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PON_News
Luke Williams gave a positive injury update on Notts County's Cedwyn Scott and Junior Morias before their Easter weekend games against Wealdstone and Wrexham. Scott has been absent for over two months, having suffered an injury during their win over Barnet. He later sustained another setback on his return to the first team, keeping him out since early February. Meanwhile, Morias has not played since arriving from Dagenham and Redbridge due to a slight injury problem.
The absence of both players highlights the significance of Macaulay Langstaff, the National League's top scorer, who has netted 14 times in his last ten matches, including six consecutive games leading up to their game against Stuart Maynard's team. Langstaff broke a club record for the most goals in a league season away to Altrincham.
However, with two games in four days, including a potential title-deciding match at the Racecourse Ground, the Notts head coach provided a positive update on both Scott and Morias ahead of the final five games of the season.
"Of course, they will be important because, at the moment, Luke Williams told the Nottingham Post.
"My anxiety is very high because Macaulay is on the pitch every minute - and as you know if he does the business he normally comes off. 
"I think he is very relieved to be picking up more minutes but of course as a head coach, you always worry about having the reinforcements and firepower to be able to sustain anything that might come our way.
"It's great news to see both these guys out on the pitch and fully training with the squad.
"We have a good idea of their conditioning, so it's great news for this period of the season, now it is going to be very important for us to have a healthy squad."
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PON_News
Notts County's manager, Luke Williams, has cautioned fans against expecting a repeat of the scoreline from their earlier fixture at Grosvenor Vale as they prepare to host Wealdstone in the East Midlands this coming weekend.
In October, the Magpies had dominated their game in northwest London, scoring six goals away from home for the first time since February 1924. Macaulay Langstaff, Adam Chicksen (2), Matty Palmer, Aaron Nemane, and Geraldo Bajrami were among the scorers in the one-sided match.
However, Stuart Maynard's Wealdstone team has had a commendable campaign so far, being one of the few part-time teams in the league and vying for a play-off spot as they occupy 10th place, eight points behind Eastleigh. In their previous encounter, Maynard had admitted that the Notts squad assembled by Williams was the finest he had seen in the National League. Nevertheless, the Magpies' coach praised Maynard for the job he has done with his team this season.
Speaking to the Nottingham Post, Luke Williams said: "Without a doubt, he has done a brilliant job because when you watch them you can clearly see the work unfolding in front of you on the pitch, and they have a different set-up to us, more challenging actually.
"We are extremely well catered for and we know that and appreciate that and they have more challenges than ourselves, so really the work that Stuart has done there is excellent and of a very high level."
The playing style adopted at Grosvenor Vale has been compared to Williams' method of patient, possession-based football with a counter-attacking ability. Wealdstone showcased their excellent footballing skills in their recent fixture against Oldham, with Sonny Blu Lo-Everton scoring the winner off an 18-pass move.
Despite Notts County's impressive 6-0 win against Wealdstone earlier in the season, Williams has cautioned fans against assuming that the outcome of their upcoming fixture is already determined by the previous encounter.
"There is a lot of respect and I think to put the game at their place into context, we started the game very well and were able to score goals early on.
"The other thing we should remember from that game is that we scored goals that are very difficult to convert, so on a different day that would not have been the case.
"It was almost like the perfect storm in terms of the way we started and in terms of taking difficult opportunities to score being converted, but everything fell into place for us and once you are in front very early, you have a different confidence and play with a different freedom, and we were able to be very dominant on the day.
"We don't look at the game and think everything is going to be fine, or that this team are going to be easy to play against, we don't - we are not naïve enough to think that we were that good on the day that the result was inevitable.
"It was a combination of us playing well and good fortune that gave us that great start, so we look at them and know this team is very well coached and are a very difficult model to play against and we know that."
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PON_News
Notts County has declared that Jason Turner, a highly respected chief executive, passed away suddenly last night.
The Magpies employed Turner in 2016, and he aided the club in navigating a challenging period off the field. He was referred to as "an exceptional CEO who was respected throughout football" and had previously worked for Bath City, Newport County, Plymouth Argyle, and Cardiff City.
The official Notts County website published a statement saying: "We are devastated to report the loss of our much-loved chief executive, Jason Turner.
