue the circle.

Ricardo’s biggest downfall for me stems from his first and only fans’ forum – ‘Small Squad’ and ‘English players’. Now don’t get me wrong, Stanley Aborah for example is a very classy player but then you look at the same team sheet and realise Civard Sprockel is perhaps one of the worst to wear a Notts shirt in the last 10 years – even if he manages to last 45 minutes unlike some within the same class.

I think the point is, we should have seen that as the warning sign – was it his sole decision regarding transfers? And the policy to look overseas?

Perhaps like the many whom tell me Ricardo literally had no idea, yet I do think he tried too hard to impress.

For this reason, I do not blame him for not having placed us closer to the play-offs or the fact that we have conceded some awful goals so far this season – Roy Carroll anyone? I also acknowledge he leaves behind a decent squad, so it’s important the next manager can get to grips with it.

Whilst stamping his mark on our club, on his squad and we all learn to move forward forgetting the past.
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Chris
Accrington Stanley are flying high at the moment, they are currently 7th, yet despite being just outside of the play-off zone – they retain games in hand over Wycombe Wanderers and Bristol Rovers. The Magpies stats are known to all, we have not won since the opening day away to Stevenage.

Lancashire based Stanley will be hoping to keep Notts quiet at the Crown Ground, with the expectation being placed upon them to return back to the play-offs.

They have won three of their last six games, having drawn two and losing once, Stanley are 9 points above Notts with 39 points in total.

Run-down of their last six games.

Saturday 14th November – Accrington Stanley 2 Newport County 2
Saturday 21st November – Cambridge United 2 Accrington Stanley 3
Saturday 28th November – York City 1 Accrington Stanley 5
Saturday 19th December – Stevenage 1 Accrington Stanley 1
Monday 28th December – Northampton Town 1 Accrington Stanley 0
Saturday 2n January – Mansfield Town 2 Accrington Stanley 3

The Players – Fact Sheet

Highest Goal Scorers; Billy Kee 10, Sean McConville 5, Terry Gornell 2 and Piero Mingoi 2.

Persistent Foulers; Tom Davies 6 yellow cards, Dean Winnard 5 yellow cards, Matty Pearsoan 5 yellow cards and Billy Kee 4.

The Key Players.

At the back Tom Davies has been putting in steady performances, he likes to push players onto their weaker foot and this is something which he does extremely well.

The Stanley squad consist of a solid unit, which works well together, and for me personally, I would highlight Piero Mingoia as the midfielder who is their driving force, and yet they have some decent options upfront.

None more so than Stanley's highest goal scorer Billy Kee, he is a tricky forward whom partners well upfront and works well within the Stanley system. Another player, which deserves a mention, is Sean McConville who can really offer more mobility to their attacking movement and forward play.

Style of Play, Strengths, and Weaknesses.

Accrington Stanley are a well setup team, who’s tactics frequently show alot of understanding to the dynamics in which their opposition possess. They are a unit based side, typically considered to be no thrills but they can get the job done.

Their ability to play basic football bodes well, as this allows them to take the simpler approach within games.

Yet at times they can play some very solid attacking football, with both energy and pace and this allows them to break sides down.

Weaknesses for me will be found with their right side of the field, I believe Stanley are stronger on the left and if we aim to play the ball through the centre of the park – Notts must be as direct as possible.

