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Joe Jones
Kevin Nolan has thanked Nottingham Forest for confirming that Jorge Grant would remain at Notts County on loan until the end of the season.
The youngster spent the second half of last season at Notts and returned this term alongside Ryan Yates, the duo instrumental in the club's rise to the upper echelons of the League Two table.
Forest decided to recall Yates last week and ship him out on loan to Scunthorpe United, causing friction among the Notts fans plus anxiety regarding Grant's immediate future over the Trent.
However, owner Alan Hardy went on to confirm that Forest - new manager and all - will let Grant stay put until the end of the campaign and Nolan was pleased with the outcome.
“I am delighted to have Jorge here until the end of the season,” the Magpies boss told the Nottingham Post.
“With everything that happened with Ryan, we had that fear that Jorge would be going back to go to a number of clubs in League One.
“But Jorge said he wanted to stay and Forest were really happy for him to stay too.
“We thank Forest for helping us with Ryan at the beginning of the season and we wish him the best of luck going forward.
“And we thank Forest for allowing us to keep Jorge so we can continue helping him with his development so that he goes back a better player and he is closer to the first team.”
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Joe Jones
Notts County are back in League Two action this weekend with a home game against one of League Two's trickier propositions, Exeter City.
The Grecians topped the table earlier in the season and remain well in promotion contention as they sit fifth in the table.
Pride of Nottingham has spoken to Exeter fan Matt to get an insight on Saturday's opposition.
About Matt: I'm 27 years old, been supporting the team as far back as I can remember, and my favourite player is Richard Logan.
How have Exeter City done so far this season?
On the whole it's been fantastic, we picked up from where we left off last season and went top of the table and even though our form has gone a bit wobbly - mostly due to the poor away form - we're still just a point off third place, so it's all up for grabs!
Was 2017 a good year for the Grecians?
Definitely. From bottom of the table in November 2016 to a playoff place and a trip to Wembley, obviously it was a massive shame not being able to get the job done against Blackpool but having picked up from where we left off, it's a great platform and we hope 2018 can see Exeter finally go up!
Who has been your standout player this season?
Jayden Stockley, our record signing, has had a brilliant campaign so far, with 13 goals in all competitions. Apart from being a clinical finisher, he's also able to pull off stunning pieces of skill, like when he flicked the ball over that Morecambe defender before scoring in our 4-1 win a couple months ago.
What's your favourite memory as an Exeter fan?
The 1-0 win at Rotherham on the last day of the 2008-09 season, which gave us our second successive promotion - from non-league to League One in two years. What an amazing day that was!
Where do you think you'll finish this season?
If we can sort out our away jitters and keep on performing and getting results at home, there's no reason why we can't finish in the top three. Even Luton and Notts, who seemed like they were shoe-ins for 1st and 2nd, are beatable on their day, so there's bound to be a lot more twists and turns this season.
Score/scorer prediction?
I'll go for 2-2. Grant is probably the best player in League Two so he could get one or two for you, but Holmes and Stockley to get ours.
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Chris
January has been the quiet month that I had expected from the club, going into the transfer window I only felt two positions needed reinforcing – however the loss of Ryan Yates did mean that the midfield required some patching up.
I am pleased with how Notts have conducted their business so far, bringing in Matty Virtue on loan and Noor Husin on a permanent deal seems good business. Also, the long awaited arrival of Liam Noble appears to add a bit more depth – however we will need to see him fully match fit first.
The departure of Haydn Hollis for me highlights Kevin Nolan’s clear plan towards improving the squad, however with no replacement yet introduced to the ranks, it’s a position I feel has more importance now.
There’s no denying that the Magpies require a striker up top, I’ve been saying this all season (in fact since Coventry). In addition, with the questions always hanging over Jonathan Forte's playing time, it does leave things looking somewhat bleak up top.
Yet from a defensive point of view, I would be extremely disappointed if another solid CB wasn’t brought into the squad. And whilst I hope that we do also bring in a striker that has pace and knows where the opposition’s net is – I really don’t feel we will be seeing this wish granted.
The two areas are vastly important, with the midfield looking stronger than ever on paper.
I struggle to recall the last time that we looked so capable on paper in this department and, the reaffirmation from Forest that Jorge Grant will remain on loan is nothing more than an added bonus.
I feel the loss of both Yates and Grant would have caused us some teething problems, especially at a point of the season which is well known for being tricky and demanding.
It’s honestly refreshing to see a manager go about ‘improving’ the squad and quickly identifying ways to fix key areas.
Previous managers seemed destined to retain some of the weaker links within the squad and I feel this never really allowed us to strengthen properly – in fact I think it’s one of the underlining issues which hindered our true chances of progression previously.
