Chris

On loan winger Stephen McLaughlin is set to return to parent club Nottingham Forest, unless an extention can be agreed between Shaun Derry and Stuart Pearce for the services of the 24 year old Irish born player. He featured in his last game yesterday for the magpies, in a narrow 1-0 away win over Scunthorpe United which saw Notts County move to 3rd within the league. Notts have largely benefited from the arrival of Stephen McLaughlin who made an instant impact upon making his debut for the club and with the relations between Notts County and Nottingham Forest in talks, it is not completly out of the question to see some form of agreement reached. Nottingham Forest team mate Louis Laing has already extended his emergency deal for the duration of an additional 3 months. Stephen McLaughlin's appeared 5 times for Notts, 4 times within the league and once within the Johnstone's Paint Throphy. He's scored once against Scunthorpe United in the Johnstone's Paint Throphy, provided 4 assists within the league. Whilst being yellow carded once in the 89th minute in the 2-3 comeback win against Barnsley FC. Reaching a total of 360' game time within league one and 90' minutes within the Johnstone's Paint Throphy. In terms of overall performance in the English leagues, his personal best is actually whilst at Notts County. At Bristol City he only made 1 assist in 7 games and at Nottingham Forest it is 2 assists in 8 games. Would you like to see Stephen McLaughlin remain at Notts or should he return to his parent club Nottingham Forest. Pride of Nottingham is asking this very question, let us know your views.

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.