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Terry Hawkridge eager to replicate Lincoln City FA Cup run with Notts County

Terry Hawkridge is hoping that he can embark on a successful FA Cup run with Notts County this season, much like he did with Lincoln City last year.
The Imps went all the way to the quarter-finals of the competition in 2016-17, the first non-league team in 103 years to reach the last eight.
Hawkridge was a key component of the Lincoln team that made it that far in the competition, as well as sealing promotion to the Football League.
Now at Notts, who are preparing for their first-round encounter with Bristol Rovers at Meadow Lane on Friday, the winger spoke of his aspirations.
“Obviously what we achieved at Lincoln was something incredibly special and we went on a great run which gave us plenty of memories,” he told the Nottingham Post.
“I would love to do the same with Notts this season and it would be amazing to see if we could go one better as you always set out to try to go as far as you can.
“But you cannot get too far ahead of yourselves. We’ve got a very tough game on Friday night and they will want to experience exactly the same.
“We’ve got an excellent home record and nothing to fear, so it should be a good game.”
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Joe Jones

Kevin Nolan: 'Jorge Grant beats himself up too easily'

Notts County boss Kevin Nolan has revealed that he has had to tell Jorge Grant to stop being so critical of himself.
The 23-year-old grabbed a brace against Newport County at the weekend, which saw him edge into the double figures mark for goals.
During the 3-0 win over the Exiles, however, Grant's over-eagerness to impress - and its subsequent impact on his play - led to Nolan having to have a word with him.
“I told him not to try to eat himself up,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post.
“Sometimes he was trying a bit too hard to impress people instead of being normal Jorge and building himself into the game.
“He was trying to force things and I just said ‘go back to your one and two touch’ because if there is one person in the squad who can do it more than others then it’s him.
“You saw that against Newport. He had a few indifferent touches but I had a chat with him and just said to calm himself down.
“He beats himself up too easily and he shouldn’t do that because he’s an outstanding talent.
“We have to help him with that. But I thought he grew into the game on Saturday and showed some real touches of class.”
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Joe Jones

Notts County news recap: October 2017

October is now done and dusted, we're a third of the way into the season, and Notts County remain top of League Two!
The month just gone proved a little bumpier than the almost perfect September, but nonetheless the Magpies got through it well enough and ended it on a high note.
In this article, Pride of Nottingham recaps all the biggest stories from Meadow Lane and elsewhere in the Notts world that happened in October 2017.
October 3
- Alan Hardy described Kevin Nolan as "a star of the future" after the Notts manager was nominated for September's League Two Manager of the Month award.
- Kevin Nolan hit out at a "ridiculous" festive fixture list for Notts County this season which includes a trip to Morecambe on Boxing Day and a journey to Swindon Town three days later.
October 4
- Notts announced that club record goalscorer Les Bradd was to donate £1 from every sale of his forthcoming book, Far Post: A Striker’s Tale of Scoring Goals and Breaking Records, to the beneficiaries of the CEO Sleepout that took place early in the month.
October 5
Kevin Nolan expressed his delight with Shola Ameobi's return for Notts County from a hamstring injury, but insisted that he wouldn't rush him back into action.
October 6
Kevin Nolan was named the League Two Manager of the Month following a near-perfect September for Notts County.
October 7
Kevin Nolan gave a positive assessment of Michael O'Connor's rehabilitation from a serious knee injury describing the midfielder as being "in a good place".
Notts County claimed a point against Forest Green as Rob Milsom struck in the 96th minute to give his side a 1-1 draw at Meadow Lane.
October 12
Notts confirmed that Liam Noble, recently released by Forest Green, had returned to Meadow Lane and would be available for selection from January.
October 14
Notts County returned to winning ways and sat at the top of League Two once again following a 2-1 win over Barnet at Meadow Lane.
October 16
Kevin Nolan confirmed that goalkeeper Adam Collin had suffered an injury against Barnet and was to be sent for a scan on his knee.
Notts County were handed a home draw against Bristol Rovers in the first round of the FA Cup.
October 17
Notts suffered a 2-0 defeat away at Crewe Alexandra on Tuesday night which knocked them off the top of League Two.
October 20
Alan Hardy revealed that Notts County have complained to the Football League over their fixture list this season.
October 21
Alan Hardy spoke out in favour of the introduction a safe standing area at Meadow Lane and said he was eager to consult fans on the topic.
Notts County fought back from a goal down to claim a 1-1 draw in Saturday's League Two encounter at Carlisle United.
October 23
Kevin Nolan confirmed that Adam Collin has suffered ligament damage and is likely to be out for between two and three months.
October 25
Notts County fell to a 2-1 defeat against Mansfield Town in their EFL Trophy Group G clash at Meadow Lane on Tuesday night.
October 28
Notts County returned to the top of League Two thanks to an emphatic 3-0 win over Newport County at Meadow Lane on Saturday.
October 31
Alan Hardy revealed that additional turnstile checks at Meadow Lane on Saturday for Notts County's game against Newport County were put in place to stop people using "tickets to which they are not entitled".
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Joe Jones

