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Joe Jones
Head to head
Notts County and Forest Green Rovers have met just twice in competitive action and the Green Devils have not beaten the Magpies yet.
The first game came in the third round of the FA Cup on 19 January 2010, and it ended in a 2-1 win for the Magpies at Meadow Lane.
This season is the first that both teams share the same league, and the reverse fixture - also at the Lane - ended 1-1 with Rob Milsom scoring an injury-time leveller.
Saturday's game marks the first time that the Magpies head to FGR's home, the New Lawn Stadium.
Stats and trivia
Forest Green have gone five games without losing in League Two; they are yet to go six without defeat since joining the competition.
Notts County are winless in six away games in all competitions and have won just two of their last 16 on their travels.
Forest Green, who came back from a 3-2 half-time deficit to draw 3-3 away at Newport in midweek, have recovered 17 points from losing position in League Two this season, the most of any side in the competition.
Notts legend Lee Hughes spent the 2014-15 season at Forest Green, scoring 15 goals in 42 games.
Liam Noble's two spells at Notts came either side of a spell at FGR, while ex-loanee Drissa Traore also spent time at the New Lawn.
Former Magpies manager Mark Cooper is currently at the helm of the Green Devils, while former Notts defender Haydn Hollis now plies his trade there.
Opposition history
Forest Green Rovers were founded in October 1889 by Reverend E. J. H. Peach, the local Nonconformist church minister, representing the Forest Green area of Nailsworth in Gloucestershire.
The name Rovers was adopted in 1893, and the following year the club were founder members of the Mid-Gloucestershire League, the first association football league in the county outside Bristol.
After the league folded in 1902, Forest Green become members of the newly formed Stroud League and also members of the Dursley and District League which they won in 1903, the club's first silverware.
After a break for the First World War, Rovers enjoyed a period of great success winning two football leagues and three cups in both 1921 and 1922.
They then joined the newly formed Gloucestershire Northern Senior League with Cheltenham Town among others in 1922.
Rovers joined the newly formed County League in 1968 and played under manager Peter Goring for the next 11 years, moving up again to the Hellenic League in 1975 under his stewardship.
In 1982, Rovers achieved fame at Wembley winning the FA Vase 3-1 and at the same time winning the Hellenic League and moving into the Southern League Midland Division.
Seven years later a struggling Rovers outfit was renamed Stroud FC but this alienated a lot of people connected with the club, until the arrival of Trevor Horsley in 1992 saw the name changed back to Forest Green Rovers.
After finishing eighth in the Southern Division under Frank Gregan in 1995–96, they won the division the following season, earning promotion to the Premier Division of the Southern League.
The 1997–98 season then saw FGR them win the Southern League Premier Division, securing a second successive promotion and entry to the Football Conference.
FGR finished in the relegation zone in 2005 and 2010, but both times were handed a reprieve when Northwich Victoria and then Salisbury City were demoted for non-footballing reasons.
The club was then taken over by Ecotricity owner Dale Vince, at which point the team improved until finally sealing promotion into the Football League last season.
Team news
Forest Green top scorer Christian Doidge limped out of Tuesday night's 3-3 draw with Newport with an ankle injury and is a doubt for Saturday's game.
Notts, meanwhile, are still without Ross Fitzsimmons, who escaped from a car crash on Monday unhurt but is going through the head injury protocol.
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Joe Jones
Alan Hardy has revealed that he is looking into the possibility of building a hotel or apartment block next to Meadow Lane.
The Notts County chairman has identified wasteland next to the Kop end as a potential spot upon which to build property and in turn reinvest in the club.
One potential source of inspiration is the apartment block next to Leyton Orient’s Matchroom Stadium, where residents have a balcony with a view overlooking the pitch.
Another option which has been mentioned is that of redeveloping the entire Kop stand to incorporate flats or hotel rooms - any plans would need to be submitted to Nottingham City Council before any work could happen.
“We’re talking about how best to leverage that area, whether it’s a hotel, residential or retail, and working with some architects on a masterplan," Hardy told the Nottingham Post.
“We’ll use that money to help fund a new training ground complex, which we’re in negotiations about at the moment.
