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Notts County announce loan signing of Liverpool midfielder Matty Virtue

Notts County have announced the loan signing of Liverpool Under-23s captain Matty Virtue on a deal until the end of the season.
The Magpies were left reeling following Ryan Yates's recall from parent club Nottingham Forest but have moved quickly to bring in a replacement in the middle of the park.
Virtue is highly rated at Anfield and has been singled out for praise by academy manager Neil Critchey, who says he has been outstanding this season for the Under-23s and is also a great role model for his teammates.
"It's a massive opportunity for me," Virtue told the Notts site.
"It's my first loan move - I've needed to come out and get games and this is the perfect place with the gaffer and the experienced players in the squad.
"Coming here to work with Kevin Nolan was a huge pull. I want to be a goalscoring midfielder and I think I can learn and progress a lot under him.
"He has seen me play and knows what I can bring to the team. He has shown faith in me by bringing me to the club.
"I think I've been playing strongly at under-23 level and shown what I can do, which has helped me get this move. Playing against senior professionals is the next step in my career and I'm here to learn.
"I'm a box-to-box midfielder who likes to get up and down the pitch and chip in with a few goals. I want to work hard and bring energy to the team.
"I spoke to Jordan Williams yesterday about his experience here a few seasons ago; he was full of praise and told me to come here and enjoy it."
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Joe Jones

Chris Buckley: Ryan Yates recall by Nottingham Forest makes no sense

Disappointment and football seem to go hand in hand when being a Notts County fan.
Like most Magpies supporters, I am immensely gutted by the departure of Ryan Yates who has joined Scunthorpe United after being recalled by our neighbours Nottingham Forest.
It’s sad enough that a parent club could force a move in spite of a player's wishes.
Yet to remove their chances of helping aside secure promotion, either as champions of their respective division or as automatic hopefuls, just doesn’t make much sense at all.
There’s no denying how beneficial the move had been for us, as Yates has proven himself as a major force within our midfield.
The decision to recall him, only to loan him out to a side chasing promotion in League One seems quite bizarre on paper, as for me it undoes all the hard work that he put into the first part of the season by removing him from the opportunity to play within a very settled environment.
People might suggested that Scunthorpe United may gain promotion themselves, however I feel this is unlikely – whereas there is a strong possibility that we could continue to fight for top spot in League Two.
Happiness for any player is a big part of their game, as is togetherness – uprooting a player and expecting them to repeat their earlier performances within an unknown dressing room is such a huge risk in its own right.
I do understand why Nottingham Forest would want to access his development, yet this just seems very rushed and somewhat mismanaged.
Since their new manager, Aitor Karanka, has only arrived recently, it’s quite baffling as to whom made the decision.
The one thing we as fans simply can’t get our heads around, but it has happened and our club now has to decide if or who should replace him.
Honestly, I didn’t see this happening and I felt that the media reports merely attempted to create the headlines.
Would it not make sense to allow Yates to continue his loan spell at Meadow Lane and then reassess his future/development?
I do believe that he’s going to be a big player, yet I don’t think his level is quite polished even in League Two and the experience gained here seemed beyond just that.
I would go as far as saying the whole vibe around the club has a dramatic effect on young players, if you believe in something and see that your contributions are helping – even appreciated, well it enables you to play at such a higher level of football.
Along with the league and cup success, it really adds to the difficulty in understanding the situation and I don’t see Scunthorpe United as being candidates to repeat what magic Yates would have had here.
I really can’t see them gaining promotion from League One, it’s very tough and there are far better teams around them which will have a more refined squad in terms of depth.
As a fan I can’t complain about the season, and this situation is merely an unwanted distraction.
I am certain Kevin Nolan will be accessing what areas need strengthening, yet this does create the situation of do we need extra cover?
Personally, I think Michael O’Connor and Liam Noble can fill the position and do it well.
I would also like to see another young player with a similar playing style as Yates come in, just as we might need extra depth and having that finer quality does make a huge difference.
To summarise this, regardless of the ins and outs of the loan deal – I feel Forest haven’t done themselves any favours.
I believe it doesn’t remotely help Yates, and I see this without wearing any tinted glasses.
The quality of players around any player is enough to help shape and mould them, if we were talking about a Wigan or Blackburn – I might see things a little differently.
It still wouldn’t make me feel any less different about if the decision was right or wrong, and if Notts had a ‘season long loan’ then I would steer clear of developing any of Forest players in the future.
Why risk this situation happening again? I don’t believe it casts a good light on them as a football club.
I would hope that this decision doesn’t have an adverseeffect on the club, as I do think the event may leave some distractions and unhappiness around the Magpies camp.
However, the professional approach would be to focus as quickly as possible on adding the depth mentioned before the January transfer window closes.
Hopefully it's business as usual, we will be able to patch the squad up and continue as we were.
Good luck to Ryan Yates lastly, it has been a real pleasure to see him do very well in the Black & White shirt and just seeing his enthusiasm whilst playing seems a real honour for us.
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Chris

