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Match Highlights: Luton Town 1-1 Notts County, Saturday 9 December 2017

Notts County have emerged from the crunch clash with League Two leaders Luton Town with a very creditable point in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Kenilworth Road.
The Magpies fell behind in the first half against the run of play when Johnny Mullins headed home to put the hosts ahead.
However, Shola Ameobi hit back with a header of his own to earn a share of the spoils for County, who had goalkeeper Ross Fitzsimons to thank for a crucial point-blank save late on to preserve the draw.
The result keeps the Hatters top of the table on goal difference, with Notts breathing down their necks on the same amount of points.
Pride of Nottingham has shared the official match highlights off the Notts YouTube channel so you can relive the key moments from the game.
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Joe Jones

Shola Ameobi: 'Notts County can mix it with best in League Two'

Shola Ameobi has claimed that Notts County were the better side in the 1-1 draw against Luton Town, which proved that the Magpies "can mix it with the best" in League Two.
The Magpies impressed against the table-toppers and, even though they fell behind to Johnny Mullins's header, came from behind to claim a point through Ameobi's reply.
"We knew it was going to be tough and the atmosphere was quite ferocious," the veteran striker told the Notts site. "But I think we dealt with it very well, which showed the character of the players.
"We were disappointed to lose the goal after having so many chances but this side have shown resiliency. We had to dig in at times.
"They're a good side at home but we showed our quality. We're delighted to get a point in the end and it goes to show we can mix it with the best in the league.
"I thought we were the better side. They have a lot of great attacking players but the boys at the back defended unbelievably well and I can't really think of a time when they opened us up.
"It was important that we were solid, which we spoke about before the game, and the guys played them perfectly.
"They've been scoring seven and eight goals against teams here so to limit them to a goal from a set-piece is testament to how hard we worked."
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Joe Jones

Kevin Nolan hails "fantastic point" gained at Luton Town

Despite remaining level with League Two leaders Luton Town on points, Notts County boss Kevin Nolan has spoken of his delight in edging closer to the "safety" 50-point mark.
In Saturday's big game at Kenilworth Road, Johnny Mullins' header put the hosts ahead in the first half but Shola Ameobi hit back with a header of his own to earn a 1-1 draw.
"We limited them to very few chances," Nolan told the official site. "Ross Fitzsimons pulled off a great save at the end, but overall we had a lot of opportunities - especially in the first half.
"They hit us with a sucker punch, but that's what they do with the quality they have. You can't switch off for a minute. Luckily enough we hit them back and it's a fantastic point.
"We respected the fact Luton had really good attacking threats and I thought we thwarted them very well.
"We're ever-closer to that 50-point mark now, which is very pleasing. We've just got to make sure we get there as quickly as possible.
"Let's see if we're still going blow-for-blow with Luton in March/April, because I'm sure they're going to be challenging for the title come the end of the season."
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Joe Jones

Match Report: Notts County leave Luton Town with a share of the points

Notts County were tasked with the hardest challenge of the season so far in a fixture away at League Two leaders Luton Town but emerged from the game with a share of the spoils in a 1-1 draw.
The visitors threatened first at Kenilworth Road as Ryan Yates sent a header goalwards from Carl Dickinson's delivery but Marek Stech deflected the ball over the bar before the midfielder poked the ensuing corner wide.
Notts continued to threaten, with Jon Stead latching on to Terry Hawkridge's cross before holding off his defender and rolling the ball straight at the Hatters goalkeeper.
Stead then had another chance after outmuscling Alan Sheehan to bring down the ball in the channel before cutting infield on his left foot, but once again Stech was equal to the effort.
However, Luton went on to take the lead against the run of play on 26 minutes with their first shot on target.
Sheehan sent a corner kick to the far post, where Johnny Mullins was perfectly placed to plant a downward header beyond Ross Fitzsimons to send the crowd barmy.
Jorge Grant looked for an immediate reply, shooting at Stech, but the pendulum swung back towards the hosts before Notts finished the half strongly, albeit a goal behind.
Luton made a better start to the second half, Danny Hylton turning his marker and seeing his ensuing effort charged down.
County then threatened as Matt Tootle's cross headed over by Grant, while Yates pounced on a loose ball to sidefoot wide from the edge of the area.
Kevin Nolan's side were able to find an equaliser when Mullins gave away a free kick on the hour mark, which Grant whipped into the box where Shola Ameobi was on hand to nod into the goal.
Fitzsimons was the hero late on as he made a wonderful save from point-blank range against Mullins as the final whistle saw a share of the spoils.
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Joe Jones