"Jason, who passed away suddenly last night, was appointed in 2016 and devoted himself to the club thereafter. He was an outstanding CEO who was respected across football.
"Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time."
A statement from his parents, Jen and David, read: "Words cannot express our sadness following the loss of our dear son, Jason. We understand that his colleagues and many, many friends share this emotion. While we come to terms with this news, we request that our family's privacy be respected."
We at the Pride of Nottingham would like to extend our deepest condolences to everyone at the club and to the family and friends of Jason Turner. The sudden loss of such a highly respected and dedicated Chief Executive is a profound shock to all of us.
Jason was a true visionary leader who devoted himself to the club and helped navigate it through a challenging period. His hard work and dedication will always be remembered and his contribution to the club's success will never be forgotten.
We understand the sorrow and grief that the Notts County family is feeling during this difficult time, and we would like to offer our support in any way we can. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all as you come to terms with the loss of a beloved colleague and friend.
May the legacy of Jason Turner continue to inspire and guide the club towards a brighter future.
Rest in peace, Jason.
PON_News
Notts County boss Luke Williams is facing a 'good' problem ahead of the National League clash against Altrincham on Tuesday. During Saturday's win over Scunthorpe, Williams was forced to make an early change following an incident involving Sam Slocombe. As a result, Archie Mair, who arrived on loan from Norwich City in January, was introduced for his league debut. With Tiernan Brooks away on international duty with the Republic of Ireland under-21s, Mair impressed with his composure in possession.
Despite Slocombe's injury, Williams was able to provide an encouraging update on his fitness. Speaking ahead of Tuesday's game, the Magpies manager revealed that the keeper had suffered an impact injury rather than a twist or tear. Williams added that Slocombe was experiencing discomfort but expressed confidence that the muscle would be relaxed enough to do its job and not remain contracted throughout.
As Notts County head to Altrincham, Williams may have to decide between Slocombe and Mair in the goalkeeper position. The Magpies are currently second in the National League table, three points behind Wrexham who have a game in hand. A victory over Altrincham could see them go top of the league, but Williams will need to make the right decision regarding his team selection to achieve this.
Speaking to the Nottingham Post, Luke Williams said: "Sam's in discomfort, but it is not a twist or a tear, it is an impact injury, so we have to feel confident that the muscle is relaxed enough and it can do its job and not stay contracted the whole time.
"We have a bit more time with that so we will see how he goes, but fortunately it was not a break or a tear. We will have to do a fitness test tomorrow and see where we are then."
With three goalkeepers having been utilized in Notts' previous two National League fixtures, Williams is currently faced with the daunting task of selecting his starting goalkeeper for the upcoming match tomorrow.
The Magpies' boss must weigh up the performances of all three shot-stoppers in order to determine the best candidate for the job. This has undoubtedly posed a significant selection headache for Williams, as he must choose wisely in order to secure a victory against their upcoming opponents.
"It is only good problems, Sam has played consistently well over the course of the season and Tiernan has gone in and done incredibly well, and then I thought Archie also did well at the weekend. Williams added,
"It is the perfect problem for me and I need to weigh up all things now and try to pick the most sensible decision and the one that is in the best moment to play the game - and that will be the one that goes in."
Following their win over Scunthorpe on Saturday, Connell Rawlinson praised Archie Mair's impressive performance, despite challenging circumstances. This sentiment was echoed by Notts County boss, Luke Williams.
"His first action was a big one, I think everyone in the ground took a gasp because he made a really big action to get us through the first press, and after that, he showed a good range of passing - he dropped some balls into the guys on the outside and on the angles and into the guys in midfield.
"He was able to open the game up like we want all of the guys to be able to that when they see opportunities to play right to the top of the pitch, he showed everything and it was a good display of what he has got."
Notts County boss, Luke Williams, received some relief in the defensive department with the return of Richard Brindley to the matchday squad for the first time since January. This comes as the club enters the final six games of the National League season.
However, Jodi Jones is expected to miss the upcoming game against Altrincham due to his participation in Malta's 2-0 Euro 2024 qualifier defeat against Italy. On a positive note, Williams was able to give updates on Cedwyn Scott and new signing Junior Morias, indicating they are close to making a return to action.