Notts County loanee Ryan Yates recalled by Nottingham Forest

Notts County have confirmed that Ryan Yates has been recalled from his loan at Meadow Lane by parent club Nottingham Forest.
The 20-year-old made 29 appearances for the Magpies in a fruitful loan spell which saw the team rise to second in League Two and reach the fourth round of the FA Cup.
On Wednesday, speculation arose linking Yates with a loan move to Scunthorpe United as well as a new contract by the City Ground outfit.
Notts have now confirmed that Yates has returned over the Trent, and the player had kind words to say about the club and fans.
“I can’t begin to describe how much I have enjoyed my five months at Meadow Lane," he told the official Notts site.
“I can’t thank the chairman, manager, staff, my team-mates and supporters enough for helping me settle in and develop as a player.
“Notts will always have a place in my heart and I wish everyone connected with the club well for the rest of the season and beyond.”
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Joe Jones

Alan Hardy: 'Notts County bid for Ryan Yates but Nottingham Forest turned it down'

Alan Hardy has revealed that Notts County launched a bid to sign Ryan Yates on a permanent deal from Nottingham Forest but were turned down.
The 20-year-old is heavily rumoured to be on the verge of being recalled by the Reds and shipped out on loan to Scunthorpe United.
Speaking to Team Talk on Notts TV, Hardy said: “I made a bid which got turned down.
"They want to keep him and in fairness to Ryan Yates, he’s been at Forest since he was nine.
“His ambition is, I want to play alongside Joe Worrall against Arsenal in the FA Cup – that’s where Ryan Yates’ head is and we will try and help him on his journey.
“He’s on a journey to play for Forest because that’s where his heart really is.”
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Joe Jones

Alan Hardy: 'Humbling to hear of difference made to Notts County fans' lives'

Alan Hardy has spoken of the event Notts County put up on Monday night for the FA Cup fourth-round draw, speaking on how humbling it is to acknowledge the difference made to the fans' lives.
On Friday, Hardy will have been owner and chairman of the Magpies for one year, and the improvements made by the club and team cannot be described as anything other than a total rebirth from the previous mess.
After Notts clinched a superb 1-0 win over Championship Brentford in the FA Cup third round, Meadow Lane hosted an event where several hundred fans watched the draw alongside Hardy and other club officials plus players.
“It’s actually really humbling to get feedback from the fans. Events like that bring home how much we impact people’s lives,” Hardy told the Nottingham Post.
“We live in this football bubble which I joined 12 months ago. You quickly become all consumed by this football world and your own self-importance because you’ve got a job to do.
“You’ve got to get this club fit for purpose. Sometimes you lose sight of how much this club means to people.
“We put on this event for 250 people. It came after I was walking down the side of the pitch at Brentford on Saturday.
“We had 1,300 people there singing their hearts out and I said to (Notts director and BT sport commentator) Darren Fletcher ‘look at these amazing fans’.
“They make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. I wanted them to be at the draw and he said 'if anyone can make it happen you can big fella'.
“Within 25 minutes we’d got a concept for a live show and we sold out within three or four hours.
“We had ardent fans there and it’s humbling to be amongst them. It’s very humbling to hear what a difference we’ve made to people’s lives.”
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Joe Jones

January 10: An eventful day in Notts County history

As you may all be familiar, Pride of Nottingham regularly looks back into the history archives to share significant moments of Notts County's history on each day of the year.
Normally this is done via a picture on social media, but January 10 is an especially eventful day, to the point that having an image for each one would be almost too much.
So, for today only, we have compiled all the events of this day in a feature article for you.
1920
Meadow Lane hosted its first ever FA Cup tie, a decade after Notts County moved into the stadium. The Magpies played their first league game there in August 1910 but six consecutive away draws and the onset of World War 1 meant their first home game did not take place until 1920. In front of a crowd of 30,000 spectators, Notts beat Millwall 2-0 thanks to goals from Harold Hill and Billy McLeod.
1970
Goalkeeper Barry Watling, who had arrived from Bristol City in July the previous year, made his Notts debut in a Fourth Division meeting with Exeter City, which ended 1-1. Watling would go on to keep 21 clean sheets in just 65 games for the Magpies and was a key member of the team that won promotion the following season.
1992
Paul Rideout, who had joined Notts from Southampton for £250,000 in September the previous year, was sold to Rangers for double what the Magpies paid for him, just 24 hours before the magpies were due to face Nottingham Forest. Chairman Derek Pavis told fans the club had no choice but to sell him then as Gers had allegedly threatened to pull the plug on the deal unless the deal went through in time for that weekend's league fixtures.
1998
Notts became the first club to hit the milestone of playing 4,000 matches in the Football League when they took on Rochdale away at Spotland. The Magpies won 2-1 thanks to goals from Gary Jones and Phil Robinson.
2009
Jack Wheeler, who loyally served Notts for more than 25 years as coach, trainer, assistant manager, caretaker manager and scout, sadly passed away aged 89.
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Joe Jones