Notts County launch Generation 8 scheme

Notts County have launched Generation 8, a new initiative which aims to generate interest in the Magpies among youngsters with a view to attracting future fans to the club.
Part of the scheme will see 3,500 replica shirts given to schoolchildren across the county, with a number of schools having already been handed the tops.
Magpies owner and chairman Alan Hardy has invested £100,000 in the scheme and the club plans to visit Year 3 pupils at 75 schools to hand out junior shirts and tickets.
So far Notts have visited Richard Bonington Primary School where they handed out 60 shirts and 700 tickets for next week’s home game against Grimsby Town.
Hogarth Academy were also paid a visit and 30 shirts were presented to pupils by two of the club’s players along with another 400 tickets for the game against Grimsby.
“Engaging with the community, as I’ve always said, is critically important to Notts County both for the now and for the future,” Hardy told the Nottingham Post.
“If we are to be a success on and off the field, then we have to get out there and show the county what our principles are and how we want to achieve our ambitions
“That is why I am absolutely delighted with this scheme because children are the lifeblood of any football club. They are the next generation of supporters and are hugely important to this club’s future.
“And I have been absolutely delighted with the response we have had so far. If we can see more black and white shirts being worn around the county, then it will be a job well done.”
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Joe Jones

Stat Attack: Luton Town vs. Notts County, Saturday 9 December 2017

Head to head
Notts County and Luton Town have faced off 70 times in their history.
The first meeting came in January 1912 when the Magpies secured a 4-2 away win in the FA Cup.
Luton dominate the head-to-head with 35 wins over Notts, 20 draws and 15 defeats.
Out of the 11 matches between the two that have taken place since the turn of the century, Notts have won four, drawn four and lost four.
The Hatters have won just one of their last four League Two matches against Notts (D1 L2), failing to score in two of the previous three matches between the two sides.
The Magpies have lost two of their last eight matches against Luton at Kenilworth Road in the Football League (W3 D3).
Stats
Luton have scored 20 goals in their last five league matches at Kenilworth Road (W4 L1), conceding five - no side has won more home matches than Luton in League Two this season (8 - also Notts County).
Notts County have gone five away matches without a victory in League Two (D3 L2), having won four on the bounce prior to this run; The Magpies last went longer without an away victory in February last season (a run of seven consecutive away defeats).
No League Two side has scored more goals in the last 15 minutes of matches than Luton (13 - four more than the next best side - 9, Notts County).
History
Luton Town Football Club was formed on 11 April 1885, the product of a merger of the two leading local teams, Luton Town Wanderers and Excelsior.
The club was the first in southern England to turn professional, making payments to players as early as 1890 and turning fully professional a year later.
It joined the Football League before the 1897–98 season, left in 1900 because of financial problems, and rejoined in 1920.
Luton reached the First Division in 1955–56 and contested a major final for the first time when playing Nottingham Forest in the 1959 FA Cup Final.
The team was then relegated from the top division in 1959–60, and demoted twice more in the following five years, playing in the Fourth Division from the 1965–66 season. However, it was promoted back to the top level by 1974–75.
Luton Town's most recent successful period began in 1981–82, when the club won the Second Division and gained promotion to the First.
Luton defeated Arsenal 3–2 in the 1988 Football League Cup Final and remained in the First Division until relegation at the end of the 1991–92 season.
Between 2007 and 2009, financial difficulties caused the club to fall from the second tier of English football to the fifth in successive seasons.
The last of these relegations came during the 2008–09 season, when 30 points were docked from Luton's tally for various financial irregularities.
Luton then spent five seasons in non-League football before winning the Conference Premier in 2013–14, securing promotion back into the Football League.
The club's nickname, "the Hatters", reflects Luton's historical connection with the hat making trade, which has been prominent there since the 1600s.
The nickname was originally a variant on the now rarely seen straw-plaiters. Supporters of the club are also called Hatters.
Luton is associated with two very different colour schemes - white and black (first permanently adopted in 1920), and orange, navy and white (first used in 1973, and worn by the team as of the 2015–16 season).
Team News
James Collins could return for Luton in the top-of-the-table clash against Notts.The eight-goal striker has missed the last five games with a leg injury but has this week resumed training.
Harry Cornick is also close to returning after a hamstring problem.
Scott Cuthbert and Alan McCormack, however, remain on the sidelines for the Hatters.
Notts striker Shola Ameobi is a doubt for the trip to Kenilworth Road as he has been nursing a groin problem in recent weeks.
If Ameobi is fit he will play up front alongside Jon Stead, replacing Lewis Alessandra.
Few other changes are expected, though a possible change in midfield could see Robert Milsom come in for Elliott Hewitt.
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Joe Jones

