Chris

The past couple of days for myself haven't been like any others, it's actually been awhile since I felt this type of excitement. I had been asking the Italian Magpies quite a few times when or if they planned to come over, very much wanted to meet them, and I can now say I have had that pleasure. What an absolute honour for us, to be included and able to share the day is just beyond anything I can write or say. Very surreal! It felt like the whole two days were more than just a gathering, almost family being reunited – Two Hearts and One Soul. I'm not sure I can give this occasion the credit it deserves, yet I am inspired with ideas and so I will be turning this into a couple of blogs also. I think Nottingham/Italy will be hitting the Facebook severs with how many statuses/image uploads have been made (or should I say will be). The day for me and Jake started off by catching the bus into town. We had arranged to meet up with Andy Black at the train station as a couple of the Italian Magpies were travelling down. I felt pretty nervous. I can usually overcome this if I push myself but I think the excitement didn't allow me to do so. I pretty much stayed in the background but was concerned about seeming rude or uninterested, just very overwhelming. We got to near the Broadmarsh bus station and I noticed Andy, Paul, Lindy and Josh walking. I mentioned to Jake they were who we were meeting up with and he kindly reminded me of a time. I shouted 'You Pies' to Lindy in the Broadmarsh shopping centre as they walked out of Wilkos. Paul quickly noticed us, and he said hello and I introduced Jake to the group. I'm sure he must have felt a lot like me, if not worse, though both Paul and Lindy were amazing with him. After meeting up with two travelling Italian Magpies, Max and Phil (His real name isn't Phil), we all walked down to the Jury's Inn where the rest of the group had been staying. Jake by this point was a little more nervous and he was getting a little impatient, as children do. When everyone was together, it was amazing. The bond was interesting, as an outsider to watch, as you could tell instantly it was a special group of friends who all enjoyed the excitement of such an amazing event. A quick tram journey to the City Centre, another short walk to Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem, several photos taken at this point and a nice look around the pub. The group sat down, we all enjoyed our drinks and the laughter/banter started to come a little more. Jake by this point was playing games with me, at one point he pretended to be Spiderman and insisted I was the bad guy who he was going to beat up. He can get quite hyper if allowed, though he's a credit to me and my wife (very lucky with all 3 of our children). He wanted to put his “Pride of Nottingham” T-Shirt on and was asking if I would be handing out flyers. Jake wanted to hand some to the Italian Magpies, though I didn't really like the idea and I was sure, thanks to the kind work of Giorgio Zunino, that each would know about the site. He quickly came out of his shell, laughing and asking me questions. Andy returned from meeting up with Paolo and his son. Jake by this point was very, very excited about the day ahead and repeatedly mentioned 'Can I say hello to them'. I was already on the verge of doing so myself, however Jakes enthusiastic largely helped and we went across to introduce ourselves. We finished our drinks and then we had another short walk to the Robin Hood statue where we had many photos taken, Jake being a little poser was disappointed as I wouldn't allow him to go into the photos and I asked him to wait so they had one with all the Italian Magpies without myself or him photo bombing. Amazing, I might type this quite a few times but all the group were very kind to Jake (I know he'll be proud of this for years to come). Phil kindly gave Jake his “Juve Scarf” and things like this always makes him very happy, He was very grateful. The journey continued with something Nottingham residents would have wondered what was going on. A large group of Notts County supporters walking to the ground, all very proud and acting as any football fans should – respectful to all. Once at Meadow Lane the event stepped up to a much higher level, 'special' just doesn't give it credit and I'm afraid I can't explain it. Walking onto the pitch with the Italian Magpies – One of our proudest memories. Included as friends and a affiliates. Do they ever stop giving? Such loyal, passionate and amazing people who I wished I had gotten to know much better. I have to say I wished I could have come out my shell a lot more, however I enjoyed it and you can tell that they did. Credit needs to go to Lisa and Andy Black, great hosts and they've introduced the Italian Magpies to the best of Notts County. Lindy, Paul and Josh all credit to the group as-well. The club did fantastic to make this day special, I hope it brings us all closer together. Juventus doesn't owe a single thing, the Italian Magpies travel for the passion and much to their dedication. I hope the day is documented by the club because each visit does deserve to be remembered in a nice way. After all the amazing efforts from many, this was exactly the type of “positive” day the club as been in need of for a very long time. We need things to lift the spirit, fans majority amazing, also very warm and welcoming. People clapping such deserved support! I felt like an imposter and rather feeling I didn't deserve the memory, I still don't but I am thankful. Thank you to everyone who made Jake feel on top of the world, all the warmth and love. I sincerely hope the Italian Magpies had a great time, feel the warmth and love we all gave. If I am not too selfish, I would also like to mention that I dearly hold on to the future and hope to get to know them all much better. Italian Magpies – Dear friends of Notts County Football Club.

