Chris

Notts County obviously come into this game in a very similar situation, after lost their opening two games and coming away from Walsall having earned a draw. Stevenage haven't yet collected a single point, as they have lost all three of their opening games. They lost 3-4 to Oldham on the 3rd of August and narrowly lost by one goal each to Swindon and Leyton Orient. Pride of Nottingham's taken the time to speak with traveling fan Gareth, who has kindly taken time out of his evening to answer our questions. We hope you enjoy this feature and find it to be useful information - You Pies! Firstly, could you tell prideofnottingham.co.uk a little about yourself, such as how long you've been a fan for? I'm 28 years old and been a fan for about 8 years now. How do you feel about the ending of last seasons campaign and did you query any of the players who were released? Was quite releaved to see the back of last season really. Was a complete disaster from about October time. No queries about any of the players that were released, I trust the managers judgement over my own. Can you tell me about your pre-season, the signings you've made and how things were generally with the club with regards to the new season? Pre-season was generally successful. Had quite a few new faces brought in again and they look decent, Sam Wedgbury especially at right back has stood out. We had a good victory over a QPR team that had a few first team players in the squad, We were on par with a strong Leeds team for 60 minutes before conceding a couple of goals. Smashed my hometown team of Biggleswade 6-0 in what was a very enjoyable day. After 3 opening games, it's a little too early to see the bigger picture but how do you feel about the start to the 2013/14 campaign? Although results don't lie, and we have lost all 3 league matches so far, I've seen some promising signs from most of the new players. We had an excellent victory in the cup against Ipswich sandwiched between our league games which was a nice one to win. Realistically how do you see Saturday ending and are you confident about the game? I'd be happy with a point on Saturday, just so we can get off the mark and I suspect that is what we will get out of the game. How do you see your season going and where do you think you will finish? Graham Westley has always been known to have a strong finish to the season. I think we won 14 out of our last 15 matches when we won the conference, conceding only 3 goals in the process. I can't really see us troubling the promotion places this season, top half would be an excellent season in my eyes. I always tell everyone that I think we will finish top of the bottom third this season. In reality anything above the relegation places will do just nicely. Out of all the League One clubs, which have you been looking forward to seeing and why? I'm most looking forward to visiting Peterboro away, Mainly because it is local and will make for a good drinking opportunity. I've actually watched Peterboro vs Notts County twice over the years, as a friend of mine has a Notts County supporting Dad so I tagged along a couple of times. Which Stevenage players would you see posing a threat to the Notts County defence? Luke Freeman is always a threat when on the ball and can create a chance out of nothing. Greg Tansey will also cause trouble if he has his shooting boots on and Darius Charles will be a handful if he plays as a striker for this one. Who would you have marked on Saturday and who would you point out to be our danger-men? Enoch Showumni sounds like he has had a decent start to the season so I reckon he could be the danger man. Averagely how many games do you make in a season, including cup games? I make every home league and cup games and always try to make it to about 4 or 5 away games. League One is understandably harder this season, we've seen some big clubs fall and some others return to it. Who do you feel will go up this season? Probably the toughest set of teams in league 1 since we entered it. I have money on Wolves to win the league so I expect them to go up. Could be joined by any out of about 10 teams but I expect Peterboro to grab the runners up place and Brentford to win the play-offs after just missing out last season . Finally, what are the positives you can point out about your team right now? Positives about the team is that the players now seem to always give 110%. They may not technically be the best players in the league but you can guarantee that anyone that plays under Graham Westley will give it their absolute all. Were in a bit of a transition period again with a lot of changes to the squad since the end of last season so it's going to take time for the team to gel properly but I think we should be Ok. Pride of Nottingham would like to thank Gareth for taking the time to answer our questions. Please keep tuned for a special update from one of our previous opposition fans, as we catch up with Chris. A Boro fan who we spoke to last season.