Alan Hardy issues statement on additional Notts County ticket checks

Alan Hardy has stated that additional turnstile checks at Meadow Lane on Saturday for Notts County's game against Newport County were put in place to stop people using "tickets to which they are not entitled".
In a statement published on the club site, he said: "As part of the club's open, honest and transparent lines of communication, we wish to clarify the reasoning behind the recent decision to introduce spot ticket checks inside the stadium.
"We have been made aware that a small group are abusing our ticketing policy by using tickets to which they are not entitled.
"Put simply, they are buying discounted concession tickets for youngsters and senior citizens and passing them on to be used by adults.
"This is defrauding the club of a considerable amount of money which would be used to help our future development across all levels, while it is also wholly unfair on honest supporters who pay the correct amount.
"I am extremely passionate about encouraging the next generation of young Notts fans to come and watch us by making it as affordable as possible but we have to put a stop to this wilful abuse of our ticketing initiatives.
"With immediate effect, I have instructed all our turnstile operators to adopt higher levels of vigilance upon entry and the club will also be utilising additional stewards to check tickets inside the ground.
"I would like to apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and ask supporters to give themselves a little extra time to gain entrance into the stadium at future matches while we address this issue."
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Joe Jones

Kevin Nolan: 'Notts County have fantastic opportunity to progress in FA Cup'

Kevin Nolan has claimed that Notts County have a  “fantastic opportunity” of progressing into the second round of the FA Cup shock when they face Bristol Rovers on Friday.
A shaky October for the Magpies ended on a high note as Jorge Grant and Shola Ameobi struck three unanswered goals between them to claim a 3-0 victory over Newport County on Saturday.
That League Two win at Meadow Lane saw Notts edge back up to the summit of the table and Nolan is hoping that his side can take this momentum into the first-round encounter against the League One side on home soil.
“We now look to the next game which is Bristol Rovers, we’re at home, we’ve got an absolutely fantastic opportunity to get into the next round," Nolan is quoted by the Hucknall Dispatch as saying.
“We’ve made this a fortress and tough for people for come.
“What we will do is hopefully give a good account of ourselves and if we continue to do what we’ve done today and keep that moving, that will give us a fantastic chance of getting into the next round.
“We are not going to be favourites because they’re in a league above, but we can build momentum.”
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Joe Jones

Jorge Grant: 'I have developed massively since first joining Notts County'

Jorge Grant feels he has come a long way as a footballer since first arriving on loan at Notts County.
The 23-year-old, who is on the books of Nottingham Forest, linked up with the Magpies at the start of the year and played a big part in helping the club survive relegation from League Two.
A new loan deal was subsequently agreed for Grant at the start of the current campaign and the youngster continues to impress, claiming seven goals and two assists so far in the league.
“I think I have developed massively since I have been here,” Grant told the Nottingham Post.
“If I look at myself when I came back here in January to the player I am now, I have improved so much both in my decisions on the ball and off it.
“I think my defensive work, especially over the last three or four games, I’ve done a lot more than what I normally would do in a game.
“So that side of my game is starting to come forward as well.”
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Joe Jones

Kevin Nolan delighted with Notts County fan support in win over Newport

Kevin Nolan has praised the Notts County fans for their fervent support during Saturday's 3-0 win over Newport County.
Jorge Grant's brace and Shola Ameobi's powerful finish against the Exiles, combined with Luton Town's defeat to Coventry City, saw the Magpies return to the summit of League Two.
Nolan was delighted with the Black and White Army's noise levels throughout the game, insisting that his players' confidence was boosted and helped spur them on in the game.
“The fans were with us all the way through the game and you can see when they are on form and singing, how much confidence it gives to the lads,” he told the Nottingham Post.
“Thanks to them and hopefully they can continue to do that when things aren’t going so well.
“That’s when we need them even more. I was delighted with them and thank you to them for their massive support they have given me since I came here.”
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Joe Jones