Aerial threats will be a way for the Magpies’ to gain chances, which should suit both Jon Stead and Izale McLeod – provided we apply ourselves well.
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Joe Jones
Leyton Orient president Francesco Becchetti has admitted part of a Football Association misconduct charge.
Television pictures appeared to show him aiming a kick at his club's assistant boss Andy Hessenthaler after their 3-2 win against Portsmouth on Boxing Day.
A club statement said Becchetti accepted his actions on the touchline were 'improper conduct', but added that he "strongly denied" it was violent conduct and had requested a personal FA hearing.
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League Two side Luton Town have appointed Brighton & Hove Albion first-team coach Nathan Jones as their new manager on a two-and-a-half-year deal.
The 42-year-old Welshman, who enters his first permanent managerial role, succeeds John Still, who was sacked last month.
Luton, on a run of one win from their last nine games, sit 15th in the table.
"We believe we have found the best man to lead the club's footballing aspirations forward," chief executive Gary Sweet told the club website. 
"Nathan is a professional, disciplined, strong and open-minded character who is going to install a hard-working team ethic and, importantly, the prospect of fast-flowing football to Kenilworth Road.
"The board believe Nathan will modernise our club's football culture, blending the elements of our footballing heritage with a modern, forward-thinking philosophy.
"As a club we realise a change of thinking will not happen overnight, but we are already excited at the prospect of Nathan's ideas and vision for Luton Town."
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Accrington Stanley manager John Coleman has accused Josh Windass and Matt Crooks of disrespecting his club on social media after sealing their moves.
The pair have signed pre-contract deals at Rangers after snubbing the chance to stay with the League Two side.
But Coleman has slammed the duo for their posts on social media about making the switch to a 'massive club'.
He said: “I don’t get embroiled in social media but I do think going on and seeing the players had tweeted about ‘buzzing to play for a massive club’ is disrespectful to our fans.
“Our fans have backed them through thick and thin and I do think there should be more respect in place. When I became a manager, my ethos was always to treat players how I would want to be treated and I just wish there had been more communication from the players to myself.
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Plymouth Argyle manager Derek Adams has admitted that he hopes to start contract negotiations with his players soon.
Most of his squad are out of contract in the summer, with players such as Graham Carey, Reuben Reid and Jake Jervis able leave the club for nothing.
"I hope to do that very soon," Adams said when asked when talks would begin.
"I just need to get the go ahead to do that and then we'll be in a place to speak to the players because I think that's important."
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Cambridge United left-back Greg Taylor has been ruled out for the rest of the season as he requires ankle surgery.
The 25-year-old has made 19 appearances for Shaun Derry's side this term, but was injured in the Boxing Day victory over Dagenham & Redbridge.
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Midfielder Michael Collins has left Oxford United by mutual consent, having failed to make an appearance for the League Two club this season.
The 29-year-old played 42 games for the Us after joining from Scunthorpe in the summer of 2014.
The former Huddersfield player spent time on loan at York City earlier this season, making seven appearances.
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Hartlepool manager Ronnie Moore has claimed his side's extended break might help them in Saturday's FA Cup third-round tie against Championship side Derby.
Pools have not played since 19 December after their games with Notts County, Carlisle and Newport were postponed.
"It's unusual, missing the Christmas period. I've never had that, only when I'm out of work," Moore told BBC Tees.
"Hopefully it's come at the right time, maybe we needed a bit of a break and hopefully we can kick on."
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Bristol Rovers have signed Shrewsbury Town club captain Liam Lawrence.
Lawrence, 34, has played 23 times for Shrewsbury this season, having joined them from Barnsley in July 2014.
The former Republic of Ireland midfielder, who won 15 caps for his country, started his career at Mansfield and has also played for Sunderland, Stoke and Portsmouth.
 
