Chris

After our interview with Mr Trew, interestingly it splurged some healthy and open discussion as to regards a comment made by our chairman. “We do have 2 more targets in our sights – 1 being a midfielder who is an International and the other is a striker” The striker hinted at was Adam Coombes, a player who we featured not that long ago and is a player highly regarded by Chelsea fans. The international player, well it left room for debate but after several reports in the local media, Notts are being linked with Jackson Irvine a young player from Celtic on loan. Pride of Nottingham have taken the time to write a little about Irvine and collect some views on him! Jackson Irvine was born and raised in Melbourne Australia on the 7th of March 1993, he had brief spells with clubs in the Victoria League but he signed for Celtic after a successful trial period in December 2010. He featured for the Scottish U19's making three appearances but eventually switched to his home country where he progressed into Austrilia's U20's team. He's made a total of 12 appearance for the Socceroos so far. The loan deal is expected to be agreed shortly, with Jackson Irvine expected to feature for Notts shortly after. Although no actual league experience is attached to his name, he can come to us and make a name for himself. If he settles and takes his chance, we might continue to hear much more from him in the future and so it seems on paper like a very good move for both Notts and Irvine himself. Pride of Nottingham's managed to speak with two Celtic fans with regards to what type of player Jackson Irvine is and how they feel about such a move for their youngster and of course for a club like ourselves. Dazzabhoy88 said “he is a very good young player and going to a good league 1 team like Notts county, It would be a good move for him! Decent standard and playing against some good sides can only be good! The only criticism I can give notts county is that they let that big fa**y Davie Weir get his first league win lol....although I heard you guys had ten men so ill not be too hard on you guys” Kennys Dugleash said “Jackson has a lot of potential and although our pre season in Germany never went the way we wanted in terms of results several of our Academy/Development players more than matched the opposition. Irvine would be one of those and I think if this transpires you will have acquired the services of a very competent and technically sound defender. He can also play in midfield so has a bit more to his game than just blocking shots ,heading and tackling. I always hope our youngsters if they are to be farmed out on loan for experience go to decent Clubs and your Club certainly falls into that category. He is not so far off the first team at Celtic and I gather there may be interest in Both Kelvin Wilson from Forest (revised bid) and interest in Efe Ambrose from down South so if either or both go I would be surprised if Jackson was allowed to leave myself? If it happens then I don't think you boys will be disappointed in him.” With comments like these it seems even more likely to be an impressive short term signing, we have actually a fantastic response from Celtic fans and we're unable to share all the glowing comments but I can add that none are negative. You Pies! Pride of Nottingham would like to thank both Celtic fans for taking the time to talk to us, which ultimately allowed us to go ahead with this feature.

Notts County have confirmed the signing of Adam Coombes, known to many as 'Adam Phillip'. He is a youth/reserve team player who started life out at Chelsea FC. He's still regarded quite highly by the Blues fans and I've managed to speak with a couple regarding our newest signing. Adam Coombes was scouted whilst playing Sunday league football for a local club and was offered a chance to join Chelsea's academy, he ended up making his debut in January 2007 against Norwich City in a game in which he hit the crossbar with a header and throughout looked hard to handle. We've tried to find out what the Blues fans thought of him! Adam's league experience only spans a months loan at Yeovil Town, where he made 3 appearances. Whilst at Chelsea he encountered some injuries which hampered his progression from reserves to Chelsea's first team. Although during his tenure at the Blues, he knocked up an impressive youth team scoring record. He was tipped to follow in the footsteps of other youngsters who had broken into Chelsea's first team, although after an injury, Chelsea cancelled his contract. I spoke to a Chelsea fan who said “All the times I've seen Phillip (or Coombes as he should be technically called now), has been at youth level, having said that I think he'll make a smooth transition into a first team. When he was younger he had a very good scoring record, with Frank Nouble who's also in the Football League now. Like you said he's fast, skilful, can play wide (probably wide left) and through the centre, even with his injury problems as he grew older, when he was fit, he still always used to score goals. I remember one game, I thought he had a similar style to Sturridge but opposite sided. It has been a while since I saw him though, his contract cancellation and injury problems meant he got less and less appearances as he entered his 20s. Real shame about his injury problems, as without them (like Woods, Hutchinson and Pappoe) I think they would be making a much bigger impact on the Chelsea team.“ Quite a glowing report, although this isn't the only kind comments I've received whilst trying to find more about Adam. Esk Watson (username) said “It was important to get Adam a loan move, whilst at Chelsea. He needed regular football and he is a good goalscorer. Hope he does his stuff there..” Pride of Nottingham would like to thank both Chelsea fans for helping us with this feature, we wish Adam all the best with getting his career back on track and we look forward to seeing “doing his tuff here”.

