Chris

Yesterday ended like I started my original journey, alone with my son in the cold. I found myself at times thinking about what Notts meant to me as a person, I looked around watching our fans react to each stage very differently. It was a roller-coaster shared by family and friends, in a sea of mixed shirts. Shaun Derry's branded Notts a “community”, which is something I've always found to be pretty much true. The only differences for me is the adventures you encounter with friends, I know I've been pretty lucky in that respect to have witnessed many great moments over the past 2-3 years. Being entirely honest and open, going back any further I know I wouldn't have had this insight which I do now. It could be a very naive way to look at it, yet there's always been more than a “community” feeling. I remember feeling like I do now but with my grandfather, all those days ago when he would take me to see Notts as a child. It feels like a family, yes some might not communicate with people but if you do, I know for sure that it wouldn't just be one person, it would be several and you're always adding to the overall total. Going 1-0 down to Barnsley, the away end felt very tense and it became more so after they had scored their second. Yet some didn't drop their heads, they shrugged off the disappointment and decided to see it through as we fans of lower division football often do. I watched as little pockets of the “Notts family” started to connect with each other, it slowly turned around as it did on the field. What a fantastic strike by Garry Thompson, it really allowed us to start believing we could comeback. The rest feels like history now, although I do feel that whatever Shaun Derry said at half time it probably included us fans. When we equalised the stand which we was situated in just came alive, by this point three people I don't know spoke to me and we started discussing our points briefly. I know that times are difficult, which you would be able to relate in family life. There's something always happening but the next time you're at a Notts match and it becomes quiet, make yourself heard and be accounted for as part of the community or family. Our journey is probably only beginning, when one ends another starts and I know my son “Super Pie” will share my sentiments when he is older.

Notts County have announced the arrival of Paul Hart as the acting Academy Manger. The club stated they felt it was important to support the current Academy staff and players. This is whilst the club continue the disciplinary process with Mick Leonard, Hart steps into the role which as been overseen by Mick Halsall. The decision to take on Paul Hart appears to reflect on the clubs desire to produce their own high level, quality professional players. Hart is well known within the football community for being able to help bring through promising young talent. The experienced manager has enjoyed success with a flight of top teams, the likes of Leeds United and Nottingham Forest, where he helped to progress the development of players such as former England internationals Jermaine Jenas and Jonathan Woodgate. He helped Leeds United win two F.A Cups at youth level, which formed the backbone of the side that was able to reach the Champions League semi-finals back in 2001/2002. At Nottingham Forest he aided the progress of upcoming fledging stars such as David Prutton, Gareth Williams, Barry Roach, Andy Reid, Michael Dawson and former Notts County player and fan favourite John Thompson. The last youth role Hart had was with Portsmouth FC, where he was appointed as the “Director of Youth Operations”. He eventually found himself as the caretaker manager and before taking the manager role permanently back in July 2009. It's a very exciting time for the Notts County Academy, who have recently received a donation from NCFCOSA to aid them with purchasing equipment and now the club's not only introduced Mick Halsall, who has a wealth of experience at this level, but also the arrival of Paul Hart. Please do leave us a your thoughts, like and share the article if you found it to be useful. Pride of Nottingham is discussing the arrival of Paul Hart - Here.

Seven years since our first and only visit. Seven exciting, long, sometimes joyful, but mostly nerve-wrecking years. But at the Oldham game the Swedish magpies were back, It wont take that long again. There was a lot of boiled up excitement for both me and Fredric as we drove up from London city airport on Friday. Seven years ago we visited Meadow Lane and Notts County to write a big article about the club as a part of my journalism exam. Since then we been fans, following intensely from afar by radio or the web. But at last we got the chance to be back. We left Nottingham overwhelmed – and wanting to return soon again. Notts have often been described as a family club, now we know excatly why. After being contacted by Notts-Joe, who is the webmaster of Pride of Nottingham, we arranged to meet up with him along with his son Jake and friend Martin before the game to do a small interview about us Swedish magpies travelling to the game. Just after we met, Notts-Joe introduced us to commercial manager Damian Irvine who really took us in. Without us saying anything, we all found ourselves inside Meadow Lane, meeting players like Hayden Mullins and legend Mike Edwards, both really friendly, sitting in the dugout and much more. Being on a Notts-high after that tour we were guided for a pitstop in the MLSB meeting more great fans – and the Norwegian magpies, before we found ourselves in the Kop. What a great feeling that was! The Notts fans are truly great at creating an atmosphere. We went to see Manchester City vs Chelsea on the following Sunday (don't hold it against us) and I can tell you that the crowd of 45 000+ or so would have been out-sung. Second half, sitting with Notts-Joe, Jake and Martin, almost got us on the field it felt and we really hoped for a goal to make the day perfect, but hey, at least we didnt lose and really, this club is about more than just the football and result. People like Damian, Notts-Joe, Jake and Martin showed what this great club is all about and I know that there are more people like that who support Notts. That's one part of what makes this club great, never mind the division. After saying goodbye to our new Notts-friends both Fredrik and I walked from Meadow Lane happy but hungry (we were supposed to eat before the game but then we met Notts-Joe and Damian....). We left Nottingham the day after but I can promise it wont take seven years next time. Hopefully, after telling all our friends about our trip, there will be more than two Swedish magpies. Meet the Fans 14/15 - SWEDEN SPECIAL

Irish born Stephen McLaughlin has joined Notts County after agreeing an initial month’s loan deal from neighbours Nottingham Forest. The 24-year-old started his career with League of Ireland outfit Finn Harps back in 2009 before making a move to fellow Irish side Derry City. McLaughlin then signed for Nottingham Forest on the 3rd of January 2013, with a reported fee of around £160,000 having been paid to acquire his services. He had a short spell at League One promotion chasers Bristol City back in 2013, but under Stuart Pearce, McLaughlin has made four appearances from the bench and a further two as a first team player. He's held with high regard by the former England Under 21 manager, who has helped to spearhead his role with the Reds into a more prominent one within the first team. McLaughlin featured as part of the Forest team that played Tottenham in the Capital One Cup last week where, after taking the lead, they went on to lose 3-1 at White Hart Lane. Discuss the arrival of Stephen within our community forum.