What are your thoughts on this week's news in League Two? Visit the Pride of Nottingham forum and join the conversation.
Joe Jones
Richard Dryden has played down reports of Alan Smith leaving Notts County, insisting that he is still in the squad for now.
Plymouth Argyle have reportedly offered Smith a deal until the end of next season, with the 35-year-old keen to extend his playing career before moving into coaching.
A photo emerged on Wednesday of what appeared to be Smith walking alongside Pilgrims manager Derek Adams in the Devon city.
Dryden, however, told reporters on Thursday: "Alan is in the squad.
"Alan is Alan. He comes in and works hard, people look up to him as a leader.
"He's going to be involved with us from now until the end of the season hopefully. I take it he is still going to be here."
Do you want Alan Smith to remain part of the Notts team, or are you happy to see him head to the South West? Visit the Pride of Nottingham forum and join the conversation.
Joe Jones
Two new names have emerged in the running for the Notts County manager’s job.
One of those is Grimsby Town boss Paul Hurst, who led his side to the Conference play-off final last season, which they lost to Bristol Rovers at Wembley.
Hurst was a teammate of Notts head of recruitment Guy Branston at Rotherham United when they won promotion to the second tier in 2001.
The Magpies are said to have been monitoring Hurst, whose side have lost just two of their last 14 league and cup matches, racking up nine wins in the process.
Grimsby have also recorded an emphatic 3-0 win over Notts in pre-season, a display that the Kop faithful still refer to today as a particularly poor performance from their side.
As well as Hurst, Northampton manager Chris Wilder's odds also shortened dramatically as he was installed as second favourite. 
Wilder is based in Sheffield and played for Notts in the 1996/97 season. He was reportedly considered for the Cambridge United job, which was eventually given to ex-Magpies gaffer Shaun Derry.
The Cobblers, who are second in League Two, have been plagued by off the field problems, but have since been taken over by Kelvin Thomas, who was Wilder's chairman at Oxford United.
Chris
The Crown Ground is the next destination for both club and fans, as we prepare for the game ourselves - we provide you with all the information required to safely secure your travel and tickets before the game. This information is provided with the latest known details as of 06/01/2016 and may be subject to change.

If you are planning to travel via coach, we have listed all the current options known to us below.

Notts County have been allocated 200 tickets, you can pay on the day also. For all information leading to up-to the away day, you will find within this article.

Match Tickets are priced at:

£15.00 - Adults
£10.00 - Seniors (64 years and above)
£10.00 - Students (I.D required)
£10.00 - Under 17's
£0.00 - Under 12's

*must be purchased with an adult or senior ticket.

Supporters Club travel is as follows:

Coach leaves at: Saturday 9th January at 10am
Adults: £20
Under 16’s: £14
Under 11’s: One FREE with each paying adult.

To book your seat, please contact: 07946021408

Official travel is as follows:

Coach leaves at: Saturday 9th January at 10:00am
Adults: £20
Under 18’s: £10

For more information please visit the OS website - Here
Pride of Nottingham wishes all Notts safe travelling. You Pies!!
super_ram
League Two Preview Saturday 9th January 2016 and Tuesday 12th January 2016.

It's a much reduced League Two programme this Saturday due to teams participating in the 3rd round of the FA Cup, so this week I've included the two midweek games in my preview.

*Important games **Key Game

Saturday 9/1/2016
**Accrington v Notts County – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (2-0)
Wimbledon v Carlisle – Postponed
*Barnet v Bristol Rovers – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (0-1)
*Crawley v Cambridge – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (1-1)
*Mansfield v Stevenage – Kick Off 3:00pm – Score Prediction (2-0)
With there being so few games it gives those teams that are playing a chance to take advantage and improve on their league positions so for that reason all this weeks fixtures are important games and again I've made Notts' game the key fixture.

Bristol Rovers will be hoping to maintain their play off hopes and put pressure on the teams around them at the expense of Barnet, who themselves will be hoping to shoot up the table.

Likewise Crawley and particularly Cambridge will be hoping for maximum points to push up the table.

Mansfield can also return closer to the play off places though Stevenage could easily help their own cause and climb further up the congested mid table places.

Tuesday 12th January 2016

*Morecambe v Exeter – Kick Off 19:45 – Score Prediction (1-0)
*Plymouth v Northampton – Kick Off 19:45 – Score Prediction (2-0)

Morecambe are 1 point better off than Exeter but again both teams have a chance to keep their play off hopes alive.

The real stand out game of the weekend could see Plymouth extend their lead at the head of League Two to 6 points but Northampton could, with a win, catch them up.

Once again I feature Notts as my key game.

**Accrington v Notts County

At the time of writing Mick Halsall and Richard Dryden are still temporarily in charge of team affairs with Notts 9 points short of a play off place.

