Chris

On the back of two consecutive draws with identical score lines, we move onto Bury FC after playing Crewe and Walsall. In recent times we've seen our side play strongly for 45 minutes but often disappointing first halve appearances. The game against Bury was virtually the same, as we allowed them to play direct football and limited our own movements, following up with a wonderful second. In the Bury edition of Mr Trew notes he reflects on our recent performances and caretaker manager Chris Kiwomya who now takes control until the end of the season. Good evening everyone and welcome to Meadow Lane for this npower League 1 game against Bury that is being shown live on Sky Sports. We come into this game on the back of a strange couple of performances recently, in which we seem to have been a completely different team in the second half to the first. I think it would be fair to say that when we’ve been good, we’ve been very, very good though, and I’m hoping to see much more of that from the first whistle until the last this evening. There has been a lot of speculation about the managerial situation here at Meadow Lane, with Chris Kiwomya appointed as caretaker manager, but the fact is that nothing has really changed, Chris remains in charge whilst we consider our options and that means that he has complete control over first team matters until told otherwise. I am sure that every supporter has their own ideas on who they would like to see appointed, so whilst we may not be able to please everybody, what I can assure you is that this decision will have been taken after intense consideration of all available options and based on who we think is best placed to take this club forwards. Back to this evening though and I would like to welcome the players, officials and of course the supporters of Bury that have made the trip down to Nottingham. It’s always nice for a team to put on a good show in front of the cameras and that’s obviously what we’re all hoping for this evening, so let’s get behind the lads and ensure that we are all doing our bit to show the very best of Notts County both on and off the field tonight. Onwards and upwards Ray Trew Chairman Pride of Nottingham would like to thank Mr Trew and the Media Team.

This week we ask a series of questions to Natalie and Ben, with a fairly busy week for myself I haven't found enough time to get around to this but I appreciate the interest which we received when we requested fans to come forward. If you are interested in taking part please do let us know, this is something we would like to continue. Many Thanks to Jon and Iain, aswell as Natalie and Ben who answered our questions very swifty. We're very much looking forward to Friday night and hope to see a good crowd! Come on youpies! Firstly, could you tell prideofnottingham.co.uk a little about yourself, such as how long you've been a fan for? Natalie: I've supported Notts for over 20 years, done 70 plus grounds watching the Pies. Ben: I am 16 year old Notts fan and have supported Notts since I was about 11, before this I was not really interested in football at all! In our last Notts County fan view Vicki mentioned that she had met Jimmy Sirrel. Can you share any similar experiences? Natalie: I didn't have any similar experiences really. Ben: I have met most of the players over the last few seasons and I own a signed Sam Sodje shirt from last season which I won through Magpie Player! What's your thoughts regarding the recent events at Meadow Lane? I.e Keith Curle sacking, High Court Appearance. Natalie: The sacking of KC was rather premature I think and was unexpected despite 2 wins in 11 games, the high court appearance did not worry me I assumed if it was bad we would have known more about it. Ben: I am sad to see KC leave, but can’t help but feel if he hadn’t have been sacked, attendances would have remained low until the end of the season. Some Notts fans just never gave him a chance. Can you share a memory from your childhood and can you tell us who used to be your Notts County hero? Natalie: Memory from childhood, 1st ever Notts game when I was around 7 years old Vs Liverpool, my Dad took me to the game and I sat in his season ticket seat DP stand and he stood somewhere else!! Notts hero hmm never really had a hero, I liked Tony Agana for some strange reason Ben: Lee Hughes and Luke Rodgers were my favourites! Great strike partnership and we won the league. Great season with a great ending! What got you interested in football and are there any other Notts County fans in your family? Natalie: My Dad got me into football he has done all 92 grounds watching Notts,he needs Crawley to complete again.My sister and her kids and my daughter are all Notts fans and my Dad. Ben: My dad took me to Notts when I was about 10, I was reluctant to go at first but as soon as I’d been a few times I became hooked. Do you have any outstanding football memories from the past and what are your highlights of this season? Natalie: Football memories the trips to Wembley in the play off final especially gaining promotion to 1st division and the championship winning season 2010. Ben: My first away game, Chesterfield when we won 3-1 sticks out for me, first time I’d been amongst fans who sang and an all-round quality day. The highlight of this season… well I’m hoping it’s still to come! If it were possible to bring a past player to the present team who would it be and why? Natalie: Past player I would bring back would be Tommy Johnson just for his enthusiasm and shooting power and precision. Ben: So many to choose from, I think the current team needs a prolific striker, Lee Hughes is an obvious candidate but other players that have been in a Notts shirt have gone on to do better things, Brandy, Gow and Bogdanovic all fairly quiet at Notts but now regular goal scorers for their teams. I’d probably bring back Brandy although I would be very happy to see any of these players back! Do you travel to many away games, previous and this season? Natalie: I have travelled to many away games hence visiting 70 grounds, not so many this season because of funds, but I do enjoy away games. Ben: I have been to a few Notts away games, but only the local ones. When I start earning I will try and get to more! Where do you see us finishing this season? Natalie: I see us finishing around 12th, but hope to get into the playoffs. Ben: Play Offs or just outside. If we could sign another player from a league one team who would it be? (Personally I would sign Paddy Madden) Natalie: Signing from another league one team would be Dave Kitson, awkward and scores goals. Ben: Clayton Donaldson, Brentford; Pacey striker who scores week in, week out. How do you feel about our connection to Juventus and the amazing work that Italian Magpies do? Natalie: Connection with Juve is unbelievable because we are a small league one club and they are giants and they seem proud to be associated with us which is great! Ben: QUALITY. I love that fact that we can have some living history at Notts and the Italian Magpies are keeping it alive! If we don't make the play-offs (as seems likely) what are your hopes for next season? Natalie: Hopes for next season to be settled and with a settled team, gaining automatic promotion. Ben: Next season I would like to finish comfortably in the play offs. I'm hoping that we can get a decent manager in and establish a solid starting eleven and get rid of all the dead wood at the club to free up a bit of money. If we can buy some quality in the summer that fits into our style of play, there's no reason why we can't. Enoch is a good example of players bought without thinking about how he would fit into the team. Just seemed all a bit rushed. Hopefully we can get a decent manager in that can build up his team and then next season have a proper run for promotion! You Pies Pride of Nottingham would like to thank both Natalie and Ben for taking the time to answer our questions, we would also like to thank Iain also for showing interest.