This week for the Walsall game we've taken to asking our very own Saddlers resident on Pride of Nottingham, SadLad who originally joined us after seeing me request for a fans view. He's taken the time to answer 12th questions which are hoped to provide us Notts fans with a general insight into the game on Saturday. Walsall come into the game having not lost any of their opening matches, which will see Notts attempt to notch up our first point or fingers crossed we can leave having taken all three! Pride of Nottingham hopes you enjoy one of our most popular features. Firstly, could you tell prideofnottingham.co.uk a little about yourself, such as how long you've been a fan for? I have been supporting Walsall for just over 47 years. My first match was on 23rd April 1966 V Oldham Athletic. I can remember bits of it even now, all these years on. That was the only match I went to that season. Like most boys of my age (I was eight then) I was hooked to football in general that summer with all the hype of the World Cup and England actually winning it! I knew then I had to get myself down Fellows Park for the first game of the 1966-7 season and I have been following Walsall FC ever since. We played at that ground up to 1990 so I had 24 seasons of watching my football at dear old Fellows Park and now 23 seasons at Bescot Stadium.I have been a season ticket holder for the last 28 seasons and I rarely miss an away match. How have things been in pre-season and which signings are leaving an early impression? We had a bit of an unsual start to our pre-season as we went on a three match tour of Trinidad and Tobago of all places! It was by invitation as a Scottish club had to back out and it cost the club nothing as we merely took their place! Walsall were unbeaten in those games, winning 2 and drawing one. Back home there were three home games againt Leeds United which we won 1-0 followed by a 1-2 defeat to Nottm Forest and a 0-5 reverse to Aston Villa, just three days before the opening day of the league season. Dean Smith didn't want to risk any injuries so put out a team of young fringe players and a couple of trialists whereas Villa put out their first team. New signings have been goalkeeper Richard O' Donnell plus Milan Lalkovic,Troy Hewitt, Romaine Sawyers and James Mc Quilkin. The keeper, O'Donnell, is gaining confidence all the while but the one the fans are raving about is striker Lalkovic who is on a six months loan from Chelsea. Walsall have got off to a flying start, are you happy with the opening performances? Indeed, Walsall have got off to a flyer with a 3-1 home win against Tranmere Rovers and last Saturday a 1-0 victory at Oldham. In between was a 2-1 Capital One win at Port Vale. The Tranmere game was a continuation of our for from the final third of last season, playing their own brand of 'sexy football.' The oldham game was a combination of good football and sound defending. Pott Vale was a tough one but we played well enough. Yes overall delighted with the start. Are you familiar with signings made by Notts County and what are your thoughts on us signing Danny Haynes? Of the signings you have made this summer the ones I know about are Mark Fotheringham and Danny Haynes. The former I remember from his days at Celtic and also Norwich City. Danny Hayes I remember him playing for the likes of Bristol City and Ipswich Town. Both midfielders who should provide some bite for County. Which League One teams do you feel have made the best summer signings and why? I would have to say Sheffield United. They seem to have covered all departments and the stand out ones are Stephen Mc Ginn, a centre midfielder from Watford, Sean McGinty a young centre back from Manchester United and a player we all know about from his season at Walsall, Febian Brandy. He has got pace and an eye for goal and I can see him grabbing his fair share of goals this season. Who do you see struggling this season and who would your four relegated predictions be? Tranmere, Crawley, Stevenage and Shrewsbury. How pleased are you with Craig Westcarr and in general do you like him as a footballer? Craig Westcarr! Has done a great job this season. I do like him as a footballer yes. He holds the ball up so well and has scored some goals already this term. He seems to have lost a bit of weight . He took a long time to actually sign a contract over the summer and there were fears he would go but no, to the delight of the fans he has signed. Can you please share a good memory and a disappointing memory from watching Notts as a Sadler fan? Good memory- at Meadow Lane for the Play Off Semi Final in 1987-8 season. On a warm sunny afternoon, Craig Shakespeare and a brace from hot-shot David Kelly saw Saddlers home. Willie Naughton produced a superb ball for 'Shakey' to slot home. One of Kelly's goals was a checky back flick which caught the defence out big time. 