Chris

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.

The greatest of all "great escapes" is firmly in the hands of Notts County, as on Saturday the 26th 2014 they took on Swindon Town who had a slim hope of making the playoffs. Notts needed a win realistically to give them an added boost to the final game against of the season against Oldham, however a draw would have been okay. Notts however put on a good display and overcame the playoff chasing Swindon Town. Final score 2-0, a late goal by Callum McGregor after Swindon pushed for an equalizer and got caught on the break by the Magpies. Mobile Users please visit | Gallery. Pride of Nottingham would like to thank Oskar Papierz for allowing us use of his images, we wish him all the best his photography. Here's his Facebook page and Website.

Yesterday's game against Crawley Town installed further hopes that Notts County are not through with battling. The greatest of great escapes is firmly set for the last game of the season, after Notts secured an home win over struggling Crawley Town. The final result, a narrow 1-0 win which is thanks to a brilliant team effort and of course County's number Bartosz Bialkowski, who made several key saves during the game. Here you will be able to view some cracking photos taken from yesterday game by our friends B&O Press Photo, many thanks to them! Mobile Users please visit | Gallery. Pride of Nottingham would like to thank Oskar Papierz for allowing us use of his images, we wish him all the best his photography. Here's his Facebook page and Website.