Pride of Nottingham's PONcast: Episode 37

Hello and welcome to episode 37 of the Pride of Nottingham PONcast, presented by dynamic duo Chris and JJ.
The PONcast is back after a brief break over the festive period - we hope you have all had a great Christmas and a happy New Year!
In this week's episode we recap Notts County's festive fixtures and assess each of the performances in the games against Cambridge United, Morecambe, Swindon Town and Port Vale.
We also talk about the Magpies' superb 1-0 win over Brentford in the third round of the FA Cup and discuss the fourth-round draw.
In addition, we look at who Notts should look to sign in the January transfer window as well as who Kevin Nolan should let go, either on loan or permanently.
All this and more only in episode 37 of the Pride of Nottingham PONcast!
Share your thoughts about this PONcast episode 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.
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Joe Jones

Joe Jones: I would rather Notts County face Swansea City than Wolverhampton Wanderers in FA Cup fourth round

After the anti-climax of Notts County drawing Brentford away in the third round of the FA Cup, it was superb to see the Magpies overcome the Bees and go in the hat again for round four.
I was at Meadow Lane on Monday night alongside the 200 or so fellow Notts fans to see the draw made and, when ball number 13 was drawn, the tension was palpable - would the following few seconds bring euphoria or disappointment?
As it was, the drawing of Swansea City or Wolverhampton Wanderers was cheered - although it wasn't a Premier League giant, I agree with Alan Hardy in thinking it was the "next best thing". Swansea are currently a top-flight side (whether that will still be the case next season remains to be seen) while Wolves are a Premier League side in waiting.
After the initial satisfaction of the draw came the next question: "Can Notts County overcome their opponents and enter the hat for round five?"
Myself, I would rather take on Swansea than Wolves. As we saw over the weekend, a number teams which are fighting for Premier League survival were either taken to a replay (Swansea, West Ham, Bournemouth) or knocked out altogether (Stoke), which shows that sides which have top-flight survival on their mind may not focus on the cups as much.
As well as fighting relegation, Swansea are also in a really poor run of form - their win over Watford was pretty impressive, granted, but they were second best for most of the game before striking twice late on in the game to steal all three points.
In total, Swansea have won just four games all season and their tally of 13 goals scored in 22 league games is woeful to say the least.
Carlos Carvalhal was also a very peculiar choice of manager, having been sacked by a side in the league below before getting the Swans gig, and it remains to be seen whether he will be a Sam Allardyce /  Roy Hodgson, or an Alan Pardew.
In comparison, Wolves are ripping the Championship apart, boasting a 12-point lead over second-placed Derby County and with just three league defeats all season, plus a tally of 50 goals scored and just 20 conceded.
The really frightening thing about Wolves is how their rich owners, Fosun International, and their links to super agent Jorge Mendes have ensured the procurement of some of the best young players in world football, who have turned down some of the biggest clubs in the world to join Molineux.
Take for example Diogo Jota, on loan from Spanish giants Atletico Madrid, or Ruben Neves, the most expensive signing in second-tier history from former Champions League winners Porto.
And then there is Rafa Mir, a player that was being courted by Real Madrid - yes, Real Madrid - but ended up leaving Valencia for Wolves.
The way Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo is going about assembling his team, I personally wouldn't think it surprising if Wolves get promoted this season and then finish in the top 10 of the Premier League next year.
In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if Swansea lose their replay on January 17 - even though it's at the Liberty Stadium, I can imagine their fans getting disgruntled if Wolves nick an early goal, or go at the break level at half time, which could boost the visitors.
In terms of who I'd like to see Notts get next round, I think Swansea would actually be an easier proposition than Wolves. A team low on morale and form whose main focus is Premier League survival, or a swashbuckling team on great form boasting some amazing players?
Whichever side wins their third-round replay, it'll be good for Notts to host Meadow Lane and, given the magic of the FA Cup (and of Hardy's New Era), anything can happen in round four!
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Joe Jones