'Ned' always claims he meant it. Bad memory- same season in the league game back end of April at Fellows Park, Although Saddlers won 2-1, a reckless tackle by Derek Kevan in the first minute effectively ended Paul Jones's career. There was absolutely no need for it and the game was held up for a long time after the bad leg break. I chatted to Paul Jones last season at a game at Walsall and 25 years on he is still disappointed with that tackle. Tell us who you feel will be Notts County's key players and who you'd have mark them? A great battle should be between Anoch Showunmi and Andy Butler! Two powerful men and they have had some interesting tussles in the past when Tranmere played Walsall. Enoch is about four inches taller mind! Adam Chambers and Andy Fothringham should be another good contest I feel. Out of your offensive players, which do you see posing a risk to Notts County's defence? Craig Westcarr and Nilan Lalkovic will be the main ones but don't rule out midfielder Sam Mantom who strikes the ball well. Winger James Baxendale has alreader scored two as well. Where do you see Walsall and Notts finishing? Also, who do you see automatically gaining promotion? Sheffield United have come so close the last couple of years and I think it will be their team to gain automatic promotion. Wolverhampton Wanderers will surely take another automatic spot. Kenny Jacket is the man to lead them back up the leagues I feel. MK Dons may sneek in to. Walsall should finish 7th, just missing out on the play offs, but a slight improvement on last season and Notts Coumty I would say 12th spot. Please tell us about Walsall and the surrounding area, including Bescot Stadium? Walsall is about 10 miles north of Birmingham and has a population of over 250,000. It was once a very thriving industrial town best known for its many leather works which was the trade from which the town's football team took its knickname 'The Saddlers'. There were dozens of small leather works who specialised in saddles manufacturing. Walsall Football Club is in the suburb of Bescot, to the south of the town about two miles from the centre. The M6 motorway runs right by the stadium in an elevated section. The Walsall - Birmingham railway line also runs nearby and Bescot Stadium Station is just two minues walk to the away end. The nearest motorway junction (Junction 9 of the M6) is only about a mile away and the large supermarket on the way to the junction (Morrison's) is where the former Fellows Park once stood. Pride of Nottingham would like to thank our very Walsall resident SadLad for taking the time to answer our questions, we wish Walsall all the very best with their season ahead.

Pride of Nottingham is once again delighted to be able to bring you some action shots of yesterdays game, which saw Notts lose 4-2 to Peterborough United at home. Again, the crowd was very impressive at times and good support shown throughout. We're sure Notts will bounce back, two games in and two very hard teams, leaves the feeling that we can only climb from here on. We now leave you to view the photos which have kindly been submitted to us, you find mine own snaps, along with Oskar's. 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 Oskar Papierz for allowing us use of his images, we wish him all the best his photography. Here's his Facebook page and Website.

Peterborough United come into this game having not lost in the league or cup, they enjoyed a narrow but exciting one nil win over Swindon Town on the 3rd of this month. They also beat Colchester United five goals to one in the Capital One Cup, which indicates the level of opposition we are up against here at Meadow Lane on this very Saturday. Pride of Nottingham is again delighted to bring you the views of a Posh fan, we hope that you enjoy this feature and of course have a look around out site after. We're very keen to provide a good reliable source of content to fellow Notts fans, so please bookmark us! Come One You Pies!! Firstly, could you tell prideofnottingham.co.uk a little about yourself, such as how long you've been a fan for? Firstly I'm Aaron Shelton born in Peterborough, grew up in london so get some funny looks when I say I'm a posh fan but I support where I come from, luckily back living in Boro now, been going to games last 5/6 years on a regular basis, last 3 years home and away. Can you please tell us about your pre-season, such as how you feel it went and are you happy with the signings you've made? Pre season has been good for the posh, went on a tour of Ireland, draw 1-1 with shelbourne, then another draw 2-2 with UCD. Beat QPR 1-0 with a late winner which surprised many of our fans, we then suffered a shock defeat against Mansfield losing 4-2, credit to Mansfield there goals were screamers, the posh then bounced back Beating our biggest rivals Northampton with a 1-0 win. We also draw 1-1 to Watford but then lost 1-0 to hull at London road but that was another belter. Overall I am very happy with the signings, we signed jack Payne from gillingham who was on loan with us last season, great central midfielder works very hard and not afraid to put a challenge in, we also signed Britt assabalonga for a club record fee