“We’re talking to a couple of hotel chains and seeing what could be possible. One of the things that’s on the drawing board is whether we demolish the existing Kop stand and replace it with something that’s modern.
“The seating section would be an integral part but the upper levels above could be conference rooms and restaurants, and then higher up could be apartments or hotel rooms.
“We’d have to make sure it’s viable but also that it would have long-term benefits for the security of Notts County.
“I was down at Leyton Orient at the end of last season and they’ve got apartments in the corner overlooking the pitch.
“A lot of clubs in League One and League Two don’t tend to be owned by foreign multi-billionaires, but by reasonably successful businessmen and women.
“So they either have to use their own personal wealth to prop the club up or have to find a commercial proposition to assist them on the way.
“Orient have done a great job in developing the area around the ground and we might look to do something similar.
“It might be that we put apartments there and rent them so the club will have a bankroll of money coming in every month.”
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Joe Jones
Terry Hawkridge has admitted that he would not accept a League Two playoff spot now were he offered it and would rather go all out for automatic promotion.
Notts County were in the top three of the division for a large chunk of the season and, even though they slipped out, they sit third going into Saturday's game at Forest Green Rovers.
There are 10 games left for the Magpies to re-cement their position in the top three and Hawkridge is eager for his side to come out on top in the games against several of their fellow promotion chasers.
“If you offered me a playoff spot now I wouldn’t take it,” he told the Nottingham Post.
“The lads were saying that we have worked so hard this year, we don’t want to let it slip at the last hurdle.
“We all still think we can get in there (top three) as it’s still very tight. We’ve got to keep winning and hope that other teams fall away I guess.
“We’ve got Wycombe, Mansfield, Accrington and Luton all to come which are big games. But it is the likes of Forest Green away that are just as important.
“It’s so tight and that’s the good thing. If we win all our games we could finish top, but I just think we have to concentrate on each game as it comes.”
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Joe Jones
Kevin Nolan has expressed his displeasure with the number of key refereeing decisions that have gone against Notts County this season.
The Magpies boss was angry after Tuesday’s 1-1 draw at Cheltenham Town when Jon Stead was clearly brought down by goalkeeper Scott Flinders but not awarded a penalty.
Nolan showed his anger by refusing to shake referee Graham Horwood’s hand post-match as the Magpies were forced to settle for a point.
“There’s nothing I can do about it, but I am starting to count the decisions that we should have had and, over the course of the season, it must be about five or six now,” he told the Nottingham Post.
“They were all at important times too. If you look at Tuesday if we get a goal and they are down to 10 men then what more could Gary Johnson (Cheltenham manager) have done?
“While I was delighted with the point, I was gutted that I was talking about referees.
“I thought the performance deserved much more than what they got and that’s because it was snatched away from them.
“One because of referees and secondly because of poor finishing on our behalf.
“But they are getting those opportunities and they are getting there. If we keep doing that, then we will start putting the ball in the back of the net.”
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Joe Jones
Kevin Nolan has stressed that Notts County must respect a Forest Green Rovers side who can "beat anyone on their day" ahead of their League Two encounter this weekend.
The Magpies travel to The New Lawn on Saturday to face a FGR outfit that have won their last five home outings and moved seven points clear of the relegation zone.
"Forest Green have been fantastic at home since the turn of the year and can beat anyone on their day," Nolan told the official Notts site of the opposition, managed by former boss Mark Cooper.
"We're well aware that we have to go there, respect them and earn a result.
"Mark has recruited really well and has done a fantastic job getting them up last year and making it seem so simple to stay in the league this year.
"They are a strong side and play good football with two fantastic strikers in Christian Doidge and Reuben Reid so it won't be an easy one.
"But if we turn up and do what we need to do we can come away with another positive result."
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Joe Jones
Legendary Notts County goalkeeper Steve Cherry has announced that he is currently in the process of writing his autobiography and has asked fans to send in pictures of him in action on the pitch.
The 57-year-old, who played for the Magpies between 1988 and 1995, made more than 500 professional appearances during an illustrious career which spanned four decades.