The survival of any football league team ultimately falls down to it's fans. If the clubs are fortunate to be in a position where they can spend money, usually at our level or the one above, again it's down to the support. As you fall further down the footballing pyramid it's often uncommon to see cash being spent on players, minus the few exceptions. Most clubs make use of wheeling and dealing, free transfers and of course their own youth system. At Notts County we ourselves realize that our own team is mainly built around free transfers, aside from Judge and Boucaud. Top name players naturally attract interest with a team full of stars. The likes of Arsenal, Manchester City and of course Manchester United, among many others no doubt will perhaps fail to worry about the concern of support. When the support is utilized the effects can be noticeable, the combination of passion and dedication can take a team quite far. We've seen many successful cup runs in recent years, I have no doubt it's a result of optimism and something which encouraged our players to play at their peak or perform at a level good enough to warrant such runs. Obviously a lot comes down to pre-match training, coaches and even the players themselves , but without the boost, the support, where would they gain the spring in their steps? Any footballer is hardly going to want to fail, It's about getting the most of them and if this is being failed for any reason, doom and gloom is hardly going to have the desired impact. I've been concerned with the lack of passion for some time. When things are going right, for many, there's still enough for fans to complain about. I can understand a level of disappointment but when do you draw the line? I'm sure we are all passionate people, all wanting the best for the respective clubs we support but what difference can we make? I feel a lot myself. No, we can't change how the players perform, this is down to management and their own desire. Often enough, when we go a goal down, well the passion dies with it. I miss the days when a fan would stand up and start chanting, drawing others into singing as well. We used to be fairly good at bouncing back. The term 'bounce back ability' was something I often heard mentioned. Times during the previous seasons (just not under Paul Ince) I felt confident that we could turn results around. We've been a side that's always been made up of 'team players' and the odd reliable player in the correct area I.E. Lee Hughes. The thing I'm trying to get at is, nothing is possible unless we all work towards the same goals. If we lose 5-0 on Saturday,God I hope we don't now, but if we do, what's the point in allowing ourselves to go on the downward spiral. We expect the players to pick themselves up, even pretend that certain players warrant the abuse they receive, but at the end of the day when are we, as fans, going to do the same? If a player or manager was to swear and verbally abuse you for not backing the club 100% you would probably stop attending games. I can understand the concerns with regards to expense, although I will openly say here that I feel for some it's an excuse to a show a lack of support. It's obviously not always the circumstance but if you find yourself in the situation of not being able to afford something, would you really shout it from off the top of your roof? Really, I praise the club for putting out attractive offers and I hope that fans will consider renewing or purchasing a season ticket. All the revenue gained will no doubt be spent on the club, so if we're to move forward in the right way, it's about trying to support the club as much as we possibly can. As a family, my Wife and I have to choose which games we can attend all together but there's nothing we like more than watching the club as a whole family. If I could go with my family, see the smiles on their faces, and believe me it happens even when we're losing. Well it's a good day out regardless of the result. We've witnessed our team play and have shared a memory together. I made similar comments at the home game against Rotherham United in the cup, it's all about the ups and downs. God forbid if we were to fall on worrying times again, how would we handle this situation again? Life's not about giving up, it's about making the most of it. The future really is Black and White, so if we're going to make a difference lets make it together? Please do consider backing the club, your support will always be appreciated by the club. Over the years I am sure many season ticket holders have made firm friends, those who attend every now or then will most likely know someone too. We are a League One team on the up, no longer the League Two side fearing the drop into the unknown and to avoid this we need to believe we can achieve. If anyone at the football club reads this, I firmly believe in our title and site name. I would be mad to use it otherwise. We might be a small minority at the moment but the difference that's trying to be reached, for me, is clearly noticeable. Lets do this properly! You can find ticket details here, onwards and upwards as Mr Trew would say.

