Jump to content
News Update:
Show all categories

Articles

Our website articles
PON_News
Notts County ace Matt Tootle has taken to Twitter to update fans on how he is following a comment he heard from a fan at Meadow Lane wondering whether he is okay.
The defender has had very little game time this season and hasn't featured in many of Neal Ardley's squads, but the player has reassured fans that his mental health is as good as ever.
Several years ago, Tootle spoke publicly about having battled mental health issues in the past, but in response to the fan who asked about his current state of mind, he said he was fine.
He added that his absence is purely football related, namely being out of favour.
Here are his tweets on the subject:
 
 
 
 
 
ARLukomski
Notts County made it back-to-back wins as they ran out 2-0 winners over AFC Fylde at Meadow Lane on Saturday.
Wes Thomas opened the scoring for Neal Ardley's side on after 19 minutes as he went past several Fylde defenders before rifling into the roof of the net from the edge of the area.
Fylde weighed in with several opportunities, with Danny Rowe looking dangerous, but goalkeeper Dan Lavercombe had to be sharp to thwart Sam Osborne and Kyle Wootton.
The Magpies eventually got the killer second on 80 minutes when Damien McCrory headed in Regan Booty's corner from close range, and the result sees them up to eighth in the National League.
Pride of Nottingham vlogger ARLukomski was at the game and filmed his thoughts pre, mid and post-match.
Share your thoughts about this vlog on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.
Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.
ARLukomski
Notts County fell to their first loss this month as National League high-flyers Bromley went top of the table thanks to their 2-1 win over the Magpies at Hayes Lane.
Neal Ardley's side went a goal down after just two minutes when Luke Coulson's cross found Alfie Doughty at the back post and he smashed the ball into the roof of the Notts net.
Bromley keeper Mark Cousins tipped away a goalbound corner from Jim O'Brien but could do nothing to stop Kyle Wootton’s third goal in as many games.
However, Bromley went back in front with 17 minutes remaining as substitute Shawn McCoulsky volleyed in from the edge of the area, giving them the lead again, and Notts could not come back from it this time.
Pride of Nottingham vlogger and writer ARLukomski was in London for the game and here is his in-depth analysis of the game pre, mid and post-match.
Share your thoughts about this vlog on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.
Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.
Mitch Whiley
Everyone is no doubt entitled to an opinion, no one can take opinions away that's fair enough.  Do I agree with the Neal Ardley out crew? No. Do I see some of the points they make? Yes. Do I believe they expect too much? Yes.
Here's my thought process - Ardley arrived at the club last season which can be described as an absolute mess. We had a chairman who couldn’t keep quiet or leave social media alone, which resulted in us losing loan deals from our nearest neighbours Nottingham Forest that I believe would have kept us in the league. Notts County end up relegated to the National League for the first time in the club’s existence, not great but it's football, teams get relegated and promoted every season, and last season was our turn to swallow the rather large bitter pill.
We go into pre-season, players, managers, staff are not being paid. However, despite this they all stick around and continue to do their jobs regardless of pay. Alan Hardy then finally sells up the club, a mere 10 days before the season starts! The transfer embargo is then finally lifted, the club makes quick use of the transfer market and start to bring in players of quality, in different positions.
First few games were terrible, no shape, no chemistry we looked all over the place. Fast forward to now, yes, we have not won as many games as we would like as fans, but we have not been made to look terrible by any team in the league.
We have made defensive and attacking errors on the pitch. How many times last season could you say that we lost or drew a game that we should have won on the performance? Maybe 3 times? Possibly more. This season we can’t say that so much. And we are drawing games that we would have lost last during the last campaign. How can people not see this as a step in the right direction?
The club was never going to set the world alight this season straight away, it takes time and the right foundations have to be brought into the place which the Danish owners Alexander and Christoffer Reedtz seem to be done quietly.
It’s a simple fact that the club and the players need more time. We have a competitive side now, where players will have to fight for a place because of quality signings breathing down necks – rather than the usual quantity transfers the club has brought in during the previous regimes.
For me, 2 players know they are getting picked every game at the minute, Michael Doyle and Enzio Boldewijn. I think Ardley may bring in another centre back with the departure of Sheffield United youngster Sam Graham due to injury, but a part from that I think the squad is sorted with the arrival of Kyle Wootton upfront.
The National League is tough; anyone can beat anyone on their day. The league could be turned up-side down by February. Who would have said this campaign would have started so badly? I thought they would be up there, but this league is brutal.
There is still some mess behind the scenes being sorted out, and Ardley is a massive part of that. He stood by us when he had nothing and we nearly had no club, maybe we should stand by him a little more? It’s a simple fact, this season will not see a quick fix, it takes time. We must be happy to accept that a positive outcome this year is survival? Not scraping the results by, but doing so comfortably. Then next season with a proper budget and a full pre-season, Notts County can then push.
However, I'll say it now, there is a long way in this league with a lot more games to play. We could still push for the playoffs this season. It will be tough, but us fans will have a big part in this I feel. In the meantime, let's all just enjoy our club, enjoy the fact we are still in existence, unlike what has recently happened to Bury FC, and we still get to go to the best stadium in Non-League!
We are Notts County! All Notts aren't we?
This is my opinion. I'm entitled to it. Tear me down if you want to, but I stand by it!
COYP!!!!
Share your thoughts about this feature article on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.
Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.
Chris
Notts County ran out 1-0 winners over FC Halifax Town at Meadow Lane to end Saturday 13th in the National League table.
The Magpies were hit with a setback just after the interval when Michael Doyle was shown a straight red for a challenge on Charlie Cooper.
Despite this, Neal Ardley's charges took the lead when Kyle Wootton tapped in the rebound after Wes Thomas had been denied by visiting goalkeeper Sam Johnson.
Halifax could not drag themselves back into the game and as such Notts picked up all three points, a mostly good afternoon for the home contingent.
Pride of Nottingham was at Meadow Lane for County's win over Halifax.
Check out our fan gallery and see if you're in our latest Faces of PON!
 

