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Match highlights: Luton Town 2-1 Notts County, Saturday 22 April 2017

Notts County fell to a 2-1 defeat at Luton Town in Saturday's League Two clash at Kenilworth Road.
The Magpies began well as Elliott Hewitt opened the scoring, but goals from Ollie Palmer and Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu put the Hatters in the lead by the end of the first half and they hung onto it until the final whistle.
The official Notts site has put up the match highlights, so you can have a look for yourself how the Magpies did against the Hatters as well as the game's goals.
Share your thoughts about the match on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.
Joe Jones

Kevin Nolan hails Notts County's "great escape"

Kevin Nolan has praised his Notts County players for all they have achieved in the last four months as they went from relegation certainties to mathematically assured of League Two football next season.
The Magpies were in dire straits coming into 2017, with a ten-match losing run symptomatic of the malaise at the club, and it looked like they were heading out of the Football League.
However Alan Hardy's takeover of the club, combined with Nolan's appointment as manager, saw a slow but steady revival that culminated in Notts securing safety against Portsmouth on Easter Monday.
And despite Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Luton Town, which left the manager bemoaning his team's performance, he nonetheless had good words to say about the players in terms of the long-term displays which have saved the club from the drop.
Nolan told the official Notts website:  “I don’t want to come away from what we have achieved in such a short space of time.
“When I came in, everyone thought we would be coming to this stage of the season still in the relegation battle so it is a fantastic achievement [to already be safe].
“The teams who perform great escapes often do it on the final day but we haven’t. This has been a great escape. Hats off to Alan Hardy and the players for buying into me.
“The lads have been through a hell of a lot and I am sure we will get a reaction from them at home to Blackpool next Saturday. I’m looking forward to it.”
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Joe Jones

Kevin Nolan: 'We have not been the same team'

Kevin Nolan has given a scathing assessment of his Notts County team after they fell to a 2-1 defeat against Luton Town in Saturday's League Two match at Kenilworth Road.
The Magpies began well as Elliott Hewitt opened the scoring, but goals from Ollie Palmer and Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu put the Hatters in the lead by the end of the first half and they hung onto it until the final whistle.
“In the last two games I feel we have not been the same team we were in the five games previously,” the manager told the official Notts site. “It has been disappointing.
“We could have come away with a point despite not playing well which pleases me a little more than if we had lay down and let Luton run all over us.
“We had a go in the second half but we were very poor in the first half. That is what happens when the lads feel the relief of getting to safety after what they have been through this season.
"You have a big sigh of relief and everything drops so it is up to us as a staff to pick them up again.”
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Joe Jones

Match Report: Notts County take the lead but fall to defeat at Luton Town

Notts County have fallen to a second defeat in a row as Luton Town came from behind to triumph 2-1 at Kenilworth Road on Saturday.
The Magpies took the lead after just six minutes when poor Hatters defending allowed the ball to land in the path of Elliott Hewitt, whose half-volley from the edge of the area flew into the bottom corner of the net.
However, the hosts were level just ten minutes later as Danny Hylton sent a ferocious 25-yard drive crashing into the bar and the ball fell to Ollie Palmer, whose header towards goal saw Adam Collin grasp for the ball but was unable to keep it out.
Luton then completed the turnaround in first-half injury time when Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu picked up the ball on the edge of the area and scuffed a shot towards goal, which was enough to beat Collin once again.
After the break, Danny Hylton put a great chance wide, while Luton goalkeeper Stuart Moore made a fine stop to turn over Adam Campbell's effort in the 64th minute.
Both sides continued trading blows as Hylton was denied by Collin, with Moore turning Mark Yeates' effort away, before Hylton saw red in stoppage time for his second booking.
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Joe Jones

Notts County captain Michael O'Connor suffers ruptured anterior cruciate ligament