Bournemouth come into this game with a very impressive winning streak of 5 games, prior to this completely the opposite with a 5 game losing streak. Notts County roll on the back of two disappointing defeats at the hands of Brentford and Yeovil, surprisingly the same score lines. Pride of Nottingham has taken the time to speak with young Bournemouth fan Max ahead of our game against them on Saturday. We hope all traveling fans enjoy the day out and fully get behind the team, lets give Chris his chance and lets support him 100%! Firstly, could you tell prideofnottingham.co.uk a little about yourself, such as how long you've been a fan for? I'm a 16 year old student currently doing my first year of A-Levels and have been a Bournemouth fan since I was about 5, my first game being during the 01/02 season. I've seen a promotion, a relegation and numerous average Bournemouth sides so far, but I lived in Toronto, Canada from 2008-2012 so this has been my first season as season ticket holder since the 2007/08 season. At the start of the season things didn't quite go to plan for Bournemouth, prior to your 2-0 win over Orient what were you thinking? It was very worrying to be honest. The previous season had been odd, it had started awfully but had picked up and we received new Russian financial investment, but Paul Groves had been placed in interim charge in February after Lee Bradbury was sacked. Groves proved during his spell as caretaker manager that he wasn't up to the job (I think we won once or twice) but our very controversial chairman decided to hire him anyway. We had high aspirations with such an expensive and talented squad, but the opening 11 games were disastrous and the team looked on course for a relegation battle. Personally, I thought we had a group of talented but overpaid individuals who could not work as a team. Your form greatly improved after the win, having a run of 15 games unbeaten. What would say the turning point was? For me the turning point was the first home game after Eddie Howe was announced as our new manager, a 2-0 win over Leyton Orient. It was the first of these 15 games but a determination was finally present in the players and they showed their potential. With a club hero back for a second spell in charge, it truly felt like there were good times ahead, although obviously a lot of work still had to be done. Please tell us about a couple of your favourite away days so far this season? My favourite away day was our 3-0 win at MK Dons in early February. We were on a good run and had also just signed Matt Ritchie from Swindon, so I think all Bournemouth fans were in a pretty good mood already. I think most people like to win their because it symbolizes everything that is wrong with football is present at that place, but our match was not just another win. We took the lead early on, but on the verge of half-time MK forward Ryan Lowe tried to headbutt our captain Tommy Elphick; a couple of minutes later Lowe jumped in with a two footed tackle (assault would describe it more accurately) and was sent off with Elphick being stretchered off too. The fans were livid but we grabbed a second just right after, and a superb shot from Harry Arter capped off a fine victory in a very important match. Recently our 1-0 win at Colchester on Good Friday was another important victory in front of a good travelling support nearly matched my day at MK. We also came into this match on the back of a decent run of form and we knew that 3 points would be significant as we aim for promotion to the Championship. While Colchester's ground is another soulless place, it was a comfortable win for us and many Colchester fans calling us "disgraceful" and "cheats" after the game made winning even sweeter. How is Matt Richie settling at the club and how important of a signing as he been so far? On the face of it, it would be easy for opposition fans to view Ritchie as being overrated due to his lack of goals and assists so far. However, a defensive injury crisis forced him to play left-back for his first couple of months here, and he filled in superbly for a small right-winger. Since moving back to his natural position, he has already scored once and set up a couple of goals, showing how much there is still yet to come from him. It also helps that we took a player of his ability away from our promotion rivals, Swindon Town. Brett Pitman like Eddie Howe, seems to bring the best out of Bournemouth. 