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Joe Jones
Notts County defender Blair Adams has thanked Mansfield Town manager Adam Murray for helping restore his confidence after former boss Ricardo Moniz froze him out of the Magpies first team.
The 24-year-old played for Notts in Saturday's 2-0 defeat to AFC Wimbledon, his first game for the Magpies since returning from a three-month loan spell with the Stags.
Murray admitted that he wanted to sign the left-back on a permanent deal, but new Notts manager Jamie Fullarton decided to keep his player at Meadow Lane.
Adams said: "I was in talks to extend my stay and to be honest I thought I would be going there. But at the last minute, I've ended up coming back for the new manager to have a good look at me in training. I must have done something right because he has kept me here
"I've had a smile on my face which I had lost earlier in the season because it was hard coming in under the previous manager knowing I wouldn't be in the team. It was so good to get back in the team because it got rid of a lot of frustration
"But I would just like to thank Mansfield and Adam Murray because he has been one of the best managers I've worked with. He gave me my confidence back and I was enjoying each game. I would like to wish them all the best because they were absolutely brilliant with me."
Adams, who arrived from Coventry City in 2014 and has made 43 appearances for Notts, is now hoping to finish the season by playing as many games as possible before resolving his future in the summer when his contract at Meadow Lane runs out.
"I just want to keep my place in the team for as long as possible now," he continued. "I've played left wing, and while I can play there and have done plenty of times, I don't think it's my strongest position.
"I played in midfield plenty of times under Shaun Derry last season, but at the moment it's just about playing and enjoying myself. Once we get to the summer, then we will see what happens.”
Should Blair Adams continue to feature in the Notts first team? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the community, visiting the forum and joining the discussion.
super_ram
Ah well, back to square one as Jamie Fullarton's first home game in charge of Notts ends in a very disappointing 2–0 defeat to Wimbledon.

Here are the League Two results for the weekend:

Saturday 23rd January 2016

Bristol Rovers 1–1 Plymouth
Cambridge 1–1 Hartlepool
Carlisle 1–1 York
Exeter 2–1 Accrington
Mansfield 0–2 Luton
Newport 2–2 Dagenham & Redbridge
Northampton 3–1 Morecambe
Notts County 0–2 Wimbledon
Portsmouth 0–1 Oxford United
Wycombe 0–2 Leyton Orient
Yeovil 2–1 Crawley

Today there were 3 home wins, 4 away wins and 4 draws.

League Two Update

Northampton's 3–1 home win over Morecambe sees them open up a 2 point lead at the top of League Two with 58 points and a game in hand, over Plymouth who drop to 2nd, on 56 points after drawing 1–1 with 4th placed Bristol City, while Oxford remain 3rd with 51 points after winning away at 5th placed Portsmouth who have 44 points.

Accrington lost 2–1 to 13th placed Exeter but stay 6th from only 24 games on 42 points. The same total as 7th placed Wimbledon who won 2–0 away at Notts County, who have played 27 games.

Leyton Orient move up to 8th from 27 games and level on 40 points now with 9th Wycombe where they won away 2–0 this weekend.

At the other end of the League Two table York stay bottom with 17 points from 26 games despite getting a 1–1 away draw at 10th placed Carlisle who remain just outside the play off places with 39 points from 25 games.

A 2–2 draw between Newport and Dagenham & Redbridge sees the latter club fall into the other relegation spot at 23rd with 20 points from 27 games with the former club remaining 20th with 24 points from 26.

Yeovil move out of the relegation zone up to 22nd with 20 points from 22 games after beating Crawley 2–1, who fall to 16th with 34 points from 28 games.

Hartlepool have 24 points, the same as Newport but are 1 place lower at 21st from 24 games after drawing 1–1 at 12th placed Cambridge on 38 points from 28 games.

Notts County have dropped down to 17th with 33 points the same as 18th placed Barnet who have played 28 games, which is two more than The Magpies.

The gap between 7th placed Wimbledon with 42 points and 17th placed Notts is now 9 points although The Wombles have played an extra game. Notts also have a 13 point cushion from the bottom end.

Upcoming fixtures

League Two – Tuesday 26th January 2016

Leyton Orient v Newport
Morecambe v Mansfield

Notts' are next in action on Saturday 30th January 2016 away at Luton with a 3:00pm kick off.

The Hatters are two places higher and have 34 points, only one point ahead of Notts, so a must win game if Notts intend to seriously push on for promotion.