Notts County have confirmed that captain Michael O'Connor has ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament and is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
The midfielder, who has made 34 appearances for Notts this season, was stretchered off the pitch after suffering the injury to his right knee in Monday's 3-1 defeat to Portsmouth at Meadow Lane.
Initial scans suggested a ruptured ACL, and further assessment by a surgeon confirmed the news on Friday.
"We are all devastated for Michael, who is a huge influence for us on and off the field," Magpies boss Kevin Nolan told the Nottingham Post.
"Everyone at the club will do everything they can to ensure he comes back stronger from this.
"While he may be facing a while on the sidelines, he has a huge role to play as captain of this football club and he will be heavily involved in everything we do going forward."
O'Connor tweeted: "Absolutely gutted with rupturing my ACL in the game on Monday. Going to be a long and hard road to getting back on the pitch.
"With good people around me I am confident I will come back stronger and help Notts County to promotion next year."
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Joe Jones

Stat Attack: Luton Town vs. Notts County, Saturday 22 April 2017

Notts County and Luton Town have faced off 69 times in their history. The first meeting came in January 1912 when the Magpies secured a 4-2 away win in the FA Cup.
Luton dominate the head-to-head with 34 wins over Notts, 20 draws and 15 defeats.
However, out of the 11 matches between the two that have taken place since the turn of the century, Notts have won four, drawn four and lost three.
Luton Town Football Club was formed on 11 April 1885, the product of a merger of the two leading local teams, Luton Town Wanderers and Excelsior.
The club was the first in southern England to turn professional, making payments to players as early as 1890 and turning fully professional a year later.
It joined the Football League before the 1897–98 season, left in 1900 because of financial problems, and rejoined in 1920.
Luton reached the First Division in 1955–56 and contested a major final for the first time when playing Nottingham Forest in the 1959 FA Cup Final.
The team was then relegated from the top division in 1959–60, and demoted twice more in the following five years, playing in the Fourth Division from the 1965–66 season. However, it was promoted back to the top level by 1974–75.
Luton Town's most recent successful period began in 1981–82, when the club won the Second Division and gained promotion to the First.
Luton defeated Arsenal 3–2 in the 1988 Football League Cup Final and remained in the First Division until relegation at the end of the 1991–92 season.
Between 2007 and 2009, financial difficulties caused the club to fall from the second tier of English football to the fifth in successive seasons.
The last of these relegations came during the 2008–09 season, when 30 points were docked from Luton's tally for various financial irregularities.
Luton then spent five seasons in non-League football before winning the Conference Premier in 2013–14, securing promotion back into the Football League.
The club's nickname, "the Hatters", reflects Luton's historical connection with the hat making trade, which has been prominent there since the 1600s.
The nickname was originally a variant on the now rarely seen straw-plaiters. Supporters of the club are also called Hatters.
Luton is associated with two very different colour schemes - white and black (first permanently adopted in 1920), and orange, navy and white (first used in 1973, and worn by the team as of the 2015–16 season).
Team news
Luton are likely to be without Johnny Mullins and Jordan Cook - Mullins is back in training after recovering from a hamstring strain but this weekend is still likely to come too soon for the defender.
Cook, meanwhile, is still out after coming off early in Luton's draw with Leyton Orient last Friday with a knee problem.
Midfielders Danny Green and Cameron McGeehan are both long-term absentees with broken legs.
Notts midfielder Michael O'Connor will be unavailable for the trip to Kenilworth Road after he was carried off on a stretcher during Monday's 3-1 home defeat by Portsmouth.
The club are still assessing the full extent of O'Connor's knee injury and his place is likely to be taken by Elliott Hewitt.
Kevin Nolan is hoping veteran striker and former Newcastle teammate Shola Ameobi will be able to resume after he failed to make the bench for the Pompey game.
Ameobi sat out with a shoulder problem and is hoping to be able to return having been given time to recover.
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Joe Jones

Notts County boss Kevin Nolan reiterates need for characters on and off the pitch

