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Joe Jones
The 2018/19 League Two fixture list has been published, and Notts County will begin next season with a home clash against Colchester United.
The U's, who finished lucky 13th in the table last season, will travel to Meadow Lane for their opener on Saturday 5 August.
It is the first time Notts have opened the season at home in eight years when they faced Huddersfield Town.
The Magpies will then travel to Cambridge United a week later before rounding off the month with games against Yeovil Town, a midweek trip to Newport County and a foray to Lincoln City.
Saturday 8 December brings the derby against Mansfield Town at the One Call Stadium, with the reverse fixture taking place on Saturday 16 Feburary.
Boxing Day sees Kevin Nolan's men welcome newly-promoted Macclesfield to Meadow Lane before they see in the new year with a trip to Oldham.
Good Friday will see Milton Keynes Dons visit the Lane a fortnight before Notts round off their regular season at Swindon on Saturday 4 May.
Full fixture list:

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Joe Jones
A plaque commemorating the foundation of Notts County was unveiled at Nottingham's Mercure Hotel last weekend.
Previously known as the George Hotel, the location - just off the city centre en route to Hockley and the Lace Market - was where "Notts Foot Ball Club" became official following a committee meeting within its walls in December 1864.
Colin Slater, who has reported on the club for more than 50 years as part of BBC Radio Nottingham, revealed the tribute outside the hotel in George Street on Sunday.
The Nottingham Civic Society and Notts fan Andy Black commissioned the black and white plaque at the entrance to the hotel.
Staunch Notts fan Deryck Flowers was at the occasion and took pictures as the plaque was unveiled.
Feel free to look through the pictures and let us know what you think about them and also the occasion!

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Joe Jones
Notts County have announced the return of Brighton & Hove Albion defender Ben Hall on loan for the entirety of the 2018-19 season.
The Northern Ireland Under-21 international impressed at Meadow Lane last term in a six-month loan spell which yielded 11 appearances.
"I can't wait to come back. My time at Notts so far has been an amazing experience," Hall told the Notts website. "Meadow Lane is definitely the best place for me right now.
"I feel like I improved so much during my loan last season and I'm really pleased the gaffer [Kevin Nolan] and his staff wanted me to come back."
Magpies boss Kevin Nolan added: “Ben was magnificent for us when called upon last season. He played a very important part and we’re thrilled to have him back with us.
“He, along with Pierce Bird, will push Richard Duffy and Shaun Brisley all the way and will really benefit from having a full pre-season with us.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Brighton for once again trusting us with his development and we really look forward to helping him improve further.”
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Joe Jones
A plaque commemorating the foundation of Notts County has been unveiled at Nottingham's Mercure Hotel.
Previously known as the George Hotel, the location was where "Notts Foot Ball Club" became official following a committee meeting within its walls in December 1864.
Colin Slater, who has reported on the club for more than 50 years as part of BBC Radio Nottingham, revealed the tribute outside the hotel in George Street on Sunday.
"The fact the plaque is here and the meeting took place here is of huge significance," Slater told the BBC website.
"Officers were elected, everything agreed to get the club running in a professional way. For the two years before it had been a bit hit and miss."
The Nottingham Civic Society and Notts fan Andy Black commissioned the black and white plaque at the entrance to the hotel.
Black said: "I think it will mean the world to most Notts fans that we can come into the city centre and see this.
"The Forest fans have the Brian Clough statue down the road and we will have this now."

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Joe Jones
Alan Hardy has claimed that Notts County's EFL Cup game at Middlesbrough will be a "great test" for both teams.
The Magpies will make the journey to the Riverside Stadium in the week commencing August 13 and will take on a side which reached the Championship playoffs last term.
Notts played Boro away in the League Cup in September 2006 and famously won 1-0 in front of 11,148 fans.
"It will be a great test for both teams," Hardy told the Nottingham Post.
"Boro will naturally be favourites with the bookmakers, but we proved last year during our FA Cup run that we will give anybody a game.
"We took Swansea to a replay and they were in the Premier League, and we also beat Championship Brentford.