Share your thoughts about this gallery on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.
Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.
ARLukomski
Notts County ran out 1-0 winners over FC Halifax Town at Meadow Lane to end Saturday 13th in the National League table.
The Magpies were hit with a setback just after the interval when Michael Doyle was shown a straight red for a challenge on Charlie Cooper.
Despite this, Neal Ardley's charges took the lead when Kyle Wootton tapped in the rebound after Wes Thomas had been denied by visiting goalkeeper Sam Johnson.
Halifax could not drag themselves back into the game and as such Notts picked up all three points, a mostly good afternoon for the home contingent.
ARLukomski was at the San Sirrel for the game, here is his pre, mid and post-match take on the events on the pitch.
Share your thoughts about this vlog on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.
Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.
Simon Clark
The National League, cha cha cha……..
10 games in, and what do we think?
I guess to keep thing in perspective, we need to look at the starting position, let’s say the end of July. A week before the season started and you should be organised, settled and ready.
At that time, Notts still had an owner who was more famous for accidentally putting a picture of his genitals on social media than anything he’d done in football, hadn’t paid the wages for 2 months, we under a transfer embargo and were in ready danger of being liquidated.
Now, when a team is relegated they are very rarely in a good position. When a team is relegated from the EFL, it is usually worse due to the nature of dropping out of the league.
When that club has been in the Football League since day 1 and was pre-season favourites for promotion, you can only imagine the disarray behind the scenes.
For some inexplicable reason (maybe punters having a real gamble?), the bookies had Notts as pre-season favourites to win the league – equal with Chesterfield and more of them later.
As we know, Notts were rescued by new owners who seem content to stay behind the scenes, and I’m happy with that. I’m sure they’re watching, taking it all in, and will impose their own personalities on the club, but there’s nothing wrong with taking a little time.