from Watford, he has impressed all at London road in his opening games, by scoring on his debut vs Swindon, very powerful quick and excellent work rate only problem is we're not sure how to say his name. We've also signed a promising young goal keeper from the states who is certainly one for the future. It's quite rare in football that you see a manager return to a former club and remain successful, what do you make of Darren Ferguson’s return and do you think he can continue to be successful at Peterborough? We all love fergie, he got us 2 straight promotions when just a few years before we were fighting to even stay in the football league, he deserves all the credit he gets, was tough for us to loose him but let's face it he went to a bigger club with more money would of been daft to stay with us, he then came back and gave us that extra boost for promotion back to the championship, I hope he sees out his contract and goes on to extend it, he can certainly give us a chance of one day just make reaching the prem. Your teams widely known for being creative and a real attacking threat, on Saturday you narrowly won Swindon and on Tuesday you hammered Colchester away in the Capital One Cup. Can you give me your thoughts on these two games? We are one of the most entertaining sides in the world, sounds big headed but just look at the amount of goals we score. Swindon at home was a very close game but we looked very comfortable all game, Colchester the first 50 minutes were tough we didn't play how we all know we can, then suddenly the one touch football came in the touches and skills of lee Tomlin and Daniel kearns really came into play, controlled the game, 2 great goals from lee Tomlin, big Tyrone Barnett scored a header, fan favourites tommy Rowe and zakuani also got on the score sheet.Tomlin, nlthe, Alcock, kearns and tommy Rowe all had stand out games but in fairness every player had an excellent game. Coming into the game, Notts have a slight issue at the back with one centre back being injured and two others being suspended. How do you feel the game will go? The suspensions for notts county will really help posh, a weakened defence for county will surely mean goals for posh and if we play the way we can we could run riot, but all depends if the players turn up in the right frame of mind. I believe will be a 3-1 win for posh but can't count county out they will always be a threat. Which game(s) are you most looking forward to this season and why? The first fixture I looks for was wolves away because they will most likely be a big contender to win the league, mk dons I think every posh fan looks for because we have a little rivalry with them. County was also a stand out for me because Nottingham is good day out. Can you tell us who you see going up this season? All honestly I believe posh will go up, hopefully as champions, wolves or Bristol city could also in my opinion but I think Rotherham could surprise a few in the play offs. How much would it mean to you and Peterborough fans especially to become established in the Championship and how far do you feel you are from this? Would mean a hell of a lot to get back in the championship especially due to the way we went down, we were robbed by a bad decision and a late Kevin Phillips goal. I believe all we need is maybe one more star player, whether it be in defence or just a proven goal scorer and we could easily make ourselves an established championship team, but the real hold back for us is our support in the city, we have a large city but not enough fans of the posh, most support the likes of Manchester United, arsenal and Chelsea. Who are your main treats to Notts County on Saturday, can you single any players out? Lee Tomlin and assabalonga is a certain threat against notts county, Daniel kearns has also really impressed of late. Rowe/McCann/bostwick are also a threat due to there creative play, McCann and bostwick certainly know how to hit a ball. Which players would you have marked tightly and who do you consider to be a threat to Peterborough? Not to threatened by any particular players from county but Showumni scored a belter vs Sheffield united so will need to look out for him. What formation and team would you start with and why? 4-4-2 seems like the formation. We're playing as of late, I would stick with exactly the same squad as against Colchester;Olejnik, ntlhe, zakuani, bostwick, alcock, McCann, kearns, rowe, tomlin, assombalonga, barnett. Payne and Swanson could also be played. Guaranteed goals on Saturday. Please tell us what your thoughts are of Nottingham and how many times have you visited Meadow Lane? I've never actually been to meadow lane before will be my first time on Saturday, however I went to first last season and was a great day out, plenty of things to do plenty of pubs and a great atmosphere from the locals, always nice to see the statue of Brian Clough in the centre as well. Pride of Nottingham would like to thank Arron for taking the time to answer our questions, we wish him all the very best.