Transfer Reaction: Haydn Hollis leaves Notts County for Forest Green Rovers

Farewell then Haydn Hollis. The Notts County youth product has opted to depart Meadow Lane permanently in search of first-team football and is now with Forest Green Rovers.
The 25-year-old links up again with Rovers manager Mark Cooper, who had a short spell in the San Sirrel hotseat in 2016, and is contracted to the League Two strugglers until the end of the 2018-19 season.
What have both Notts and FGR gaffers said about the move, what are Hollis's thoughts on leaving Notts and joining FGR, and what do both sets of fans have to say about the switch to the New Lawn?
Pride of Nottingham has compiled some of the reaction right here.
Kevin Nolan on Hollis leaving Notts
"I would like to wish Haydn all the best in his new venture. Even though his first-team opportunities have been limited this season due to the fine form of Richard Duffy, Shaun Brisley and also Elliott Hewitt, his attitude in training and around the club has been first class. I'm confident he will go on to have an excellent end to the season and career. I'm gutted to lose him but it was in his best interests to move on and play football."
Hollis' departing message to Notts
"It was really hard for me to leave after nine great years but the time has come to move on in my career. I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone connected with the club every success in the future."
Mark Cooper on Hollis joining FGR
“I know Haydn from Notts County, he’s a big, powerful, left-sided centre-back and we’re just making sure we’re covering all our bases and we have enough players if we do get injuries. Haydn will be a good acquisition for us, he’s left footed, aggressive and a big lad as well. He has played in League One and played over 100 games for Notts County and is still only 25. He’s got a good pedigree and will do really well for us.”
Hollis on joining FGR
“I’m delighted to be here and work for the manager again but more importantly I’m delighted to try and be playing football again. I love a challenge and a fight. The competition at the back now keeps everyone on their toes and with competition, people are going to push each other. From an outsider, it is a small football club but it’s got a big heart and a lot of passion and I am buzzing to be part of it.”
The Black and White Army (from the PON forum and social media)
liampie: it goes to show you cant listen to rumours. hollis is not a bad player but he just has not settled, its better for him that he leaves. i hope he proves people wrong and establishes himself with forest green. that said i do think we needed him off our books as he never stood a chance of being anything more than a backup.
Fozzy: Sad to see him go as he has been around for so long, but he wasn't very good and his move should guarantee FGR's return to non league! With him gone and Bird out on loan, the only CH cover we have is Hewitt, so I would say it is pretty nailed on that one of the players we are looking to bring in will be a CH, which is what everyone wants.
ARLukomski: Good luck to him. He was our donkey. Definitely need a CB cos Hewitt really really isn't one.
Dubzee Jason Bellaby: Good luck Haydn hope a change of club and a run of games will get your career back on track.
The FGR fans (from The FGR Forum)
The Old School TomCat: HH came through the Notts County School of Excellence and loaned out a few times but has been a 1st team since Season 2012-13 and has scored 8 goals. Worryingly HH has had only one appearance this season in the League Cup where he scored a goal. He seems to scored a goal at first game at most of clubs he's played for.
Fgr2016: Seems like a squad rotation player to me... No more then that.. Suppose if your going to play 3 centre backs you are going to need 2 reserves (being Manny and Haydn...) certainly isn't the same WOW as the other three.
Dursleydog: Good signing but I can't help thinking we are now a little overstocked at CB and a little short at right wing back and central midfield. Bennett is injured and hasn't played well all season, Evans is nowhere near good enough as backup, Laird looks uncomfortable in his own position let alone out of it. Central midfield we have no depth at all, although signing Hollis may free up Collins to play there more. Still, a good League 2 quality signing that should strengthen the team. Welcome Haydn!
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Joe Jones

Haydn Hollis departs Notts County to join Mark Cooper at Forest Green Rovers

Haydn Hollis has joined Forest Green Rovers after having his Notts County contract terminated to facilitate his move to the New Lawn.
The 25-year-old, who progressed through the Magpies academy system before making his debut in 2012, made 137 appearances for the club and scored eight times.
However, Hollis slipped down the pecking order this season, being restricted to appearances in the EFL Cup and EFL Trophy, and has now opted to join Mark Cooper's League Two side to get first-team football.
Kevin Nolan told the official Notts site on Hollis's departure:"I would like to wish Haydn all the best in his new venture.
"Even though his first-team opportunities have been limited this season due to the fine form of Richard Duffy, Shaun Brisley and also Elliott Hewitt, his attitude in training and around the club has been first class.
"I'm confident he will go on to have an excellent end to the season and career. I'm gutted to lose him but it was in his best interests to move on and play football."
Hollis, meanwhile, said: "It was really hard for me to leave after nine great years but the time has come to move on in my career.
"I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone connected with the club every success in the future."
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Joe Jones