Williams said: "Junior joined in with the whole group today for the first time and did some conditioning after to get closer to where he needs to be.
"Cedwyn worked really hard today in conditioning to try and get him closer and closer, so the fact that both out on the grass and not inside in the gym is a great sign."
After tomorrow's match, Notts County will enjoy an 11-day break before their next National League fixture against Wealdstone at Meadow Lane. The Magpies will then face a crucial top-of-the-table clash with Wrexham on Bank Holiday Monday.
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PON_News
Notts County returned to winning form with a commanding victory over Scunthorpe in the National League, with Macaulay Langstaff scoring twice in the match.
The Magpies started strongly, with Adam Chicksen scoring in the eighth minute after a well-placed cross from Ruben Rodrigues. Just three minutes later, Scunthorpe suffered a setback when Ben Richards-Everton scored an own goal, giving Notts County a 2-0 lead.
Langstaff's first goal came in the second half, with a powerful header from a cross by Sam Austin, bringing the score to 3-0 in favour of Notts County. He then added to his tally with a stunning goal in the 76th minute, taking his goal tally to 39 for the season, which equals the club record for most goals scored in a season.
This victory was crucial for Notts County's promotion ambitions, as they bounced back from their draw against Barnet last weekend, reducing the gap between them and league leaders Wrexham to just three points.
The win was also a milestone for Notts County, as it marked their 101st league goal of the season. With this win, the Magpies will be looking to build momentum and secure their promotion to the Football League.
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PON_News
Meadow Lane is the perfect stage for Notts County, according to their manager, Luke Williams. The team is gearing up for their upcoming Community Day, which is expected to draw yet another massive crowd. This Saturday, they will host Scunthorpe United, who are currently on the opposite end of the National League table. Despite Jimmy Dean's team's impressive 4-1 victory over Wealdstone last week, they remain four points behind safety with only eight games left in their season. Meanwhile, Notts County is still in contention for the automatic promotion spot, but their aspirations took a hit during their previous encounter with fellow promotion hopefuls, Barnet, resulting in a draw.
Despite the setback, the Magpies head coach is looking forward to another thrilling match at Meadow Lane, with the added excitement of a potential sell-out crowd. The club's successful Community Day incentive, which offers discounted tickets to fans, has helped to sell over 13,000 tickets. However, Williams recognizes that Scunthorpe United will present a different challenge than their previous meeting earlier this season.
As they prepare for this weekend's game, Notts County's manager, Luke Williams, emphasised the significance of Meadow Lane, where they will host Scunthorpe United. With the club's Community Day approaching, another bumper crowd is expected to attend. Despite Jimmy Dean's side's impressive win over Wealdstone, they remain four points from safety, with only eight games left in their season. Meanwhile, Notts County is still in contention for the automatic promotion spot, but their title aspirations took a hit in their previous match against Barnet, resulting in a draw.
Speaking to the Nottingham Post, Luke Williams said: "They have got everything to play for, as have we, there is not a better setting to play football, certainly in the division, and with this crowd, it is going to be really special.
"It is difficult for me to know as it is a team we have not played because they have so many new players 
"so the previous time we played Scunthorpe is irrelevant to us so now we are actually playing a team for the first time at this late stage in the season which is remarkable.
"We know that it is going to be a tough challenge, but we have to be ready to face all of these challenges and strong enough to try and impose ourselves on the game."
The club has organized a minute's applause in the 17th minute during the Community Day festivities to honour Owen Newton, a Scunthorpe United fan who passed away on Monday. 
Notts County's manager was present to express his condolences to the 17-year-old's family. He was confident that those in attendance would carry out the applause impeccably, thereby commemorating Owen's life.
"It's just awful, but the one thing I am sure of is that the reception at Meadow Lane will be brilliant.
"It will be delivered perfectly, I have no doubt - and what a great place to have the game and have so many people to show respect in that way.
"I really hope it's a good moment for the family, the situation is just awful and we look forward to showing our support."
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PON_News
Notts County FC and Notts County Foundation are teaming up to provide a fun-filled Family Fun Zone ahead of their Community Day fixture against Scunthorpe United on Saturday 25 March.