On the 8th of September 2011 Notts County played Juventus in the opening of their newly built Juventus Stadium. The 41,000 capacity stadium (the first venue to be modernised but downsized) was the host of a special occasion. Juventus could have played a host of major footballing sides, such as the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona or even Manchester United, they decided to choose history, a kind gesture very unlikely in modern football and it's one which has featured proudly in our own 150 years of formation since the amazing opening ceremony. A year later a group of travelling Juventus supporters decided to pay homage to where they originally got their black and white shirts, back in 1903. On the 21/01/12 as Notts prepared to play MK Dons, the group of travelling fans was shown around Meadow Lane. The game ended 1-1, Jeff Hughes equalizing in the 81st minute from a penalty, salvaging the points for Notts County but also giving the travelling supporters something to cheer about. The following day the 22/01/12 the travelling Juventus supporters decided to form a group called the 'Italian Magpies'. This act, a really humble gesture, has since seen them heavily promote the work of the club. To the credit of Italian Magpies they've bound the black and white stripes bringing both clubs closer together. Our supporters and theirs enjoy friendly relations, as Notts County's official Facebook page had been well received with kind comments from the european giants fans. In recent years this has opened the doors to more foreign based support for the club, credit which Italian Magpies can share. The successful site italianmagpies.com is the place for Juventus and Notts County fans to respectfully share the achievements, as the team write up daily articles based on the current on-goings. Having celebrated the sites first full year, Pride of Nottingham were lucky enough to be a part of this as we share a close link with them. (Just as Notts does with Juventus) To current date Italian Magpies share their dedication on social streams such as Facebook, Twitter and Google+. They've recently celebrated a great achievement of reaching 2500 likes, which isn't bad going for a year! A great sign and reward for their efforts. On twitter they stand at 614 followers which is another sign of how widely popular the work they do is. It's something in recent weeks we've been trying to highlight, as we appreciate the support given to us. We are very proud of our bond, humble and honoured that we have their backing. As they move forward we hope to be closely behind them, we also wish them all the best for the future and look forward to their return visit. We praise them for this long running dedication, something we here at PoN hope to be able to do ourselves as plan to visit Juvenus very much so in the near future. If you're unfamiliar with Italian Magpies or haven't liked or followed them please find their respective pages below, including a link to their informative site. Forza Juve and Forza Notts County, more importantly Forza Italian Magpies! Italian Magpies | Site - Facebook - Twitter - Youtube A day like no other - By Notts-Joe