Kevin Nolan interview with The Observer, Sunday 29 October 2017

With Notts County flying high in League Two, manager Kevin Nolan is very much the man of the moment for overseeing the transformation of a side that was previously all but certain to slip out of the Football League.
In a recent interview with The Observer, the 35-year-old spoke about a number of topics both about himself and his club.
Pride of Nottingham has taken his quotes and neatly and concisely compiled there here for you.
Should you wish to read the full interview on the Observer website, you can do so here.
On the state of Notts County when he arrived at the club
There was so much when we came in which was just not right. We didn’t have a training ground. The lads were getting changed here and then driving 20 or 30 minutes and having to come back to get showered. The pitch had not been touched for six or seven years. Changing all that has given players the belief to go: ‘Oh wow, this is an environment I want to thrive in.’”
On his career hopes
“I want to manage at the top level. I want to be part of big European nights, something I wasn’t able to do as a player, being in the Champions League. It’s so difficult now, especially for English managers. We don’t get the opportunities as much now as we did, so for me it’s just about making sure I learn my trade here. I’ve got to make sure that I pick my path right, but at this moment in time I can’t think of a better place to be.
“If we stop believing then it won’t happen. As a young English manager we’ve got to believe that there’s still room for us at the top level.”
On the transition from player to coach
“Every day you wake up wondering: ‘What’s the next thing for me?’ You can see why people end up in divorce and depressed and not in a good place. For me there’s a lot more to be done in that sense of looking after players. I was out of the game and that’s why I work so hard now: some nights I’m still here at nine o’clock because I don’t want to leave any stone unturned. I feel if I ever lose this job I know that I gave it my all.”
On his stint at Leyton Orient
"(Francesco Becchetti) should have just managed the team himself. Employing all the people he did was a disservice to football and a disservice to Leyton Orient. He wanted to tell you who’s best to play, who should have played, who shouldn’t play and ultimately that’s what cost me my job because I didn’t agree with what he wanted.”
On his coaching philosophy
“It’s quite funny because when Sam [Allardyce] gave his ultimate survival guide [for Premier League managers] on Sky Sports, I got a lot of cheeky texts saying: ‘It’s the Kevin Nolan bible!’ Everyone thinks I’m just a rigid 4-4-2 manager but I just like to stick to what I feel is best for the player. We have a system we all know but we can quite easily change to a three, or to a diamond four, because we work on it. I’m not just a straightforward: ‘This is me, I believe in it and I haven’t got a plan B, plan C.’ I feel that I have got that and whether I need to use it any time this season, time will tell. I don’t feel that I have a [particular tactical] philosophy. My first and foremost is getting a set of … I don’t like to call them rules … but a guidance of what’s expected when you walk into Notts County, what’s expected of you as a player: discipline, respect, togetherness.”
On Matt Tootle's personal issues
“It’s absolutely fantastic what he’s done to raise awareness because there is a lot of people holding back and think that it’s a weakness and it’s not. The weakness is hiding it. You’ve got to try and bring it out so people can help you. When he comes in we can talk and we can try and put him at ease or try and get him back up if he’s feeling down. It’s such a high‑pressure job. No matter if you’re playing with 3,000 people going to watch it every week, it’s pressure on you.”
On taking to the pitch for Notts
“At the minute I’m not in physical condition to play, that’s my excuse, but I don’t think I’d get in the team even if I was! Maybe you’ll see me in that black and white shirt one day, but hopefully not. That’s a last resort.”
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Joe Jones

Alan Hardy: 'Notts County already have an eye on January transfer window'

Alan Hardy has expressed his delight at how well Notts County are doing but will not rest on his laurels and is already looking ahead to the January transfer window.
A somewhat shaky October for the Magpies ended on a high note when Newport County were comprehensively beaten at Meadow Lane, Jorge Grant bagging a double in a 3-0 win.
The result, combined with Luton Town's defeat to Coventry City, edged Notts back up to first in the table.
Ahead of Saturday's game, Hardy praised the arrival of former player Liam Noble and also insisted that the club's current success and infrastructure would be a draw for prospective new players.
Hardy wrote in his weekly Nottingham Post column: "[Notts] have exceeded everybody’s expectations and there is an unmistakable buzz about what this season could have in store for us come May.
"But I think it’s crucial we don’t stand back and just admire the job that has been done so far.
"We want to keep pushing forward, which is why the future is always a topic of conversation here.
"We have already started talking about the January transfer window and discussing potential targets who can aid us in our quest for success this season.
"We have, of course, already signed Liam Noble. We were absolutely delighted to bring him in given our much-publicised chase for him in the summer.
"I don’t think there is any doubt about his quality and I am sure, under Kevin Nolan’s leadership, he will thrive in this environment.
"We were willing to pay big money for him so to get him on a free is not just a great deal in terms of what he will bring on the pitch, but also on a business level.
"With Liam being a massive Newcastle fan, I don’t think he could be at a better a club given we play in black and white and are called the Magpies!
"Not only that, he is working alongside a number of iconic ex-Newcastle figures here - players who I am sure Liam looks up to and who can help him improve on the undoubted talent he has.
"We are always looking to improve the squad and, already, we have been contacted by agents about players that may be available to us in January.
"Given the extraordinary progress we have made as a football club, both on and off the pitch, there’s no denying the fact that players want to come and be part of what we are trying to achieve.
"The league position obviously helps immensely, but I think a lot of players from the outside looking in can see the ambition we have to make this club a huge success.
"Whether they are strikers, midfielders or defenders, the list of players is growing by the day so already we have spoken about what we may potentially need come the New Year.
"It’s made for some fascinating conversations and, as I’ve expressed numerous times, I will back the manager in helping him fulfil our vision for this great and historic football club."
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Joe Jones

