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Joe Jones
Notts County boss Kevin Nolan has spoken highly of new loan arrival Matty Virtue and admitted that Ryan Yates's untimely departure is part and parcel of football.
Yates was on loan at Meadow Lane until Wednesday, when he was recalled by Nottingham Forest and sent out to League One side Scunthorpe United, also penning a new City Ground deal.
The Magpies have moved quickly to bring in a replacement in the shape of Liverpool Under-23 captain Virtue.
"We've had some fantastic recommendations from some really good players who have been in the game," Nolan told the official Notts site.
"He trained with us today for the first time and you can see he's a real fox in the box and that he times his runs really well. He's a very good technician and passer of the ball.
"I think you'll see the better Matty Virtue in a couple of weeks' time. It's always tough when you come into a new environment but you can already see he's more than capable.
"We're hoping when he crosses that white line it suits him and we start taking him on an upward curve.
"He's going to be given a great opportunity to excel here and go back to Liverpool a better player. We'll help him as much as we can."
When asked by the Nottingham Post about Yates's departure, Nolan replied:“I’m obviously disappointed to lose Ryan because he’s been a major part of our squad in the last six months. He’s done really well for us.
“It’s brilliant for him that’s he’s earned a contract over the road on the back of what he’s done here. I’m absolutely delighted for him, and wish him well going forward.
“It come as a surprise because we wanted him for the year, but that’s football. He was given a decision to make, and he’s made his decision, so all we do is wish him the best.”
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Joe Jones
It feels like an age since we were last in League Two action given the glut of festive football followed up by the FA Cup and then nothing for a whole week!
But here we are again in league action as we take on local rivals Lincoln City at Sincil Bank this weekend.
Pride of Nottingham has spoken to Imps fan Sam to get an insight on the opposition for Saturday's short trip away.
About Sam: I'm 25, been supporting the team since I was a kid with my dad taking me to games, and my favourite player of all time is Simon Yeo.
How have Lincoln done so far this season?
Amazingly. As a promoted side, there's always that anxiety in the back of the mind of how we'll do in the higher up league, but to be sitting in the playoffs and boasting such great form, we can keep on dreaming of back-to-back promotions, but we're just enjoying the ride.
How would you say 2017 has been for the Imps?
If things are going superb this season, the calendar year was pretty much perfect. The FA Cup run was the stuff of dreams and then ending the season with promotion before continuing the good form in League Two, well let's just say we hope 2018 will be just as amazing.
Who have been your standout players this season?
Most of the squad has been superb, but Michael Bostwick - what a signing he's been. He's a beast in midfield and in our Checkatrade game against Rochdale the other day played centre-back and was immense. But really, I can name so many quality players - Matt Green, Alex Woodyard, Neal Eardley, Harry Anderson and Matt Rhead just to name a few.
Are you happy to see Terry Hawkridge delivering for Notts?
Absolutely. His goals secured Lincoln the title last season and even though many fans didn't want him to leave, it's fair enough for him to join his hometown club. Also he didn't celebrate when he scored against us so yeah, happy to see him prospering.
Where do you think you'll finish this season?
I would love a top-seven finish and a go at the playoffs, though promotion may be a bridge too far this season. I'll be delighted with a top-half finish and hopefully the squad can develop even further and mount a proper promotion challenge next year.
Score/scorer prediction?
2-0 to Lincoln, Matt Rhead with both goals!
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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.
Carlisle United striker Steven Rigg left the club on conclusion of his short-term contract, signed in October.
Notts County signed Liverpool Under-23 captain Matty Virtue on loan as a replacement for Ryan Yates, who was recalled by parent club Nottingham Forest and shipped out to Scunthorpe United until the end of the season.
Port Vale signed Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Donovan Wilson on loan until the end of the season and also recruited Dior Angus permanently from Redditch United, whilst letting Anthony de Freitas go upon expiry of his contract.
Winger Reece Mitchell left Chesterfield after his contract was cancelled by mutual consent.
Forest Green Rovers snapped up former Notts defender Haydn Hollis after his contract was cancelled at Meadow Lane, and Reuben Reid has also joined from Exeter City.
