Chris

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.

Former Notts County shot-stopper Fabian Spiess has joined Boston United, after the Pilgrims struggled to fulfil the position prior. The 21-year-old German born player is poised to go straight into Boston’s squad ahead of their trip to Curzon Ashton within the National League North. Spiess enjoyed breaking through the youth system, in place at Notts as a promising teenager, making nine senior first appearances during his time at Meadow Lane. Before later moving out on loan to Bristol Rovers, then signing permanently Torquay United and later Alfreton Town. Despite remaining largely on the bench for the Magpies’, after Northern Ireland international Roy Carroll, the 21-year-old caught the attention of Liverpool and spent several weeks training with the Premier League team at the end of last season. Unfortunately a move to the former European giants wasn’t on the cards and Spiess was let go by then County boss Ricardo Moniz during the summer clear-out. Spiess’s arrival to the Pilgrims, will see him most likely start against Curzon subject to ratification by the National League and Football Association. Join in the discussions within our community forum - Here. Let us know your opinion on this story below.

The easiest thing to do during difficult seasons is to depart terms with your manager, yet this leaves repercussions and after a recession, you can sort of lose your identity and over the years, especially since running and starting the Pride of Nottingham website – I have spoken about this in the form of securing the better players within any Notts County squad. Yet for me, despite craving success and stability – I am prepared to see things pan out some of the time. I don’t think this can be applied with players. Yes managers prefer to build their own squad, yet often the first thing they do is recall players who are out on loan to access the depth and strengths of his new team. I am also undecided if we could have afforded to give Ricardo Moniz a little longer, everyone will say they ‘grew tired’ of defending and again, this is something I can apply myself to but I do feel this is where a ‘sensible’ appointment comes down to it. Of course, there’s no guarantee that managers who have a good track record will be able to work their magic, yet for me – I think this is more possible with the right foundations in place before any changes are made, certainly before they are released. I hope that the next manager is someone who can build and retain a ‘core’, which will allow us to build properly as we attempt to move forward and ultimately I think this makes it easier on managers. I couldn’t personally imagine going out and signing x amount of players, I mean this isn’t Football Manager 2016 and we don’t have the ability to just continue the circle. Ricardo’s biggest downfall for me stems from his first and only fans’ forum – ‘Small Squad’ and ‘English players’. Now don’t get me wrong, Stanley Aborah for example is a very classy player but then you look at the same team sheet and realise Civard Sprockel is perhaps one of the worst to wear a Notts shirt in the last 10 years – even if he manages to last 45 minutes unlike some within the same class. I think the point is, we should have seen that as the warning sign – was it his sole decision regarding transfers? And the policy to look overseas? Perhaps like the many whom tell me Ricardo literally had no idea, yet I do think he tried too hard to impress. For this reason, I do not blame him for not having placed us closer to the play-offs or the fact that we have conceded some awful goals so far this season – Roy Carroll anyone? I also acknowledge he leaves behind a decent squad, so it’s important the next manager can get to grips with it. Whilst stamping his mark on our club, on his squad and we all learn to move forward forgetting the past. Find all the latest content via our 'activity stream' - Here | Also, why not join our ranks? We have a flourishing community | Sign up Here.