"I am really looking forward to it. It's an excellent stadium, the pitch should be in supreme condition and who knows what can happen on the night.
"We will go there, give it our best shot and see where that takes us."
Hardy also revealed that he is looking to add a fourth striker to the senior ranks, likely a loanee or an academy player.
"We are actively looking for a fourth striker but that fourth striker will either be a loan player or a rising star from the academy such as Remaye Campbell," he told the Post web chat.
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Joe Jones
Notts County have been handed an away trip to Middlesbrough in the first round of the 2018-19 EFL Cup / Carabao Cup.
The Magpies will make the journey to the Riverside Stadium in the week commencing August 13 and will take on a side which reached the Championship playoffs last term.
Notts played Boro away League Cup in September 2006 and famously won 1-0 in front of 11,148 fans.
The 2018/19 draw took place at the Independence Palace, in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and 70 clubs went into the hat divided into northern and southern sections.
Unlike in previous seasons, however, there is no seeding for higher ranked clubs.
Sky are expected to broadcast two first round ties live with the chosen fixtures to be revealed in the near future.
The EFL clubs last week voted to abolish extra-time in ties that are level after 90 minutes so drawn games will go straight to a penalty shootout.
It was also decided that the ‘ABBA’ penalty system will be scrapped - any penalty shootouts will be the traditional alternate five kicks per team process.
VAR can be used in any Premier League stadium hosting a fixture.
The draw in full:


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samwatto2008
Our signings so far! Who are they? Where do they come from? Why are they the chosen ones?
With Notts County being considerably active in the transfer window, I thought I would shine a light on the players we have signed so far and see what they have on their CV and what they can offer to our setup. Having signed 5 players so far it seems promising down at Meadow Lane and with a lack of squad depth at the moment it seems the transfers wont stop there.
So first up…
Tom Crawford – Tom Crawford is a central midfielder who was acquired from the recently relegated Chester FC for an undisclosed fee. He is currently 19 years old with 17 apps in the National League. In those 17 apps he has 1 goal and 1 assist. With only National League experience it is making Notts fans wonder where his future lies within the Notts County setup. He has made 1 appearance for England C which is a promising sign for the youngster. I think he can slot in quite well into a CM or RM role if needed. I fully expect to see these sorts of signings starting in the Carabao Cup and the Checkatrade Trophy fixtures as a minimum.
Kristian Dennis – Kristian is a central striker who has most experience in the 4-4-2 formation. He was acquired from recently relegated Chesterfield for an undisclosed fee. Having back to back relegations with Chesterfield does raise eyebrows however scoring 21 goals in all competitions last year is a massive achievement and goals is something we have been lacking. Dennis is 28 years of age with 82 games played in the football league. He can play with both feet and will be a key player to the squad for next season.
Andy Kellett – Andy Kellett is labelled as a midfielder, in particular the LM spot on the pitch. He can also slot into LB if needs be as he told the Notts County media upon arrival at Meadow Lane. Kellett is 24 years of age being 5ft 7 he is known for his quick feet and pace ability. He has just over 60 appearances in the football league and has scored 7 goals in that time. Again he was relegated with Chesterfield following a loan spell from Wigan, but upon his return he found his name on the released list following Wigan’s promotion. He could be vital to our line up next year maybe filling in for Grant who has returned to his parent club. Kellet is also a young talented player which Notts County have been reluctant to gamble on in the last couple of years.
Will Patching – Patching who is also 19 years old was signed from Manchester City and agreed a 2 year deal with the Magpies. He never made a first team appearance but was a regular in the U18’s and just recently made a few starts for the U23’s at City. He is known for playing in the No. 8 / No. 10 role for City and is highly rated for his passing ability. He has represented England U18’s with 2 appearances and also gaining 16 appearances for the U17’s. He prefers his right foot with a eye for goal on the edge of the box.