15 goals so far, another impressive return. Why do you think this is? Brett is a very unique player, and despite his goalscoring record, the kind of player many still somehow manage to criticize. He has an odd style that sometimes makes him seem rather lazy and unfit, but he's the kind of player that can be anonymous for an hour then pop up with a wonder goal. He has his form once more here and Eddie Howe knows how to bring the best out of him, proven by his goal scoring record with us in League Two. Lewis Grabban plays up front alongside him, running the channels allowing Brett to stay in dangerous areas constantly, and his finishing ability allows him to score a lot of goals. Back when were both in League Two, how different would you say things are now for both clubs? It's almost impossible to compare both clubs to when they were in League Two. When we were in that division, we had literally no money, often having to play our assistant manager on the bench and we weren't allowed to sign any players. Our success was totally down to a squad with brilliant team spirit, many of whom went on to play at a higher level. Now we have one of the most expensive teams in the league, higher crowds, and a new training ground- it's almost a different club. I can't say I'm an expert on Notts County, but I do remember the Munto Finance group and Notts receiving significant financial backing during that campaign and ultimately winning the league. Personally, I think Notts have built off of that promotion well and certainly established themselves as a solid team at this level. While I'm sure many of yours fans would like to be further up the table, I wouldn't be surprised to see The Magpies challenging for promotion in the near future should they find the correct manager. Currently sitting in 2nd place, do you feel Bournemouth can grind out the result required to finish in an automatic place? Automatic promotion is more than attainable, but the League Table is slightly deceiving right now as a few teams have games in hand on us. We only face one team challenging for promotion in our remaining games, which so far has worked in our favour. The team has proved it can grind out those difficult 1-0 wins, when some teams would concede devastating last minute goals. There is a certain professional ethic present in the squad when they take to the pitch, and while I do think this team can finish in the top two, it will require us to win most if not all of these games and other teams to drop points. Eddie Howe return to Bournemouth, he seems to get the most out of your squad. What are your views on Eddie as a manager? I do not have anything negative to say about Eddie as a manager. Each season he has been in charge here he has achieved something spectacular; in 200809 he saved us from relegation, in 2009-10 we won promotion, when he left in 2011 we were in the top 6 of league one and this year he has taken us from 21st to 2nd place. He comes across as an intelligent man in his interviews and clearly loves the club, I'm not sure Bournemouth fans would swap him for any other manager. His only fault is that his two loan signings (Marcos Painter and Dan Seabourne) have been terrible! Which Notts County do you consider to be a threat and which single player would you like to see marked successfully? I didn't go to the reverse fixture and have to base my judgements off of highlights and reputation, but Alan Judge often seems to be involved or scoring goals, and he was also nominated for League One player of the year. He seems to be a tricky, dangerous player who could definitely pose us a threat come Saturday. Another player who has captured my attention is Jamal Campbell-Ryce who caused us numerous problems at Meadow Lane and has been a good player for years now, but Judge is the man I hope we can keep quiet. Who are your danger-men and who would you say poises Notts County the most risk? We aren't necessarily a team built around one or two 'star players' as practically all eleven of our starting eleven on Saturday play an important role. Brett Pitman is obviously scoring a lot of goals right now, so I'd say he's the man for Notts to keep an eye on. However Matt Ritchie is very dangerous when on the ball, and he scores most of his goals from outside the box, but his determination to whip in a cross whenever he receives the ball is what can cause a defence a lot of problems. Can you tell Pride of Nottingham about the facilities around the ground and Bournemouth in general? The location of our ground is rather unique for a football ground in this country. It's not great for pubs or restaurants around the ground, but those can be found within a 5-10 minute walk in nearby Boscombe. Boscombe isn't in the immediate area but it has pubs and restaurants making it often the choice of away supporters. The plus side of our location is that it's conveniently located just off the road entering the town, but it's by a large park and houses making it more appealing than other new builds in the middle of an industrial estate. Bournemouth does have a reputation as a place 'where people go to die' but it's a nice place to live, I'd say go to the beach but unless you fancy strong winds and freezing water I wouldn't go there! Pride of Nottingham would like to Thank Max for sharing his views and comments, he kindly took time out from his holiday to answer them. #Passion!