A lot of new faces came in. Not quite as drastic as it sounds because somehow, the management were able to get some of these to train and play over the summer while the club was on a knife edge. But still a massive overhaul as the season was starting.
I’ve watched an awful lot of non-league football over the years, having covered Grantham Town home and away for local media for around 15 years and I was one of those people who really thought there was very little difference between League 2 and National League.
Having seen 7 of our first 10 games, I think I was way off the mark. We expected officials to be worse, that’s natural, but it almost seems as if they have different rule sometimes. The game is a lot more physical and they let more go unpunished. We need to get to grips with that and do the same.
The quality is not good at all. We’ve played 6 of last season’s top 10 and, Wrexham apart, they have been functional and effective teams and I’ve not seen anyone better than Notts. (I didn’t see the Harrogate game)
Let me be clear, I’m enjoying Non-league. I didn’t want it, I don’t want it, and I want to get back into League Two as soon as possible, but I’m enjoying the experience.
It’s seems more relaxed, less confrontational. It also really makes you appreciate the stadium and facilities we have at Notts!
6 weeks ago, most fans were saying they’d just be happy to survive, to have a club to watch and success this season would be finishing one place above relegation.
That seems to have changed very quickly for some, and we’ve had fans getting on players’ backs inside the first 15 minutes of a game. The team has been booed off at half time and the end of games. There’s been plenty of patronising comments about other clubs.

My own view?
I’m willing to give Neal Ardley time, but the start has been frustrating. For a manager and assistant with around 1,000 appearances in League football between them, the defending seems to have stood still.
We give away far too many goals from unchallenged headers in the area, especially from set prices when we’ve had time to organise.
The set up seems more concerned around keeping things tight rather than putting the other team under pressure. For example, watch Dion Kelly-Evans. He’s a player I really like, he doesn’t stop working and is hard to beat.
However, he seems terrified of crossing the halfway line while in possession. With the ball at his feet, he looks for a square pass inside rather than running into space ahead of him, time and time again, and it’s so predictable.
I appreciate that the club has been through a torrid few months and I have patience, but I’d love Ardley to set up as if he has belief in his players. If we went for the opposition from the first whistle, I’m sure there are some games which would see us take early control of the game and then we can grow into the league.
Yes, there are games it may not work, but at the moment I feel there are plenty of chances to win going begging. We could (should) have beaten Ebbsfleet comfortably, and with a bit more positivity could have taken wins from Solihull, Sutton and maybe even Eastleigh.
How do we sit compared to other favourites?
Fellow title favourites with the bookies, Chesterfield, have failed to live up to expectations and sit bottom of the table without a win.
Wrexham, 4th last season and also a pre-season favourite, have made a slow start and are sitting in 18th, a point behind Notts with a game in hand as are big spending Fylde (5th last season) in 20th place.
All in all, I think we’re taking time to adjust to the league but there are signs that it’s not a million miles away. 1 defeat in 7 games is certainly a move in the right direction and a win or two extra would have made everyone feel that bit better.
But to the complainers, just remember how close you were to a season without a club then watching Notts AFC in Step 7 against the likes of Linby Colliery and Mansfield Hosiery Mills.
Share your thoughts about this vlog on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.
Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.
PON_News
We at Pride of Nottingham have been stocking numerous posters of some of Notts County's greatest players in the club's history, but now we've decided to pay homage to some of the current Magpies with posters of three early fan favourites from this season.
First up is Regan Booty, one of County's new midfield generals, who joined the Magpies in August after ending his 13-year stay at Huddersfield Town earlier this summer.
Next up is striker Nathan Tyson, who has enjoyed a fruitful career in the game after coming through the ranks at Reading, turning out for the likes of Wycombe Wanderers, Derby County and Doncaster Rovers as well as Notts on loan.
Last but not least is goalkeeper Sam Slocombe, who was most recently with Bristol Rovers and has made just shy of 200 Football League appearances following his professional debut in September 2009.
Interested in one of these? Message PON webmaster Chris or e-mail [email protected] for more information or to pre-order.
If you would like to check out our range of Notts stars past and present, here's the link to the online store.