This said, it would be that negative if we weren’t able to sign a striker and I do believe we have adequate cover in defence.
It’s just that wishful to see the club continue their improvements throughout the squad and I honestly believe that these areas being reinforced would strengthen our promotion chances – yet also give us more flexibility when it comes to knowing where we are next season.
Securing another solid CB would take the burden off playing someone that perhaps isn’t as comfortable at the back as Shaun Brisley or Richard Duffy.
It would be a massive addition that would give us cover if injury or poor form set in, or even just a tactical advantage if we required something a little different.
Likewise, a striker would take the burden of our ageing stars Jon Stead and Shola Ameobi.
I keep saying it, yet I feel the right player coming in could learn a vast amount from these two players – their experience alone is something, which would appeal to a player looking to progress the leagues.
That fight and hunger would be something would no doubt help us when the time arrives to replace either of the two – as let’s face it, this doesn’t seem that far a way.
However, the togetherness of the squad and current spirit I believe will be enough to ensure there’s no slip ups.
I also do feel the club is in good shape for attracting players of that extra quality, whilst being able to work with other clubs' players does seem like an advantage at this stage.
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Joe Jones
Exeter City midfielder Lloyd James has claimed that his side will "put their bodies on the line" at Notts County in a bid to turn around their poor away form.
The Grecians were top of the table earlier in the season but their form ended up tailing off somewhat as they now sit in the playoff area.
They have 7 wins from their last 10 home games, but on the road, they have 6 defeats and 2 draws from their last 10.
Ahead of Saturday's League Two meeting at Meadow Lane, James was in defiant mood and insists Exeter will "get better" as they seek to build on last weekend's 1-0 win over Coventry City.
“Our home form has been excellent, we just hopefully need to change our away form against Notts County,” James is quoted by the Nottingham Post as saying.
“It’s about more performances like last Saturday – working hard and I think everyone put their bodies on the line, so we’ll do that against Notts County and show the character we do have, so hopefully that will bode us well.
“We know some of our performances haven’t been good enough and we will get better. We’ve had some good wins on the road and hopefully we can get one at the weekend.”
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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.
- Forest Green Rovers boss Mark Cooper accused his top scorer Christian Doidge of diving twice in an attempt to win a penalty in their 1-0 defeat at Swindon Town. He said: "I'm very angry with Christian. He dived twice in the box. Nobody is near him and he's chosen to fall on the floor when he had a chance to score his 18th and 19th goals."
- Crewe Alexandra midfielder Tom Lowery has signed a new three-and-a-half-year contract at the club. A graduate from the Alex academy, he has made 29 league appearances this season, with his contract having been due to expire this summer.
- Barnet have named former Newport County boss Graham Westley as their new head coach to take charge of first-team affairs. Mark McGhee was originally announced as Barnet's new manager in November but the Scot is now in the role of head of technical.
- Cambridge United have appointed Mark Bonner as their first-team coach after Mick Halsall left the club. Bonner had previously been the U's  academy manager and will now assist Shaun Derry and assistant Joe Dunne.
- Swindon have signed forward Marc Richards on a free transfer following his release by Northampton. The 35-year-old has agreed an 18-month deal with the Robins, who are ninth but just two points off a top-three spot.
- The Robins have also have signed Crystal Palace forward Keshi Anderson on a two-and-a-half-year deal for an undisclosed fee, having been on loan with them this term, scoring four goals in 22 league games.
- Nottingham Forest midfielder Jorge Grant is to see out his season-long loan deal with Notts County, according to Magpies owner and chairman Alan Hardy. The news follows a spat between the two clubs after Ryan Yates was prematurely recalled by the Reds.
- Wycombe Wanderers duo Nick Freeman and Yves Ma-Kalambay have agreed extended contracts with the club - the former has signed a deal until 2020 while the latter will stay with Wycombe until the end of the season.
- Brandon Comley has agreed a permanent move to Colchester United from Queens Park Rangers for an undisclosed fee. The 22-year-old midfielder, who joined the U's on loan in August, has signed a contract until the summer of 2020.
- Swindon have made an offer to acquire the freehold of their County Ground home. The Robins say representatives engaged in "several positive meetings" with Swindon Borough Council last year and the club have now made a formal offer to purchase the stadium.
(Sources: BBC Sport and Sky Sports News)
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Joe Jones
Jon Stead has spoken about Ryan Yates's recall from Notts County and also praised replacement loanee Matty Virtue.
The Nottingham Forest youngster impressed on loan at Meadow Lane but was recalled before being sent out to Scunthorpe United in League One.
It wouldn't be long before another highly-rated youngster arrived at the club, however, in the shape of Liverpool Under-23 captain Virtue.