Cherry was part of the Notts team which rose from the Third Division to the First in just three years and starred in both successful playoffs to get there, as well as the superb FA Cup win over Manchester City.
Speaking exclusively to Pride of Nottingham, Cherry confirmed that the title of the book will be Cherry Picking: Life between the Sticks.
Cherry, who will be writing the book alongside writer Jonathan Nicholas, said: "I've had my thoughts on writing a book for years.
"I've had ups and down and travelled the world - too many memories not to share. There are things in my career that people don't know about and might shock a few!"
To contribute your action photos of Cherry which could feature in his autobiography, estimated to be released in August, please send them to [email protected] - we will liaise directly with him.
Find out more about Steve Cherry's formative years and footballing career with Pride of Nottingham's Notts Alumni feature!
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Joe Jones
Kevin Nolan was left pleased with Terry Hawkridge's goal in Notts County's draw at Cheltenham Town and hailed the winger's perseverence in biding his time and seizing his first-team chance.
The former Lincoln City man has seen little game action in recent weeks but made the starting XI at Whaddon Road and repaid his manager's faith with his side's goal.
"It's been while for him and Terry has had to bide his time because of the quality we have in the squad," Nolan told the Nottingham Post after the game, which finished 1-1 after Joe Morrell levelled for the hosts.
"He has worked hard and played fantastically well against Stevenage last week and he has put another great performance in tonight.
"It was a fantastic finish and a fantastic goal but unfortunately we couldn't add to it with the fantastic chances we created."
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Joe Jones
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.
- 10 games in League Two, including Notts County's trip to Cheltenham Town, were postponed as a result of the blizzard-like conditions.
- Mansfield Town named David Flitcroft as their new manager following the departure of Steve Evans.
- Sol Campbell said he was waiting to hear back from Grimsby Town about their managerial vacancy.
- Unfortunately for Sol, Grimsby ended up appointing former Burnley Under-23 boss Michael Jolley as their new manager on a rolling contract.
- Crewe Alexandra defender Eddie Nolan triggered a one-year contract extension at Gresty Road until the end of the 2018-19 season.
- Also relating to Crewe, the club restated their position that nobody at the club was aware of Barry Bennell's abuse of young players until their former youth coach was convicted of sexual assault in Florida in 1994.
- Yeovil Town midfielder Jake Gray will miss the remainder of the season with an ankle injury - he had to have surgery after rupturing ankle ligaments in the Glovers' 1-0 defeat by Carlisle on 24 February.
- Newport County manager Mike Flynn says he is "quietly excited" about the prospect of a new deal with captain Joss Labadie.
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Joe Jones
Notts County boss Kevin Nolan has hailed Michael O'Connor's attitude in his rehabilitation and comeback from a serious knee injury.
The club captain needed surgery to repair his cruciate ligament and his meniscus following a blow suffered in last April's 3-1 defeat to Portsmouth at Meadow Lane.
However, O'Connor has made a return to full training and played 45 minutes of a behind-closed-doors friendly against Scunthorpe United on Monday.
Magpies boss Nolan has been delighted at how the Northern Irishman has acquitted himself in his comeback and says he is already well ahead of schedule.
“Michael played in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Scunthorpe which a few of the lads who haven’t played recently were also involved in,” he told the Nottingham Post. “We want those players ready for the games coming up in case of injury.
“Occy got 45 minutes in and he’s been absolutely fantastic in his work ethic. It is a testament to himself and the medical staff in how they have handled his return. He’s way ahead of schedule, but we won’t push him too hard, too soon.
“He’s on a plan and I am hoping he comes through that unscathed without suffering any fresh injuries. That’s always the worry when you’ve been out for such a long time.
“But over the last week he has been involved in full-contact training and I must admit he’s got focus and a determination to come back fitter and stronger.
“He’s worked so hard and tirelessly and I am hoping this is the next step in getting a black and white shirt on before the end of the season. This month may be too soon, but, again, there is no pressure on him.”
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Joe Jones
Notts County have moved into the top three of the League Two table thanks to a 1-1 draw at Cheltenham Town on Tuesday night.