Scouting Report: Luton Town vs. Notts County, Saturday 9 December 2017

So here comes the big one... Notts County travel to Luton Town on Saturday as first takes on second in League Two.
How should the Magpies approach this game? What are their opponents' strengths and weaknesses?
PON's Chris has a look in this weekend's Scouting Report.
Head to head
Notts County and Luton Town have faced off 70 times in their history.
The first meeting came in January 1912 when the Magpies secured a 4-2 away win in the FA Cup.
Luton dominate the head-to-head with 35 wins over Notts, 20 draws and 15 defeats.
Out of the 11 matches between the two that have taken place since the turn of the century, Notts have won four, drawn four and lost four.
Run-down of their last six features
Saturday 21st October – Crawley Town 0 Luton Town 0
Saturday 28th October – Luton Town 0 Coventry City 3
Saturday 11th November – Cheltenham Town 2 Luton Town 2
Saturday 18th November – Luton Town 7 Cambridge United 0
Tuesday 21st November – Luton Town 3 Carlisle United 0
Saturday 25th November – Crewe Alexandra 1 Luton Town 2
The Players – Fact Sheet
Highest Goal Scorers: Danny Hylton 13, James Collins 9, Dan Potts 6 and Elliot Lee 6.
Persistent Foulers: Dan Potts 7 yellow cards, Alan Sheehan 6 yellow cards, Danny Hylton 4 yellow cards and Scott Cuthbert 2 yellow cards and a single red card.
The Key Players
At the back Dan Potts leads with example, he’s a very capable defender and likes to get forward as much as possible.
His ability to strike the ball and contribute to attacking play is equally as effect as his leadership at the back.
Meanwhile, in midfield, duo Olly Lee and Jack Stacey are the creative outlets for Luton Town.
They enjoy breaking down teams with clever passing, whilst showcasing an array of different types of passing in order to maximise their attacks.
Upfront they are blessed with several options on goal, however the prolific Danny Hylton suits their style of play well and likes to cause as much problems for the oppositions defence.
Style of Play, Strengths, and Weaknesses
Luton Town as can be expected are a well organised team, both at the back and going forward.
They like to use the flanks as their main outlet for breaking down teams, using a mix of low and high pass in order to get into key areas.
In the air they’re naturally very impressive and deliver inch perfect crosses from a wide range of areas that results in chances being created.
They commit players going forward, however the shape they often play means they have cover throughout the field of play.
Despite being a very attacking minded team, they don’t pressure sides by maintaining the ball and do like to invite play onto themselves – however this is something that they tend to use to counter.
When they’re playing well, Luton are a very difficult team to break down and they are comfortable playing the ball on the ground and defending it within the air.
Position-wise they don’t tend to leave much space, and cover areas which other teams often tend to forget about when being so heavily focused on attacking play – however, Luton do tend to allow teams to shoot from distance.
When they feel comfortable they do allow teams to pass, and their focus can temporarily be lacking but usually only for brief breaks.
When they don’t have a grip of the game, play is more open and teams with pace often find this to be the best method of attacking.
Likewise, being patient in possession and moving the ball around nicely is something which they tend to worry less about – which can be a mistake on their part.
Notts will have to be fully alert to the dangerous capabilities that Luton Town presents.
In the air they’ll have to show no fear, whilst on the ground we really do need to be quick at covering the ball and attempting to win it back.
Going forward, Notts will naturally need to make use of set pieces – whilst switching the areas in which they attack would be something that might catch their defence napping.
We really will be required to be strong on the ball, whilst creative and smart within our play going forward.
There will be little chance for mistakes, so we need to focus on playing them at their own game and forcing them to repeatedly attempt to figure out how best to break us down.
I think both teams will cancel each other out, for us it’s just a case of being alert at the back and taking whatever chances we may get on goal.
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Chris

Kevin Nolan: 'Michael O'Connor doing really well'