“We were not really surprised (about Yates's departure) because Ryan did fantastically well for us,” Stead told the Nottingham Post.
“We just took it in our stride really because there are other lads vying for that position and ready to come and step in.
“We wish him all the best and thank him because he was terrific for us.
“He’s a great lad and a top, top professional. He’s a throwback to the old school professionals and I’ve no doubt he will go a long, long way in the game.”
Speaking about Virtue, Stead added: “He did very well (in his debut against Lincoln).I think he was in the dressing room scratching his head a little bit.
But he held his own very well and I think we will see a lot more of him throughout the games, especially at home.  That’s when he will be able to get on the ball a little bit more.
“His neck was probably a bit sore from watching it go over his head last weekend. But he was very combative and he dealt with the physical side of it very well.”
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Joe Jones
Kevin Nolan has expressed his hopes of seeing Nottingham Forest send more players on loan at Notts County.
The Magpies have made use of Jorge Grant and Ryan Yates this season and both have been a revelation for the club.
Although Yates was recalled by the Reds, Grant is to stay at Meadow Lane until the end of the campaign.
“We hope there will be a couple more coming from over the road,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post.
“If they keep coming over, going back and winning new contracts that says we are doing something right.
“I am delighted we are trying to build better relationships with the new owners and the new manager so we can work together.
“Not only will it help Notts move forward, but help Forest’s players move forward as well. We’ll see what happens.”
Joe Jones
Kevin Nolan is looking forward to Liam Noble being back to full match fitness and giving him a selection headache when picking the Notts County matchday squads.
The midfielder, who registered for the club at the start of the month after rejoining from Forest Green Rovers, has so far made two substitute appearances, against Brentford and Lincoln City.
“We already knew that Nobsa had a lot of ability which is why we made him a major target in the summer,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post.
“He has a great footballing brain and what we have to make sure of is that we get the best out of him and we don’t see the Nobsa that was here a few years ago.
“He’s been out of the game a few months so it’s going to take him time to find his feet. But the good thing is that he has seen how we work, what is expected of him in whatever position he plays.
“I feel he is just biting at the bit for that opportunity and chance. All it does is gives me an extra selection headache and puts people on their toes. Players in position now know he is breathing down their necks.”
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Joe Jones
Notts County say they have been given confirmation by Nottingham Forest that Jorge Grant will be able to stay on loan at Meadow Lane for the remainder of the season.
Grant spent the second half of last season at Notts and returned this term alongside Ryan Yates, the duo instrumental in the club's rise to the upper echelons of the League Two table.
Forest decided to recall Yates last week and ship him out on loan to Scunthorpe United, causing friction among the Notts fans plus anxiety regarding Grant's immediate future over the Trent.
However, Alan Hardy has now stated that Forest - new manager and all - will let Grant stay put until the end of the campaign.
“I would like to place on record my thanks to Forest for confirming that Jorge will be staying with us," Hardy said on the official Notts site.
“He has been a pivotal figure for us, scoring 17 goals, and this confirmation comes as a huge boost as we look to take our excellent form into the latter part of the campaign.
“We appreciate Forest trusting us with Jorge’s development and look forward to having him with us until May.”
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Joe Jones
Kevin Nolan has tipped Noor Husin for success in Notts County colours after revealing that the midfielder's omission against Lincoln City was due to lack of match fitness.
The 20-year-old signed for the Magpies last week from Crystal Palace but sat out Saturday's 2-2 draw at Sincil Bank.
Nolan was quick to pour praise on Husin's style of play and professionalism, and expects him to be ready for action soon.
“Noor is a fantastic player and a good kid,” he told the Nottingham Post.
“He’s had League Two experience last year with Accrington Stanley and he’s a really good technician.
“He’s got a good engine and I am really looking forward to seeing him in our shirt.
“It was just a bit too early to throw him in against Lincoln as he only trained with us on Friday.
“He hasn’t played many games and we have to get his match fitness up to speed. But I am delighted to bring him in.”
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Joe Jones
Notts County have confirmed that the 2017/18 early bird season ticket price will be frozen for those who renew next season.
Since taking over at Meadow Lane, Alan Hardy has put offers in place from time to time, including lowering the gate prices at the start of the season, plus one-off promotions such as "£2 for Crewe".
Now, whether Notts play in League Two or League One next season, the club has made it so current season holders will pay the same early bird price as last year, with renewals available from Monday 19 March.
"The loyalty of our season ticket holders is hugely appreciated and this exclusive price freeze is our latest show of appreciation for their commitment to the club," Hardy told the official Notts site.
"The huge strides we have made both on and off the field would not be possible without our dedicated fanbase and we hope this gesture underlines how much we value them."