Match Reaction: Notts County 3-0 Newport County, Saturday 28 October 2017

Notts County returned to winning ways in emphatic style thanks to a 3-0 win over Newport County in Saturday's Meadow Lane clash.
The visitors were reduced to 10 men in the 34th minute when Dan Butler was dismissed following an elbow on Matt Tootle.
The Magpies went on to take fell behind shortly afterwards when Jorge Grant slotted home from Jon Stead's pass.
Shola Ameobi then doubled the Magpies' advantage with a neat finish after 52 minutes, turning in a Grant cross.
The Nottingham Forest loanee went on to score his second of the match three minutes later when he nodded in the rebound from his own saved shot.
Grant sadly missed out on a hat-trick when his free kick rattled the woodwork, but Notts still saw out the game without a reply from Newport and, combined with Luton Town's defeat, went back to the top of League Two.
Here is the reaction from the Notts manager, several players, and the Black and White Army following the superb win over the Exiles.
Kevin Nolan
“I was delighted with the performance and we were like our old selves again. It was what we were producing when we were at the top of the league the last time. It was high tempo and we dictated the play from start to finish.
“We really made it difficult for Newport and I was delighted with the goals we scored and the clean sheet too. It could have been five, six or seven given the chances we created and I don’t think that would have flattered them.
“Before the sending off there was a bit of anxiety, but I always felt we were in control but perhaps tried to force things a bit too much at times. But we started to settle and then the sending off came. But just because they have a man sent off it doesn’t give you an automatic right to win the game.
“You have to earn it. We did that and we made them pay the price for being down to 10 men.”
Jorge Grant
“I’m really happy. It’s been five games without a goal so it was good to get three points and a clean sheet.
“We came in with an attitude of ‘we’re not going to lose this game’ and maybe in the last few weeks we have let teams come on to us - but it was the opposite and it was proved in the final score.
“We were confident. We’ve been working on being calm and composed around the box in training and picking out the final pass. We could have had a lot more than three goals.
“It was a bit disappointing not to see the free-kick go in as that would have been a hat-trick and the first one of my career, but the win was all that mattered.”
Players on social media
 
 
 
 
The fans
Who r ya?? You Pies!!: Worthy winners in the end, after a game that needed something to get it on its way, got the incident with the sending off we didn't look back after that could have maybe won by more and played some good stuff to boot, COYP back top, indeed the only way is up!
Mark Connors: All you haters need to shut up about team selection and changes he makes for other competitions - KN KNOWS what he is doing in KN we trust - ironically we won today and Mansfield drew so who got it right Tuesday - I don't care if Mansfield win at Meadow Lane in the league as long as we go up YOU PIES!
Rachel Lee: Fantastic result played really well all the team but also both Jorge and shola lets go notts let's carry on!
Darren Handley: Great to be top of the pile again but some fans still don’t care if we can’t beat Mansfield really a local derby and your not bothered,are you really a Notts fan?
Pete Cowlishaw: Great result but seriously lads, you had 21 shots on target and only stuck 3 of them away, you need to get better at finishing lol
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Joe Jones

Match highlights: Notts County 3-0 Newport County, Saturday 28 October 2017

Notts County have returned to the summit of League Two as Jorge Grant bagged a brace in a 3-0 win over 10-man Newport County.
The 23-year-old opened the scoring in the 36th minute when he calmly slotted into the corner from inside the box after being played in by Jon Stead.
That came just three minutes after Dan Butler had seen red for catching Matt Tootle with his elbow in an aerial challenge.
Early in the second half, Shola Ameobi produced a powerful finish to double Notts' advantage.
Grant went on to score his second of the match three minutes later when he nodded in the rebound from his own saved shot.
He sadly missed out on a hat-trick when his free kick rattled the woodwork, but Notts still saw out the game without a reply from Newport and, combined with Luton Town's defeat, went back to the summit.
Here are the highlights from the game, as posted on Notts County's official YouTube channel.
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Joe Jones

Jorge Grant hails Notts County ruthlessness against Newport County

Jorge Grant has praised Notts County's ruthlessness in front of goal as they returned to the top of League Two with a 3-0 win over Newport County on Saturday.
The Nottingham Forest loanee bagged a brace either side of Shola Ameobi's strike at Meadow Lane and could have even claimed a hat-trick were it not for his free kick rebounding off the woodwork.
“I’m really happy,” Grant told the official Notts site. “It’s been five games without a goal so it was good to get three points and a clean sheet.
“We were ruthless in front of goal. We came in with an attitude of ‘We’re not going to lose this game’ and maybe in the last few weeks we have let teams come on to us - but it was the opposite today and it was proved in the final score.
“We were confident. We’ve been working on being calm and composed around the box in training and picking out the final pass. We could have had a lot more than three goals.
“The day after every game I watch it back and go through it with my dad, seeing what I could have done better or differently. I criticise myself quite a lot.
“I have high expectations of myself so that’s why I beat myself up about certain things but the manager has given me little pointers and told me to go out there, express myself and enjoy myself because I am a better player when I do that.”
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Joe Jones