I eagerly looked forward to the fans forum, I felt it was the perfect chance for things finally to come into perspective and focus to the concerning matter of 'support'. Usually I would have missed this, I wouldn't want to sit alone through an event like this and I was very grateful for Jurgenpie allowing me to tag along with him. I feel as always it's proven to me how naive I am, as my eyes widen further to what was a pretty disappointing night for me. I enjoyed the company but the night could be so much more, which I feel should have been the aim. The night started off with a question pointing out the absence of the players, I agree to a point but I don't feel all of the players should have been there. Key players, anything more would have turned the night into a complete witch hunt. Another question raised was the concern of the Sirrel stand being empty, which isn't the case as the away fans are seated in the stand but I felt a little sorrow when I thought of the fond memories I have of sitting in that stand myself with my Grandfather, who I believe would understand that it makes no sense to spend money filling a stand, when we can't fill two others. Chris put himself across rather well, I liked his answers and his passion. I believe we as fans need to make a turning point ourselves and some things we need to respect will not change. It's for us to make the stands a place to be heard but with very little reason I don't see much changing but I personally try. The pitch for me has become an area to blame, the pitch is poor but football is being played and if we can be beaten on it, well we can win simple as that. The fact is the players need to learn to raise their game, they need to get used to it. Ambition seemed to be questioned with words of 'backing'. I think any potential striker will look at many different aspects and unfortunately Notts County isn't always going to be their number one choice. It's important that any players who do come are given a chance, they need to prove themselves although far too many players receive negative comments far too early on. Walsall for example have unproven strikers and have supported them, it helps them and give a much needed boost. They aren't struggling, the case for me is Arquin can be a very important player if we look to play to his strengths. Admission prices should be met with deals and the club is doing very well with this, regards to my opinion and I am very glad to see the increase of a free childs season ticket bought with an adult season ticket. I will be taking up this option myself, the fan yesterday who said he had two children and couldn't afford it. Well I have three, my children love attending games and I have to choose who I can and can't attend with. As a family club it's all about 'families' and deals should be made to keep attracting them, as a regular guy with no general background it could be lost in the future but a family who live and breathe Notts County clearly have it in their blood. Students are a great option, although not as attractive for me, as they may simply move on and attract lifestyles away from the city. I think things need mixing, creativity with admission fees is the answer and knowing the market more wisely would greatly benefit the club. Performances, well this comes down to many things and it includes morale. At this point in the season we sadly won't see the best of all the players and I feel we should, though morale is a funny thing and it's all down to getting the best out of the players. I don't feel Chris fails to motivate them, I personally think it's a big ask for an unexperienced manager but he's a role model for any player to look up to. Top Spenders, isn't exactly the answer. You need the right balance of cost and value, I think we have a few too many players increasing our budget compared to some of the smaller clubs and sadly the mentioning of a top six budget gives some fans high expectations, we deserve to be placed where our budget falls and this isn't football. Gary Lidde, I've been a huge fan of him and he is underrated in my opinion. When we saw the return of Manny I took to the official facebook page and commented on how he should return back to midfield, it was greeted with abusive responses and negativity. If Gary enjoys playing at the back fair enough, though I do feel it's worth giving him the chance to shine as he does in defence but back in a more forward position, after all we see him making the runs often enough and him pushing up from defence. I would also like to note, I would be disappointed for us to move on from Meadow Lane even if we had the money. Making the ground smaller isn't the answer, just because Juventus do something quite successfully, along with a few other clubs doesn't mean it's our answer. Yesterday I left the fans forum a little disheartened, probably rudely to those I was with which wasn't my intention. I walked (on crutches) to the city centre wondering why I bother, why I try to make a difference and why I should continue but the answer is I love the club my grandfather introduced me to.