Alan Hardy not leaving Notts County January transfer business until late

Alan Hardy has stressed that Notts County are seeking to do their January transfer business early in the window to allow for players to be settled come the end of the month.
So far, the Magpies have made one signing, Liam Noble registering as a player after returning to Meadow Lane from Forest Green Rovers in October last year.
Hardy also mentioned that Notts are vying to sign two "highly valued players" on loan, one of which is also on the radar of League One leaders Wigan Athletic.
“We’re in close negotiations with a couple of players to bring a couple of players in on loan,” he told the Nottingham Post.
“It’s unfair to say who they are at this stage. Wigan are after one of them so it’s between us and them.
“They’re top of League One so we’re working hard to sell Notts County to him. If it comes off it will be really exciting for the fans.
“If not we’ll move on to the next target. The important thing is they’re both highly valued players.
“We’re only going to bring people in who can make a real difference and we think these players can.
“We’re not planning to leave it late. We want to get players in the team and settled in January as opposed to not playing until February.”
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Joe Jones

Alan Hardy pleased with Notts County FA Cup fourth-round draw

Alan Hardy has described Notts County's FA Cup fourth-round draw against Swansea City or Wolverhampton Wanderers at Meadow Lane as "the next best thing" to a Premier League giant.
The draw was made on Monday evening and the Magpies were handed a home tie against the winner of the game between the top-flight's bottom side or the Championship's runaway leaders.
“We were hoping for the big plum tie against a top six Premier League side away from home,” Hardy is quoted by the Nottingham Post as saying.
“We’ve got the next best thing. After the game on Saturday, Kevin Nolan said he just wanted a tie at Meadow Lane, so he’s delighted.
“I think it’s a great opportunity whoever we play. Swansea are bottom of the Premier League fighting for survival, so I doubt they’d play a full strength team.
“We’ve beaten League One and Championship teams already. We’ve got a great chance to beat a Premier League side at our fortress. Don’t forget we’ve lost only once in the last year at home.
“Wolves is a tough proposition. They’re a very good side. They’ll get promoted I’m sure. They’ve spent a lot of money and that team.
“They’re arguably a mid-table Premier League team. They’re very well supported. They’d bring a huge number of fans.”
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Joe Jones

Alan Hardy eager for FA Cup fourth-round draw away at Premier League giant

Alan Hardy would love to see Notts County get a Premier League top-six team away from home in tonight's FA Cup fourth-round draw.
The Magpies stunned Championship side Brentford at Griffin Park in the third round, Jon Stead's superb curled effort the difference in a 1-0 away win.
Hardy described the victory and the subsequent euphoria as his best result as chairman and looked forward to seeing what the next round would bring.
“This win was right at the top for all sorts of reasons, in terms of the drama, the excitement, the nerve-wracking moments and how tense it was,” he told the Nottingham Post.
“It was unbelievable and I was breathless. It felt like somebody had punched me in the stomach.
“It’s the most memorable result of my time as chairman and it was the biggest game we have had since I came into the club.
“To come to Brentford, a Championship club, and return home with a win was just phenomenal. The players were absolutely sensational – every one of them. It’s unfair to pick anybody out.”
When asked about who he'd like in the fourth round, Hardy replied: “Any of the Premier League top six away from home would be my dream tie.
“It would be nice to give the fans a brilliant day out and it would also give us much-needed pennies in the jar.
“The club has changed phenomenally since we came in and this is just another giant step forward in terms of its development and progress.
“And it would be nice if we could have that rewarded with a fantastic tie in the fourth round.”
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Joe Jones

Kevin Nolan happy with "unsung hero" Jon Stead

Kevin Nolan has expressed his delight with Jon Stead, describing him as an "unsung hero" for his man-of-the-match performance against Brentford in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday.
The veteran striker, part of the Bradford City team which shocked Chelsea in the fourth round three years ago, repeated his feat with the winner against the Championship Bees at Griffin Park.
Stead had received some fan flak at times for a number of reasons including a relatively low goal tally, but Nolan was quick to point out his contributions this season.
“Steady’s best performance have been against Scunthorpe, Bristol Rovers and Brentford – all top sides. He has shown how much quality he has,” Nolan told the official Notts site.
“He hasn’t got the goals he would have liked this year but his contributions towards our performances and our success have been vital.
“He’s been magnificent and I’m delighted to be talking about him for once because he becomes an unsung hero.
“Everyone expects him to be all about goals – and he has been – but it’s not been him scoring them, he’s been creating them and had a major influence.”
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Joe Jones