Kevin Nolan has provided an update on Michael O'Connor's rehabilitation, saying the Notts County club captain is doing really well and is on the right track.
The 30-year-old needed surgery to repair his cruciate ligaments and on his meniscus, an injury picked up against Portsmouth in April last season.
Nolan says he is delighted with the progress made so far by the midfielder and hasn’t ruled out a return by the end of the season.
“Occy’s professionalism has shown right through this process,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post.
“He’s had a few minor setbacks, but the way he’s gone about it, the way he’s attacked this injury – he’s doing really well.
“He had a lot of problems in that knee but it’s a testament to him, Tom Hallas and the people working behind him.
“He’s done fantastically well and he’s got to continue working hard. We’ve just got to keep the reins on him and let him not go too fast too soon.
“We want him back as quickly as possible, but as I always say, the health of the player is the most important thing.
“We want him back when he’s right. He’s in a good place and I am absolutely delighted.
“What a result it would be to have him back for the final few weeks of the season.
“He has experience, intelligence and being your skipper, it would be a massive boost for everyone around the club.”
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Joe Jones

Nathan Jones impressed with Notts County transformation under Kevin Nolan

Luton Town boss Nathan Jones has praised Kevin Nolan for doing a "fantastic job" in transforming Notts County's fortunes ahead of their League Two meeting tomorrow.
The Magpies sit second in the table, level on points with the top-placed Hatters, going into Saturday's crunch clash at Kenilworth Road.
A year ago, Notts were in the middle of a barren losing run which saw them tumble all the way to the bottom reaches of the table, until Alan Hardy's takeover and appointment of Nolan steered the ship.
Jones, voted November's L2 Manager of the Month, told the official Luton site: "The worst that can happen to us is we end up in second place after the game and they end up top.
"It's not the worst thing in the world, but it's a big game and we want to win those games.
"We want to win and they will want to win. Both teams I would imagine would be going out to do that. I don't think it sets a marker down, it's just a big, big game you want to win."
"With the two sides in terms of points and league status, it's two of the best in the league and there's very little to separate us, only our goals scored separates the two teams.
"Kev's done a fantastic job there. He's got a real good team together, he's recruited well.
"I know what type of character he is and he's instilled that in the players. So it will be a fabulous game and I hope we play the way we have in these big games lately.
"It's two sides going head to head and I imagine both sides will try and win the game as they've got such a good record as well, so we're looking forward to it.
"A draw might be a good result for them, or for us. In terms of what they have done lately, they're in excellent form, we're on the same points. They've showed they can win away from home as well as at home."
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Joe Jones

Kevin Nolan remaining tight-lipped on how to exploit Luton Town weaknesses

Kevin Nolan has remained tight-lipped about how to line up his Notts County side to face Luton Town in Saturday's big League Two clash at Kenilworth Road.
The Magpies sit second in the table, level with points with the Hatters, who boast an impressive goal difference to sit top.
Much has been made of Luton's powerful attack and free-scoring, and Nolan insisted that his side is relishing the encounter, which will give the winner a psychological boost heading into the festive period.
“I am not going to say how we are going to go about it, because Nathan Jones (Luton’s manager) will know what I am going to do,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post.
“They have played some lovely free-flowing football this year and you have to give them massive respect in terms of how they have gone about it.
“But with the players they have I am sure that is what he (Jones) expected so it’s about us trying to exploit their weaknesses.
“They may think they don’t have any, but we’ve seen some that we think they have.
“If we can exploit them then we will give them a run for their money.
“But we have to be respectful of what they do at home because they’ve hit a team for eight and two others for seven.
“They’ve done that three times and they are a good side with some quality players, who they have paid lots and lots of money for.
“But like I say when we do what we do then we give ourselves a fantastic opportunity of winning.
“It’s going to be a tough ask, but it’s one we are all relishing and looking forward to.”
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Joe Jones

Pride of Nottingham's PONcast: Episode 34

Hello and welcome to episode 34 of the Pride of Nottingham PONcast, presented by Chris and JJ.
In this week's episode we discuss Notts County's FA Cup second-round win over Oxford City, looking at how we performed and whether we were worthy of a win.
We then move on to the third-round draw, which gave us a tie away at Brentford, and determine just how good a tie it is from both a glamour perspective and how winnable the game is.
We also preview the Magpies' upcoming League Two clash with table-topping Luton Town at Kenilworth Road, an encounter which could go a long way in determining who's going to get their hands on the title.
In addition we discuss Alan Hardy's revelation that Notts are losing £40,000 per month in win bonuses for players and coaches.
All this and more only in episode 34 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