In this edition of "PoN on One", Pride of Nottingham has taken time to ask two members to battle out for the crown. At some point, we will face the winners together if this interests them and we can also see a return for the unlucky contestants too. As a community it's always nice to have a fun way of interacting with each other, so it's nice to see two friends and two members compete for their pride. TonyHateley takes on Magpiejul, lets find out who has won the third edition of this feature. If you would like to take part please let us know! Come on you pies! Q-Les Brad Is Notts record goalscorer with 137 goals but who is in second place? Tony: I was in two minds about this either Tommy Lawton or my all time hero Tony Hateley. I am going to plump for Big Tony Hateley. Magpiejul: Lee Hughes Tony Hateley with 114 goals Q-Who managed Notts immediately before and after Jimmy Sirrel? Tony: Jimmy was in charge for two different times and I seem to remember after one of them Howard Wilkinson took charge Magpiejul: Jack Wheeler Before-Billy Gray, after-Ron Fenton. Q-In which season were Notts unbeaten at home? Tony: That would be when Big Sam was in charge I think, was it 1997-1978 season? Magpiejul: 1970.71 1970/71-19 wins,4 draws-4th tier champions. Q-What is the official name of West Ham United's home ground? Tony: I thought it was Upton Park but it's probably had a new name but I won't cheat and look it up, so my answer is Upton Park (probably wrong) Magpiejul: Boleyn Ground (Upton Park) A-The Boleyn Ground but it is also known as Upton Park. Q-Name 2 teams known as The Hatters? Tony: Luton Town is definitely one, is the other one Stockport? Magpiejul: Luton Town & Stockport County Luton Town and Stockport County due to millinery connection. Q-Where did Chris Kiwomya begin his career, being their leading scorer in season 1991/92? Tony: This is going to have to be a complete guess, I'll just pick a team at random and say Bolton Wanderers. Magpiejul: Ipswich Town. A-Ipswich Town. Again very interesting to see the answers, very close and credit to both contestants. Tony: 2.5 Points Magpiejul: 4 Points (Tony You haven't been playing attention in class!!, Magpiejul very well done to you!!) Pride of Nottingham would like to Thank both Tony (Pretty much considered a legend around PoN) and Magpiejul for taking the time to answer, feature and be part of this. Thank you very much!

Tomorrow Saturday 23rd of March, Notts County will make a trip to Swindon Town who are currently 3rd in the table. The County Ground will hopefully not fall victim to the weather that we are seeing, as the snow is starting to flurry down. It's pretty cold out in Nottingham, so it would be interesting to hear what it's like currently in Swindon. Notts come into the game having beat Scunthorpe United with a Dean Leacock goal sealing all 3 points in County's favour, all surrounding the club will say it's a nice returning gift for his team and fans. Swindon Town themselves having picked up three vital points at Yeovil Town last Tuesday, will hope to return to home soil collecting a further 3 more points by continuing their form against Notts county. Their manager Kevin MacDonald has urged The Robins to keep backing the team as Notts County visit the County Ground. Notts County will visit Swindon Town with very little risk, the expectations seen regarding the play-offs would surely now be seen as a miracle, so it's important that the lads just go out hoping to have fun and claim victories on the back of improved performances. Tommy Miller's fitness is currently being monitored after he picked up a suspected calf injury, with Louis Thompson returning after being on international duty with the Welsh under-21's. Jamal Campbell-Ryce has a knock, who is likely to miss the game. Right back Kelly continues to struggle with his calf injury which has seen him miss the past couple of games. Both sets of fans really need to get behind their respective squads, it will be a very good occasion for the 'Wheelbarrow Song' to be repeatedly sung and I personally hope to hear all Magpie supporters firmly getting behind the team and silencing the home crowd. Previous results might leave us asking questions, it's now we stay loyal and help to build for the upcoming season.