Kevin Nolan has reiterated the importance of having the right characters at a football club as he plans his transfer target list for Notts County's 2017-18 season.
With most of the Magpies squad out of contract in the summer, the manager has plenty to mull over in terms of who to keep, who might leave of their own accord, who will be let go and who should be brought in as a replacement.
"It's about getting the right characters because I think sometimes people get carried away by thinking 'right, we have to get this quality in'," Nolan told the Nottingham Post.
"But it's what players do off the field which is just as important and how they are around the training ground.
"Ability only goes so far because when the chips are down you need character. You need that balance in football.
"When you have a team of prima donnas they can be great for 60 minutes, but collapse in 30.
"I've seen it with a lot of teams. When you look at great sides in the Premier League, they had the ability but characters within it.
"Then outside of the 11 you had the other seven or eight driving them on. That's what I want.
"So if you do get a squad player then you need him to be a positive influence on the rest of the boys if he is not in the team as much as he would be if he was in it.
"When I've had that atmosphere and camaraderie previously, then I've only ever been in successful sides.
"Unity is something I am aiming for because I firmly believe when you have that you get better results on the pitch."
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Joe Jones

Shock and outrage as Notts County Ladies fold

Notts County Ladies have folded just two days before their first match of the WSL Spring Series.
Due to face Arsenal Ladies away on Sunday, the Lady Pies were told the club cannot stay afloat 15 minutes before Friday's announcement.
In March, a winding-up petition against the club was adjourned for a second time, giving Notts until 3 July to pay debts owed to HM Revenue and Customs.
However, Alan Hardy said he "reluctantly admitted defeat" in his bid to save the Women's Super League 1 outfit.
A statement on the Notts website said: "I am devastated that we cannot continue the Ladies project but the numbers simply do not stack up. Continuing would have been little short of financial suicide.
"I wish to be totally transparent with supporters about the sums of money involved here. When I took over the club, HMRC and other creditors had in excess of £350,000 of unpaid liabilities.
"Additionally, I was extremely concerned that to operate Notts County Ladies for the current season was going to cost us approximately £500,000 – a figure principally made up of player and coaching salaries. Our total projected incoming revenue from attendances and sponsorship was £28,000.
"I have been tremendously impressed by the passion and enthusiasm shown by everyone connected with the Ladies set-up – manager, players and backroom team.
"They have represented Notts County with dignity, success and the utmost professionalism over the past three seasons. But the fact remains we simply cannot fund such a huge operating loss.
"I was also concerned that we had no real pathway for young players in Nottingham to graduate through the ranks into a WSL team.
"The existing structure is such that we have a strong elite-level team, but no academy pathway of progression through age-group teams.
"I met many times with the FA with a view to being granted Regional Talent Centre status but realistically it would have taken more than two years to become accredited.
"It's a very sad day for me personally and supporters should rest assured I have left no stone unturned in my quest to save the club.
"However, having taken all factors into consideration, the only possible outcome is to discontinue our Ladies club.
"I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to the staff and players and we all wish them every success in finding new clubs."
Players and fans were quick to voice their sadness at the news.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Joe Jones

Notts County striker Jon Stead admits America offer is still on the table

Jon Stead has revealed that an offer for him to play in the United States is still on the table, but says he is "50/50" over whether he will stay with Notts County or not.
The veteran striker, whose contract runs out in the summer, has made no secret of the fact he was close to leaving Meadow Lane in the winter, but decided to stay put when Alan Hardy took over the previously beleaguered club.
Talking about his future, Stead told the Nottingham Post: "I think discussions will be starting in two to three weeks.
"I will look at all my options. The offer from America is still on the table and I think there are a few more clubs that are now aware of the situation.
"But I've kind of dismissed anything else in England apart from what will come here at Notts.
"Once I've had discussions then I can sit down and look at making what I know will be difficult decisions.
"I still have an open mind and I've no need to rush. I've loved being here the last three to four months under the gaffer, and his staff.
"That's made the decision a lot more difficult. I've had a couple of chats with the gaffer and we have a really good relationship.
"But my life is a bit on hold at the moment. I've got to make sure the next move is right for me and my family."
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Joe Jones

Kevin Nolan: 'Notts County players can forget days off if they let standards drop'

