Chris

Jamie Fullarton’s first Notts County home game saw the Magpies take on phoenix club AFC Wimbledon, a side bidding to make it eight games unbeaten away. Pride of Nottingham spoke to several Notts fans before the game about how they think Jamie Fullarton had done so far at the Meadow Lane helm, whether Liam Noble and Blair Adams should be in the squad, whether more signings needed to be made and what they thought the day’s result would be. Don't forget to subscribe to PrideofNottinghamTV | Also, please share, like and comment on the video. Your support is appreciated - You Pies!

A lot has been said during the period whereby Alan Smith was rumoured to be joining Plymouth Argyle, which I must admit I wasn’t all that bothered about. However, I do think Smith will be a great coach and someone ideal to have around as a backroom member of staff. It’s just hard to envision him playing week in and out for Notts, perhaps as a part player who can make an impact in the important games – whereby a little grit in midfield will help Notts in those tough matches? I do believe we can afford to allow players who will feature less this season permission to leave the club. Yet at the time, I made the point about how a player like Alan Smith is important to have around other players such as Curtis Thompson – young hungry players looking to establish themselves and their careers. He may also be an asset to Jamie Fullarton, who will require all the experience and help he can find. As a new manager looking to gain managerial experience after a wealth of experience working with young players, it seems ideal to have someone who has been at the top and remained there for the majority of their career. I’ve made it no secret that I believe Jamie Fullarton should have his own assistant, I still hope to see news filter out about this but in the meantime, I am sure the new Notts manager Jamie Fullarton will have other people to help him. I honestly feel the majority of fans will realise it’s important for him to have his own No.2 and someone who he feels can guide him with the day to day tasks of football management. Can Alan Smith be someone who can temporarily fill this gap, along with Richard Dryden? Both Ricardo Moniz and Shaun Derry struggled during the tough tests faced, yet on paper, both had very good support in Dave Kevan and Greg Abbott. It’s for that reason why I feel it’s of vast importance but in the meanwhile – since Notts will be looking to gain a form of stability. Maybe, just maybe Alan Smith will be more assistance off the field than on it. There’s no doubt that he brings many different types of benefits, from interest due to his playing career, to his personality and passion for the game. What are your thoughts? Discuss the article below - Also, don't forget to join our match discussion - Here.

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!!