ARLukomski's Match Vlog: Notts County 3-0 Newport County, Saturday 28 October 2017

Notts County returned to winning ways - and to the top of League Two - in emphatic style thanks to a 3-0 win over Newport County in Saturday's game at Meadow Lane.
The visitors were reduced to 10 men in the 34th minute when Dan Butler was dismissed following an elbow on Matt Tootle and fell behind shortly afterwards when Jorge Grant slotted home from Jon Stead's pass.
Shola Ameobi then doubled the Magpies' lead with a neat finish after 52 minutes, turning in a Grant cross.
The Nottingham Forest loanee went on to score his second of the match three minutes later when he nodded in the rebound from his own saved shot.
Grant sadly missed out on a hat-trick when his free kick rattled the woodwork, but Notts still saw out the game without a reply from Newport and, combined with Luton Town's defeat, went back to the summit.
ARLukomski, a Notts vlogger and Pride of Nottingham contributor, 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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ARLukomski

Notts Alumni: Neal Bishop

Born in Stockton-on-Tees, Neal Bishop's journey in football began with Middlesbrough, though he was released by the Teessiders as a teenager.
From there, he joined Northern League club Billingham Town and had two spells there either side of a short tenure at Gateshead FC.
While in his first spell at Billingham, Bishop once played in a game alongside his brother Craig and father Rob due to a run of eight matches in 15 days towards the end of the 2000-01 season.
Bishop continued to ply his trade in the non-league but worked his way up the food chain as he earned the captain's armband at Scarborough, before joining York City and helping them to the Conference playoffs in 2007.
In a show of ambition, he rejected a new deal at York and went on to fulfil a lifelong ambition of playing in the Football League by joining Barnet on a free transfer that year.
Bishop didn't exactly make the best start at Underhill, being sent off for violent conduct in just his second match at the club, against Norwich City in the League Cup, but went on to make 47 appearances in the 2007-08 season.
The following season, he initially handed a transfer request but went on to withdraw it and ended up becoming club captain after Ismail Yakubu was handed the role.
In December, Bishop suffered a fractured jaw after being kicked in the face by Ricky Ravenhill, then of Darlington - fate would reunite the two players at Notts County later on in their careers.
In May 2009, Bishop's Magpies journey began when he signed a pre-contract agreement to join the club, which was to undergo an adventure of its own in the shape of the Munto "takeover".
On the pitch, Notts were a force to be reckoned with as they cruised to the League Two title, with Bishop's tenacious, never-give-up style and strong engine a crucial part of the setup as he made 43 league appearances that season.
Despite the off-the-field uncertainty as Munto ended up being a con, the midfielder never let said issues bother him and, as matters were settled at boardroom level in the summer, he signed a two-year contract extension that would keep him at the club until 2012.
In League One, Bishop continued to go from strength to strength as he helped Notts consolidate their place in the third tier, being rewarded with the captain's armband by Paul Ince and finishing the campaign with 51 appearances, two goals, the Player of the Year award, and a new two-year deal at the Lane.
Bishop's finest display for Notts came in the fourth round of the 2010-11 FA Cup as the Magpies welcomed Manchester City to Meadow Lane.
Just before the hour, he headed home the opener against the Citizens from Alan Gow's corner kick, and for a while, Notts fans were dreaming of a huge upset.
Sadly, the match ended up as a 1-1 draw when Edin Dzeko struck a late equaliser, which meant a replay at the City of Manchester Stadium where the hosts upped their game and claimed a 5-0 win.
Given that Man City's eventual FA Cup win marked their first trophy in 35 years and was followed up with a Premier League title win the following season, one can't help but wonder how the trajectory of English football may have differed had Bishop's goal been the winner.
There was yet more time for a grandiose contribution from Bishop - he was County's captain when the team took on Juventus in their new stadium inauguration in September 2011, a season where the Magpies came within a whisker of making the League One playofs.
The 2012-13 campaign would prove to be Bishop's most fruitful one from a scoring perspective, bagging seven goals, but sadly it would also be his final one at the Lane.
In an interview with the official Notts site ahead of his departure by mutual consent in June 2013, he said: “It’s an emotional day.
"This club has been a major part of my life for four years and I can honestly say I wouldn’t change a thing about my time here. It’s been the best part of my career.
“The club are heading in a different direction and there are a number of changes this summer and it just seemed the right time.
“I’ve had meetings with the Manager and the board and I’ve given my reasons and I’m really grateful to Jim Rodwell and the Trews who have been very understanding and helped me.
“It’s been fantastic. From the rollercoaster of the first season, the cup runs, captaining the club at Juventus and leading the lads out everytime, representing the club was a massive honour. It’s probably my proudest moment in my life.
“The fans have been absolutely fantastic with me. I’d like to wish them all the best and thank them. I can’t speak highly enough of them.”
Bishop subsequently joined Blackpool, then in the Championship, in August of that year, penning a five-month contract that was extended to take him until the end of the 2013-14 season.
Following his spell at Bloomfield Road, he joined newly promoted League One side Scunthorpe United in June 2014, where he continues to ply his trade today.
We at PON are delighted to have had the privilege of seeing Neal Bishop in Notts colours at the peak of his powers and contributed countless quality moments to the team, which is why we are delighted to include him in our Notts Alumni list of illustrious Magpies of years gone by.
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Joe Jones