Kevin Nolan has warned his Notts County players to forget about days off if they let standards drop in the final three games of the season.
The Magpies were mathematically assured of League Two safety on Easter Monday, despite losing 3-1 to Portsmouth at Meadow Lane.
However, the defeat also meant that the playoffs - very unlikely in the first place - were now out of reach, which effectively turns the rest of the season into a dead rubber.
However, Nolan will not accept this train of thought from his players, telling the Nottingham Post ahead of the trip to Luton Town: "We have a lot to play for.
"I want to go into next season with momentum and I don't want the season to tail off. We want to finish on a high and I feel we can beat anybody in this league on our day.
"I want us to give a really good account of ourselves and I will be disappointed if the attitude, application and professionalism drops. The lads will know about it and their days off won't be days off any more."
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Joe Jones

Alan Hardy hoping to see Notts County celebrate promotion to League One next season

Alan Hardy has taken inspiration from Portsmouth's promotion celebrations at Meadow Lane on Easter Monday, and is hoping for Notts County to be doing the same in 12 months' time.
The Magpies fell to a 3-1 defeat against Pompey, which combined with Luton Town's failure to defeat Mansfield Town, saw the South Coast giants secure League One football for the 2017-18 campaign.
Hardy wrote in the Nottingham Post: "Watching the Portsmouth celebrations at full time, I suspect that all Notts fans had the same thoughts as me in that these are the kind of scenes we would love to be a part of in a year's time.
"Our form under Kevin Nolan and the players since January has been that of a promotion-winning team and it is the form we are so desperately keen to take into next season.
"The foundations we have laid are solid ahead of what will be a big summer at the club when we have to finalise the retained list, discuss new signings and so on.
"I have been asked on several occasions whether there will be a lot of upheaval in the summer, but this will be an evolution rather than a revolution.
"So moving forward there is much to discuss, because like all of the Notts fans, I hope that come this time next year, it will be us celebrating promotion to League One."
To read the rest of Alan Hardy's column, click here to go to his Nottingham Post page.
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Joe Jones

Jorge Grant: 'Notts County can do a Portsmouth next season'

Jorge Grant has claimed that Notts County are not "that far away" from enjoying a promotion feast like Portsmouth did when they came to Meadow Lane on Monday.
The Magpies slipped to a 3-1 defeat against the South Coast side, whose ascent out of League Two was confirmed thanks to their win combined with Luton Town's failure to beat Mansfield Town.
Grant, who is on loan from Nottingham Forest, believes that Notts can take this season's form into the following campaign, with Kevin Nolan at the helm.
"I don't think we are that far away (from doing what Portsmouth did)," Grant told the Nottingham Post.
"The gaffer has obviously got everybody going this season and it's been a great run since he has come in.
"I can't see it not happening again next year. You've got to be positive going into next season like we have been since January.
"I loved being a part of it all too. Everybody has been really nice to me, and I've been able to play my football the way I like to play."
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Joe Jones

Jorge Grant not ruling out Notts County stay

Jorge Grant has admitted that his future depends on parent club Nottingham Forest, but says he has loved every minute at Notts County, describing it as a great club that is moving forward.
The 22-year-old has become a fan favourite at Meadow Lane with his impressive performances and five goals in black and white.
His contract at the City Ground runs out in the summer and, though he is unable to clarify his future at present, admitted that his agent is talking to Forest to "see what happens".
Grant told the Nottingham Post: "I'd love to answer the question about my future but the truth is it's all on Forest. Once they make a decision on me personally, then I can look at it.
"I've loved every minute of being here. I am improving and that's all that matters. I would never rule anything out. This is a great club and we are moving forward.
"My agent is talking to them (Forest) and I will wait to see what happens."
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Joe Jones

Meet the Fans: Notts County vs. Portsmouth, Monday 17 April 2017

Easter Monday 2017 turned out to be a positive day for both fans of Notts County and of Portsmouth at Meadow Lane.
Although the Magpies fell to a 3-1 defeat, Newport County were thrashed by Plymouth Argyle, confirming for good that Notts would be a League Two side next season.
Meanwhile, Pompey ended eight years of hurt with a win that sealed promotion into League and going some way towards exorcising the demons of the last few years.
Pride of Nottingham spoke to several fans ahead of kickoff at the Lane and asked a number of questions including whether or not Haydn Hollis should remain at Notts and if the club can do a Pompey next season by putting financial woes behind them and going into the third tier.
We hope you enjoy the video! COME ON YOU PIES!
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Chris