A3 print £10, A4 print £8 (limited time offer, matchday collection only).
If you would like PON to get the players to sign your print, please allow for the next home game in order to pick them up - payment required up-front.
All artwork is printed with high quality Epson inks on 300gsm acid free premium paper stock and shipped in protective packaging.
We offer free shipping for all United Kingdom orders via courier. Please allow 3-7 working days for delivery.
Pre-orders are placed via PayPal and Online Banking.
Please note: We do not deliver outside of UK/Mainland. Frame not included.
Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.
Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.
ARLukomski
Notts County picked up a 1-1 draw at Sutton United at the weekend courtesy of Kyle Wootton's impressive second-half strike.
The on-loan Scunthorpe forward rifled a shot into the top corner from distance - his first goal for the club - seven minutes after the break to get Neal Ardley's side back on level terms.
Sutton had taken the lead in the 11th minute when Harry Beautyman slotted home David Ajiboye's cross at the back post for his fourth goal of the season.
The Magpies came close to equalising in the 32nd minute when Regan Booty's effort was cleared off the line after Sutton keeper Jamie Butler parried Kristian Dennis' initial shot.
After Wootton had levelled, Butler kept out efforts from Booty and Dennis to thwart Notts and ensure a share of the spoils.
Pride of Nottingham vlogger ARLukomski was at Gander Green Lane - here's his pre, mid and post-match thoughts.
Share your thoughts about this vlog on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.
Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.
ARLukomski
Notts County played out a 0-0 draw with Solihull Moors at Meadow Lane to sit 15th in the National League table with 10 points from nine games.
Enzio Boldewijn came close to opening the scoring for Neal Ardley's side when his curling effort was saved by Solihull keeper Ryan Boot.
Jamey Osborne almost gave the Moors the perfect start to the second half but his free kick crashed off the crossbar.
Damien McCrory thought he had won it in added time for the hosts, however he headed over the bar with the goal at his mercy.
Here is what Pride of Nottingham vlogger ARLukomski made of the encounter.
Share your thoughts about this vlog on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.
Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.
Chris
Notts County stretched their unbeaten run to four matches with a 5-1 victory over Chorley in Bank Holiday Monday's National League fixture at Meadow Lane.
The Magpies fell behind in the ninth minute through Lewis Baines' powerful header from Alex Newby's delivery, but Nathan Tyson rifled home his first Notts goal on the half-hour mark to level proceedings.
Neal Ardley's side then struck two quick-fire goals after the break as Enzio Boldewijn cut in from the right wing and curled in left-footed after 49 minutes, before Kristian Dennis rattled in an effort from the edge of the area.
Wes Thomas replaced Tyson after an hour and within five minutes had also notched his first goal for the Magpies, finishing from close range after Dennis' shot was parried by Billy Crellin, then got his second with a powerful strike after 71 minutes.
Pride of Nottingham was at Meadow Lane to see Notts County claim a resounding 5-1 win over Chorley. Check out our fan gallery to see if you've made it into our latest Faces of PON.

Share your thoughts about this gallery on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.
Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.
ARLukomski
Notts County stretched their unbeaten run to four matches with a 5-1 victory over Chorley in Bank Holiday Monday's National League fixture at Meadow Lane.
The Magpies fell behind in the ninth minute through Lewis Baines' powerful header from Alex Newby's delivery, but Nathan Tyson rifled home his first Notts goal on the half-hour mark to level proceedings.
Neal Ardley's side then struck two quick-fire goals after the break as Enzio Boldewijn cut in from the right wing and curled in left-footed after 49 minutes, before Kristian Dennis rattled in an effort from the edge of the area.
Wes Thomas replaced Tyson after an hour and within five minutes had also notched his first goal for the Magpies, finishing from close range after Dennis' shot was parried by Billy Crellin, then got his second with a powerful strike after 71 minutes.
Pride of Nottingham's ARLukomski was at Meadow Lane for the game - here is what he said pre, mid and post-match in his latest vlog.
Share your thoughts about this vlog on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.
Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.
Chris
Notts County played out a 1-1 draw with Wrexham in Sunday's National League clash at Meadow Lane.
The Magpies took the lead in the second half through Kristian Dennis, who nodded home at the back post in the 69th minute.
However, Notts were only ahead for five minutes, with Devonte Redmond equalising with an effort from the edge of the box.
Neal Ardley's side sought to go back in front as the unmarked Nathan Tyson rifled over from 12 yards and Enzio Boldewijn shot straight at Christian Dibble when well placed.
In the end, the spoils were shared between the two sides, Notts now boasting one win, two draws and two defeats from five.
Pride of Nottingham was at Meadow Lane for the game - see if you've made it into our latest Faces of PON fan gallery.