Mike Flynn: 'Dan Butler red card against Notts County was the wrong decision'

Newport County manager Mike Flynn has hit out at referee Craig Hicks for showing Dan Butler a red card in their 3-0 defeat at Notts County.
Butler was sent off in the 34th minute after leading with his elbow on Matt Tootle in an aerial challenge which left the Magpies full-back needing treatment.
It proved a turning point in the game as Notts went on to bag three goals against the Exiles and could easily have got more, with Jorge Grant nearly sealing a hat-trick.
“The referee has got it wrong,” Flynn told the South Wales Argus. “It changed the game and it spoiled the game.
“I’ve been told by the fourth official that he [Butler] went in with excessive force.
“I don’t think the referee had control of the game to start with. I believe he’s made honest decisions but unfortunately he’s got a lot of key ones wrong.
“And, just to rub salt into the wounds, I’ve watched the third goal again as well and it wasn’t over the line. It’s not been a great day.”
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Joe Jones

Kevin Nolan delighted with Notts County hammering of Newport County

Kevin Nolan has expressed his delight with Notts County's performance in their 3-0 win over ten-man Newport County and believes that the scoreline could have been even more flattering for the Magpies.
Jorge Grant scored a brace for Notts in Saturday's League Two encounter at Meadow Lane either side of Shola Ameobi's strike and only the woodwork denied the Nottingham Forest loanee a hat-trick from a free kick.
“I was delighted with the performance and we were like our old selves again,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post. “It was what we were producing when we were at the top of the league the last time.
“It was high tempo and we dictated the play from start to finish. We really made it difficult for Newport and I was delighted with the goals we scored and the clean sheet too.
“It could have been five, six or seven given the chances we created and I don’t think that would have flattered them.
“Before the sending off there was a bit of anxiety, but I always felt we were in control but perhaps tried to force things a bit too much at times.
“But we started to settle and then the sending off came. But just because they have a man sent off it doesn’t give you an automatic right to win the game.
“You have to earn it. We did that and we made them pay the price for being down to 10 men.”
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Joe Jones

Match Report: Notts County return to top of League Two with rampant win over Newport County

Notts County have returned to the top of League Two thanks to an emphatic 3-0 win over Newport County at Meadow Lane on Saturday.
The hosts enjoyed the first opening of the game as Elliott Hewitt received a cutback from Jon Stead on the edge of the area and went for goal but sent his effort wide.
Mike Flynn's charges responded through Dan Butler, who let rip with a powerful effort which Ross Fitzsimons did well to hold.
Jon Stead then headed inches wide from Matt Tootle’s cross while Terry Hawkridge volleyed over, but on 33 minutes came the moment that turned the tide in Notts's favour.
Butler was shown a straight red card after leading with his elbow when challenging Tootle in the air, leaving the full-back requiring treatment.
The opening goal followed just two minutes later as Stead played in Jorge Grant, who coolly slotted the ball past Joe Day and into the bottom corner.
Notts claimed a vital second early in the second half when Grant turned provider for Shola Ameobi to slam the ball past the Newport stopper after outsprinting Scot Bennett to the ball.
The three points were sealed just three minutes later as Day saved well from Grant’s point-blank header but the playmaker’s second effort just crossed the line.
Further chances came and went for Kevin Nolan's side, with Shaun Brisley being denied by a fine stop while Stead also went close and Grant missed out on a hat-trick with a free kick that came off the bar.
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Joe Jones

Dan Jones: 'We feel we can beat anybody at Meadow Lane'

Dan Jones has claimed that Notts County's players feel they can beat anybody at Meadow Lane and that recent adverse results have only made the squad stronger.
The Magpies go into Saturday's home game against Newport County second in the table and just one point behind leaders Luton Town.
However, Notts' form has dipped over the last month, with just one win in their last six games in all competitions, but Jones is eager for the team to put recent results behind them.
"The run we went on was fantastic but you are going to have ups and downs during the season," Jones told the Nottingham Post.
"In this league, it's tough because every game is a serious battle.
"Newport are a good side with good players. They have recruited well but I feel we can beat anybody here. The pitch is fantastic to play on, you have no excuses whatsoever.
"We've had a bit of a blip but it makes you stronger as a group. Hopefully on Saturday we can get back to winning ways, put the last few weeks behind us and move on."
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Joe Jones