Portsmouth fans thank Notts County for hospitality on promotion day

Portsmouth fans have expressed their gratitude to Notts County for their hospitality as the South Coast side clinched promotion to League One.
Three relegations in four seasons saw Pompey fall from the Premier League to League Two between 2010 and 2013, but their seventh win from nine games this season sees the club back into the third tier.
A combination of their 3-1 win over the Magpies at Meadow Lane, plus Luton Town's failure to beat Mansfield Town, was enough for Portsmouth to mathematically make sure of a departure from the fourth division.
While Notts also had cause for celebration as they secured League Two safety, it turned out to be a special occasion for Pompey fans, who had endured several years of hell - much like the Magpies had.
Several fans of the South Coast team were very kind in sending us messages of gratitude and support for helping make their day so special, and expressed best wishes for Notts to join them up the Football League next season.





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Joe Jones

Match highlights: Notts County 1-3 Portsmouth, Monday 17 April 2017

Notts County secured League Two safety despite falling to a 3-1 defeat to Portsmouth at Meadow Lane on Monday.
Gareth Evans put Paul Cook's side ahead from the spot after a foul on Kai Naismith by Richard Duffy.
The Magpies drew level in the second half, however, when Jorge Grant found the corner from Elliott Hewitt's pass.
Jamal Lowe restored Pompey's lead with an angled shot in the second half and made sure of victory - and eventual promotion - with a second in the 90th minute.
The official Notts site has published the game highlights - see how the game panned out for yourself.
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Joe Jones

Kevin Nolan: 'Notts County had an off day against Portsmouth'

Kevin Nolan has attributed Notts County's 3-1 home defeat to Portsmouth as an off day but insists that his side will learn from it.
The Magpies fell behind to Gareth Evans's goal from the spot against after a foul on Kai Naismith by Richard Duffy before Jorge Grant found the corner from Elliott Hewitt's pass.
Jamal Lowe's double made sure of the points for Pompey, and with Luton Town drawing at Mansfield Town, the results gave the South Coast side promotion from League Two and set off celebrations among the away contingent at Meadow Lane.
"I am delighted for (Paul Cook) and (assistant) Leam Richardson, who is a good mate of mine," Nolan told the Nottingham Post. "I am delighted they have achieved what they set out for this year and wish them all the best going forward.
"I was just a bit disappointed in the way we managed the game. We just didn't do it as well as we have done in the past. Maybe we got caught up in the occasion a bit. But these lads have been fantastic since I walked in the door in January.
"We are going to have off days and today was one of them. But it's a learning curve and we will learn from it.
"Portsmouth are at the top of the league for a reason and they have been there all season. I thought for the majority of the game we matched them in bits and bobs, just not as consistent as we have been over the last five games."
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Joe Jones

Match Report: Notts County mathematically safe despite defeat to Portsmouth

Notts County's League Two status has been mathematically assured despite falling to a 3-1 defeat against Portsmouth in Monday's fixture at Meadow Lane.
The visitors took the lead in the 14th minute when Kal Naismith was brought down by Richard Duffy in the box and Gareth Evans stepped up to send Adam Collin the wrong way.
Kevin Nolan's charges, eager to force the visitors to put their promotion champagne on ice, stepped up a gear and Adam Campbell's cross in the Pompey box was threatening, but Jon Stead's connection was tame and David Forde caught with ease.
There was more trouble for the Magpies on the stroke of half time when Michael O'Connor had to be carried off on a stretcher having been clattered when he turned the ball back into the box.
However, the Magpies continued to look lively after the break and Matt Tootle found Campbell unmarked in the box, only for the forward to volley over the bar.
Indeed, Notts drew level in the 51st minute when Elliott Hewitt sent a lofted pass into the area and Jorge Grant met it to send a fine curling finish past Forde’s grasp and into the net.
However, the visitors were intent on getting the job done and, 12 minutes from time, Jamal Lowe picked the ball up outside the area, cut onto his right foot and drilled home past the diving Collin.
Notts fans thought they should have had a penalty soon after when Mark Yeates’s cross appeared to strike the hand of Christian Burgess, but it wasn't given.
Eventually the game was put beyond the hosts' reach when Lowe chipped Collin in the final minutes of the game to seal victory and, due to Luton Town's draw with Mansfield Town, confirmed their ascent to League One.
Despite the defeat and Nolan's first home defeat as Notts boss, however, second-from-bottom Newport County's revival was stunted with a 6-1 defeat at Plymouth Argyle which means that the Magpies would finish the day 11 points clear of them with just nine left to play for.
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Joe Jones