Opposition View: Luton Town vs. Notts County, Saturday 9 December 2017

For all the excitement of reaching the third round of the FA Cup (and the ensuing anti-climax at drawing Brentford away), all that must now be stashed away until next month because now it's time to refocus on the league.
And as fixtures go, this weekend's encounter is probably the most taxing we are bound to have all season (except for an away derby) - Luton Town away.
The Hatters are top of League Two and their goal difference is frightening - they've been smashing goals in all season (48 scored in 20 games) and have a mean defence (18 conceded).
Ahead of Saturday's crunch clash at Kenilworth Road, Pride of Nottingham spoke to Luton fan James Hall (@LTFCJames98) to get an insight on the opposition.
About James: I'm 19 years old been a fan from as young as I can remember, and my favourite player is Marek Stech.
Q1: What led to Luton's slide down the Football League and into the Conference, including that infamous 30-point deduction in 2008-09?
The sale of key players for club record fees in our last Championship season and Mike Newell's demand for replacements capable of keeping us up failed as there were many sales and replacements were very few and far between. From then we struggled and just slid down the leagues until we eventually got our -30 in the 08/09 season. Possibly the worst season for us Luton fans.
Q2: It took four years for Luton to go back up into League Two - how did you navigate the non-league period and what finally led to the club going back up?
Every season we played in the non-league we found ourselves high up in the tables, often missing out on automatic promotion due to lack of consistency unfortunately. After several heartbreaks in the playoffs, some fans were starting to think it wasn’t ever going to happen. However, after employing an experienced non-league manager in John Still in 2013 things seemed to take a turn for the best, in his first full season as Luton manager we ended the season as champions, no doubt because of the goals of one man, Andre Gray! What an enjoyable season that was.
Q3: Do you think the club would be in a different position had they stayed in the top flight when it was rebranded as the Premier League instead of going down the season before, like Notts did?
Yes, without a doubt because the influence of the Premier League money would have enabled us to make positive changes, since then money has become a massive factor! I won’t complain too much though, much more competition and passion down here!
Q4: The club has two main colour schemes, white and black, and orange, navy and white. Why is this the case, and which is your favourite?
I’m not too sure why the colour scheme changed, however I do know that the black and white was used first back in 1920, then it was modified to the orange which has been used mostly since. My favourite has to be the famous orange of Luton Town, puts a bright noticeable colour into the stands of Kenilworth Road!
Q5: Luton are right up there at the top of League Two and boast an impressive goal difference - do you think you'll win the title and what other three teams do you think will go up into League One?
With the squad we have to hand this season it’s difficult to see us not getting promoted, our goal difference at this stage is phenomenal, scoring 7 three times this season! Of course we are flying but there are also a few other teams that have the squad capable of such things. Notts are having a strong season as well, sitting on the same amount of points means they are right on our backs. For me, I think we will win the league, however it will get close! Notts, Exeter and Wycombe are my other promotion candidates.
Q6: Who are your danger men, and can we get your score and scorer prediction?
Danny Hylton is definitely one to watch with 13 this season but also more recently and surprisingly Dan Potts, our left-back, scoring 6 this season. My prediction For Saturday is Luton 3-1 Notts. I think we will step up now against second place and produce probably our best result of the season, Hylton scoring two and Luke Berry getting one with your star player Jorge Grant getting your goal!
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Chris

League Two news roundup: 1-7 December 2017

What's been happening in League Two over the last week?
Here is Pride of Nottingham's round-up of the biggest League Two news from the last seven days.
- Morecambe defender Sam Lavelle will serve a two-match ban for 'deceiving a match official' in earning a penalty in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Carlisle United, the Shrimps unsuccessfully appealing the suspension.
- Exeter City re-signed centre-back Danny Seaborne, who began his career with the Grecians and helped the club win promotion from the National League to League One between 2007 and 2009, as cover for Troy Brown and Luke Croll. Seaborne had been without a club since leaving Hamilton Academical in the summer.
- Yeovil Town signed free agent Oscar Gobern - who left Scottish club Ross County in the summer and has played for Southampton, Huddersfield Town, Queens Park Rangers and Mansfield Town - on non-contract terms until the end of the season.
- Cambridge United changed the name of their ground back to the Abbey Stadium after eight years. They initially sold naming rights in 2009 and the ground had been known as the Cambs Glass Stadium since 2015 but the company has allowed the club to return to its traditional stadium name.
- Newport County manager Mike Flynn claimed that he would rather spend any FA Cup prize money on a new training ground than new players for his squad in January - and with the Exiles having drawn Championship side Leeds United in the third round, more funds will be coming their way.
- Notts County are being "challenged financially" because of their success this season, says owner Alan Hardy, with over £40,000 a month being paid out to players and management on win bonuses.
- Carlisle United defender Clint Hill has revealed that he could play on towards his 40th birthday if his side mount a play-off challenge this season, saying: "I'm pushing 40 next year - maybe it'd be time to hang up my boots, but it depends how the next 20-odd games go."
- Forest Green Rovers have signed midfielder Dayle Grubb from non-league side Weston-super-Mare for an undisclosed fee, the 26-year-old having scored 29 times so far in the 2017 calendar year, and will join Forest Green on 1 January, leaving his job as a sports teacher in the process.
- More criticism came the way of the EFL/Checkatrade Trophy after Leicester City fielded an Under-21 side with six over-age players, three internationals and transfer fees worth around £45m in their 2-1 second-round win at Scunthorpe United, while Michy Batshuayi played for Chelsea in the competition a day after turning out against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
- Chesterfield have signed Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Cameron Dawson on an emergency loan deal until January as cover for first choice Joe Anyon, who broke his arm in the EFL Trophy defeat at Fleetwood Town.
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Joe Jones