Accrington Stanley are flying high at the moment, they are currently 7th, yet despite being just outside of the play-off zone – they retain games in hand over Wycombe Wanderers and Bristol Rovers. The Magpies stats are known to all, we have not won since the opening day away to Stevenage. Lancashire based Stanley will be hoping to keep Notts quiet at the Crown Ground, with the expectation being placed upon them to return back to the play-offs. They have won three of their last six games, having drawn two and losing once, Stanley are 9 points above Notts with 39 points in total. Run-down of their last six games. Saturday 14th November – Accrington Stanley 2 Newport County 2 Saturday 21st November – Cambridge United 2 Accrington Stanley 3 Saturday 28th November – York City 1 Accrington Stanley 5 Saturday 19th December – Stevenage 1 Accrington Stanley 1 Monday 28th December – Northampton Town 1 Accrington Stanley 0 Saturday 2n January – Mansfield Town 2 Accrington Stanley 3 The Players – Fact Sheet Highest Goal Scorers; Billy Kee 10, Sean McConville 5, Terry Gornell 2 and Piero Mingoi 2. Persistent Foulers; Tom Davies 6 yellow cards, Dean Winnard 5 yellow cards, Matty Pearsoan 5 yellow cards and Billy Kee 4. The Key Players. At the back Tom Davies has been putting in steady performances, he likes to push players onto their weaker foot and this is something which he does extremely well. The Stanley squad consist of a solid unit, which works well together, and for me personally, I would highlight Piero Mingoia as the midfielder who is their driving force, and yet they have some decent options upfront. None more so than Stanley's highest goal scorer Billy Kee, he is a tricky forward whom partners well upfront and works well within the Stanley system. Another player, which deserves a mention, is Sean McConville who can really offer more mobility to their attacking movement and forward play. Style of Play, Strengths, and Weaknesses. Accrington Stanley are a well setup team, who’s tactics frequently show alot of understanding to the dynamics in which their opposition possess. They are a unit based side, typically considered to be no thrills but they can get the job done. Their ability to play basic football bodes well, as this allows them to take the simpler approach within games. Yet at times they can play some very solid attacking football, with both energy and pace and this allows them to break sides down. Weaknesses for me will be found with their right side of the field, I believe Stanley are stronger on the left and if we aim to play the ball through the centre of the park – Notts must be as direct as possible. Aerial threats will be a way for the Magpies’ to gain chances, which should suit both Jon Stead and Izale McLeod – provided we apply ourselves well. Not a member yet? Join our website - Here | Interested in reading more? Visit our homepage - Here.

The Crown Ground is the next destination for both club and fans, as we prepare for the game ourselves - we provide you with all the information required to safely secure your travel and tickets before the game. This information is provided with the latest known details as of 06/01/2016 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: £15.00 - Adults £10.00 - Seniors (64 years and above) £10.00 - Students (I.D required) £10.00 - Under 17's £0.00 - Under 12'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: £20 Under 16’s: £14 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 9th January at 10:00am Adults: £20 Under 18’s: £10 For more information please visit the OS website - Here Pride of Nottingham wishes all Notts safe travelling. You Pies!!