Stat Attack: Notts County vs. Portsmouth, Monday 17 April 2017

Notts County and Portsmouth have met a total of 29 times over the years, the first meeting coming on the 20th November 1926, which the Magpies lost 3-2 at Meadow Lane.
We have beaten Pompey 13 times and played out six draws, with the South Coast side winning on 10 occasions.
Between December 1992 and December 1994 the two teams played each other six times, with Notts failing to get a win in a run that saw three draws and three defeats.
Portsmouth have been champions of England twice, in 1949 and 1950. The club has also won the FA Cup on two occasions, in 1939 and most recently in 2008, and also reached the final of the competition in 2010.
Portsmouth were moderately successful in the 2000s, especially during the 2007–08 Premier League season, when they won the FA Cup, beating Cardiff City 1-0 in the final.
They subsequently qualified for the 2008–09 UEFA Cup competing against European heavyweights such as seven-times European Cup winners AC Milan.
During this period, Portsmouth were recognised to have a large number of international footballers, including England players Glen Johnson and Jermain Defoe, as well as Peter Crouch, David James and Sol Campbell.
However, financial problems soon set in and Portsmouth were relegated to the Championship in 2010.
In 2012 they were again relegated, to League One, and again, in 2013, to League Two.
They began the 2013–14 season in the fourth tier of the English football league system for the first time since the late 1970s.
Portsmouth became the largest fan-owned football club in England, after the Pompey Supporters Trust (PST) successfully gained possession of Fratton Park in April 2013.
Team news
Kevin Nolan has no new injury or suspension worries for Monday's game.
Michael O'Connor returned as captain and was on the scoresheet in the Magpies' 2-2 draw at Crewe Alexandra on Good Friday and is expected to keep his place.
Mark Yeates impressed as a substitute in that game and will hope to feature against Pompey
Likewise, Portsmouth have no fresh injury concerns ahead of their visit of Meadow Lane.
Noel Hunt is still missing so Gary Roberts, who scored on Friday against Plymouth, will retain his place up front.
Conor Chaplin is vying for a place in the starting line-up after coming off the bench in the draw with the Pilgrims.
Forwards Eoin Doyle and Curtis Main remain sidelined for the rest of the campaign.
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Joe Jones

Callum Foster: Haydn Hollis, he's one of our own!