Accrington, at 7th, occupy the last play off place in League Two with 39 points and have played two games less than Notts.

When Notts played Accrington earlier in the season on Saturday 22 August it ended 1–1 with a 90th minute equalizer by the visitors cancelling out Burke's 76th minute opener.

In the 2011/12 season League One Notts beat League Two Accrington 4–1 in the 1st round of the FA Cup but Accrington got their revenge last season winning a replay 2–1 after a goalless draw at Meadow Lane.

Notts really need all 3 points to give the new manager, whoever that may be, any real hope of resurrecting Notts' season. I've gone 2–0 to Accrington, please prove me wrong Notts.
Joe Jones
Notts County midfielder Alan Smith will wait until a new manager is in place before discussing his future, according to reports.
The 35-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and is said to be on the radar of Plymouth Argyle, an offer that he is considering.
According to the Nottingham Post he has informed the Magpies board that he is happy to stay should they offer him a new deal, but will speak to the new boss over his role at Meadow Lane going forward.
A poll carried out by the Plymouth Herald found that 68 percent of Argyle fans would welcome the former Manchester United man at Home Park.
Would you like to see Smudger remain at Meadow Lane, or is it time for him to go? Visit the Pride of Nottingham forum and join the conversation.
Chris
The start of this years campaign, especially pre-season seemed a million miles away at the beginning and the slow build-up – although not uncommon, it did seem slower than normal. As I waited for signings to be announced, I hoped that by this stage we might be on verge on gaining promotion however, at the moment in time this seems far away.

My entail optimism only peaked once signings like Scot Bennet, Gill Swerts and Scott Loach had been made.

In this article, I will give a player-by-player review and share my thoughts on the main ones.

Roy Carroll – Was a shining light in the previous campaign, however I do share similar concerns regarding performances put in by the Magpies number one, although he often keeps us within games, I just find him to be largely inconsistent – yet to be fair, this may improve with a steady back four willing to protect our goal.

Verdict – B. It’s easy to point the finger, however without some of his spectacular saves we may be in some serious trouble considering the amount of goals conceded but I have no doubts, he must step it up.

Mawouna Amevor – Looked very promising at Stevenage, the towering defender looked quite ideal for League Two – however I largely feel he hasn’t been given a fair chance and hopefully under our new manager he will.

Verdict – C. He just hasn’t given us a glimpse of what he can do, yet I firmly believe he may be part of the solution once settled.

Haydn Hollis – The young, home-grown prospect has been out of favour since losing his confidence in the earlier part of the season but against Oxford United recently – I felt he has shown exactly why he’s useful to have around.

Verdict – C. He needs to focus on his distribution and concentration, yet I must praise him for being one of the only defenders to timely place last-ditch tackles and I do believe more will come with time.

Mike Edwards – A player that no doubt many didn’t expect to see feature as much as he has done so far, yet he’s shown us why he earned the nickname the ‘phoenix’ and some of his goals have been crucial within this campaign – he just needs to complete his first hat trick!

Verdict – C+. There’s no dispute that ‘Steady Eddie’ has lost his pace, yet his awareness and calm influence at the back has largely helped.

Elliot Hewitt – Another player who has pleasantly surprised us so far this season, he looks a brilliant prospect and his general game is a joy to watch considering he’s a defender. Since his first start, I believe he sums up what we require from more players whom don’t regularly start – you must take what chances you get and he has done.

Verdict – B. I agree his defence side could largely improve but I genuinely believe this will with time. Going forward he’s smart and isn’t afraid to contribute, yet the most promising thing for me is his versatility and dedication towards making important runs.

Gill Swerts – One of the players I thought liked sheer class pre-season and I felt he would have established himself as a fan favourite by now. However, this isn’t the case and he has largely found himself expelled from the starting line-up.

Verdict – D. Being played out of position hasn’t helped, neither has being repeatedly moved around. As a right back, he looked a far different player than that of a left or centre back.