The event will take place from 12pm to 2pm at the Nottingham Padel Centre, accessible off Iremonger Road close to the junction with Cattle Market Road.
The Family Fun Zone promises to have something for everyone, with a range of free activities on offer. Attendees can try their hand at padel tennis, scale the heights of the climbing wall, show off their skills at aeroball, take part in a penalty shootout, and enjoy a ride. There will also be tasty pizza and brownies for sale from local vendors.
In addition to the Family Fun Zone, fans can also take advantage of reduced ticket prices for the match. Tickets can be purchased through the Notts County FC website.
Notts County FC has a long and storied history, having been founded in 1862 and being the oldest professional association football club in the world. The club has a strong community focus, with Notts County Foundation delivering a range of innovative programmes to make a positive difference to people in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. By working together, the club and foundation continue to inspire active change for those they serve.
The Family Fun Zone promises to be a great way for fans to get in the spirit ahead of the match and enjoy some quality time with their loved ones. It's an excellent initiative from Notts County FC and Notts County Foundation, and one that will surely be enjoyed by many.
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PON_News
Notts County's hopes of securing promotion to the English Football League suffered a setback as they were held to a 1-1 draw away at Barnet in the National League. 
Despite taking the lead through Macaulay Langstaff, the Magpies were unable to hold onto their advantage and were pegged back by a powerful header from Idris Kanu.
The first half was evenly contested, with both sides creating a few half-chances but failing to trouble the keepers. 
However, Notts County finally broke the deadlock just before half-time when Ruben Rodrigues produced a moment of magic with a wonderful pass that Langstaff swept home with ease.
The lead was short-lived, though, as Barnet hit back almost immediately with Kanu's header off the crossbar. The second half saw Notts County dominate proceedings as they looked for a winner, but they were thwarted time and again by Barnet's defence and the heroics of their goalkeeper, Laurie Walker.
Rodrigues came close to restoring Notts County's lead when his deflected cross found Langstaff in space, but the striker's effort was saved by Walker. The Magpies continued to pile on the pressure in search of a winner, but they were unable to find the net again and had to settle for a draw.
Despite being held to a draw, Notts County remain in contention for automatic promotion to the English Football League, sitting just three points behind league leaders Wrexham, who have a game in hand.
With several games remaining in the season, the Magpies have ample opportunity to close the gap and secure their promotion to the EFL. They will be focused on picking up points quickly and performing at their best to achieve their goal.
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PON_News
Andy Morrell is of the opinion that Notts County has helped Wrexham produce their best performance this season, which could lead them to break a club record for most points in a single season. Morrell was in charge of Wrexham when they narrowly missed out on winning the National League title in the 2011-12 season to Fleetwood Town, despite achieving their highest-ever points tally of 98. However, with 91 points already secured from 37 matches, Phil Parkinson's side is on track to surpass that record.
Although Wrexham is currently one point ahead of Notts County, who have a game in hand, the title race is far from over, with County in contention for automatic promotion. Despite Wrexham's unbeaten streak of 25 league games, County recently managed to come back from behind to secure a 3-1 victory over Eastleigh. With nine games left, the fate of the title is still undecided, but Wrexham's strong performances so far this season put them in an excellent position to secure the title.
Morrell believes that the rivalry between Wrexham and Notts County has inspired his former team to produce their best form this season, as they aim to surpass their previous highest points tally. Having gained 91 points already, they are in a good position to achieve this feat. However, with Notts County hot on their heels and still in contention for the title, the final outcome is not a foregone conclusion. Nonetheless, Wrexham's unbeaten run of 25 games should provide them with the confidence to secure the title.
Speaking to the leaderlive.co.uk, the former Reds player and manager said: "We can only worry about ourselves, we can’t worry what they are doing."
"I think the number of points Wrexham have got is because of Notts County. Wrexham have had to keep winning to be able to stay right in there so both of them have pushed each other to this ridiculous amount of points that they’ve both got, and could get.
"Wrexham have already surpassed the amount of goals they scored last year, they have already got more points than last year, and with nine games to go that is ridiculous.