Pride of Nottingham is once again delighted to be able to bring you some action shots of yesterdays game, which saw Notts lose 2-1 to Sheffield United away at Bramall Lane. The support was very impressive and great to hear fans vocal throughout. It's just a shame about Gary Liddle being sent off and the final result. We now leave you to view the photos which have kindly been submitted to us, we're very proud to showcase fans talents, so we hope you enjoy the pictures! With many Thanks going to Jurgen Halligan, mobile users please see the link below which will take you to our gallery - You Pies! Mobile Users please visit | Gallery Pride of Nottingham would like to thank Jurgen Halligan for providing us with these excellent fan action shot.

Firstly, could you tell prideofnottingham.co.uk a little about yourself, such as how long you've been a fan for? Linsbord; I just turned 50 and my first game watching United was in November 1971 when we beat Ipswich 7-0. I thought football was great but I've been waiting for a similar performance since. YouFUMS; I was born a Blade in 1965, and I must have been to my first game around 4 years later. My grandad was a keen football fan, and used to take me along to Bramall lane with him. My earliest memories are of a 3 sided football stadium, with the 4th side housing the cricket pavillion. Watching great players such as Alan Woodward, Geoff Salmon, Tony Currie, and my boyhood favourite, Trevor Hockey. The curse has stayed with me, and I have followed United to over 80 different grounds over the years. The Blades gene has been passed onto my 2 sons, and my 1 year grandson is already enrolled as a junior Blade...Childline have been informed! 40+ years of heartache and underachieving - sound familiar?- has been interspersed with spells of mediocrity, and an occasional highlight....cup semi-finals...play-off defeats...and flirtations in the top league. However, Your football club is part of what makes you who you are, and nothing will ever change that. Are you happy with your pre-season, signings and new shirt(s)? Linsbord; I'm happy with pre-season so far. The new manager has completely changed the style of play and it's great to see the kind of football we haven't really seen since Nigel Spackman left in 1998. In terms of new recruits we have Brandy, who you'll be familiar with and who is now starting to deliver on all that potential he showed previously. Still only 23 and a proper handful nowadays. McGinn looks a tidy CMF and Conor Coady on loan from Liverpool and the England U-20 Captain looks a very assured young footballer. Lyle Taylor was prolific for Falkirk last season but we know that doesn't mean he can cut it in the English Leagues. He does however possess a trick or two and has plenty of pace. McGinty and Johns, from Man Utd and Everton respectively, are really more development players and will probably see action in the cups or later in the season. So far we've retained George Long in goal and Harry Maguire at CB so I'm happy with that too. I like the design of the new home shirt but not the quality of the fabric or the 'iron-on' sponsor logos. The away shirt is a catastrophe and looks like a Norwich reject. The worst part of it is the fact that it says 'football manager - hand held' on the back. I'll let you work out your own connotations of being handheld by a football manager - embarrassing stuff. YouFUMS; Very happy that we have targetted young players. The oldest of the 6 new signings is 24 year old. We lacked pace last season, so the additions of Lyle Taylor and Febian Brandy will give opposition defenders something to worry about. We've added a defensive midfielder in Stephen McGinn to put pressure on captain Michael Doyles position, and have the bright young prospect, Conor Coady, in on loan from Liverpool. He's captained the England U'21s and made a couple of appearances for the scousers last season, so obviously has some pedigree. The final 2 signings are 19 yr old defenders, Sean McGinty and Jasper Johns, released from Man U and Everton. I'm not one for buying a new replica shirt each year, I much prefer my Toffs 1971 replica. This years new home shirt looked pretty good when I saw pictures on the net and I was tempted into the club shop before our home friendly game last week. Trouble is, there are too many sponsor logos on the thing. The worse one being the 'Football Manager' on the middle of the back. I'm pretty used to one or two people pointing and sniggering behind my back, but this would cause severe paranoia, so I gave it a miss. The away shirt does nothing for me...it's yellow..it looks like a Norwich cast off. It could be a lot worse, have you seen your new away monstrosity? How disappointed were you on missing out on promotion to the championship? Linsbord; I wasn't remotely disappointed about failing to get promoted last season. Let me explain. The season before, of course we were disappointed. We had one of the highest goals-for tallies in Europe and were only 2nd in English football scoring behind Man City, yet our main striker gets locked up and we end up getting pipped at the post by our deadliest rivals. THAT season we played some great stuff and I was very disappointed although, as I was living darn sarf at the time I got to go to some great away games such as Yeovil, Charlton, Brentford, Bournemouth etc. However, last season Danny Wilson lost his