Pride of Nottingham's delighted that we was able to bring this feature for the Capital One Cup clash against Fleetwood Town. Below you will be able to read questions aimed to learn more about our opposition and we cannot thank Liam enough for stepping in at the very last minute to save us from missing this feature. It's always good when you can see football coming together, so this makes an excellent addition to our growing opposition views. Pride of Nottingham hopes you find this interesting! Please keep tuned for our next one which will be against Peterborough United. Firstly, could you tell prideofnottingham.co.uk a little about yourself, such as how long you've been a fan for? I've been a fan of Fleetwood since the appointment of Tony Greenwood back in 2003, but on a just follow basis, but a regular since there inclusion of the northern premier back in 2007 (I think, memory has gone). I work at sea as an Merchant Navy officer so can only go when I'm on leave, but I am a season ticket holder with my brother, I'm a local lad so have grown up around the town, I'm 26, even though my good looks say differently, he he. What are you expecting from the season this year, both in the cup(s) and league? League wise, I'd say minimum play offs with the signings we've had, and traditional our Chairman doesn't like to stay in the same league longer than 2 years, we've always gained promotion in the second year of the league, so big fingers crossed!! Cup, don't really know this year as a cup run is always nice but personal I'd prefer to concentrate on the league and do the graft there, but the cup does have something about it and it could/does bring big clubs to the lower league clubs (Bradford last year is a great example) Can you tell us about some of your squads newest additions? Great summer signings and as always the chairman does like to do business early so new team members can settle into the squad. I think bringing in the skipper Mark Robberts is brilliant, pure leader on the pitch, Ryan Cresswell is a brilliant centre half, both like to get on the team sheet scoring wise, but personally I think Antonio Sarcevic is the one to look out for in our league. How do you see the game going and what formation do you see Graham Alexander starting with? I'd like to say we'd stuff you but I don't think we will, although we did give Preston a good hiding in pre-season. Formation, a solid back of 4, 4, 2, but our wingers pushing forward creating space on the wings and giving Matt the need space to work his magic, hopefully. What did you make of Jeff Hughes performance against Dagenham and Redbridge? Unfortunately I was away for the opener of preseason but from all reports Town played with the passion and desire they were lacking at parts of last season, a massive plus for the fans to see. Can you tell us about your highest and lowest point whilst supporting Fleetwood Town? Highest has to be the opening game in the football league, what an achievement from where as a club we have come from, also the local derby against Blackpool in the FA cup, although we got battered by them, it was a brilliant run just to get to play them and the rivalry/banter was brilliant. Lowest for me was the play offs against wimbledon to get out of the Conference, the less said the better, we played really poor, but we bounced back next season and were the champions. If you could sign any player from the Football League realistically speaking, who would you choose and why? A lot of Fleetwood fans would agree that we would love to have Jamie Vardy back, we sold him to Leicester for a record £1million, and he was brilliant, he just knew where the goal was, would be amazing to have him back in the squad we have currently, we missed him when he went. What would say is the most important thing about supporting a football team? You've got to follow your team through thick and thin, Town is a very involved community club (I think we are the smallest by population in the entire league) so you sort of know everyone, but it's great to be part of what's going on here. Every club has its moaners but that's life I suppose. Who do you see as being a threat to Fleetwood Town, are there any Notts County players you feel should be tightly marked? Gary Liddle is a big lad and know doubt could cause us some problems on corners etc. I remember Ryce scoring a few goals for you last season but i may be wrong, to be honest you play at a higher level than us and it will be a good test to see if we can compete against a team such as yourselves as we are trying to gain promote to play in your league. Please tell us a bit about the players who you would consider to be your danger men? As said above Antonio Sarcevic is a threat, young talented lad and work rate is really good. If he's back fit, you'll have to watch out for the beast that is Jon Parking, just his pure size is an amazement, he he. What's your thoughts on Notts County's shirts this season? Both shirts have received some split decision comments from fans of the footballing world. It's very barcode like, but at the end of the days your going to wear it and if your a fan, with pride. The pink shirt, ha ha, brilliant, real men wear pink, so I'm told!! We've had a new kit sponsor this season and our home kit is really nice but the away one, a lot has to be desired. Have you ever visited Meadow Lane before? Unfortunate not but its on my list, may be next year!! Pride of Nottingham would like to thank Liam for taking the time to answer our questions, we also wish them the very best with their campaign this season - as they push for promotion.

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”.