Terry Hawridge was set up by Jon Stead for the opening goal of the night in the 42nd minute as Kevin Nolan's side led 1-0 at the break.
They also had strong claims for a penalty waved away by referee Graham Horwood in the 17th minute when Stead was brought down by Scott Flinders.
However, the Robins drew level through Joe Morrell's low shot from 25 yards deflecting off Ben Hall and beating the outstretched hand of Adam Collin on 67 minutes.
In the latter stages, Brian Graham was denied by goalkeeper Adam Collin and Mohamed Eisa came close with a free kick in the 85th minute, but Notts held firm for a share of the spoils.
Notts County have put up the official highlights - here they are should you wish to see them again.
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Joe Jones
Kevin Nolan has described referee Graham Horwood as "an absolute shambles" following his performance in Notts County's 1-1 draw with Cheltenham Town on Tuesday night.
The Magpies boss was unhappy with an incident in the 17th minute when Jon Stead was brought down by goalkeeper Scott Flinders in the box, only for a penalty not to be given.
Stead went on to assist Terry Hawkridge for the game's opening goal shortly before the break, but the Robins equalised in the second half through Joe Morrell for a share of the spoils.
"I don’t want to talk about referees but I am going to have to after that,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post.
“He was an absolute shambles and I mean it. Everybody in the stadium knew it was a penalty and even their players ran past me and said ‘how did we get away with that’.
“If that decision goes for us we could got 1-0 up and they are down to 10 men after a short space of time.
“I am just so disappointed because they are the decisions you have to get right.
“But I was delighted with the first half, and in the second half they changed system and threw everything at us.
“I am delighted with the point, but I felt it should have been all three.”
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Joe Jones
Notts County have moved into the top three of the League Two table thanks to a 1-1 draw at Cheltenham Town on Tuesday night.
Originally meant to be played on Saturday afternoon, the fixture at Whaddon Road was moved back due to the adverse weather.
The hosts weighed in with the first effort as Kevin Dawson fired an overhead kick wide while, at the other end, Jon Stead's cross failed to find a teammate's foot to send it goalwards.
Some neat play in middle then lead to a chance for Mohamed Eisa, who got the better of Matt Tootle but could only flash his effort wide.
There was then a controversial moment after the quarter-hour mark when Taylor Moore's soft header back to Scott Flinders was intercepted by Stead.
The veteran forward tried to take the ball round the Robins goalkeeper and was felled in the process, but despite protests from the Notts contingent, no penalty was given.
Nonetheless, the Magpies did go on to break the deadlock shortly before half time through Terry Hawkridge.
Stead got the better of Jamie Grimes down the left and cut the ball back to Hawkridge at the back post, who took a touch and rifled home through a crowd of bodies.
Notts began the second half brightly as Jorge Grant broke away and played a one-two with Shola Ameobi, but the loanee's effort on the slide was eventually gathered by Flinders.
Joe Rodon then turned a dangerous cross out for a corner, and the resulting set piece was volleyed into the side netting by Ameobi.
However, it was Cheltenham who would score the second goal of the game, Joe Morrell's low shot from 25 yards deflecting off Ben Hall and beating the outstretched hand of Adam Collin on 67 minutes.
In the latter stages, Brian Graham was denied by Collin and Eisa was close to winning it for Cheltenham with a free kick in the 85th minute, but Notts held firm for a share of the spoils.
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Joe Jones
Alan Hardy has revealed that Notts County will subsidise coach travel for the club's fans making the trip to watch the game at Chesterfield later this month.
The Magpies owner says it is a way of “showing our gratitude for those who follow us up and down the land”, with official club travel being priced at £5 for the match on Sunday, March 25.
The game is being shown live on television, but Hardy hopes the special offer will encourage as many supporters as possible to watch it in person at the Proact Stadium.
“Our away support has been nothing short of magnificent this season,” he told the Nottingham Post.
“This is another way of us showing our gratitude to those who follow us up and down the land.
“I’m fully aware that away-day costs are high and I’m conscious that some of our supporters would struggle to justify the expense of attending this game when they can watch it on television.