Stat Attack: Notts County vs. Newport County, Saturday 28 October 2017

Notts County and Newport County have met a total of 48 times over the years, the first fixture coming in 1930, which the Magpies won 3-2.
The head-to-head record is skewed in the Magpies’ favour, with 25 wins, 9 draws and 14 defeats.
The last meeting was in May 2017, the last game of last season, and Newport won 2-1 at Rodney Parade to avoid the drop to the National League.
Our record league win is against Newport – an 11-1 hammering. We have also beaten them 5-0, 6-2, 7-0, 6-0 and 8-1 over the years.
Newport, originally nicknamed "The Ironsides" due to Newport being home to Lysaght's Orb Works steel works, started out in the Southern League in 1912 at Somerton Park.
The official name of the club was The Newport & Monmouth County Association Football Club, although the shorter Newport County was soon adopted.
The club were reformed in 1919 and were first elected to the Football League in 1920.
Newport were Welsh Cup winners in 1980 and subsequently reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup Winner's Cup in 1981.
The club was relegated from the Football League in 1988 and went out of business in February 1989, but reformed shortly afterwards and entered the English football league system at a much lower level.
In 2013 the club then won promotion back to the Football League for the first time since 1988.
In the 1970s and 1980s comedian Frank Carson was appointed as a Director and Vice President in order to raise the profile of the club.
Newport-based rappers Goldie Lookin' Chain are also supporters of the club and were the team's shirt sponsors for the 2004–05 season FAW Premier Cup matches.
Team news
Adam Collin has been sidelined for between two to three months with ligament damage so Ross Fitzsimons is likely to retain his place in Notts County's goal, with Branislav Pindroch also an option.
Kevin Nolan made widescale changes in the EFL Trophy loss to Mansfield Town and is likely to restore most of the players who turned out at Carlisle United last week back to the starting XI.
Joss Labadie and Calum Jahraldo-Martin are both out with hamstring injuries for the Exiles, but midfielder Robbie Willmott is available after recovering from a knee problem.
Paul Hayes, who signed for the Exiles after a chat with Newport boss Mike Flynn on LinkedIn, is not expected to be involved as he looks to return to match fitness.
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Joe Jones

Opposition View: Notts County vs. Newport County, Saturday 28 October 2017

Notts County return to League Two action on Saturday with a home game against Newport County.
The Exiles experienced two torrid seasons back to back but survived both times, and now they sit sixth in the standings.
Pride of Nottingham spoke to Newport fan Frank ahead of the game at Meadow Lane to get an insight into his team.
About Frank: I'm in my 30s, been a fan since 1999, and my favourite player is Craig Reid.
1) Charlie Hopkins has recently resigned as a director at Newport and has spoken of a split in the boardroom - how have things been off the pitch at the club in recent years?
Hopkins's resignation letter, which was leaked to the press, was damning in its content - he basically said there was a split in the boardroom and that he could no longer work with some of his fellow directors. Just a few weeks earlier, our old chairman - who was also supposedly at loggerheads with the other directors - resigned, so it seems to be a bit of a power struggle up top at the minute. The board has been very hush-hush in the last few years, a lot of secrecy, and obviously fans want communication to be more transparent with regards to what's going on exactly.
2) You've finished 22nd in League Two the last two seasons but ninth the one before - what led to such a decline in fortunes in recent years?
In summer 2015, our previous chairman Les Scadding resigned - he had won the Euromillions a few years before and invested in the club - and the Supporters' Trust took over, but with a lower budget, players having to be sold, managerial changes and so on, form naturally took a tumble.
3) Newport have several former Notts players in their ranks like David Pipe, Joss Labadie and Scot Bennett - how have they been doing at the club?
David Pipe's a Newport legend, pure and simple - he's had several spells at the club, gives his all and is a very passionate player - he's definitely improved and mellowed out a bit since his earlier spells too. Joss Labadie is our captain and has been very good for us, although he is a bit of a loose cannon - though at least he's not done his Luis Suarez impression while here! And Scot Bennett was impressive in his loan spell from you guys and since joining us permanently he's been solid both in defence and midfield.
4) Who are your club's danger men?
As you know, Labadie is a cracking midfielder, and he has formed a great partnership with Ben Tozer and Matty Dolan this season, but sadly he's been ruled out for at least a few weeks with a hamstring injury. And up front, Frank Nouble and Padraig Among are dynamic players who have bagged a fair few goals between them, while Shawn McClousky has been used sparingly but also knows where the goal us.
5) Score and scorer prediction
Even without Labadie, I fancy us to continue our good form - 3-1 win for Newport, Amond and Nouble to get three between them.
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Joe Jones