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Joe Jones
Kevin Nolan is hoping that Notts County's impressive work with loan players will lead to more clubs sending their up-and-coming prospects over to Meadow Lane.
Jorge Grant and Ryan Yates have been a revelation with the Magpies so far this term - the latter sadly no longer with the Magpies - while over the last few years, the likes of Marc Bola, Jack Grealish and Callum McGregor have also thrived at the club.
“I am hoping people can see what we are doing with these loan players,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post.
“The ones we have taken from Premier League clubs have all gone back better players and gone on to better clubs, or gone back and got new contracts.
“For me, I am absolutely delighted with that. It’s crucial for us because if we keep doing well with these kids and they keep going back speaking about us in a positive light.
“Football is a small world and word soon flies round. Players would know they would be coming to a club who will look after their welfare on and off the pitch.
“That’s what we will continue to do hopefully making them better while they are with us and when they go back.”
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Joe Jones
Kevin Nolan has revealed that Notts County "haven't heard anything" from Nottingham Forest regarding Jorge Grant, who also wants to remain where he currently is.
Grant and Ryan Yates joined the Magpies on loan in the summer and have been impressive, only for the latter to be recalled by his parent club.
This led to fears regarding Grant's stay at Meadow Lane but Nolan has suggested that the club's top goalscorer this term may stay put until the summer.
“We haven’t heard anything from Forest,” the Notts boss told the Nottingham Post.
“We want to keep Jorge and he has come out and told everyone that he wants to stay here.
“He feels that is better for his development which is great on our behalf.
“Hopefully Forest can see in the year we have had him how far he has come and what he has done.
“He’s been fantastic and we want to keep developing him.
“We want to send him back in four to five months’ time so that he has got an even better chance of breaking into their first team.
“If not then hopefully we can lend him again next year.”
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Joe Jones
Kevin Nolan has hailed Matty Virtue for a good showing in his Notts County debut in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Lincoln City.
The Liverpool Under-23 captain was handed a start just days after joining on loan and had a hand in the opening goal, scored by Jon Stead.
“It was always going to be tough for him and we knew that,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post.
“He probably hasn’t played in too many games like that on pitches like that, coming from under-23 level.
“I said ‘welcome to League Two’ to him in the dressing room and brought a wry smile to his face. But he handled it magnificently.
“He couldn’t get into the game to show the quality he has but that will take time, as I said when he signed. This will make him as a player, he will learn from it and become better from it.
“There’s still a lot more to come from him and we will help him with that."
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Joe Jones
Notts County remain well in the hunt for an automatic promotion place thanks to a 2-2 draw at Lincoln City on Saturday.
The Magpies took the lead after 35 minutes when a clipped pass from Lewis Alessandra was headed home by Jon Stead.
Lee Frecklington, who returned to the Imps from Rotherham this week, fired in an equaliser two minutes later to head back in the changing rooms all square.
The Magpies then fell behind after 67 minutes when Matt Green slotted home but Jorge Grant crashed in a shot off the underside of the crossbar for a share of the spoils.
What was the reaction from the Notts boss, players and fans following the draw? Here is a collection of the best post-match reaction.
Kevin Nolan
“The lads were absolutely fantastic. It was a battle and they stuck in there.
"We couldn’t get going with our fluidity today but these lads have got camaraderie, togetherness and determination to come away with a very good and respectable point.
“When you come away to places like Lincoln you are going to be put under pressure and they are going to put balls into the box from all directions.
"You have to make sure you are up for the battle and we were – we more than matched them and handled everything they threw at us.
“It’s another fantastic result and we’re looking forward to another biggame next weekend against Exeter.”
Jon Stead
“The atmosphere made it an exciting game and these are the types of matches you want to be playing in.
“We had a fantastic following and we could hear them as much as the home fans.
“It was a good occasion and the way Lincoln play is direct. But, I tell you what, it is effective and you give them massive credit for that because they do it very well.
“They made it very difficult for us. They took the lead but we are disappointed with the two goals we conceded.
“But to get the point was pleasing because we were under the cosh at the end.”
Matt Tootle
 
The Black and White Army on PON
Super_Danny_Allsopp: Decent point in the end. Some last ditch defending. Green and Rhead caused us no amount of problems.
Chris: I'm pleased with the draw. I do feel we need to learn to control games away from home and maintain leads better, but obviously I would take the point any day of the week. It sounded like a typical derby game really - these are usually always close fought games and really I wasn't far off with my goal amount or score prediction. Hopefully Virtue can become a key player for us in midfield, a few fans who I have asked praised him. Yet it sounds like we bypassed a lot of play by hoofing it.
TheSkipper: I would always take a point away from home. After we lost the focus in the game we could have easily lots the match. It was good play to get back into it, but it was not pretty football.
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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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