Firstly, could you tell prideofnottingham.co.uk a little about yourself, such as how long you've been a fan for? Been a fan since the early 70's. Moved around the country alot in 80's, 90's an 00's so didn't get to see that many home matches but always saw them if they were playing nearby. Moved back to midlands three years ago and get to most home matches and local derbies. I keep reading comments from Saddlers fans regarding your good form, can you tell about the past 3 games and how important this form is at this period in the season? Went 16 games without a win and relegation was looming. A dire FA cup replay match against Lincoln was when we hit rock bottom. However, Smith stuck to his guns of wanting to play proper football rather than hoofing it and it has all come good. Confidence in the team his high. David Grof, Febian Brandy and Craig Westcarr are all players from Notts County's 2011 squad, do you expect any to feature in our game and who do you prefer personally? David Grof won't be playing. Smith has no confidence in him, hence a merry-go-round of loan goalies this season. McLoughlin's loan period is up after we play you so we shall probably see a new face betwen the sticks a week on Saturday (unless MK Dons let McLoughlin stay). Febian Brandy has been a revelation. Got injured in a pre season friendly so was slow to make an impression. Now he can't stop scoring. We need to sign him up for an 18 month contract now. Westcarr is an enigma. When he plays, the team plays well. He can hold the ball up and spread it well. Some fans don't rate him, some are undecided, some think he is great! Will probobaly come on for Baxendale in the second half. We're still playing under caretaker manager Chris Kiwomya, as an opposition fan who do you think is likely to land the full time job and what's your opinion on Chris? I don't know who you will get. You could do worse than rescue Richard Money (Dickie Dosh) from Cambridge. Did well at Walsall but never seems to get on with fans wherever he goes! Chris Kiwomya played for Ipswich? Good player but early days to be judged as a manager As an ex player of Walsall FC, Dean Smith is doing a pretty decent job with the Saddlers what are your thoughts on him as a manager? Has a strong belief on how he wants the game to be played and won't be panicked into changing his systems. The team he has put together has cost nothing compared with other teams in the league. I think that speaks volumes about his ability to get the best out of what he has got. Now his name is linked with Coventry and Preston! Earlier in the season,he was criticised for some bizarre substitution decisionsthat have cost us points. He has seemed to have improved lately. Can you tell us about your favourite game from this season and a maybe about a classic match also? For me, the last home match against Oldham who beat Liverpool the previous week. The second half we were fantastic.The attendance went up too so there was a bit of atmosphere. I reckon there should be 5k plus there on Saturday. Classic Match. Watford 4 Walsall 4 FA cup 5th round replay 1987 Is there any current Notts County players, budget permitting that you would like to sign? (some of our fans will be thinking it's a shame we still don't have Tom Williams right now, some would have paid to send him to Walsall – probably would have even paid his wages). We don't need anyone from anywhere at the moment! Hang on... Whats your goalie like? Who are your dangerman? Keeping in mind we're familiar with Febian and Craig. Grigg (works hard and will create chances for himself). Paterson ( will make constant wrong decsions but still score) Bowerman from the bench. Adam Chambers will run the midfield. Which of our players do you see as concerns to your defence and who do you think will handle them? Butler will stick his head were people fear to put their feet. Downing is improving but can be a bit naive. Taylor and Purkiss are good attacking fullbacks with good crosses. Anyone with a turn of speed on the left could cause us problems. Can you tell Pride of Nottingham about Walsall, such as your ground and nearby pubs/bars? Well behaved away fans are welcome in the Saddlers Club. There is also a bar in the visitors end. Avoid the Fullbrook pub about a mile away. The ground is easy to get to and plenty of parking. We have our own railway station to. The snack bar will probably run out of food. We don't do chips! Out of interest did you see the Celtic/Juventus game and are you aware that some of their fans have shown great support to Notts County FC? (Known as Italian Magpies). Didn't Notts County provide Juventus with their shirts when they were founded? I think the similarity ends with the kit!! Where did you think Walsall and Notts County will finish up in the league table by the end of the season? Walsall could nick a play off place if teams around us lose their games in hand. Mid-table for you this season We would like to Thank DonningtonSaddler for the time of answering questions and sharing his views.

Unaware of such tragic events, Pride of Nottingham would like to ask all fans who are in attendance to consider donating to the worthy cause. Ian from Walsall's Supporters Trust fund will be collecting around the Bescot Stadium with a bucket on Saturday from about 1.30. www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2159191/Professional-footballers-daughter-17-months-dies-holiday-rare-blood-infection.html Pride of Nottingham would like to add their sympathy to Dean and Danielle, wishing them all the best in the future.