“Hopefully, by heavily subsidising travel for this match, fans who would otherwise be unable to attend can now be with us to cheer us on for what will be yet another very important fixture.”
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Joe Jones
Kevin Nolan has rubbished suggestions of the wheels having fallen off Notts County's League Two promotion campaign and stressed that they are in a very good place at the minute.
Just 12 points separate second-placed Accrington Stanley and 10th-placed Lincoln City and, with 10-12 games left of the season depending on the team, the stage is set for a gripping promotion race.
“There will be a lot of expectation and you just hope that does not transmit itself onto the pitch,” he told the Nottingham Post.
“You don’t want people getting anxious because you can sense it in your players then too.
“You don’t want them to go in their shell and we’ve already had a bit of that this season because of the success we have had.
“I am hoping we have learned from that. But I’ve said to the players that we’ve had a fantastic season regardless because nobody expected us to be here.
“Nobody thought we’d be where we are in July or August, not in September and even October.
“It was only in November when everybody started saying ‘you are going to be allright’.
“In December everybody said we were spot on for promotion and that we should go up, and January it was the same.
“In February though, all of a sudden people believe the wheels have come off.
“That goes to show how much it changes on a month-to-month basis. But why should we worry now? We’ve got to embrace it and enjoy it.
“Everybody else up there and around us are expected to be there because they are teams who have built to have success this season.
“We haven’t. We are building to get there. This club is going in the right direction and that is the most important thing.
“We are in a very good place at the minute and long may that continue.”
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Joe Jones
Head to head
Notts County and Cheltenham Town have met 11 times over the years.
The first meeting came in Division Two on 28 September 2002 at Whaddon Road, and Notts ran out 4-1 winners.
The last time we faced off was on 18 November last year, a 3-1 win at Meadow Lane.
Notts are ahead in the head-to-head with seven wins, two draws and two losses.
The Magpies have won each of their last four league games against Cheltenham, scoring 12 and conceding five.
The Robins have only beaten Notts County once at Meadow Lane in the Football League, a 3-2 win in November 2005.
Notts have lost just one of their five Football League trips to Cheltenham, winning three and drawing one.
Stats
Since earning their biggest win of the season over Port Vale (5-1), Cheltenham are winless in three league matches.
That victory over the Valiants is their only triumph in their last eight league fixtures.
Notts, meanwhile, have gone five away games in all competitions without a win, conceding 12 goals, albeit eight of those were at the hands of Swansea City in the FA Cup.
Of Cheltenham's last seven home league goals, Mohamed Eisa has bagged five of them.
History
Cheltenham Town were founded in 1887 by Albert Close White, a local teacher.
However, the town has prior football history - in 1849, the first use of three official referees in a match, two in field and one in tribune, was recorded in Cheltenham.
Promoted to The Football League as Conference Premier champions in 1999, Cheltenham have played as high as League One, the third tier of English football, spending a total of four seasons there.
Their best FA Cup run saw them reach the last 16 (fifth round) in 2002.
The last piece of silverware won by the club was the National League title in 2015–2016.
Its league status was lost with relegation in 2015, only for the team to return, as runaway champions, a year later.
Two former Notts managers, Steve Cotterill and Martin Allen, have also done time at the Gloucestershire club.
Team news
Cheltenham will be without midfielder Harry Pell, who picked up his 10th booking of the season in the Robins' 2-2 draw at League Two leaders Luton last month and starts a two-match ban.
Jordan Cranston played half of a behind-closed-doors friendly against Bristol City but remains some weeks from a return, as does teammate Jordon Foster.
Magpies boss Kevin Nolan is looking for his side to continue to build momentum after their 2-0 win over Stevenage last time out.
County go into the game just one point behind third-placed Wycombe Wanderers and with plenty of hope that they can muscle in on the automatic promotion places.
On-loan midfielder Matty Virtue is set to figure after returning to Liverpool last week to score against Porto in the Premier League International Cup.
Nolan is also set to keep goalkeeper Adam Collin in between the sticks as Ross Fitzsimmons is not involved due to being shaken up after a road traffic accident.
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