Match Reaction: Brentford 0-1 Notts County, Saturday 6 January 2018

Notts County earned a place in the hat for the fourth round of the FA Cup after beating Championship side Brentford 1-0 in Saturday's third-round encounter at Griffin Park.
Despite playing two divisions above, the Bees were put to the sword as Jon Stead's superb second-half winner sealed the Magpies' passage to the fourth round of the competition.
The draw for the next round will take place on Monday evening, with the possibility of a leading Premier League side being lined up to face Kevin Nolan's high-flyers.
What was the reaction from the Notts boss, players and fans following the win? Here is a collection of the best post-match reaction.
Kevin Nolan
“I am delighted with the performance and it warranted the result.
“You have to ride your luck when you come to quality teams and those sides who are above you and we did have that little bit of luck, but when you have the attitude, application and dedication to keep a clean sheet, then you earn it.
“I am delighted for the boys because they have not been given the credit they deserve for what they have done in such a short space of time.
“Hopefully we can continue on that path and I hope they all go away and enjoy this day because they don’t happen very often in your career.
“They are going to experience highs and lows, but this is one of the highs. I am thrilled for every one of them.”
Jon Stead
“It’s incredible. I thought we were terrific from the first minute today and caused them problems. We were a little disappointed we didn’t create more with the half-chances we managed to get in the first half.
“But in the second half we had to start brightly and I think we did that. From kick-off in the second half we looked strong and likely to get that goal.
“I’m delighted with the goal. In the early part of my Notts career I was cutting in a lot on my left foot and producing decent shots and goals. This season and the back end of last season I’ve been spooning a lot of them over the bar so to get it right on this stage was really pleasing.”
Players on social media
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Black and White Army on PON
Chris: Not the worst draw now we've won it ah? Kinda typical really.
A lot of those who have moaned and bashed this tie will be hoping we draw United or a big club next, I hope for our sakes they don't jinx things and we end up with a less than impressive draw because Brentford wasn't that bad at all.
Fantastic win, I'm delighted we secured the win without being forced into a reply. I knew it would be tight! Well done Notts.
DangerousSausage: I for one would like us to draw a genuinely big club in the next round, or F*rest. Preferably at home. Sure, someone like Shrewsbury would give us a better chance of progression (although we'd still be outsiders), but going out to a team like that would be pretty anticlimactic.
Donovan Bisset: Come on you pies!!!!
Schani Dalton: Superb result super notts now let's have man u home coypieeees
Peter Walker: Well done Notts brilliant result
Piotr Madgwick: yyyyyyyyyyeeeeeeesss u ppppiiiieeeesss
Jayne Briggs: Super pies well done lads
Jay Dalton: get man city home be sellout coyp
Marc Horridge: SUPA NOTTS!
Clint Hadley: Now bring on the big boys
Hayley Ryall: U pies x
Neil Lowe: Now I did not expect that!!Brilliant,Notts!!COYP ????????????????????????
Colin Hodgson: Kevin Nolan's black and white army!
Ian Ale Goode: Uuuu pies great result
James Eley: Well done Notts. Let the good times roll.
Paul Rothon: Youuuu Pieeeeeesssss!!!!!!
Jimmy Gee: Good well deserved result!
Christopher Key: Youuuuu Pies!! What a result!!!
Lesley Gascoyne: Brilliant!
Nick Hogg: Get in ???? ⚽️
Simon White: Uuuuuu Uuuuuu Uuuuuu ppppppppppppppppp iiiiii eeeessssss
James Adcock: Uuuuuuu ppppiiiieesssss !!
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Joe Jones

ARLukomski's Match Vlog: Brentford 0-1 Notts County, Saturday 6 January 2018

Notts County have reached the fourth round of the FA Cup thanks to a 1-0 win over Brentford.
The Magpies more than matched their Championship opponents for the majority of the game at Griffin Park.
Moments after a Bees effort bounced along the Notts goal-line, the visitors attacked at the other end and scored through a superb Jon Stead curled shot.
The result sees Notts in the hat for Monday's draw, with the potential of a plum tie against a Premier League side up for grabs.
Notts vlogger and Pride of Nottingham contributor ARLukomski discussed the fixture ahead of kickoff, gave his thoughts as the game went on, and talked about the performance and result after the final whistle.
Follow ARLukomski on his YouTube channel by clicking here.
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Joe Jones

Jon Stead hails "incredible" Notts County FA Cup win over Brentford

Jon Stead has described Notts County's FA Cup third-round 1-0 win over Brentford as "incredible" and was delighted to finally score after cutting in with his left foot.
The veteran striker claimed the winner on Saturday at Griffin Park with a wonderful curling shot after cutting in from the right-hand channel, putting the Magpies in the fourth round of the competition.
Stead was also relieved as he acknowledged his prior attempts to pull off the move over the last 12 months have not quite worked out.
“It’s incredible,” Stead told the official Notts website. “I thought we were terrific from the first minute today and caused them problems.
"We were a little disappointed we didn’t create more with the half-chances we managed to get in the first half. But in the second half we had to start brightly and I think we did that. From kick-off in the second half we looked strong and likely to get that goal.
“I’m delighted with the goal. In the early part of my Notts career I was cutting in a lot on my left foot and producing decent shots and goals. This season and the back end of last season I’ve been spooning a lot of them over the bar so to get it right on this stage was really pleasing.”
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Joe Jones