FGR also signed Gavin Gunning from Port Vale and Farrend Rawson from Derby.
Cheltenham Town signed Fulham striker Elijah Adebayo on loan until the end of the season.
Crewe Alexandra midfielder James Jones will be out for 10 to 12 weeks after damaging a medial collateral knee ligament in training.
Grimsby Town signed Derby striker Charles Vernam on loan until the end of the season.
Chesterfield owner Dave Allen reportedly agreed in principle an offer in the region of £10m to sell the club to a Chinese investment consortium.
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Joe Jones
Notts County have moved quickly to replace recalled Nottingham Forest midfielder Ryan Yates by signing Liverpool Under-23s captain Matty Virtue on loan.
Here is some information about the player's identity, career, achievements and style of play.
Full name: Matthew Joseph Virtue-Thick
Date of birth: May 2, 1997
Place of birth: Epsom
Age: 20
Height: Unknown
Nationality: English
Position: Midfield / Defensive Midfield
Preferred foot: Right
Last club: None
Came through the ranks at: Liverpool
Other clubs he has played for: Chelsea youth
Thoughts on player - Neil Critchey, Liverpool academy coach: "I must give a mention to Matty Virtue, who has been outstanding for us this season in midfield. He is going from strength to strength and he was driving the team forward at Arsenal and constantly getting into the box. He is a great example to all of our younger players around him. If you put the hours in, if you practise and you are dedicated to your profession then you can improve and you will improve. He is a great role model for the boys. I thought Matty had a good 2016-17 season and he has started where he left off, and hopefully he can keep doing that and he may surprise one or two people I think."
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Joe Jones
Notts County have announced the loan signing of Liverpool Under-23s captain Matty Virtue on a deal until the end of the season.
The Magpies were left reeling following Ryan Yates's recall from parent club Nottingham Forest but have moved quickly to bring in a replacement in the middle of the park.
Virtue is highly rated at Anfield and has been singled out for praise by academy manager Neil Critchey, who says he has been outstanding this season for the Under-23s and is also a great role model for his teammates.
"It's a massive opportunity for me," Virtue told the Notts site.
"It's my first loan move - I've needed to come out and get games and this is the perfect place with the gaffer and the experienced players in the squad.
"Coming here to work with Kevin Nolan was a huge pull. I want to be a goalscoring midfielder and I think I can learn and progress a lot under him.
"He has seen me play and knows what I can bring to the team. He has shown faith in me by bringing me to the club.
"I think I've been playing strongly at under-23 level and shown what I can do, which has helped me get this move. Playing against senior professionals is the next step in my career and I'm here to learn.
"I'm a box-to-box midfielder who likes to get up and down the pitch and chip in with a few goals. I want to work hard and bring energy to the team.
"I spoke to Jordan Williams yesterday about his experience here a few seasons ago; he was full of praise and told me to come here and enjoy it."
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Chris
Disappointment and football seem to go hand in hand when being a Notts County fan.
Like most Magpies supporters, I am immensely gutted by the departure of Ryan Yates who has joined Scunthorpe United after being recalled by our neighbours Nottingham Forest.
It’s sad enough that a parent club could force a move in spite of a player's wishes.
Yet to remove their chances of helping aside secure promotion, either as champions of their respective division or as automatic hopefuls, just doesn’t make much sense at all.
There’s no denying how beneficial the move had been for us, as Yates has proven himself as a major force within our midfield.
The decision to recall him, only to loan him out to a side chasing promotion in League One seems quite bizarre on paper, as for me it undoes all the hard work that he put into the first part of the season by removing him from the opportunity to play within a very settled environment.
People might suggested that Scunthorpe United may gain promotion themselves, however I feel this is unlikely – whereas there is a strong possibility that we could continue to fight for top spot in League Two.
Happiness for any player is a big part of their game, as is togetherness – uprooting a player and expecting them to repeat their earlier performances within an unknown dressing room is such a huge risk in its own right.
I do understand why Nottingham Forest would want to access his development, yet this just seems very rushed and somewhat mismanaged.
Since their new manager, Aitor Karanka, has only arrived recently, it’s quite baffling as to whom made the decision.