Share your thoughts about this gallery on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.
Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.
Chris
Notts County fell to a 2-1 loss to Barnet last weekend, the hosts taking the lead through Enzio Boldewijn but throwing it away as Callum Reynolds and Simeon Akinola gave the visitors all three points.
Boldewijn put the hosts in front after just nine minutes with a long-range strike before Jim O'Brien went close to extending the lead for Neal Ardley's side.
However, the visitors replied as the half-hour mark approached when Callum Reynolds headed in from close range after the Magpies had failed to deal with a set-piece.
Connell Rawlinson and Kristian Dennis had chances to restore Notts' lead but, after Akinola turned past Sam Graham and clipped a finish beyond Sam Slocombe, it left the Magpies having to wait a few more days for their first win.
Pride of Nottingham was at Meadow Lane for the Notts game against Barnet - see if you've made it in our Faces of PON gallery!
 

Share your thoughts about this gallery on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.
Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.
Matty Jackson
Every team, sport-related or not, needs a captain to lead and guide teammates, to help achieve the best possible outcome at the task in hand. A good captain is experienced, talented and level-headed (amongst other attributes).
Before the 2019/20 season began most of us looked to Michael Doyle (aged 37) to lead his fellow teammates through this campaign. Since he is a mature player with experience and talent, he was the perfect candidate for the role. However, following his red card incident in the first game against Eastleigh, this questions his suitability to the captaincy role.
I looked over the highlights of the Eastleigh game and it is clear Doyle jabs Reda Johnson in the side of the face when Notts were defending a corner. I didn’t attend the game so possibly a challenge from Johnson on Doyle earlier on in the game irked him (so he reacted later on) but regardless he should have kept his cool and rightly deserves his ban.
Now two games into the season (as when written) it is vital to find a solid leader to keep players calm, organised and perform to the best of their potential. We have seen how dressing rooms can become split and toxic. To excel in the National League, we will need an organised, supportive group of players, with a captain to keep this in check.
Personally, I think we should consider other candidates for the captaincy role following Doyle’s bizarre, hot-headed decision making. Ruling out all players below the age of 25 (and those who aren’t first team players) we have O’Brien, Rose, Turner, Rowlinson, Slocombe, and Tyson.
Obviously, since O’Brien and Rose have been around the club longer than any of the others and as they are (arguably) the best players they are great for the role. In my opinion, O’Brien would be the best choice because he is more experienced, most of the play goes through him and has a very high work ethic).
On the other hand, when Doyle returns if O’Brien is captain could it upset the dressing room and its dynamics? In addition, could it lead to a power conflict and so another dressing room split?
The best outcome, however, would be Doyle comes back into the team and picks up where he left off and not to have any repeats of this incident (which is what I assume we all want).
Share your thoughts about this opinion piece on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.
Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

About PON

Pride of Nottingham

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.

Useful Links

Support PON

Enjoy our content? Want to help us grow? Your donation will go a long way towards improving the site!

donate-pon.png

Meet the Team

Chris Chris Administrators
super_ram super_ram Global Moderators
DangerousSausage DangerousSausage Global Moderators
CliftonMagpie CliftonMagpie Global Moderators
TheSkipper TheSkipper Media

Social Media

Home
Dashboard
Sign In Register
×
    Search In
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Pride of Nottingham uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. To approve, simply continue using the site or click 'I accept' Terms of Use.

  I accept