Kevin Nolan: 'Notts County exploited Brentford changes'

Kevin Nolan has admitted that Notts County were buoyed by the fact Brentford made a host of changes to their line-up and were eager to exploit that in their FA Cup third-round win.
Bees boss Dean Smith made eight changes to the side which lost to Wolverhampton Wanderers in midweek and the team laboured against the Magpies at Griffin Park.
Notts took the lead through Jon Stead's superb curling effort midway through the second half and were able to see the game out for a place in the fourth round.
"They made a lot of changes to their normal line-up and we thought we could exploit that and I'm delighted to say we did," Nolan is quoted by Get West London as saying.
"I don't think the players who came in for them underestimated us, but we knew they might not be as fluent as the usual team.
"The changes hindered them but they are still a very good side and I thought we were worthy winners. Yes, we rode our luck at times but we had a game plan and we stuck to it.
"I was delighted for the fans who were behind us from start to finish. There is a special chemistry at the club right now between the players, and between the players and fans and management, and all of that is working in our favour."
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Joe Jones

Kevin Nolan: 'Notts County performance at Brentford warranted the result'

A delighted Kevin Nolan has praised Notts County's players for overcoming Championship side Brentford 1-0 in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday.
Despite playing two divisions above, the Bees were put to the sword as Jon Stead's superb second-half winner sealed the Magpies' passage to the fourth round of the competition.
The draw for the next round will take place on Monday evening, with the possibility of a leading Premier League side being lined up to face Nolan's high-flyers.
“I am delighted with the performance and it warranted the result,” he told the official Notts site following the win at Griffin Park.
“You have to ride your luck when you come to quality teams and those sides who are above you and we did have that little bit of luck, but when you have the attitude, application and dedication to keep a clean sheet, then you earn it.
“I am delighted for the boys because they have not been given the credit they deserve for what they have done in such a short space of time.
“Hopefully we can continue on that path and I hope they all go away and enjoy this day because they don’t happen very often in your career.
“They are going to experience highs and lows, but this is one of the highs. I am thrilled for every one of them.”
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Joe Jones

Match Report: Notts County see off Brentford to reach FA Cup fourth round

Kevin Nolan has succeeded in his mission to have the nation talking about Notts County after guiding his side to a giant-killing 1-0 win at Brentford in the third round of the FA Cup.
Jon Stead, part of the Bradford City team that shocked Chelsea in the fourth round two years ago, struck a fantastic winner midway through the second half to get the Magpies into the hat at the expense of their Championship opponents.
Nolan made just one change to the side which beat Port Vale earlier this week, with Terry Hawkridge - himself an FA Cup run veteran thanks to his exploits with Lincoln City last season - replacing Jonathan Forte in the XI.
Bees boss Dean Smith, meanwhile, made eight changes following their Championship defeat at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Tuesday.
Notts began brightly at Griffin Park, with Elliott Hewitt crossing into the path of Stead, who fired on the turn but saw his effort go wide.
Stead continued to cause the opposition defence problems and he missed another opportunity moments later when he flicked a Jorge Grant free kick over with his right foot.
On 13 minutes, Brentford went on the attack, but Chris Mepham's header from Josh McEachran's free-kick was easily saved by Fitzsimons.
The Magpies, however, continued to have the better of their opponents, who did not properly threaten until 25 minutes when Florian Jozefzoon forced a good save from Fitzsimons, while Neal Maupay tested the Notts keeper soon after.
Neither side could force the issue by half time, but Brentford came within a whisker of grabbing the opener shortly after the hour when substitute Ollie Watkins almost scored with his first touch, but his shot hit the post, bounced back against the keeper and rolled along the line.
The Bees' missed opportunity proved their demise as Notts went up the other end, with Stead cutting inside from the right-hand channel before curling a superb effort beyond Daniels and into the far corner.
Maupay, Jozefzoon and Yoann Barbet all went close as the hosts desperately sought to find an equaliser, while Emiliano Marcondes struck the far post with a header in stoppage time, but the day belonged to the Magpies.
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Joe Jones

Alan Hardy: 'Notts County inundated with interest from players who want to join club'