The one thing we as fans simply can’t get our heads around, but it has happened and our club now has to decide if or who should replace him.
Honestly, I didn’t see this happening and I felt that the media reports merely attempted to create the headlines.
Would it not make sense to allow Yates to continue his loan spell at Meadow Lane and then reassess his future/development?
I do believe that he’s going to be a big player, yet I don’t think his level is quite polished even in League Two and the experience gained here seemed beyond just that.
I would go as far as saying the whole vibe around the club has a dramatic effect on young players, if you believe in something and see that your contributions are helping – even appreciated, well it enables you to play at such a higher level of football.
Along with the league and cup success, it really adds to the difficulty in understanding the situation and I don’t see Scunthorpe United as being candidates to repeat what magic Yates would have had here.
I really can’t see them gaining promotion from League One, it’s very tough and there are far better teams around them which will have a more refined squad in terms of depth.
As a fan I can’t complain about the season, and this situation is merely an unwanted distraction.
I am certain Kevin Nolan will be accessing what areas need strengthening, yet this does create the situation of do we need extra cover?
Personally, I think Michael O’Connor and Liam Noble can fill the position and do it well.
I would also like to see another young player with a similar playing style as Yates come in, just as we might need extra depth and having that finer quality does make a huge difference.
To summarise this, regardless of the ins and outs of the loan deal – I feel Forest haven’t done themselves any favours.
I believe it doesn’t remotely help Yates, and I see this without wearing any tinted glasses.
The quality of players around any player is enough to help shape and mould them, if we were talking about a Wigan or Blackburn – I might see things a little differently.
It still wouldn’t make me feel any less different about if the decision was right or wrong, and if Notts had a ‘season long loan’ then I would steer clear of developing any of Forest players in the future.
Why risk this situation happening again? I don’t believe it casts a good light on them as a football club.
I would hope that this decision doesn’t have an adverseeffect on the club, as I do think the event may leave some distractions and unhappiness around the Magpies camp.
However, the professional approach would be to focus as quickly as possible on adding the depth mentioned before the January transfer window closes.
Hopefully it's business as usual, we will be able to patch the squad up and continue as we were.
Good luck to Ryan Yates lastly, it has been a real pleasure to see him do very well in the Black & White shirt and just seeing his enthusiasm whilst playing seems a real honour for us.
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Joe Jones
Notts County have confirmed that Ryan Yates has been recalled from his loan at Meadow Lane by parent club Nottingham Forest.
The 20-year-old made 29 appearances for the Magpies in a fruitful loan spell which saw the team rise to second in League Two and reach the fourth round of the FA Cup.
On Wednesday, speculation arose linking Yates with a loan move to Scunthorpe United as well as a new contract by the City Ground outfit.
Notts have now confirmed that Yates has returned over the Trent, and the player had kind words to say about the club and fans.
“I can’t begin to describe how much I have enjoyed my five months at Meadow Lane," he told the official Notts site.
“I can’t thank the chairman, manager, staff, my team-mates and supporters enough for helping me settle in and develop as a player.
“Notts will always have a place in my heart and I wish everyone connected with the club well for the rest of the season and beyond.”
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Joe Jones
Alan Hardy has revealed that Notts County launched a bid to sign Ryan Yates on a permanent deal from Nottingham Forest but were turned down.
The 20-year-old is heavily rumoured to be on the verge of being recalled by the Reds and shipped out on loan to Scunthorpe United.
Speaking to Team Talk on Notts TV, Hardy said: “I made a bid which got turned down.
"They want to keep him and in fairness to Ryan Yates, he’s been at Forest since he was nine.
“His ambition is, I want to play alongside Joe Worrall against Arsenal in the FA Cup – that’s where Ryan Yates’ head is and we will try and help him on his journey.
“He’s on a journey to play for Forest because that’s where his heart really is.”
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Joe Jones
Alan Hardy has spoken of the event Notts County put up on Monday night for the FA Cup fourth-round draw, speaking on how humbling it is to acknowledge the difference made to the fans' lives.
On Friday, Hardy will have been owner and chairman of the Magpies for one year, and the improvements made by the club and team cannot be described as anything other than a total rebirth from the previous mess.