Will there be any changes to The Magpies personnel before the transfer window closes? Can Jamie Fullarton come up with another away victory?
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Chris
Jamie Fullarton’s first Notts County home game saw the Magpies take on phoenix club AFC Wimbledon, a side bidding to make it eight games unbeaten away.

Pride of Nottingham spoke to several Notts fans before the game about how they think Jamie Fullarton had done so far at the Meadow Lane helm, whether Liam Noble and Blair Adams should be in the squad, whether more signings needed to be made and what they thought the day’s result would be.
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shepshedpie
A cracking game in prospect with the Notts Youth team in 7th place taking on local rivals Burton Albion who were 8th. Notts were five points behind the leaders but with a game in hand - so a win was needed to keep up with the league leaders. Back in August Burton had won the first meeting between the teams 2-0 so Notts were looking to avenge that defeat. Although cold it was a lovely sunny morning at Arnold FC's ground with Burton Albion's first team manager, Nigel Clough, in attendance.

In a keenly contested game it was Burton who took control of the game in the early stages with Notts battling hard to get into the game and it was against the run of play on 32 minutes when Notts took the lead. A high ball was dropped by the Burton keeper straight at the feet of Notts top scorer, Montel Gibson, who made no mistake despatching the ball into the empty net.

Seven minutes later Notts went further ahead when an absolutely unstoppable rocket from Kieran Blaney found the top corner of the net. There was no further scoring in the first half so the young 'Pies went to their half-time refreshment with a comfortable 2-0 lead.

The second half saw Notts facing into both the sun and the wind. Burton came out for the second half and put Notts under pressure right from the start of the game. On 51 minutes Burton forced themselves back into the game when they took advantage of a defensive error to make the score 2-1.

Six minutes later and Burton completed their comeback when a corner was headed powerfully into the net for 2-2. It looked bad for Notts as the momentum had swung completely in Burton's favour.

Once again Notts fought hard to wrestle control from Burton and on 60 minutes they regained the lead when a free kick from Jack McMillan cleared the wall and beat the 'keeper for a 3-2 lead.

Notts took control of the game once again and on 77 minutes Jordan Aghatise sealed the victory with a fourth goal for the young 'Pies slotting home in a goalmouth scramble following a corner. Notts confidently saw out the remaining time to clinch another three points in their bid to climb the table.

This was a cracking game of football to watch. It was keenly contested by both teams and the Notts lads never stopped fighting especially when Burton seemed to be getting on top coming back from 0-2 down to level at 2-2 - but Notts somehow stepped up to another gear.

Next Saturday Notts are away at Grimsby Town.
Add your thoughts on the youth team below | Don't forget to check out our latest discussions - Here.
Joe Jones
Notts County manager Jamie Fullarton has blamed fine margins for his side’s League Two defeat against AFC Wimbledon.
The Dons recorded a 2-0 victory at Meadow Lane to extend their unbeaten run to six games, with striker Tom Elliott and winger Andy Barcham bagging the goals to give the new Magpies boss a loss in his first home game.
Fullarton said: "Major incidents in games change how they pan out. They scored a fantastic goal after about ten minutes just moments after we had hit the post. If that goes in, you are on the front foot.
"But their goal took the wind out of our sails a little bit because we had been playing with a good bit of intensity. 
“We had a positive action in everything we did, but sometimes you just have to hold your hands up. It was a fantastic goal by them so you have to give them credit.
"While we never created many clear-cut chances, the intent was there to win the game.
"But it's back to work this week, and win, lose, or draw it's important to remain on an even keel."
Notts slip to 17th in League Two following their defeat.
What did you make of Saturday’s game? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing into the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones
Jamie Fullarton’s first home game in charge of Notts County ended in a limp defeat as AFC Wimbledon outplayed the hosts their 2-0 win at Meadow Lane on Saturday.
The Magpies started brightly enough and saw Blair Adams head against the post following a pinpoint cross from Wes Atkinson.
In the ninth minute, however, Neal Ardley’s charges took the lead in exhilarating fashion as a good team move which included a deft backheel was finished off by Tom Elliott’s powerful drive past Roy Carroll.
Notts laboured in a bid to get themselves level, which proved tricky given the referee was guilty of a number of disputable decisions, but Izale McLeod missed a good chance early in the second half.
The Dons then hit the woodwork themselves when Lyle Taylor flicked into the path of Andy Barcham, who smashed a shot against the bar.
Boss Neal Ardley would have wondered whether they would rue such a miss, but Barcham made amends when he doubled their lead from just inside the box on 83 minutes.
Fullarton’s side threw everything forward in a bid to get a result, but the Dons comfortably held out to make it eight games unbeaten away from home and condemn the former Nottingham Forest youth coach to his first defeat.
 