Joe Jones: Notts County making a name for itself as an exciting and dynamic football club

Alan Hardy has recently described what he is doing - and continuing to do - at Notts County as a "revolution".
Given how the last 11 months or so have panned out, you wouldn't argue against it. This time last year, Notts were in the middle of a truly horrendous losing run which would go on to span 10 matches, and the atmosphere at Meadow Lane was understandably so toxic that Chernobyl would have felt like a spa weekend in comparison.
And indeed, Hardy has done the conventional things right - he's invested shrewdly in the club from top to bottom, appointing a dynamic young manager in Kevin Nolan, investing in the player facilities, enabling the fostering of great team spirit and winning the vast majority of the fanbase back after several years of animosity with open communication and numerous incentives.
But aside from that, Notts have also undergone a process of overhauling their image and getting the club in the headlines for the right reasons.
As a club in the fourth tier of English football, opportunities to get the club promoted in the press are generally few and far between, but over the last few months, the likes of Hardy, Nolan, Jon Stead and Shola Ameobi have featured on the likes of Sky Sports and in the Daily Mail, the Guardian and BBC Sport to name a few.
Things like the rotating monthly shirt sponsorship, which in hindsight is such a simple and effective premise that it's amazing nobody else has thought of it before. The interest in Nolan, Stead, Ameobi, Alan Smith and other Notts men as Premier League household names. The top-notch changing rooms. All these and more have made the nationals and helped reshape the Magpies as an exciting, dynamic, innovative and simply "cool" club.
In particular I would like to focus on the sponsorship deal with Jake Bugg. An absolute stroke of genius. We all know how football and music have enjoyed a symbiotic relationship for a long time - Oasis and Manchester City, the Stone Roses and Man United. And now, Notts and Jake Bugg.
His name on our shirts gets him a lot of exposure (plus brownie points by virtue of having his name associated with the beautiful game) while at the same time giving the Notts brand brownie points for being associated with a young, talented and internationally famous musician.
All this might seem like tittle tattle but this PR "charm offensive" is crucial considering how our children, as it was in the past but with the advent of social media, more than ever, could find themselves turned away from their local clubs and towards the likes of Man United, Man City, Chelsea, Barcelona, Real Madrid and so on - and for Nottingham kids specifically, turning away from Notts and onto Nottingham Forest, which would be the ultimate humiliation for a Magpie parent or guardian.
This is why Hardy's "revolution" isn't just about the present - it's about ensuring that Notts is seen as the kind of club that local youngsters want to be associated with and, as a result, don't get swayed towards teams hundreds of miles away. Or worse yet, Forest!
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Joe Jones

Jorge Grant: 'I am happy to be at Notts County'

Jorge Grant has reiterated how much he is enjoying his time at Notts County after parent club Nottingham Forest confirmed they would not be recalling him in January.
The 23-year-old, who played a big part in the Magpies surviving in League Two last season, has picked up where he left off in 2017-18, his 14 goals so far helping the club to the upper spots in the table and to the third round of the FA Cup.
There had been concern over whether Grant's superb form would prompt Forest to recall him in January and make use of him to help the club up the Championship table, but manager Mark Warburton insisted he would not demand for him or Ryan Yates to return to the City Ground until the end of the season.
Grant told the Nottingham Post after the FA Cup second-round win over Oxford City that he was looking forward to remaining at the club, as well as giving his thoughts on the 3-2 win over the non-league side.
“I am just happy to be here,” he said. “I am relishing being on the pitch and I am enjoying my football.
“We showed our character in the end against Oxford. The boys are really together and we do things outside of football and on the training pitch. We work hard and we are all together as a team.
“From a personal perspective, the game was frustrating because we wanted to win and it wasn’t really going our way.
“Then during the game I was trying to concentrate on not missing the target from two yards.
“After there was just relief in that all of the hard work we put into the game both in the 90 minutes and the training pitch paid off.
“They (Oxford) were always going to give 100 percent no matter what. It was never going to be an easy test and I thought they handled themselves well.”
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Joe Jones