"I can’t see anything other than Wrexham getting out of this league this year.”
On Tuesday, the Magpies managed to overcome Eastleigh by 3-1 despite initially being behind. 
As a result, they are now only one point behind the Reds, who have a game in hand. Wrexham, who have gone undefeated for 25 consecutive league games, have the fate of the title in their own hands, and their former coach Morrell is confident that they will successfully conclude their campaign.
"It is just about wins now, Wrexham just got over the line, although they did have the better chances and Southend didn’t create a great deal.
"You have got to find a way to win and they did that.
"It wasn’t pretty, it wasn’t the free-flowing football that you are used to here, the goals and the mauling’s they have given out to some teams, but they dug in and got through it; that is all that matters."
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PON_News
Notts County has announced the signing of Junior Morias, a forward from Dagenham and Redbridge, as they continue to strengthen their attacking options. Morias has signed a three-year deal at Meadow Lane for an undisclosed fee, and despite currently being sidelined with a short-term injury, the club has confirmed that he is a vital part of their long-term plans.
Morias joins Notts County with an impressive record of 13 goals in his debut season and an additional 10 goals so far this campaign at Dagenham and Redbridge. The 27-year-old Jamaica-born forward's signing reinforces the club's commitment to building a competitive team capable of securing future success.
Notts County boss, Luke Williams, has emphasized that Morias will be given the time and support he needs to adapt to the physical and mental demands of playing at Meadow Lane. With his speed and skill, the forward is expected to make a significant impact on the team's fortunes, and his proven goal-scoring record suggests that he will become a valuable asset for the Magpies.
Luke Williams, provided a statement regarding the team's recent developments to the Nottingham Post, Williams discussed: "As with any new signing, once Junior’s recovered he’ll need to get up to speed with the pressing and key actions we expect from our front guys, all that will come in time." 
"Our first priority is to get him back to fitness and adjusting to the intensity - we’ve got brilliant medical staff here who’ll ensure he’s on the best course once we’ve fully assessed where he is."
In recent months, Notts County has demonstrated their clear ambition to secure promotion by making several key signings. Among these additions are Connor Lemonheigh-Evans and Jodi Jones, who have bolstered the team's attacking options. The manager, Luke Williams, has expressed his belief that Junior Morias, the latest signing from Dagenham and Redbridge, possesses the necessary skills to make a valuable contribution to the club's forward line.
Notts County's commitment to building a competitive team capable of achieving success has been evident in their recent transfer activity. With the addition of Morias, who has an impressive record of 23 goals in 66 appearances for Dagenham and Redbridge, the club is further strengthening their attacking options. Williams has emphasized that the forward's speed and skill make him a valuable asset and is confident that he will adapt quickly to the demands of playing for Notts County.
"He’s got the key traits we’re looking for as a professional, including the desire to do the hard yards.
"Junior will play in different positions for us in a similar way to Cedwyn Scott and Connor Lemonheigh-Evans, so he gives us more options and different qualities in our attacking line-up.
"He adds tremendous power, pace and aggression and we’ll hopefully provide plenty of opportunities for him to continue his goalscoring form. He’ll then have a chance to show us how ruthless he can be."
The reports circulating online regarding Junior Morias being in attendance to watch Notts County's win over Eastleigh turned out to be true. The club invited the 27-year-old to observe their 3-1 victory over Lee Bradbury's side on Tuesday evening after agreeing on a fee with Dagenham.
The Magpies' decision to invite Morias to watch their match is a clear indication of their interest in signing the forward. The club is keen to strengthen their attacking options, and Morias' presence at the match suggests that negotiations are at an advanced stage. The 27-year-old's attendance also indicates his interest in joining Notts County, and he may be looking to assess the team's playing style and potential before committing to a move.
"I was blown away,” said Notts' new recruit, who played against Williams' side for the Daggers in their 5-0 home defeat and 2-1 away win earlier in the month.
"Playing against Notts is one thing but watching is another. Particularly in the second half, you could see the quality – the boys kicked on to another level.
"In the games I played against Notts this season, it felt like we were up against 15 men. We couldn’t get close to anyone.
"The boys are second-to-none – the way they flow, the way the centre back drives out with the ball. It’s hard to combat.