What did you think of the result? Let us know by joining the Pride of Nottingham forum and getting involved in the conversation.
Joe Jones
Jamie Fullarton has admitted he is in "no rush" to make new signings for Notts County as he prepares to enter the final week of the transfer window. 
The new manager is yet to add new blood to his squad, stressing that he is keen to give every player the chance to impress before deciding on incomings or outgoings.
As a result, Blair Adams is to stay at Meadow Lane instead of extending his loan at Mansfield Town, while Alan Smith’s supposed move to Plymouth Argyle was called off by the veteran midfielder.
"I know the window shuts at the end of January, but I am keen to stress there is no rush," Fullarton said. 
"That's because the loan window reopens in February and that's something we can take advantage of.
"I'm under no pressure and I am happy working with the squad I have got.
"I have had conversations with players that have been in this new environment for the last two weeks.
"I've wanted to see what they think, where they stand and how they feel. And I am pleased to say that Alan has preferred to stay at Notts County and work with us."
The only player to leave the club this window has been Nicky Wroe who left the club by mutual consent and has since signed for FC Halifax.
 
Should Fullarton make some signings before the closure of the transfer window? Let us know by signing up to Pride of Nottingham, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones
Notts County have only ever played AFC Wimbledon once, earlier this season, and the outcome was a 2-1 win to the opposition.
The Magpies have also played no more than a handful of games against the original Wimbledon side – and the record is equally poor, with four defeats and two draws against them.
If we take the new incarnation of Wimbledon to be a continuation of the old one, it means we have never won against them – a record we will want to put right on Saturday.
The club was founded by Wimbledon F.C. supporters in June 2002 as a direct reaction to the decision by an independent three man commission appointed by the Football Association to allow the original club Wimbledon to relocate to Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire, about 56 miles north of Wimbledon. 
The large majority of Wimbledon F.C. supporters very strongly opposed the idea of moving the club so far, feeling that a club transplanted to Milton Keynes would no longer represent Wimbledon F.C.'s legacy and traditions, and, having campaigned against the proposed move, viewed its official sanctioning as the "death of their club".
AFC Wimbledon considers itself a spiritual successor or "phoenix" version of the original team, as Wimbledon F.C. physically moved in 2003 and then changed the name the club to Milton Keynes Dons in 2004.
When AFC Wimbledon was formed, it affiliated to both the London and Surrey Football Associations, and entered the Premier Division of the Combined Counties League, which is the ninth tier in English football. 
In its short history, the club has been extremely successful, being promoted five times in nine seasons, and going up from the ninth tier (Combined Counties Premier) to the fourth (League Two). 
The only other club considered to have completed this feat is the now dissolved Rushden & Diamonds.
AFC Wimbledon holds the record of the longest unbeaten run of league matches in English senior football, having played 78 consecutive league games without a defeat between February 2003 and December 2004.
They hold the distinction of being the first club to be formed in the 21st century to make it into the Football League.
By far their most notable player is Adebayo Akinfenwa, who regularly tops the FIFA videogame strength ratings. Unsurprising really, as he would not look out of place propping up a rugby scrum.
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Notts County’s new manager Jamie Fullarton should  have striker Izale McLeod back from an ankle injury for his first home game.
Midfielder Liam Noble, meanwhile, returns from a four-game ban following a second red card of the season in mid-December.
AFC Wimbledon could be without George Francomb and Jake Reeves - both had fitness tests yesterday.
The other absentee is Will Nightingale, who might not return until the end of the season.
 
Discuss this article by joining the Pride of Nottingham community, visiting the forum and getting involved in the conversation.
Chris
A lot has been said during the period whereby Alan Smith was rumoured to be joining Plymouth Argyle, which I must admit I wasn’t all that bothered about. However, I do think Smith will be a great coach and someone ideal to have around as a backroom member of staff.

It’s just hard to envision him playing week in and out for Notts, perhaps as a part player who can make an impact in the important games – whereby a little grit in midfield will help Notts in those tough matches?

I do believe we can afford to allow players who will feature less this season permission to leave the club.

Yet at the time, I made the point about how a player like Alan Smith is important to have around other players such as Curtis Thompson – young hungry players looking to establish themselves and their careers.

He may also be an asset to Jamie Fullarton, who will require all the experience and help he can find.