After Notts clinched a superb 1-0 win over Championship Brentford in the FA Cup third round, Meadow Lane hosted an event where several hundred fans watched the draw alongside Hardy and other club officials plus players.
“It’s actually really humbling to get feedback from the fans. Events like that bring home how much we impact people’s lives,” Hardy told the Nottingham Post.
“We live in this football bubble which I joined 12 months ago. You quickly become all consumed by this football world and your own self-importance because you’ve got a job to do.
“You’ve got to get this club fit for purpose. Sometimes you lose sight of how much this club means to people.
“We put on this event for 250 people. It came after I was walking down the side of the pitch at Brentford on Saturday.
“We had 1,300 people there singing their hearts out and I said to (Notts director and BT sport commentator) Darren Fletcher ‘look at these amazing fans’.
“They make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. I wanted them to be at the draw and he said 'if anyone can make it happen you can big fella'.
“Within 25 minutes we’d got a concept for a live show and we sold out within three or four hours.
“We had ardent fans there and it’s humbling to be amongst them. It’s very humbling to hear what a difference we’ve made to people’s lives.”
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Joe Jones
As you may all be familiar, Pride of Nottingham regularly looks back into the history archives to share significant moments of Notts County's history on each day of the year.
Normally this is done via a picture on social media, but January 10 is an especially eventful day, to the point that having an image for each one would be almost too much.
So, for today only, we have compiled all the events of this day in a feature article for you.
1920
Meadow Lane hosted its first ever FA Cup tie, a decade after Notts County moved into the stadium. The Magpies played their first league game there in August 1910 but six consecutive away draws and the onset of World War 1 meant their first home game did not take place until 1920. In front of a crowd of 30,000 spectators, Notts beat Millwall 2-0 thanks to goals from Harold Hill and Billy McLeod.
1970
Goalkeeper Barry Watling, who had arrived from Bristol City in July the previous year, made his Notts debut in a Fourth Division meeting with Exeter City, which ended 1-1. Watling would go on to keep 21 clean sheets in just 65 games for the Magpies and was a key member of the team that won promotion the following season.
1992
Paul Rideout, who had joined Notts from Southampton for £250,000 in September the previous year, was sold to Rangers for double what the Magpies paid for him, just 24 hours before the magpies were due to face Nottingham Forest. Chairman Derek Pavis told fans the club had no choice but to sell him then as Gers had allegedly threatened to pull the plug on the deal unless the deal went through in time for that weekend's league fixtures.
1998
Notts became the first club to hit the milestone of playing 4,000 matches in the Football League when they took on Rochdale away at Spotland. The Magpies won 2-1 thanks to goals from Gary Jones and Phil Robinson.
2009
Jack Wheeler, who loyally served Notts for more than 25 years as coach, trainer, assistant manager, caretaker manager and scout, sadly passed away aged 89.
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Joe Jones
Hello and welcome to episode 37 of the Pride of Nottingham PONcast, presented by dynamic duo Chris and JJ.
The PONcast is back after a brief break over the festive period - we hope you have all had a great Christmas and a happy New Year!
In this week's episode we recap Notts County's festive fixtures and assess each of the performances in the games against Cambridge United, Morecambe, Swindon Town and Port Vale.
We also talk about the Magpies' superb 1-0 win over Brentford in the third round of the FA Cup and discuss the fourth-round draw.
In addition, we look at who Notts should look to sign in the January transfer window as well as who Kevin Nolan should let go, either on loan or permanently.
All this and more only in episode 37 of the Pride of Nottingham PONcast!
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Joe Jones
After the anti-climax of Notts County drawing Brentford away in the third round of the FA Cup, it was superb to see the Magpies overcome the Bees and go in the hat again for round four.
I was at Meadow Lane on Monday night alongside the 200 or so fellow Notts fans to see the draw made and, when ball number 13 was drawn, the tension was palpable - would the following few seconds bring euphoria or disappointment?
As it was, the drawing of Swansea City or Wolverhampton Wanderers was cheered - although it wasn't a Premier League giant, I agree with Alan Hardy in thinking it was the "next best thing". Swansea are currently a top-flight side (whether that will still be the case next season remains to be seen) while Wolves are a Premier League side in waiting.