Haydn Hollis is a name that divides opinion amongst Notts fans.
The centre-back is a 6ft3, athletically built product of our youth system, who oozes professionalism and is an all-round nice guy.
Ever since breaking into the first team Hollis has shown signs of becoming a great strong solid lower-league centre back but the inconsistency and the bad spells he goes through have split the fan base's opinion of him.
He played a great part in the great escape of 2013/14 and for the first half of the 2014/15 - Hollis and a combination of Haydn Mullins / Louis Laing was excellent.
Hollis was producing the best form of his Notts career but the return of Mullins, plus Laing leaving, led to a poor ending of the season and resulted in relegation.
Then we had the "we'll score one more goal than them" approach of Ricardo Moniz which destroyed the defence and in turn made Hollis a scapegoat for the poor results which followed until the end of the season.
Under John Sheridan, Hollis lost just about every bit of confidence he had and his performances on the pitch suffered because of it.
Ever since Kevin Nolan arrived Hollis has been reborn, rebuilt, he’s sticking to what he knows - head it, boot it away, win the tackles, simple passes and been an attacking threat from set pieces.
The harshest Hollis critics can’t say that he hasn’t deserved his place in the starting line up. Nolan has worked wonders with the squad, players like Hollis just needed a bit of confidence, praise and guidance.
You can’t fault Hollis’ commitment and attitude, even slotting in at left-back for one game. The partnership between Hollis and Duffy it may not be the strongest but together they know their roles and with each game that passes by the signs of a solid foundation for next season are starting to appear.
I’m not saying Hollis is going to be the best defender in League Two, he’s still prone to the odd mistake here and there such as against Crewe on Friday but if he wasn’t he would be further up the footballing pyramid - but he is starting to show signs of maturity for a 24 year old defender who has played 140 games, 128 of them for Notts chipping in with 7 goals for us.
I hope Nolan and Hardy do offer Hollis, Richard Duffy and Thierry Audel new deals. Yes, they have their flaws and yes, we will need another proven centre-back to offer competition and take over should any of the three mentioned let their standards slip.
Should Hollis continue improving and learning from the mistakes he makes along the way, there’s no reason why he won’t earn a new deal and extend his five-year spell in and around the first team.
Love him or loathe him, he is one of our own, let’s start treating him like that. Now is the time for Haydn to reach the potential he has have, prove the doubters wrong and show us he can be consistent and deserves to be in this team for next season.
Haydn Hollis, he’s one of our own...
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NottsGeezerCal

Matt Tootle: 'Portsmouth game will showcase how far Notts County have come'

Matt Tootle is looking forward to Monday's "massive" League Two home game against Portsmouth, claiming that the anticipated record crowd and buzzing atmosphere is a sign of "how far the club's come and where it's going".
The Magpies will be welcoming to Meadow Lane a Pompey side which could seal promotion out of the fourth tier, where they have been languishing since 2013 following catastrophic financial hardship which is now behind them.
Notts are also smiling after their own off-the-pitch problems came to an end when Alan Hardy took over the club this year, with manager Kevin Nolan all but guiding the side out of relegation danger and the future looking much rosier for the previously beleagured NG2 side.
Tootle is relishing not only the prospect of a big crowd and atmosphere, but also the opportunity for the team to test themselves against high-flying opposition.
The defender told the official Notts site: "It's a massive game, Monday. It will be a really good day for everyone and it will show how far the club's come, and where it's going.
"It's a good test for us. We beat Plymouth a few months ago, we beat Portsmouth away and we'll show on Monday that we're just as good, if not better than them.
"This should really be a top-of-the-table clash. It will be a great game and a great crowd - and I can't wait."
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Joe Jones

Kevin Nolan: 'No Portsmouth promotion party on my watch"

Kevin Nolan has claimed that while he has fond memories of being promoted at an away game, he does not want Portsmouth to be enjoying a promotion party of their own at Meadow Lane on Monday.
Pompey face Notts County in Nottingham in two days' time and, should they beat the Magpies and Luton Town drop points, they will be promoted to League One.
Nolan enjoyed a promotion party at Plymouth Argyle seven years ago as part of the Newcastle United squad, and remembers how the Pilgrims allowed them to celebrate at Home Park.
"We went to Plymouth and what happened there was fantastic," Nolan told the Nottingham Post.
"They got relegated on the same night we won the title, but they were brilliant to us as a club. They allowed the celebrations and put all the songs on for us and things like that. It was a first class attitude from them.
"If Portsmouth do get promotion then they will get a shake of the hand from me. We will maybe have a glass of champagne on their behalf, but we don't want that scenario to happen.
"I told the lads I don't want the party at our place. We've just got to make sure we keep the run going.
"The last I heard was they (Portsmouth) had sold nearly 5,000 tickets. It's going to be a good day, but what we have to do is make sure we don't get carried away with everything that's going on around the game.
"We have to make sure we do what we have been doing at home which is making it difficult for Portsmouth and deliver the kind of performances we have been producing of late.
"It's another one for the lads to put a statement out there which says I am ready for next year."
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Joe Jones

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