"I’m excited to be part of the group and believe we can go on and achieve our number-one goal."
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PON_News
In a hard-fought victory over Eastleigh, Ruben Rodrigues scored two goals to bring Notts County within one point of National League leaders Wrexham.
At half-time, the Magpies were trailing to Danny Whitehall's penalty, but the Portuguese player equalized and then scored to put his team in front. Macaulay Langstaff added a goal to seal the win, putting pressure on Wrexham who have a game in hand.
Both teams had early chances, with Joe McDonnell saving shots from Rodrigues and Jodi Jones for Eastleigh, while Tiernan Brooks denied Whitehall for County. The game was tightly contested, with both sides showing their attacking prowess.
Despite Eastleigh's early dominance, Whitehall's penalty was their only goal of the game, and County fought back admirably. They levelled the score on the hour mark through Rodrigues, who scored after being set up by Langstaff following Aaron Nemane's run.
Rodrigues then put County in front 14 minutes from time with a well-placed shot, before Langstaff secured the win with a header late on. The victory was a crucial one for Notts County in their pursuit of Wrexham at the top of the table.
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Two years ago, Adam Chicksen appeared to be on his way out of Notts County. However, offering him an extended one-year contract has turned out to be a brilliant decision. The 31-year-old full-back has been a crucial player for the Magpies this season, scoring a career-best of 10 goals as he helps the team push towards its goal of returning to its former glory.
In any intense season, consistency is essential. Chicksen has been the epitome of that, demonstrating his value by being one of the first names on the team sheet for coach Luke Williams. But it's not just his on-pitch performances that have made him so valuable. His influence off the field has also been significant, something that both the fans and the Magpies chief have recognized.
Chicksen's importance to Notts County cannot be overstated. His impact on the team's success this season has been immense, and he has proven himself to be a valuable asset both on and off the pitch. With his talent and dedication, there's no doubt that Chicksen will continue to be a crucial player for the Magpies for years to come.
Luke Williams spoke to Nottingham Post, he said: "He is the model pro, he has been so important because of the performances on the pitch."
"Look at the goals he has scored, match-winning goals at times, but then look at the way he runs back to protect the goal like his life depends on it, the way he defends the far post when there are sustained spells of pressure. 
"Then the bits people are not likely to see is the way he concentrates in the meetings we have. He delivers meetings better than I do; it's embarrassing.
"But he is the example and the shining light of how to behave and how to apply yourself day in, day out over a long period of time.
"He is amazing - he is the kind of package of how we want people to respect the job of being a player for Notts County.
"And many players are in that mould, but Chicks is a great example of that, a top example."
Currently, Chicksen and Matty Palmer are the only two players who have appeared in all 37 games of the National League season. This comes after Sam Slocombe and Kyle Cameron missed recent games against Bromley and Dorking Wanderers. While their absence has been felt, Chicksen's consistent presence has been crucial for Notts County, especially in the defensive area.
Unfortunately, injuries to Richard Brindley and Tobi Adebayo-Rowling have made the defensive area a cause for concern in recent weeks. Additionally, the confirmed departure of Joel Taylor has further limited Williams' options in defence. With all of these factors in play, Chicksen's continued presence and reliability will be even more critical in the Magpies' quest for success in the remainder of the season.
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PON_News
Notts County manager, Luke Williams, believes that allowing Joel Taylor to leave was the right decision as it allows the team to focus on their remaining nine games. Taylor left the club as his contract was mutually terminated in an attempt to obtain regular first-team football elsewhere. Taylor had a strong start to the season, scoring a goal in Notts' opening-day victory, but his playing time dwindled, leading to a loan to Dagenham and Redbridge.
Williams hinted at a potential return for Taylor by naming him as a substitute for two games, but ultimately that never materialised.
The manager explained that Taylor had experienced a difficult time during his stay at Meadow Lane, which may have contributed to his departure. Ultimately, the decision to let Taylor go was seen as necessary to allow the team to concentrate on their remaining fixtures.
In an interview with the Nottingham Post, Luke Williams stated:  "Joel we know has real talent, he has a cannon of a left foot and can put the ball wherever he wants, but there were times in transition mainly.