Kane Hemmings – An unexpected signing by Notts County fans but my word it was a joy to behold upon announcement. Kane Hemmings was bought from Oxford United for an undisclosed fee. Previously on loan at Mansfield Town he has had plenty of league experience and goals to go along with it. His CV consists of Scottish Premier League experience and League One. Hemmings has played 84 times in the EFL scoring 17 goals. He is quick and strong player that is favoured to start along side Dennis. He has most of his experience in the Scottish Leagues however has proved himself in England too. He is 26 years of age and quite frankly fancies to score from anywhere on the field.
So far I think Notts have done a fantastic job with the signings, I thought I would break each player down a little and give an insight to what they are capable of and what type of player they are. We certainly have brought the average age of squad down by a lot which is heading in the right direction. Also I have noticed we are offering players contracts longer than 1 year which gives us an option to sell if they are performing well. I can’t remember when we last made money off a player, so it is good news we are tying these players down. Ideally I think we need 2/3 more quality signings then maybe a few players just to fill out squad depth or promote some youth players to come through the system.
Let us know your thoughts below.
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Joe Jones
Notts County goalkeeper Ross Fitzsimons has admitted he needs to improve his temperament but says he will not have a moment of madness like he did in the Crawley Town game.
The Magpies stopper, who has penned a new two-year contract, lashed out at Mark Connolly near the end of that game in January.
Fitzsimons picked up a red card and gave the visitors a match-winning penalty as Kevin Nolan’s side lost 2-1, before being hit with a three-match ban and losing his first-team place to Adam Collin.
“I’d say one of the things I need to improve is my temperament, hence the kick up the backside after the Crawley game,” he told the Nottingham Post.
“That won’t be happening again I can be sure of that.
“At the time I just saw red. It was a case of acting before I thought.
“I am not usually like that, but everybody has moments like it.
“Unfortunately, that was my moment there. It cost me my place in my team and it was a hard lesson to learn.”
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Lozzle1
Wow... the media has spring forth a rumour that Michael O'Connor won't be renewing his contract with Notts County, and all hell breaks loose on social media!
There's a few 'camps' on this, from the "he's an ungrateful, disloyal, past-it, broken player, so let him go!"  to the (I think, much more sensible), "he's a family man  who is entitled to look after the best interests of his family!"
I truly can't understand the former point of view; particularly since any player, under contract, (as he was) is fully entitled to receive treatment from his club (free-of-charge) and recuperation - however long it takes - is 'paid for', too!
So, scarily, 'fans' saying he's being 'disloyal' by taking the money/moving on after his injury, are under a (legal) delusion, I'm afraid.
I don't (and wouldn't) 'blame' anyone for a) looking for more wages  being unhappy at offer of a pay-cut Contract or c) missing out on opportunity to work closer to my family home.
I personally can wish him nothing but the best and a speedy "Bon Voyage", if nothing more than to stop all of the comments; fair or otherwise!
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Joe Jones
Pierce Bird has thanked fellow defenders Richard Duffy and Shaun Brisley for aiding his development at Notts County.
The young centre-back, who joined the Magpies last year, is hoping to break into the first team at Meadow Lane this season after signing a two-year deal earlier this month.
“They’ve been great with me and I could not have asked them to do a better job,” he told the Nottingham Post.
“They help me when I need it and they tell me when I’ve done something wrong. They couldn’t have done any more.
“Speaking to Duffs and Bris, they told me that talking is so important because it helps you organise.
“I didn’t really have that when I first came here but as the season went on, I’ve grown in confidence and I would say talking is where I’ve majorly improved.”
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Joe Jones
Former Notts County manager Sam Allardyce says he is "jealous" of Gareth Southgate and believes it should be him leading England at the World Cup in Russia.
The 63-year-old left his post as England coach by mutual agreement in September 2016 after only one match in charge, following claims by a newspaper that he gave advice on how to "get around" player transfer rules.
In a BBC documentary to air on Sunday, Allardyce said of his departure: "That decision was made very hastily.
"Jealous is what I feel. Massively disappointed. That should be me there. Unfortunately because of the circumstances that wasn't the case.
"One night I was playing golf - next day they said you can't carry on. And I still don't know why… because in the cold light of day, there was no substance, nothing behind it.