Thierry Audel – Another player I hoped to see better from, however unlike Swerts – I cannot say the same about Audel and he has been largely disappointing for me. When he shows greatness, it’s often deflected by his inability to make the right decision when it comes to his distribution and I find his first touch requiring greater focus, as I do with his passing.

Verdict – D. Simply not good enough so far, by far one of the most frustrating players but largely because you can see he’s a talented player.

Alan Sheehan – His return symbolized something majorly lacking the 2015/16 squad and that is passion, belief in his own ability and pride for the shirt hes worn whilst on loan.

Verdict – B. Please sign him up, so we can see him further help improve the back four.

Alan Smith – For a period, he looked to be getting increasingly useful and his crunching tackles are something I feel gives Notts a presence on the field. However, his form seems to dip and likewise does his ability to fit in.

Verdict – D. Unarguably he could be far more consistent if used as a rotational player, I personally would prefer to see him utilized in games, which require his no nonsense approach.

Curtis Thompson – No doubt he should have featured far more under Ricardo Moniz, his energy and hunger is clear as day. He isn’t afraid to work hard for the team and it’s pleasing to see him score this season, I firmly believe with the right centre pairing he would continue to dazzle Notts fans.

Verdict – C+. His confidence dipped a bit mid-way through but with the chance, he will continue work hard and overcome these obstacles in my opinion.

Liam Noble – Has come into his element within League Two, with his attitude and influence being key in stages. Despite the two red cards and three yellows, he has given many moments of brilliance and offers so much more than goals. He is a true leader within our midfield and the passion which elites his game is showing us - we must use this to our advantage.

Verdict – B. We need him for selection, there are no arguments about that and he just needs to be a little more wiser.

Stanley Aborah – One of the best signings to have worn a Notts shirt for some time, he could easily fit within a lower to mid-tier Championship team. His passing, movement and skill provides us the entertainment we have lacked. With a more consistent Notts County, I believe Stanley could be a player which enables us to push for promotion.

Verdict – B+. Just brilliant, keep him fit and available – we could build around him and finally move forward.

Graham Burke – Despite being another player who’s youth career I had followed, I wasn’t keen on this signing as I wasn’t sure where he could feature but on merit it has proven to be a useful squad addition and within time – the glimpses we see in games, like against his former club Aston Villa – it will highlight just how wise this purchase was.

Verdict – C+. Prior to the dip in our form and confidence, I think Burke would be pushing for a B – yet he’s drifted out of things as of lately and we need to see his spark return.

Adam Campbell – When some questioned his height, I instantly knew what an asset Campbell could be for us if we could feature him wisely. Having followed his career at Newcastle, the signing pleased me and he gives us electricity with his rapid pass and if he can perfect his finishing (which anyone who’s seen his youth career will know he’s got within locker) he will go on to further prove himself.

Verdict – B+. He’s proven he can play on the wing, recently hasn’t contributed what I believe he can but no doubt he’s worth his weight in gold (and more). As a fan recently told me during ‘Meet the Fans’ he’s got the appearance of being a value marketable assist (which is rare for us).

Jon Stead – One of the signings, which I argued at the start of the season, he wouldn’t get us goals. Which on reflection seems harsh but true. What he gives us is a player upfront willing to give 100%, yet that said, I would prefer to see him partner McLeod and remain an option upfront – rather than drifting back or onto the flank.

Verdict – C. He could be more lethal as a striker, we know he has an eye for goal and a pass but sadly, by the time chances come – he often seems too tired.

Izale McLeod – Honestly? He frustrates the life out of me. He has the talent, which is present with confidence and when we play to his strengths, he’s a good natural striker. Yet for me, his constant diving (or going down easily) just punishes us and it’s not necessary. Whilst he goes absent far too often in games, yet he is what he is.

Verdict – C+. He gets the goals, which we have been missing, and likewise with Aborah we can build around him – yet I hope he works on the negative side of his game a little more.

Within the upcoming days, I will publish another catching up on some of the players I haven’t featured and of course who could do a job for us – if we decide to tweak our squad better.
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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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