Kevin Nolan: 'Notts County being cautious over Shola Ameobi knock'

Kevin Nolan has provided an update on Shola Ameobi, revealing that the Notts County striker is touch and go in terms of his availability ahead of Saturday's League Two meeting with Luton Town.
The veteran marksman sat out Saturday’s 3-2 win over Oxford City in the second round of the FA Cup with a suspected groin injury.
Nolan insists that Ameobi is doing well but, due to having potentially aggravated a previous injury, the club's medical team are being cautious with him as they don't want to lose him for a long time.
“Shola’s okay, but we have to wrap him up in cotton wool,” the County boss told the Nottingham post. “He tweaked a bit of a previous injury so we are just being careful and cautious.
“We don’t want to lose him for more than one game. If it’s one then we will have to deal with that, but we don’t want him missing four, five or six weeks.
“He is a massive part of what we are doing going forwards.”
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Joe Jones

Alan Hardy: "We were hoping for a Premier League club"

Notts County owner Alan Hardy has admitted that Brentford away was not an FA Cup third-round draw that he had hoped for.
The Magpies beat League One side Bristol Rovers and non-league Oxford City in the opening two rounds of the competition to go in the hat for the hallowed third round.
However, the hope of getting a bumper tie against a Premier League giant was shattered with the pairing of Notts and the Championship high-flyers in Monday night's draw.
There is nonetheless a belief in the County camp of being able to pull off an upset against the Bees at Griffin Park.
“We were hoping for a Premier League club, but we’re looking forward to it,” Hardy told the Nottingham Post.
“They are a good side, but we will go into it with belief and confidence.
“And we will go there well prepared because the management team will do a very thorough job of looking at their strengths and weaknesses.
“It’s a good opportunity for us to progress to the fourth round.”
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Joe Jones

Notts County boss Kevin Nolan up against Steve Evans of Mansfield Town for Manager of the Month award

Notts County boss Kevin Nolan has been nominated for November's League Two manager of the Month award.
The 35-year-old, who won the award in September, is in the running again after an impressive month in which the Magpies remained unbeaten in the league and took eight points from 12.
Wins over Cheltenham Town and Colchester United kept County's unbeaten home record intact so far this season, while on the road, they claimed draws against Yeovil Town and Stevenage.
Steve Evans of Mansfield Town is also in the running for the gong after leading the Stags to an unbeaten month, taking 10 points from a possible 12.
And in a nomination hat-trick for the East Midlands, Chesterfield's manager has also been named among the candidates, Jack Lester taking eight points from four games to help his side get within touching distance of safety.
The fourth manager in the running is Nathan Jones of Luton Town for having claimed 10 points from the month's four league games and seen his side score 14 goals in the process.
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Joe Jones

Chris Buckley: Notts County have every chance of beating Brentford in FA Cup

So, Notts County have been drawn away to Brentford in the third round of the FA Cup.
Whilst the draw might not be all that glamourous for either side, both teams must surely be fancying their chances in progressing to the fourth round.
Personally I think the tie is quite ideal for that reason, and I would hope that we can forge some sort of run that might perhaps see us replicate what Jon Stead did at Bradford City and of course Terry Hawkridge at Lincoln City.
It perhaps would have been nice to have drawn Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur or perhaps our neighbours Nottingham Forest.
However, a tie against the Bees isn’t the worst thing for me, as I said it’s a good chance to progress and Kevin Nolan will have the bulk of the squad at his call – fingers crossed we’ll have the full squad for selection.
Yet wouldn’t it be nice for us to continue doing well in the league, along with a respectable cup run?
I actually see the competition as a way to further move the club forward, as it’s easy to dismiss the money which it can attract but it’s only ever really useful when you progress further.
And I would like to see Notts put a convincing performance, perhaps similar to that of what we did against Aston Villa in the League Cup in 2015.
Just with a more uplifting ending that perhaps might see us continue to dream and realise just how far we have come as a club.
So that said, I think I can dismiss the fact that I had hoped we might be fortunate enough to be drawn again at Meadow Lane – I do feel we may have dodged a bullet.
Would you rather see us have a decent a chance of progressing or one fairy-tale game? At least we haven’t been drawn to Mansfield.
Plus, we can go into the game hopefully being able to place egg on the faces of some Brentford fans who are already appearing to be counting their chickens!
The better team on the day will progress, and I hope it will be Notts but despite the fact we weren’t playing them fairly regularly a short time ago – it will allow us to see how we compare now.
Fingers crossed we’ll show the Bees just how high the Magpies are flying at the minute.
Yet provided the performance is good, all our players give a good account of themselves and we respect the importance of progressing further – it’s fine by me.
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Chris

