Chris

Plymouth Argyle has been rumoured to have offered an 18-month deal to Alan Smith back in late December, however, the Notts midfielder looks set to turn down the move and remain amongst the ranks at Meadow Lane. News emerged via Twitter after an image picturing Smith posing for a photo with a young football fan. Later on the same day, another photograph depicting Smith meeting up with Argyle manager Derek Adams was shared amongst social media. Yet the magpies' are believed to have given Smith permission to talk to Plymouth Argyle, but it is now understood that after having had time to speak to the new Notts manager Jamie Fullarton, Smith has decided to see out his remaining deal at Meadow Lane, which expires at the end of the season. Smith is believed to be one of the lowest earners at Notts, as he has made it clear he is not motivated by money. His decision to remain as a Notts County player will be well received by the dressing room, with Smith a popular figure among other team mates and he will be keen to now impress Notts manager Jamie Fullarton who had named Smith as one of his substitutes in the 1-0 away win last Saturday against Crawley Town. So far he has managed to have made 17 appearances, with Smith being in contention for selection against AFC Wimbledon on Saturday. However, some Notts fans may have wished for Alan Smith to be one of few players to depart Meadow Lane - as we sort to reduce the current playing squad. Join in with our popular discussions: Would you bet against your own team? Discover more content - Here.

I have no doubt in my mind what is required by our new manager Jamie Fullarton, yet I wonder what his assessment of the squad will be - will he agree with us fans that the squad is simply too big? There's no dismissal that the quality of our defending must improve, it's simply not adequate and if there are any signings to be made during this January transfer window - it must be a centre back. And I hope that he is sincere when he says that each player will be given a chance, as I feel another priority will be to establish a consistent starting 11. Whilst it would be also welcoming to see a manager actually work on mistakes which happen within matches, so that the continuity of each player is actually worth their squad number, worthy of a starting position and importantly we may actually see lessons learnt. However, I don't actually feel we will see any defensive additions, nor do I think we will release any players. So how will Jamie Fullarton change our misfortunes with his limited experience? I think the answer will be found with his first opening five games and how frequently he makes changes - will it be a learning period for the club? Absolutely, yet it's important that he hits the ground running. For myself, I hope we prepare to start games a little more carefully - we see the defence relapse when we push and this occurs even during periods whereby you wouldn't expect it. Can attacking football be a part of the remedy to fix the issues? Partly, yet our build up play also has to improve. Our problems aren't just the poor defending, the switching off, or the lack of confidence. It's also how we pass the ball around, how we look to connect our striker(s) and the frustrating formations which prevented them from having chances under Ricardo Moniz. I hope Fullarton reverts to playing Jon Stead as a striker, whilst seeing that it is important to make use of our wingers - just as it is to see our centre midfield packed with energy, tracking and creativity. If he can get the basics right, it would see a vast improvement and I also genuinely believe that he's lucky to have inherited such diverse squad - regardless of how big it is. We clearly have a talented set of players and it's for him to render it, moulding it into its true potential. Can he do it without support? Nobody knows, yet I can't be the only one who feels he requires an experienced assistant and someone to help him move forward. So there's plenty to digest around the club, to enable a brighter end to this season. Join in with the discussion on Pride of Nottingham - Here | Don't forget to register if you haven't already - Here.

Notts County are back on the road this Saturday as they face up against Crawley Town and the Broadfield Stadium. Jamie Fullarton's magpies' will require all the support they can get, so below we have proved you with all the information required - which is provided with the latest known details as of 12/01/2016 at 2:20pm and may be subject to change. If you are planning to travel via coach, we have listed all the current options known to us below. Notts County have been allocated 200 tickets, you can pay on the day also. For all information leading to up-to the away day, you will find within this article. Match Tickets are priced at: Main Away Stand: £20 - Adults £16 - Seniors (64 years and above) £16 - Under 18's £8 - Under 16's £6 - Under 11's *must be purchased with an adult or senior ticket. Supporters Club travel is as follows: Coach leaves at: Saturday 9th January at 10am Adults: £21 Under 16’s: £15 Under 11’s: One FREE with each paying adult. To book your seat, please contact: 07946021408 Official travel is as follows: Coach leaves at: Saturday 16th January at 10:00am Adults: £21 Under 18’s: £10.50 For more information please visit the OS website - Here Safe travelling to all the Notts County fans who will be travelling - You Pies!!

Hello and welcome to episode 20 of the Pride of Nottingham PONCast, Notts County’s number one podcast. In this episode we discuss the appointment of the new Magpies manager, Jamie Fullarton, and debate whether or not it was a good choice for the Meadow Lane gig. We also discuss the latest transfer speculation surrounding Liam Noble, Alan Smith and Blair Adams, congratulate the Jimmy & Jack Memorial Fund for meeting the total needed to finally bring the duo home in statue form, and plenty more. Remember you can subscribe to our PONcast. You can do so by using iTunes for IOS devices, downloading any of the main podcast apps from the Google play store or even listen to show using the TuneIn Radio app. As always, let us know your thoughts on this week’s PONcast on the forum or on the Facebook page, and once again, thank you for joining us. Regular playback (including direct download). Website http://poncast.co.uk/ Be apart of our community if you're not already - Join Us | Don't forget you can get your thoughts published by us - Just get in touch - Here.

Two historic legends: Jimmy Sirrel and Jack Wheeler will be coming back home to Meadow Lane, as the Statue Fund announce that the fundraising target has been achieved. Yesterday’s ‘pub to club’ walk in the memory of Jack Wheeler who had sadly passed away back in June 2009, has seen the remaining £500 raised and a total of £633 saw the Statue Fund complete their overall objective. Lisa Black proudly announced the outstanding achievement via the statue funds Facebook group. She said, “The Jimmy & Jack Statue Fund raising is now complete at £102,000. The statue is cast and the plans are now coming together to see our Notts County legends transported from the foundry in Liver to Meadow Lane by the end of April 2016.” “Thank you to every single person that has helped, be it from the early conversations and the concept, donating a £, pence or being involved week in, week out.” Before adding, “We would not have done this without you”. Pride of Nottingham member ‘MagpieJue’ who took part in the walk alongside her Granddaughter Libby aged 7 said, “It was lovely, a nice route down the canal side, Libby completed it too, and it took us 2 hours, which I didn’t think was bad at all.” “Uncle Colin came to the pub to see us off too, we were all awarded with a certificate of appreciate at the end of the walk, and got copies from the F.A of Jimmy’s coaching credentials”. The project will now see Jimmy Sirrel and Jack Wheeler immortalised outside Meadow Lane, with fans of all ages being able to enjoy and remember two of the greatest men in the history of the Notts County football club. Have your say on this brilliant fan achievement below - Also don't forget to check out our content here and if you are not a member - please consider joining.