Pride of Nottingham returns with the 'Opposition View' prior to the game against Swindon Town, We've taken the time to ask a series of questions to medievalmikey. Notts have found a good string of form in away games, Saturday may prove to be a challenge. Swindon Town come into the game having previously beaten Yeovil 2-0 and narrowly losing to Brentford before that. As the season dwindles all games begin to be play there part, hopefully we can get something out of the game! Who knows if Judgey will score the winner again? Firstly, could you tell prideofnottingham.co.uk a little about yourself, such as how long you've been a fan for? I am 67 years old, mainly retired and have followed Swindon Town for many years. I recall my grandad taking me to watch 3rd Division South matches when I was 7 or 8 but watched local Southern League football in 60s and early 70s. I began watching Swindon seriously around early 80s and have held a season ticket for around 30 years. Can you tell us your opinion on the Di Canio saga and how did you feel about his departing from Swindon Town? Paolo DiCanio was very strong on the family ethos and had the vision that the club was an extended, loyal family. Both his parents died last season on the eve of our Plymouth matches and this seemed to tighten that bond. Despite this he has a fiercely individual persona and I felt that his standards were so exacting that our club would be too small a stage: his early departure seemed inevitable. Such a pity it was so abrupt and unpleasant. Under Paolo there always seemed to be a problem. Kevin MacDonald is much more pragmatic. The clubs debt sent a shock-wave around League One, I myself was surprised to hear such news. How is this going and are you any closer to a potential takeover? The debt appears to be internal and came to light because Andrew Black, the majority shareholder, seemed to have had enough of running the club in the style of the manager. He decided to sell up in a hurry and sell Matt Ritchie which led to all the well publicised events. We do have new owners but are still subject to a Football League embargo. Things are generally uncomfortable just now. Do you think Swindon Town can climb back into one of the top two positions? We are currently 3rd after another excellent away result so a top two finish is still on but it is very tight. We cannot be relegated! Please share a little about your clubs progress in the past 3 years, do you have a special memory from this period? The last three years have been like a roller coaster ride: wooden spoon, championship and losing appearances at Wembley. I guess the special memory would have to be the appointment of Paolo DiCanio and his team because this led to the on field excitement over the last 2 seasons. How long have you been following Swindon Town and do you travel to away games? I have watched Swindon Town off and on for close to 60 years but have done so regularly for around 30. I do not tend to travel to away games: home matches involve a 65 mile round trip. Matt Richie, an ex Notts County loanee departed for league one rivals Bournemouth. How much of a loss was this? I do not think that Matt Ritchie's loss was of major significance so far as the playng side was concerned and Kevin MacDonald can't miss what he never had. The political effect of Matt's move was cataclysmic. How important has James Collins been for you and at the age of 22, he must be gaining some attention from other clubs, how do you see Swindon Town handling any possible offers? James Collins is something of an enigma in that he seems to promise more than he has achieved yet has scored a lot of goals including 4 as a second half substitute. He appeared to be afraid of making a mistake because Paolo would have no hesitation in subbing him in the first 20 minutes. Many of our players seem to have suffered from that phobia. I think we must accept the fact that we will become a selling club especially since Kevin MacDonald's appointment. he is already giving youth players a taste of first team involvement. Which Notts County players would you consider to be a threat and which of your defenders is most likely going to be made aware of them? I must admit to knowing little of Notts County's strengths. Our defence is well marshalled by Darren Ward and Wes Foderingham is our best goalkeeper for years. Our strength is teamwork: we have no star player. Can you tell us which Swindon Town players are most likely to be lively? Nathan Thompson has been a revelation this season and has seamlessly replaced Paul Caddis. Darren Ward is a great leader and Alan McCormack is hurting oppsition with his strong runs now he is back in midfield. Simon Ferry is our best ball player. Andy Williams has pace and control but finishing is not great. James Collins and Adam Rooney are beginning to score more regularly. Please tell us about the facilities around County Ground and anything which our travelling fans may find useful? There are a few fast food oulets close to County Ground and various pubs although I don't know which are away fan friendly. Our friends from Walsall meet up for a drink in the cricket club which adjoins the County Ground. There are Pay and Display car parks within easy walking distance. Lastly could you tell Pride of Nottingham about your all time footballing hero? My all time footballing hero is Brian Clough an immense footballing talent whose career was cut short by injury. He then became a very successful and charismatic manager. I was fortunate to see him play against Sweden at Wembley in 1959. I turned up and paid at the turnstile! We would like to Thank medievalmikey for taking the time to answer our questions, also for taking the time register and join us. Any members reading this who haven't already please consider saying hello to his introduction.