Alan Hardy has spoken of how Notts County's standing has risen dramatically in the last 12 months and mentioned how an international player was interested in finishing his career at Meadow Lane.
This time last year, the Magpies were all but destined to tumble out of the Football League and perhaps out of business until Hardy completed his takeover and set about restoring the club's infrastructure.
Now Notts sit in the League Two automatic promotion slots and are looking ahead to a FA Cup third-round tie at Championship side Brentford.
In his weekly Nottingham Post column, Hardy wrote: "I’ve been surprised by the amount of action that has already taken place because I presumed it would only become busy in the final few days. It’s certainly much more frenetic than it was last January.
"I have been inundated with players who want to move from a lower club to a bigger club, and vice versa.
"I think the biggest difference is that we are doing incredibly well this season. Players can see the progress we are making and naturally want to be part of that.
"It’s a far cry from 12 months ago when I wrote in a previous column about a player we wanted driving straight past us to join somebody else.
"But when you are second in the league, players and agents know we are looking for a big push for promotion. We are everybody’s target at the moment and it’s like bees round a honeypot.
"One call I took this week literally had me falling off my chair because the player he offered to us was an international who wants to have a swansong in England.
"I thought he had us mixed up with the other Nottingham club because he couldn’t possibly be interested in playing in League Two.
"But he sees the potential here because in two years we could be playing in the Championship. The bottom line was we couldn’t afford him.
"Players see Notts as a club rich in tradition and they want to be part of our history. We have unrivalled history and an incredible future."
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Joe Jones

Joe Jones: Notts County well equipped in midfield even if Jorge Grant and Ryan Yates leave

So here we are in 2018. January, to be precise. A month where everyone's skint after a month of splurging on presents, food and general excesses, and a month where everyone promises themselves that they're going to carry through some resolutions, only to fail two weeks in at the first sign of winter malaise.
In the world of football, however, it's pedal to the metal as not only are there plenty of fixtures to get through, but the transfer window reopens, cue players changing clubs and journalists working overtime to churn out all the latest rumours, about 90% of which are complete bovine doo-doo.
Over at Meadow Lane, however, there is legitimate cause for concern over the status of two players, namely Ryan Yates and Jorge Grant.
As you all know, they're currently on loan at Notts County from Nottingham Forest, and as far as everyone was concerned, the Reds had agreed to let the duo remain over the Trent for the duration of the season.
But with Forest sacking Mark Warburton, it presents a possible dilemma as a new manager may decide to recall the two players either to give a go in the team - after all, they're hardly setting the division alight, and eight points above the bottom three in the form they're in is hardly reassuring - or potentially sell on.
In a fan forum late last year, Hardy said: "Both players are on loan until the end of the season and, while recall clauses are in place, we are confident they will stay with us for the season."
Indeed, the rumour mill has begun turning, with League One side Scunthorpe United believed to be interested in Yates and Championship Norwich City reportedly keeping tabs on Grant, cue nervousness from the Notts faithful.
However, even in the worst case scenario where both Grant and Yates are taken off of County's hands this January, there is still solace in the return of two midfielders - one a re-signing, the other having been out for so long that he will feel like a new signing.
I am, of course, talking about Liam Noble and Michael O'Connor.
Now, obviously Noble and Occy are not like-for-like replacements for Grant and Yates - each player has different styles and characteristics, so let's take a look at how each of them play, as individuals and in the team.
Grant is a skilful flair player who likes to take on people, while Yates is a classic box-to-box midfielder who is far better at going forward, and also distributes the ball well.
Yates benefits from having experience by his side, it takes the pressure off his play and usually results in more confidence on his part.
Both are vastly different going forward, Grant likes to force play, whereas Yates builds carefully and allows for the ball to be passed around.
O'Connor is a natural leader, we have missed him in midfield despite the good start and although we are blessed in an offensive mindset, his experience will be a blessing.
In games where we struggle to create chances, he will be that player needed to think outside of the box.
Defensively he assists also, a massive part of his game which is underappreciated in my opinion.
Noble is very similar to O'Connor, yet he's more self-minded - selfish almost - and will end up seeing the headlines before they are written, plus he's great at drifting into space.
I feel because Noble is more an attacking minded midfielder who likes to run at players and show his directness, I think it cancels out a potential pairing with O'Connor.
If Grant and Yates leave, Noble and Rob Milsom should be paired in midfield, they are more a balance between the lines - both can get forward but Milsom can do the defensive duties.
Milsom has a good understanding when it comes to defensive positioning and I feel he links up well when trying to come out of our own half.
O'Connor, meanwhile, can be utilised from the bench, or started as an attacking midfielder should Grant and Yates not be around at the Lane any more.
Whatever January brings, Notts are very well equipped in midfield and it should remain one of the strongest areas in the squad, with or without Grant and Yates.
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Joe Jones

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