bottle. Instead of wanting to go out and beat everybody he concentrated only on 'not losing'. This led to dour, slow and predictable football and I was glad to see the season finish to be honest. I was actually pleased we failed in the playoffs because I was afraid we would try the same tactics in the championship and thereby end up back down where we started. YouFUMS; I think we all knew how it would end, once we were confirmed in the play-offs last season. We'd gone into the last 5 games in poor form, and our Chairman had made another ridiculous footballing decision by sacking Danny wilson, and giving the job to Chris Morgan. Expectancy was low, and it was no surprise that we whimpered out to Yeovil. Where do you see Sheffield United finishing this season? Linsbord; Where do I see us finishing this season? Well we have a new manager, new system, several new players so I do think it'll take a few months for it all to click into place. I'm happy for us to build up a head of steam to become a force in the League even if it takes 2 seasons providing we can see some genuine progress. Having said that, I do expect us to finish in the top 6, especially as 2 excellent players in Miller and Diego de Girolamo will be back fit around the turn of the year so watch out for us in the run-in. I think we'll get stronger as we go, so I'll say my heart says top 2, my head says 4th or 5th. YouFUMS; A lot depends on how well we start. New manager, new players, new system. I can see us getting stronger as the season progresses. If we can hit the ground running, then there's no reason why we can't be pressing for a top 2 finish. In reality, I think it may take time for players and systems to bed in, but we could finish the season strongly, and for once be favourites to get up through the play-offs. On the 10th of June 2013, David Weir became manager. How is he settling in and what was your thoughts on this his appointment at the time? Linsbord; David Weir. At the time of the appointment, a huge relief. They were looking to give it to Robert Page or Michael Appleton. David Weir came from nowhere, I'm told a call from Moyes to our Owner set the ball rolling, and I have to say I'm delighted. He's calm, intelligent, hugely respected, and he is starting to introduce some excellent tactics into the players. The guy clearly knows what he's doing and we're generally buzzing here about our prospects for the new season, if only in the expectation of hugely higher levels of entertainment. YouFUMS; Fantastic appointment that has united our fanbase and given us new hope. When you consider some of the candidates that we were being linked with; Chris Morgan, Gareth Southgate, Robert Page, Wally Downes, Keith Curle Then to get someone like Weir, with all his playing experience and contacts in the game, a man who comes across as very knowledgeable and well respected. Then we can't help but be excited. Since our last opposition view with a Sheffield United fan, James Beattie's moved into management. Would you have liked to of kept him on? Linsbord; James Beattie. Superb the first time around, should have kept him then. Second time around he was fatter, slower, and spent all his time trying to fight with defenders. A waste of time. I wish him well but have no problem with us letting him go. YouFUMS; Beattie is yesterdays man. He was great when we first had him in our team, scoring for fun...well, actually scoring for a reputed 30k per week!! We sold him at the wrong time, again that was a chairman decision, as I believe his goals could have got us back to the PL. However, to take him back after his stints at Rangers and Blackpool was an even worse decision as he contributed very little. Can you single out your main threats to Notts County and who's been your best player in your pre-season? Linsbord; Main threats....Porter or Taylor as core striker, Brandy and Murphy joining in from the wings, MacDonald pulling the strings behind the striker. I'm not giving anything away there because a delegation from Meadow Lane were at our friendly with Atromitos last Friday. YouFUMS; I would have said Lyle Taylor. 29 goals in 42 games for Falkirk last season. But he may not start due to the form that Chris Porter has shown in pre-season. Porter is generally a scapegoat for Blades fans, but I admire the way he gets on with things. He knows his limitations, plays to his strengths; uses his height, holds the ball up, and gets the occassional crucial goal. He always seems to play well against Nottingham County The player that I think could be the difference in the game is Febian Brandy. Top assists player for Walsall last season. He is so quick and direct, he will terrorise many defenders this season. I think this could be a 'breakout' season for him. Another threat is Jamie Murphy. He took time to settle in last season after leaving Scotland. We have so many scots around the place this year, that he probably feels like he's still back home. He has been in good form pre-season. Which Notts County player(s) do you see posing a threat to your team? Linsbord; County have some good players and have made some astute signings, with pace and creativity amongst them. I think you will do well this season and before a ball is kicked I have you down for top 8 with playoff potential. At this stage I'd pick out Fotheringham, Haynes and Dumbuya as ones to watch from the clutch of new players but I do