As a new manager looking to gain managerial experience after a wealth of experience working with young players, it seems ideal to have someone who has been at the top and remained there for the majority of their career.

I’ve made it no secret that I believe Jamie Fullarton should have his own assistant, I still hope to see news filter out about this but in the meantime, I am sure the new Notts manager Jamie Fullarton will have other people to help him.

I honestly feel the majority of fans will realise it’s important for him to have his own No.2 and someone who he feels can guide him with the day to day tasks of football management.

Can Alan Smith be someone who can temporarily fill this gap, along with Richard Dryden?

Both Ricardo Moniz and Shaun Derry struggled during the tough tests faced, yet on paper, both had very good support in Dave Kevan and Greg Abbott. It’s for that reason why I feel it’s of vast importance but in the meanwhile – since Notts will be looking to gain a form of stability.

Maybe, just maybe Alan Smith will be more assistance off the field than on it.

There’s no doubt that he brings many different types of benefits, from interest due to his playing career, to his personality and passion for the game.
What are your thoughts? Discuss the article below - Also, don't forget to join our match discussion - Here.
Joe Jones
Notts County will not extend defender Blair Adams’s loan spell at Mansfield Town, their manager, Adam Murray, has admitted.
New Magpies manager Jamie Fullarton has reiterated that he is keen to take a look at all of the players at his disposal after taking over at Meadow Lane.
Murray told the official Mansfield website: “Blair’s loan finished yesterday, and despite being led to believe over the past couple of weeks that Blair would be able to extend his stay with us, unfortunately Notts County have now decided against this at the last minute. As their (Notts County’s) player, they have every right to do this.
“I understand it has come about because of a mix-up in communication at their [Notts County’s] end, which led to their final decision to keep Blair Adams at Meadow Lane.
“We are obviously very disappointed as Blair was an outstanding performer for us, but like anything in this game, we will move on swiftly.”
Adams played 15 games during a three-month loan spell at Mansfield.
 