Scouting report: Notts County vs. Newport County, Saturday 28 October 2017

With the distraction of the midweek EFL Trophy game out of the way, Notts County can get back to the fixtures that matter.
Up this Saturday is a League Two home game against Newport County, a team that survived in the Football League by the skin of their teeth the last two seasons but currently sit sixth in the standings.
The Magpies remain in a very healthy second place in the table but there can be no denying that performances and results have slightly slipped recently, so Kevin Nolan will be eager to get the ball rolling once again.
In this week's Scouting Report, Chris has an in-depth look at the opposition and how Notts should approach the game.
History
Notts County and Newport County have met a total of 48 times over the years, the first fixture coming in 1930, which the Magpies won 3-2.
The head-to-head record is skewed in the Magpies’ favour, with 25 wins, 9 draws and 14 defeats.
The last meeting was in May 2017, the last game of last season, and Newport won 2-1 at Rodney Parade to avoid the drop to the National League.
Run-down of their last six features
Tuesday 26th September – Crawley Town 1 Newport County 2
Saturday 30th September – Luton Town 3 Newport County 1
Saturday 7th October – Newport County 2 Yeovil Town 0
Saturday 14th October – Forest Green Rovers 0 Newport County 4
Tuesday 17th October – Newport County 1 Colchester United 2
Saturday 21st October – Newport County 1 Mansfield Town 1
The Players – Fact Sheet
Highest goalscorers: Shawn McCoulsky 7, Padraig Amond 6, Frank Nouble 5 and Joss Labadie 3.
Persistent foulers: Joss Labadie 4 yellow cards, Matthew Dolan 4 yellow cards, Ben White 4 yellow cards and Mark O’Brien 3 yellow cards.
The Key Players
Despite the obvious flaws about Joss Labadie, i.e. his temper, he is a good technical player on the ball, who can move into good positions or dictate the play with his passing ability. He’s also dangerous if given time to shoot and can really be an influential player on his day.
Also former Magpie player David Pipe is a forward thinking player that likes to use his distribution as a way to unlock opportunities for his side – in our last game of the 2016-17 season he was paramount in the Exiles bid to overcome defeat and also to remain a League Two team.
Attacking duo Frank Nouble and Shawn McCoulsky offer a lot of dynamic play  up top, with the latter being someone who can instantly impact a game for the better once coming off the bench as a substitute.
Style of Play, Strengths, and Weaknesses
Newport County are a much more organised outlet this term, they focus on attacking and controlling games this way – which can see a mixed performance in terms of the result.
They tend to keep players back, which doesn’t always mean they get a feel for their own attacking play.
However, they can break with pace and have good deliveries from set pieces – including a very respectful long throw specialist which can cause their opposition some headaches when used effectively.
On the ground they are quite confident and this is where they prefer to keep the ball, as it allows their better players to threaten carefully.
As a result, to being quite deep, their defence tends to invite play and I would pin point a lack of focus at the back.
At times it’s almost kamikaze defending, with little communication and this allows teams which remain focused to come out on top – a lot of the goals conceded by Newport County fall under this scenario.
Yet they don’t give teams a lot of time on the ball, rather they rush to cover or block – and again this results in them often leaving their keeper exposed.
Route-one football is something which Newport can take advantage from, although it can be a weakness from a defensive point of view.
Notts really need to focus on getting wide, whilst making the most of space which comes available as they move as a unit going forward.
If we are clever in possession and patient, openings will arise where players such as Grant or Stead may get a clinical shot a way towards goal.
Set pieces, especially corner kicks are something whereby the Magpies may create a chance.
Distribution of the ball is key, being steady at the back – in terms of being alert and quick to danger will ensure the control remains in an home advantage.
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Chris

Mike Flynn: 'Newport can inflict first league home defeat on Notts'

Mike Flynn has talked up Newport County's prospects in Saturday's League Two encounter at Notts County, urging the his side to become the first team to inflict a league home defeat on the Magpies this season.
The Exiles survived in League Two last season courtesy of a final-day win over Notts at Rodney Parade, and this time round they appear a much different proposition, sitting sixth in the table.
When asked by the official Newport site about Notts' unbeaten home record in the league, Flynn responded: “I didn’t know that if I’m honest but if that’s true then it’s there for the taking.
“Let’s be the first team to be beat them there in the league. They are a strong team and it’s going to be a tough game. But they’ve had a little dip in form now so hopefully we catch them at the right time.
“It’s all about what Newport team turns up on the day and what Notts County team turns up as it is in most games in this league.
“I’m confident we can go there and cause them problems, I just hope we have that killer touch and we go there and get the win because the boys have been magnificent.”
Flynn also spoke highly of Notts boss Kevin Nolan, adding: “They’ve got an ambitious young manager in Kevin Nolan. He’s played at the highest level, seen what has worked in the league.
"They’ve obviously got some backing as well, so he’s been able to build a strong squad and I’m sure they will be up there come the end of the season.
“If you can put together a competitive squad and be consistent in this league then you know that you’ll be in the top half of the table for sure.”
And Meadow Lane also got praised by Flynn, telling the site: “It’s a great football stadium. It’s full of tradition and I’m really looking forward to going there.
“They’ve started really well, and I think the way they tried to relegate us last season will mean the boys are up for it.”
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Joe Jones

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