think you'll miss Judge. We all wanted him down here YouFUMS; Obviously a player like Haynes is always a threat. He has power, pace and an eye for goal. Our centre halves are strong in the air, but always look clumsy when a player is runnung at them. I also like that big oaf, Showumni. Is Sheehan still in your team? If so, then you have a player capable of putting some dead balls for Enoch to attack, that could make it difficult for us. What formation and team do you see David Weir starting with? Linsbord; No comment. YouFUMS; From what we've seen so far, he likes to keep the centre of the park very tight, with 2 defensive midfielders, but also likes to use the wings in attack. So the formation is a 4-2-3-1. This then can easily change to 4-3-3 or 4-4-2 with the players at his disposal. How do you Notts County doing this season and have you looked into any of our signings ahead of our game on Friday? Linsbord; No comment. YouFUMS; I think you will be one of a dozen clubs that has a chance of finishing in the top 6. You have picked up a quality finisher in Danny Haynes, and I also saw that you had signed Dumbaya from Crawley. It seems you have a lot of pace available to play with the likes of Zoko also being no slouch. I honestly see you finishing somewhere between 4th and 8th. Can you tell us who you see finishing in the top 6? Linsbord; Top 6 Sheffield United, Wolves, Peterborough, Bristol City, Preston, and either Rotherham, Milton Keynes Dons, or Notts County. YouFUMS; Wolves are the obvious choice for champions. They still have a championship squad, and are still getting parachute payments. I'm a big admirer of Shaun O'Driscoll and his methods, and so expect Bristol City to be up there also. Brentford, Peterbrough, Notts County, and ourselves for play-offs. As a long shot, look out for Rotherham making a charge on league 1. Please tell us about Sheffield and the facilities around Bramall Lane? Linsbord; As for the facilities etc, for those who haven't been before, come out of the station and turn left Safe pubs with excellent beer and food are: Rutland Hotel on Paternoster Row - very close to the Station, the Devonshire Cat on Wellington Street - a bit of a walk but worth it and the ground's not too far away. If you're not wearing 'colours' the Sheffield Tap at the Railway Station is a beer-lover's paradise. Most pubs near the ground are a bit scruffy although the new one on London Road, The Bell Jar is OK. Aside from these places, good food and good beer is a tad further afield. If you just want a pint, look for the Red Lion on Charles Street, again very close to the station and again, a safe place for visiting fans. Inside the ground you can get expensive fizzy wee if you want a drink. We've just done a deal with Pukka Pies but if Bramall Lane is anything like previous seasons they'll sell out by 12 seconds after the half time whistle. After the game it will either be very peaceful as we all exit, but if there's been any tension inside just be sensible as every club has its nutters, so just keep your head down and get to your transport quickly and quietly, just as I do when I come to Meadow Lane For any other info I always use http://www.footballgroundguide.com/ - never let me down yet. Right then, that's that. I hope you enjoy the visit to the world's oldest professional football ground, and I hope everything passes off in the right spirit, although when Brandy gets that penalty you will be spitting feathers - Hopefully we'll be spitting Magpie feathers by full-time, in a footballing sense at least. All the best for the new season Joe, at least from Saturday onwards. Cheers YouFUMS; Beautiful Downtown Bramall Lane is a proper old lady of football, much like Meadow lane except that Bramall Lane is better dressed. The oldest professional football ground in the world has a wealth of history. If you get a chance, take a look at our club museum 'Legends of the Lane', to see how the stadium has evolved over the years. Our Club is in the heart of the city, unlike our blue n white sisters that play in South Barnsley. So when visiting Bramall lane, you have all the amenities of the city centre, just a 10 minute walk away. Bus station, Train station, a plethera of pubs and eateries all within walking distance. I hope the game lives up to it's historical billing. Enjoy your visit to the home of football, but I hope your journey home is a miserable one. Up the Blades! Up the Magpies! Pride of Nottingham would like to thank Linsbord and YouFUMS for taking the time to answer our questions, we wish Sheffield United all the best for their season but tomorrow is all about NOTTS COUNTY!! Come On You Pies!!

1. Bristol City 2. Peterborough United ------------------------------------ 3. Sheffield United 4. Notts County 5. Brentford 6. Wolves ------------------------------------ 7. Preston North End 8. Walsall 9. MK Dons 10. Coventry City 11. Swindon Town 12. Crawley Town 13. Bradford City 14. Colchester United 15. Gillingham 16. Tranmere Rovers 17. Crewe Alexandra 18. Port Vale 19. Shrewsbury Town 20. Leyton Orient ------------------------------------ 21. Carlisle United 22. Rotherham United 23. Oldham Athletic 24. Stevenage Pride of Nottingham is very excited about this series of features, please keep tuned for other writers which include a special guest. Compare | WeymouthPIE - ncfcdrapes - Joe Jones - Super Ram - TonyHateley - Special Guest