The start of this years campaign, especially pre-season seemed a million miles away at the beginning and the slow build-up – although not uncommon, it did seem slower than normal. As I waited for signings to be announced, I hoped that by this stage we might be on verge on gaining promotion however, at the moment in time this seems far away. My entail optimism only peaked once signings like Scot Bennet, Gill Swerts and Scott Loach had been made. In this article, I will give a player-by-player review and share my thoughts on the main ones. Roy Carroll – Was a shining light in the previous campaign, however I do share similar concerns regarding performances put in by the Magpies number one, although he often keeps us within games, I just find him to be largely inconsistent – yet to be fair, this may improve with a steady back four willing to protect our goal. Verdict – B. It’s easy to point the finger, however without some of his spectacular saves we may be in some serious trouble considering the amount of goals conceded but I have no doubts, he must step it up. Mawouna Amevor – Looked very promising at Stevenage, the towering defender looked quite ideal for League Two – however I largely feel he hasn’t been given a fair chance and hopefully under our new manager he will. Verdict – C. He just hasn’t given us a glimpse of what he can do, yet I firmly believe he may be part of the solution once settled. Haydn Hollis – The young, home-grown prospect has been out of favour since losing his confidence in the earlier part of the season but against Oxford United recently – I felt he has shown exactly why he’s useful to have around. Verdict – C. He needs to focus on his distribution and concentration, yet I must praise him for being one of the only defenders to timely place last-ditch tackles and I do believe more will come with time. Mike Edwards – A player that no doubt many didn’t expect to see feature as much as he has done so far, yet he’s shown us why he earned the nickname the ‘phoenix’ and some of his goals have been crucial within this campaign – he just needs to complete his first hat trick! Verdict – C+. There’s no dispute that ‘Steady Eddie’ has lost his pace, yet his awareness and calm influence at the back has largely helped. Elliot Hewitt – Another player who has pleasantly surprised us so far this season, he looks a brilliant prospect and his general game is a joy to watch considering he’s a defender. Since his first start, I believe he sums up what we require from more players whom don’t regularly start – you must take what chances you get and he has done. Verdict – B. I agree his defence side could largely improve but I genuinely believe this will with time. Going forward he’s smart and isn’t afraid to contribute, yet the most promising thing for me is his versatility and dedication towards making important runs. Gill Swerts – One of the players I thought liked sheer class pre-season and I felt he would have established himself as a fan favourite by now. However, this isn’t the case and he has largely found himself expelled from the starting line-up. Verdict – D. Being played out of position hasn’t helped, neither has being repeatedly moved around. As a right back, he looked a far different player than that of a left or centre back. Thierry Audel – Another player I hoped to see better from, however unlike Swerts – I cannot say the same about Audel and he has been largely disappointing for me. When he shows greatness, it’s often deflected by his inability to make the right decision when it comes to his distribution and I find his first touch requiring greater focus, as I do with his passing. Verdict – D. Simply not good enough so far, by far one of the most frustrating players but largely because you can see he’s a talented player. Alan Sheehan – His return symbolized something majorly lacking the 2015/16 squad and that is passion, belief in his own ability and pride for the shirt hes worn whilst on loan. Verdict – B. Please sign him up, so we can see him further help improve the back four. Alan Smith – For a period, he looked to be getting increasingly useful and his crunching tackles are something I feel gives Notts a presence on the field. However, his form seems to dip and likewise does his ability to fit in. Verdict – D. Unarguably he could be far more consistent if used as a rotational player, I personally would prefer to see him utilized in games, which require his no nonsense approach. Curtis Thompson – No doubt he should have featured far more under Ricardo Moniz, his energy and hunger is clear as day. He isn’t afraid to work hard for the team and it’s pleasing to see him score this season, I firmly believe with the right centre pairing he would continue to dazzle Notts fans. Verdict – C+. His confidence dipped a bit mid-way through but with the chance, he will continue work hard and overcome these obstacles in my opinion. Liam Noble – Has come into his element within League Two, with his attitude and influence being key in stages. Despite the two red cards and three yellows, he has given many moments of brilliance and offers so much more than goals. He is a true leader within our midfield and the passion which elites his game is showing us - we must use this to our advantage. Verdict – B. We need him for selection, there are no arguments about that and he just needs to be a little more wiser. Stanley Aborah – One of the best signings to have worn a Notts shirt for some time, he could easily fit within a lower to mid-tier Championship team. His passing, movement and skill provides us the entertainment we have lacked. With a more consistent Notts County, I believe Stanley could be a player which enables us to push for promotion. Verdict – B+. Just brilliant, keep him fit and available – we could build around him and finally move forward. Graham Burke – Despite being another player who’s youth career I had followed, I wasn’t keen on this signing as I wasn’t sure where he could feature but on merit it has proven to be a useful squad addition and within time – the glimpses we see in games, like against his former club Aston Villa – it will highlight just how wise this purchase was. Verdict – C+. Prior to the dip in our form and confidence, I think Burke would be pushing for a B – yet he’s drifted out of things as of lately and we need to see his spark return. Adam Campbell – When some questioned his height, I instantly knew what an asset Campbell could be for us if we could feature him wisely. Having followed his career at Newcastle, the signing pleased me and he gives us electricity with his rapid pass and if he can perfect his finishing (which anyone who’s seen his youth career will know he’s got within locker) he will go on to further prove himself. Verdict – B+. He’s proven he can play on the wing, recently hasn’t contributed what I believe he can but no doubt he’s worth his weight in gold (and more). As a fan recently told me during ‘Meet the Fans’ he’s got the appearance of being a value marketable assist (which is rare for us). Jon Stead – One of the signings, which I argued at the start of the season, he wouldn’t get us goals. Which on reflection seems harsh but true. What he gives us is a player upfront willing to give 100%, yet that said, I would prefer to see him partner McLeod and remain an option upfront – rather than drifting back or onto the flank. Verdict – C. He could be more lethal as a striker, we know he has an eye for goal and a pass but sadly, by the time chances come – he often seems too tired. Izale McLeod – Honestly? He frustrates the life out of me. He has the talent, which is present with confidence and when we play to his strengths, he’s a good natural striker. Yet for me, his constant diving (or going down easily) just punishes us and it’s not necessary. Whilst he goes absent far too often in games, yet he is what he is. Verdict – C+. He gets the goals, which we have been missing, and likewise with Aborah we can build around him – yet I hope he works on the negative side of his game a little more. Within the upcoming days, I will publish another catching up on some of the players I haven’t featured and of course who could do a job for us – if we decide to tweak our squad better. Discuss all the latest content within our community forum - Here.