Notts County drawn away to Brentford in FA Cup third round

Notts County have been drawn away at Brentford in the third round of the FA Cup.
The draw was made on Monday evening, with Magpies fans hoping to get a plum tie against a Premier League giant.
Instead, Notts will be heading to Griffin Park to face the Bees, who currently sit 11th in the Championship table.
There is a possibility that Kevin Nolan's side could come up against former Notts man Alan Judge, although he has been sidelined since last year and, although he is stepping up his rehabilitation from a broken leg, there is no timeframe on his return yet.
The Magpies overcame League One side Bristol Rovers and National League South outfit Oxford City to make it this far.
Ties will take place between 5 and 7 January 2018.
Third-round draw in full
Ipswich Town v Sheffield United
Watford v Bristol City
Birmingham City v Burton Albion
Liverpool v Everton
Brighton & Hove Albion v Crystal Palace
Aston Villa v Woking or Peterborough United
Bournemouth v AFC Fylde or Wigan
Coventry City v Stoke City
Newport County v Leeds United
Bolton Wanderers v Huddersfield Town
Port Vale v Bradford City
Nottingham Forest v Arsenal
Brentford v Notts County
Queens Park Rangers v MK Dons
Manchester United v Derby County
Forest Green Rovers or Exeter City v West Bromwich Albion
Doncaster Rovers v Slough Town or Rochdale
Tottenham Hotspur v AFC Wimbledon
Middlesbrough v Sunderland
Fleetwood or Hereford v Leicester City
Blackburn Rovers or Crewe Alexandra v Hull City
Cardiff City v Mansfield Town
Manchester City v Burnley
Shrewsbury Town v West Ham United
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Swansea City
Stevenage v Reading
Newcastle United v Luton Town
Millwall v Barnsley
Fulham v Southampton
Wycombe Wanderers v Preston North End
Norwich City v Chelsea
Gillingham or Carlisle United v Sheffield Wednesday
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Joe Jones

Mark Jones reveals Oxford City player heartbreak after FA Cup loss to Notts County

Oxford City manager Mark Jones has spoken of his players' heartbreak in losing late on to Notts County in Saturday's FA Cup second-round encounter.
The National League South strugglers were seconds away from reaching the third round draw for the first time, having pegged the hosts back twice at Meadow Lane.
Deep into injury time, however, Jorge Grant scored on the rebound with virtually the last kick of the match to clinch a 3-2 victory and put Notts in the hat for round three.
Jones told the Oxford Mail: “It was heartbreaking, there were a few tears in the dressing room.
“The boys gave everything and we were obviously seconds away from a great result and getting them back to our place.
“We thought we were going to be in the hat for the third round. It was so so close, and sometimes football and life can be cruel.
“When we first started on this road away to Whitehawk in September we could never have imagined experiencing this.
“I just wish we could have held on, because it would have been a fantastic achievement to be in the hat for the third round, but it was not meant to be.
“We’ve got to get over it. We’re in a poor position in the league. We showed we’ve got more than enough quality about us not to be down there, but we’ll pick the lads up and stick together.”
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Joe Jones

Kevin Nolan: 'Jorge Grant is a special kind of player'

Kevin Nolan has reiterated that Jorge Grant is a special talent as he continues to conjure up the magic for Notts County.
The 23-year-old loanee registered his 14th goal of the campaign on Saturday as he helped the Magpies into the third round of the FA Cup.
In the second-round meeting with Oxford City, Grant was perfectly placed in the box to smash home a rebounded shot in the 94th minute for a 3-2 win.
“We speak to Jorge about it, it just comes to him in the box. It’s not him being lucky, it’s having a nous to be able to do that,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post.
“For me, that’s what he is. He’s a special kind of player because even if he’s not having a major impact on the game, he can pop up with something.
“He’s the furthest one out of the box and he’s the one who ends up scoring a goal and it’s a testament to what he does and the work he does on the training ground and he’s getting better and better.
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Joe Jones

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