"If a bit more time was taken, a bit more patience, I believe I should still be the England manager.
"I've bounced back now - and while I will be extremely jealous I will be watching Gareth and the lads and hope they do extremely well."
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Joe Jones
Alan Hardy has revealed that one in three Notts County season ticket holders renewing this summer are now under the age of 21, after analysing crowd data from last season.
In addition, there has been an increase of more than 62 per cent in young fans buying tickets for matches.
"This is tremendous news for the long term development and prosperity of the club," he told the Nottingham Post.
"I have often listened to people telling me that the club has an ageing fan base. Well, not any more it hasn't.
"Young people and families are the lifeblood of this club and we believe we offer the most family-friendly experience of anyone in the region.
"We have invested significantly in improving family sections of the stadium, and launched a series of extremely popular discounted initiatives with schools and local community groups.
"It's great to see this is already bearing fruit with more than 30 per cent of our season ticket sales so far being taken up by young people under the age of 21.
"From detailed research of our attendances last season, we've also learned that the number of under 21s who purchased match tickets saw a quite incredible rise of 62 per cent.
"We have invested in the squad for players not just for the present but also for the future.
"We are not finished yet and we hope we can go one better next season in terms of meeting our objective which is promotion.
"These are incredibly exciting times to be a Notts fan."
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Joe Jones
Notts County chairman Alan Hardy has confirmed that the club will look into reducing the size of the matchday programme but is unlikely to get rid of them completely.
EFL clubs recently voted to end their compulsory publication as a result of declining sales and the costs involved in production.
“Like the fans I love a good programme, but the truth is the sales are declining every year,” Hardy told the Nottingham Post.
“A tremendous amount of work goes into them and they are a costly exercise with net losses being considerable.
“But I don’t think it is right to do away with them altogether and the traditionalist in me says they are still excellent mementos for fans or collectors.
“We will have a discussion in what we want to do next season in terms of the one we produce, but the likelihood is it will reduce in size.”
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Joe Jones
Notts County have confirmed they will be hosting a breakfast event at Meadow Lane to find out the release of the 2018-19 League Two fixtures.
The event (and the draw) will take place on Thursday 21 June, with doors opening at 8am, and costs £10.
Notts chairman Alan Hardy, manager Kevin Nolan and director Darren Fletcher will be present as the club finds out their fate in terms of who they'll play in the league and when.
To book, email [email protected] or call 0115 955 7222.
In addition, the EFL has confirmed that the draw for the first round of the EFL Cup - or Carabao Cup in corporate terms - takes place on Friday 15 June at 10:45am BST, with Notts being allocated ball number 23.
Seventy EFL clubs will feature in the new-look draw, which will see teams drawn into Northern and Southern sections, but with no seeding for higher ranked sides as in previous seasons.
Matches are scheduled to take place in the week commencing 13 August.
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Joe Jones
Alan Hardy has spoken of the signings of Tom Crawford and Will Patching as testament to how far Notts County have come and how promising their future appears.
The Magpies paid an undisclosed fee to Chester for midfielder Crawford last week, and followed it up on Monday with a free transfer move for Manchester City’s Patching.
“I am very excited with the arrival of Tom and Will,” Hardy told the Nottingham Post.
“There were clubs further up in the food chain looking at both of them, but they could see what we are trying to build here at Meadow Lane. They are young, they are technically gifted and we have high hopes for both of them.
“I think it’s tremendously important that as well as signing players for the present, that we do not neglect the future.
“That is why we have consistently scouted regions looking for young players that we hope will make that next step with us. It's something I am very passionate about and Tom and Will’s arrival is very exciting given their backgrounds.
“I spoke to Will about the club and where I envisaged it going in the next few years. The manager also did a brilliant job in talking to him, making him feel welcome, explaining his vision, his worth and how he wants to help him.
“It’s incredibly important that if you are to attract this calibre of young player that you give them as much detail as you can.
“Seeing Meadow Lane full and the atmosphere that was generated against Coventry also played a key role.
“With Will and Tom on board, I am very happy to have two young players at the club that, I am sure, will go on to have fine careers.”
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