"It's important for me to say he had a tough time with me. I demand a lot from him and all of the players, and the guy we just spoke about in Adam Chicksen really makes it difficult because he is so intense and so deliberate with everything he does, he is there every minute of every single day.
"When you are up against that type of competition, it's challenging because you have to match that bare minimum before that quality can shine through.
"He went on loan to get more game time and started well there, then had a bit of a tough time and didn't play as many minutes as he wanted to play, and then when he returned to County, we are in a great place, and it was such tough competition with so many players playing well." Williams added.
In November, it was announced that Joel Taylor had joined Dagenham and Redbridge on a two-month loan. During that time, he featured in all six games. Taylor extended his stay at Victoria Road for an additional month. However, he struggled to secure regular first-team appearances during his second spell, only making one substitute appearance in the following six games before returning to Meadow Lane.
"He expressed his desire to go and try and kickstart his career again, and when a guy has been really good and behaving and wanting to set the tone that if you come in and apply yourself and be a good pro even if you're having a bad time, that is what is expected of you.
"If you do that then I try to help, yes we have left ourselves a little bit short on numbers, but it was the right thing to do at the right moment because we want everyone focused for this run in, and it was becoming increasingly more difficult for Joel to do that."
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PON_News
Notts County manager Luke Williams was pleased with Geraldo Bajrami's performance in their 3-1 victory over Dorking Wanderers. Despite a difficult first half in their previous game, the Albanian player retained his spot in the starting lineup due to the absence of skipper Kyle Cameron.
Bajrami, part of the back three, displayed composure alongside Rawlinson and Chicksen. He commanded his area well and relieved pressure from Marc White's side during the second half.
Williams said that Geraldo Bajrami's performance was one of the highlights of the game. It's clear that his performance helped Notts County win the game.
Luke Williams commented on Bajrami's performance, stating: "I think that's the most pleasing thing for me, the resilience that he has, that is the most pleasing thing for me - he was fantastic, and I am so happy for him.
"I have had some difficult conversations with Baj in recent weeks and I can't wait to have an easy one as soon as he is back in for training."
Notts County faced a predicament when their captain was unavailable for the match against Dorking, with Luke Williams having to find a suitable replacement for the armband ahead of a crucial game in their promotion campaign. Matty Palmer had previously worn the armband during the FA Trophy, but Williams decided to appoint Macaulay Langstaff as the stand-in skipper for the Meadow Lane fixture.
Langstaff's performance during the game was impressive, with his two goals bringing his season total to 35 with nine matches remaining. His excellent display may even lead to him asking to keep the captaincy, as he helped inspire his team to a vital comeback victory.
Williams explained his decision to name Langstaff as the captain for the evening, stating: "First of all, I go into the changing rooms because we had news about Kyle Cameron this morning and I said Macca you are going to lead the team out.
"He went bright red and looked down to the floor and embarrassed like he shouldn't lead the team out - and then I said you are everything we are trying to do.
"You are committed, never get carried away, and don't have a big ego and that is what the guy is and today is yet another example of everything good about him."
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PON_News
Notts County's Macaulay Langstaff was the hero of the day as he secured a crucial National League comeback victory over Dorking with his brace, helping his team return to winning ways and keeping the pressure on league leaders, Wrexham.
Dorking took an early lead after just 13 minutes, thanks to Jason Prior's near-post finish following Josh Taylor's excellent play. However, Langstaff, the National League's leading scorer, responded quickly for Notts County just six minutes later. He was in the perfect position to convert Aaron Nemane's cross and level the scoreline.
Langstaff continued his brilliant form in the second half, completing his brace just seven minutes after the restart. He now boasts an impressive tally of 35 league goals this season.
Although Langstaff missed out on his hat-trick, Notts County remained relentless in their pursuit of goals. They came close to scoring on several occasions, with Langstaff himself firing the ball over the bar from the edge of the box. However, the hosts' pressure eventually paid off as Matt Palmer scored with five minutes left on the clock, securing the victory and three vital points.
With this result, Notts County remains second in the league table, trailing Wrexham by just four points, after the league leaders secured a narrow 1-0 win over Southend earlier on Saturday.
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