Gavin Foxall, a director at Newport County says that Notts County have not made any sort of approach for the Exiles manager John Sheridan. It is rumoured that John Sheridan is heavily linked with the vacant position at Meadow Lane, however bookmakers have suspended betting for the position as manager of Notts – whom held the favourite likely to succeed the recently departed Ricardo Moniz. Whilst it is understood, that Notts County board have made Newport County’s manager their top priority to succeed the former Dutchman. When asked about the vacant position by the Argus, Foxall replied, “No, we have not had any approaches”. Further adding, “As far as we’re concerned John is our Manager. We’ve not been approached by Notts County, or any other club and nor has John as far as we’re aware”. “For us it’s business as usual, we’re focused on a massive game on Saturday against Blackburn Rovers.” “As John has said in various interviews, he’s focused with us as a club and he’s done a great job since he’s come in. We’re pleased with the way he’s operating and conducting himself and the way we’ve seen that transport on the pitch”. “He’s given the players the belief and the confidence they need and we’re watching some good football”. He added “If they do, like all things, we’ll address the issue at the time. As far as we’re concerned today John is still our manager, he’s with us until the end of the season and if you spoke to John today he’d say to you ‘look, I’m focused on Newport County, I’m focused on the cup first and foremost in terms of Saturday’s game’. “But also there’s a job to be done. We’re nowhere near away from the challenges of relegation. He came here to do a job and we’re expecting him to do that.” On the 2nd of January, ahead of the game against Oxford United. Notts fans were heavily speculating that John Sheridan might become the manager – with reported sightings claiming to have been made the previous week. Also linked to the Notts vacant position is Malky Mackay who has also distanced himself from the managerial position – whilst the former Swindon Town manager Mark Cooper is reportedly set to held talks with the club. Interviews are set to be held this week with chairman Ray Trew and chief executive Julian Winter before the weekends game against Accrington Stanley. Join in the discussion regarding the vacant hot-seat at Meadow Lane - Here.

Izale McLeod has been nominated for the PFA Fans’ Player of the Month after scoring four goals in December. The Magpies’ front man scored a brace against Newport County AFC and Morecambe. McLeod will be competing for the award against Carlisle United’s Jacob Ibehre and Portsmouth midfielder Gareth Evans. The reported £150,000 striker has scored currently scored nine goals in eighteen appearances since his arrival back in late August, eight of which have been scored within league games and the remaining goal was scored in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy. Below you can re-watch the highlights from both games courtesy of the Official Notts County YouTube channel. Notts County 4 Newport County AFC 3 Notts County 2 Morecambe 2 To vote for Izale McLeod you can do so by visiting – Here.