After the initial satisfaction of the draw came the next question: "Can Notts County overcome their opponents and enter the hat for round five?"
Myself, I would rather take on Swansea than Wolves. As we saw over the weekend, a number teams which are fighting for Premier League survival were either taken to a replay (Swansea, West Ham, Bournemouth) or knocked out altogether (Stoke), which shows that sides which have top-flight survival on their mind may not focus on the cups as much.
As well as fighting relegation, Swansea are also in a really poor run of form - their win over Watford was pretty impressive, granted, but they were second best for most of the game before striking twice late on in the game to steal all three points.
In total, Swansea have won just four games all season and their tally of 13 goals scored in 22 league games is woeful to say the least.
Carlos Carvalhal was also a very peculiar choice of manager, having been sacked by a side in the league below before getting the Swans gig, and it remains to be seen whether he will be a Sam Allardyce /  Roy Hodgson, or an Alan Pardew.
In comparison, Wolves are ripping the Championship apart, boasting a 12-point lead over second-placed Derby County and with just three league defeats all season, plus a tally of 50 goals scored and just 20 conceded.
The really frightening thing about Wolves is how their rich owners, Fosun International, and their links to super agent Jorge Mendes have ensured the procurement of some of the best young players in world football, who have turned down some of the biggest clubs in the world to join Molineux.
Take for example Diogo Jota, on loan from Spanish giants Atletico Madrid, or Ruben Neves, the most expensive signing in second-tier history from former Champions League winners Porto.
And then there is Rafa Mir, a player that was being courted by Real Madrid - yes, Real Madrid - but ended up leaving Valencia for Wolves.
The way Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo is going about assembling his team, I personally wouldn't think it surprising if Wolves get promoted this season and then finish in the top 10 of the Premier League next year.
In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if Swansea lose their replay on January 17 - even though it's at the Liberty Stadium, I can imagine their fans getting disgruntled if Wolves nick an early goal, or go at the break level at half time, which could boost the visitors.
In terms of who I'd like to see Notts get next round, I think Swansea would actually be an easier proposition than Wolves. A team low on morale and form whose main focus is Premier League survival, or a swashbuckling team on great form boasting some amazing players?
Whichever side wins their third-round replay, it'll be good for Notts to host Meadow Lane and, given the magic of the FA Cup (and of Hardy's New Era), anything can happen in round four!
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Joe Jones
Farewell then Haydn Hollis. The Notts County youth product has opted to depart Meadow Lane permanently in search of first-team football and is now with Forest Green Rovers.
The 25-year-old links up again with Rovers manager Mark Cooper, who had a short spell in the San Sirrel hotseat in 2016, and is contracted to the League Two strugglers until the end of the 2018-19 season.
What have both Notts and FGR gaffers said about the move, what are Hollis's thoughts on leaving Notts and joining FGR, and what do both sets of fans have to say about the switch to the New Lawn?
Pride of Nottingham has compiled some of the reaction right here.
Kevin Nolan on Hollis leaving Notts
"I would like to wish Haydn all the best in his new venture. Even though his first-team opportunities have been limited this season due to the fine form of Richard Duffy, Shaun Brisley and also Elliott Hewitt, his attitude in training and around the club has been first class. I'm confident he will go on to have an excellent end to the season and career. I'm gutted to lose him but it was in his best interests to move on and play football."
Hollis' departing message to Notts
"It was really hard for me to leave after nine great years but the time has come to move on in my career. I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone connected with the club every success in the future."
Mark Cooper on Hollis joining FGR
“I know Haydn from Notts County, he’s a big, powerful, left-sided centre-back and we’re just making sure we’re covering all our bases and we have enough players if we do get injuries. Haydn will be a good acquisition for us, he’s left footed, aggressive and a big lad as well. He has played in League One and played over 100 games for Notts County and is still only 25. He’s got a good pedigree and will do really well for us.”