What do you make of Murray’s parting shot at Notts? And can Adams establish himself in the Notts starting line-up? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the community, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
shepshedpie
While I am always being told that the development of the young ‘Pies is always deemed to be more important than winning football matches, I am sure it is easier for the coaches to get their points across if the lads can see it gets results on a Saturday.
With that in mind, it seems a long time ago, at the end of November in fact, when the Notts youth team sat proud on top of their league.
Since then they have only played only twice, during December, losing both games, bowing out of the FA Youth Cup to an outstanding and undefeated (at the time) Luton Town team and losing 1-0 in the league on a very bumpy pitch away at Lincoln.
Since then their inactivity has seen them slide down the table to seventh place - but they are still only five points behind the leaders with a game in hand - so still everything to play for.
Many of the youth team although not playing in their own team, have been outstanding in their appearances for the Reserve team.  In fact on Tuesday, no fewer than nine youth team players were involved in the game, four in the team and another five on the bench. Some very promising youngsters coming through the system.
This Saturday they start the second half of the season at home to Burton Albion, the team just behind them in eighth place, hoping to fight their way back up the table - here's hoping for an exciting and successful 2016 for the young 'Pies.
Read more of our articles - Here | Join in with our community discussions - Here.  
Joe Jones
Former Newport County manager Justin Edinburgh is delighted that the Welsh club will benefit from Conor Washington's transfer from Peterborough to Queens Park Rangers.
The Exiles will receive nearly £1m from a 20% sell-on clause for the striker Edinburgh brought to County for £5,000.
"The money is a lifeline for a club like Newport," Edinburgh told BBC Radio Wales.
"It's a fantastic move for Conor and even more so for Newport. I'm delighted for everyone and it's worked out great for all parties.
"We gave Conor a chance, an opportunity. To see the club now get close to £1m, it's fantastic and will help the Supporters' Trust carry on what they have started there."
Washington, a former postman, left Newport for the Posh in 2014 after making 48 appearances for the South Wales club.
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Leyton Orient have signed midfielder Nigel Atangana from fellow League Two side Portsmouth on an 18-month deal for an undisclosed fee.
The 26-year-old appeared 48 times for Pompey since joining from Havant & Waterlooville in 2014, but has not played for the club since November.
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Barnet manager Martin Allen has admitted that the club have taken up the option to extend top scorer John Akinde's contract by another year.
The 26-year-old has scored 11 goals this season and a total of 43 in his 74 appearances since signing in 2014.
"I've had a chat with John Akinde and I've informed him that the club are taking up the option on his contract," Allen told Barnet's official website.
"We're happy and he's delighted. It's good news all round, and that should now settle everybody down."
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Wycombe Wanderers manager Gareth Ainsworth has claimed that, if his side replicate their FA Cup performances against Aston Villa in the league, they will "win a lot more than we lose".
The Chairboys lost their third-round replay at Villa Park 2-0 on Tuesday.
"I've said to the boys 'Some of you will get to this level'. I'm confident I've got a couple of players who will get to the Championship, Premier League," said Ainsworth.
"The problem will be holding onto some of them now."
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Bristol Rovers striker Ellis Harrison has agreed a one-month loan deal with fellow League Two side Hartlepool.
Harrison, 21, will join up with Pools on Monday having scored a winning penalty for his parent club in a 2-1 win at Oxford United on Sunday.
The Wales under-21 international has scored six goals for Rovers this season in 24 appearances.
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Stevenage have re-signed midfielder Lee Cox on loan from League Two rivals Plymouth until the end of the season.
Cox featured in six games for Boro earlier this season after joining the club on a one-month loan in November.
The 25-year-old, who is out of contract in the summer, has made 42 appearances for Argyle since joining the club from Swindon Town in May 2014.
Share your thoughts on the League Two news below - Find more content | Here.
Chris
Plymouth Argyle has been rumoured to have offered an 18-month deal to Alan Smith back in late December, however, the Notts midfielder looks set to turn down the move and remain amongst the ranks at Meadow Lane.
News emerged via Twitter after an image picturing Smith posing for a photo with a young football fan. Later on the same day, another photograph depicting Smith meeting up with Argyle manager Derek Adams was shared amongst social media.
Yet the magpies' are believed to have given Smith permission to talk to Plymouth Argyle, but it is now understood that after having had time to speak to the new Notts manager Jamie Fullarton, Smith has decided to see out his remaining deal at Meadow Lane, which expires at the end of the season.
Smith is believed to be one of the lowest earners at Notts, as he has made it clear he is not motivated by money. His decision to remain as a Notts County player will be well received by the dressing room, with Smith a popular figure among other team mates and he will be keen to now impress Notts manager Jamie Fullarton who had named Smith as one of his substitutes in the 1-0 away win last Saturday against Crawley Town.
So far he has managed to have made 17 appearances, with Smith being in contention for selection against AFC Wimbledon on Saturday.
However, some Notts fans may have wished for Alan Smith to be one of few players to depart Meadow Lane - as we sort to reduce the current playing squad.
Join in with our popular discussions: Would you bet against your own team? Discover more content - Here. 
Joe Jones
Notts County manager Jamie Fullarton has confirmed that he will be giving Blair Adams a chance to impress in the Magpies squad.
The defender has been on loan at rivals Mansfield Town for the last three months with his performances prompting Stags boss Adam Murray to offer the defender a permanent deal.
Fullarton played down reports of Adams leaving for good, saying: "Blair's loan expired this week and having only just walked through the door, I haven't had the opportunity to work with him until these last few days.
"He's back which will give me a chance to have a look at him like I will do with all the other players.
"I will give him a chance to be part of it. His attitude has been first class and he's shown intent in terms of putting into practice what I am asking.
"It was of a highly professional standard too and I'm looking forward to working with him.
"Where we are at this moment, I've been impressed with everything about him since he came back into the building.
"Mansfield have had contact with us and told us they would like him to join them which is understandable given his performances and how well he has done there.
"But he is a Notts County footballer who I want to work with and give him a different environment as to what he's had before."
Adams played just twice under previous boss Ricardo Moniz this season before being allowed to leave the Magpies.
 
Should Adams be given a run in the team? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the community, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.
Joe Jones
Notts County defender Haydn Hollis has become the second member to speak out in favour of new manager Jamie Fullarton after being given a fresh start in the starting line-up.
The 23-year-old, who was in and out of the team under previous boss Ricardo Moniz, has now started the last two games for the Magpies and was rewarded with a clean sheet in a 1-0 win at Crawley Town
"You've just got to accept that's how football can be sometimes," said Hollis.
"You can be doing really well, then find yourself out of the team. But it's a fresh start for me as it is for all the lads.
"I missed games, but when you are a professional footballer you have to stay mentally strong because you do get tested.
"You've just got to keep going. Hopefully I can now keep my place for the game against Wimbledon this weekend."
Should Hollis be given an extended run in the first team? Visit the Pride of Nottingham forum and join 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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