Hollis on joining FGR
“I’m delighted to be here and work for the manager again but more importantly I’m delighted to try and be playing football again. I love a challenge and a fight. The competition at the back now keeps everyone on their toes and with competition, people are going to push each other. From an outsider, it is a small football club but it’s got a big heart and a lot of passion and I am buzzing to be part of it.”
The Black and White Army (from the PON forum and social media)
liampie: it goes to show you cant listen to rumours. hollis is not a bad player but he just has not settled, its better for him that he leaves. i hope he proves people wrong and establishes himself with forest green. that said i do think we needed him off our books as he never stood a chance of being anything more than a backup.
Fozzy: Sad to see him go as he has been around for so long, but he wasn't very good and his move should guarantee FGR's return to non league! With him gone and Bird out on loan, the only CH cover we have is Hewitt, so I would say it is pretty nailed on that one of the players we are looking to bring in will be a CH, which is what everyone wants.
ARLukomski: Good luck to him. He was our donkey. Definitely need a CB cos Hewitt really really isn't one.
Dubzee Jason Bellaby: Good luck Haydn hope a change of club and a run of games will get your career back on track.
The FGR fans (from The FGR Forum)
The Old School TomCat: HH came through the Notts County School of Excellence and loaned out a few times but has been a 1st team since Season 2012-13 and has scored 8 goals. Worryingly HH has had only one appearance this season in the League Cup where he scored a goal. He seems to scored a goal at first game at most of clubs he's played for.
Fgr2016: Seems like a squad rotation player to me... No more then that.. Suppose if your going to play 3 centre backs you are going to need 2 reserves (being Manny and Haydn...) certainly isn't the same WOW as the other three.
Dursleydog: Good signing but I can't help thinking we are now a little overstocked at CB and a little short at right wing back and central midfield. Bennett is injured and hasn't played well all season, Evans is nowhere near good enough as backup, Laird looks uncomfortable in his own position let alone out of it. Central midfield we have no depth at all, although signing Hollis may free up Collins to play there more. Still, a good League 2 quality signing that should strengthen the team. Welcome Haydn!
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Joe Jones
Haydn Hollis has joined Forest Green Rovers after having his Notts County contract terminated to facilitate his move to the New Lawn.
The 25-year-old, who progressed through the Magpies academy system before making his debut in 2012, made 137 appearances for the club and scored eight times.
However, Hollis slipped down the pecking order this season, being restricted to appearances in the EFL Cup and EFL Trophy, and has now opted to join Mark Cooper's League Two side to get first-team football.
Kevin Nolan told the official Notts site on Hollis's departure:"I would like to wish Haydn all the best in his new venture.
"Even though his first-team opportunities have been limited this season due to the fine form of Richard Duffy, Shaun Brisley and also Elliott Hewitt, his attitude in training and around the club has been first class.
"I'm confident he will go on to have an excellent end to the season and career. I'm gutted to lose him but it was in his best interests to move on and play football."
Hollis, meanwhile, said: "It was really hard for me to leave after nine great years but the time has come to move on in my career.
"I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone connected with the club every success in the future."
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Joe Jones
Alan Hardy has stressed that Notts County are seeking to do their January transfer business early in the window to allow for players to be settled come the end of the month.
So far, the Magpies have made one signing, Liam Noble registering as a player after returning to Meadow Lane from Forest Green Rovers in October last year.
Hardy also mentioned that Notts are vying to sign two "highly valued players" on loan, one of which is also on the radar of League One leaders Wigan Athletic.
“We’re in close negotiations with a couple of players to bring a couple of players in on loan,” he told the Nottingham Post.
“It’s unfair to say who they are at this stage. Wigan are after one of them so it’s between us and them.
“They’re top of League One so we’re working hard to sell Notts County to him. If it comes off it will be really exciting for the fans.
“If not we’ll move on to the next target. The important thing is they’re both highly valued players.
“We’re only going to bring people in who can make a real difference and we think these players can.
“We’re not planning to leave it late. We want to get players in the team and settled in January as opposed to not playing until February.”
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About PON

Pride of Nottingham

Pride of Nottingham is an independent fansite devoted to Notts County, the world’s oldest professional football club. Created in 2013, it has served as a source of Magpie news, features, match previews, reports, analysis and interviews for more than three years.

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