It's a day most unlikely to forget, as it's one our younger fans will be able to pass down to their children in future years. The club very optimistic – as in recent years had seen Notts County go onto have decent cup runs. Back in 2009 the previous season before this meeting Notts County had a very successful cup run which had seen them beat Wigan Athletic after 2-2 draw Meadow Lane. I fondly recall the draw as a 'change' very much seemed to be in the air at this point and after a concerning season it was nice to get things into consideration. The FA Cup is something I look forward to each season, as it's the time we can forget about our struggles, promotion aspirations and just be ourselves. I was unlucky enough to be unable to attend the game due to work commitments, my line manager knowing I was a county fan asked a few days prior to the game if I wanted to alter my shift slightly to allow me to catch the game on television which was a very kind gesture. The shift went by quite fast surprisingly and I fondly recall telling my joy to the residents about this big tie, who I hold very dear to my heart. It was a honour working in the care home, I made so many good friends whose lives had become effected due to mental and physical health. During my time their I often took a resident down to the lane to watch a match. Having rushed home, my family and parents sat in our living room. My two children (at this point) Jake and Ellie had their county shirts on. Ellie was loosely watching but Jake, excited that Grandma and Granddad were over, quickly lost interest temporarily. I wasn't very optimistic, I will openly admit to seeing this one as being a tie we would struggle with. The earlier minutes saw Manchester City dominating play but only conjuring up a few key chances. As time progressed Notts County managed to find their feet, which saw us hold play and attempt to attack at times. Alan Gow would try to use his trickery which drew them into making fouls, Karl Hawley was also very impressive with his work rate but it was a day very much so when our team was a unit. Most chances in the first half fell to Manchester City who kept Krystian Pearce, Mike Edwards but also than keeper Stuart Nelson on his toes. Around the 8th minute mark, a chance which saw a save made by our keeper after a pass across our back line by Micah Richards had Toure Yaya stretching and Stuart Nelson saving the ball with his feet. Then in the 59th minute Notts County had a corner, as the floating corner by Alan Gow reached 6 yard box Neal Bishop made a run unmarked through the City defence and latched onto the ball with a gliding header saw the ball fly into the net. Flapping Joe Hart and poor Pablo Zabaleta unable to prevent the wonderful set piece, which made a huge impact on the game. Finally I was thinking could we do the undo-able and actually beat the giants Manchester City of the Premier League? This saw changes made to the way City were playing, they started to become more direct and they had memorable chances which again kept our defence very active. As frustration seemed to be getting the better of most of Manchester Cities chances, the game looked in very good shape for our club as our players fought to keep the ball around the half way line, however in the 80th minute once again Micah Richards probably one of their better players of the match ran direct towards our area and provided Edin Dzeko an easy tap in. The lads unlike some teams kept battling showing great character, as chances fell for both sides. Alan Gow again (underrated in my opinion) floated in another wonderful ball from a free kick which saw the unlikeliest of players 'Steady Eddie' creep around the back narrowly missing the ball. The game finally drew to a close, by this point I wasn't fully sitting on my sofa but practically right on the edge and somewhat in the air. A great game, one which must of felt more amazing for those in attendance, the final score 1-1. A day that many will remember and for exactly the right reasons. The cup often brings some exciting fixtures, this provided us Notts fans a chance to dream and re-visit one of the biggest sides in the Premier League, a very proud day in modern football. http://youtu.be/CBQwC5EyT98

Firstly, Could you tell Pride of Nottingham how long you've been a Notts County fan and a little about yourself? Tom: I have been a Notts fan for 21 years, for the first 18 years often wondered why haha. Well my name is Tom I am 21 and currently in the process setting up my own business within sport. Vicki: Been going down Notts for 43 years, used to with my 'dad, brother, grandad and cousins'. My brother, hubby and cousins still go. I now take my granddaughter Tia age 3 and a half, been working for Notts City Council for 22 years now. What are your earliest memories of the lane? Tom: Think it as to be Steve Thompson on the touchline spending whole game ranting at his own players! Hated by fans but adored for one night only during the famous league cup run. Vicki: Used to fetch my dad and grandad a brovil at half time, lots of fans then, our dad used to take us to away games too, can remember still and bansley we get surround by bansley fans, they took my brother scarf!! If you could choose any season bar the Munto year, which year is the most memorable for you and why? Tom: It as to be season under Thommo and going to the Riverside to see N'toya score and send us through, only to end the cup run against Wycombe. But being at SOL in FA Cup as that season close second. Vicki: It's got to be the playoffs with warnock, so many fans went; we was playing football in a pub car park down there, also bumped into Jimmy Sirrel in the car park, like meeting a long lost friend (think he thought i was mad) Over the recent years we've seen many managers enter and exit, if you had to put the following into order of your favourite to least what would the order be? (Keith Curle, Martin Allen, Paul Ince, Craig Short and Steve Cotterill) Tom: Keith Curle, Steve Cotterill, Paul Ince, Martin Allen and Craig Short. Vicki: Managers, emm, loved Mad Dog, Steve Cotterill, Craig Short, Keith Curle, Ince How many Notts County shirts do you own and which is your favourite? Tom: Own shirts from last three seasons, this seasons limited edition is my favorite. Vicki: own 5 shirts, like the home bitter one best, Tommy Johnsons time. lol What was it like growing up as a Notts County supporter from your point of view? Tom: Growing up in Mansfield at a time when Notts want the best, made for few awkward situations in school on derby weekend, but was always proud to say I was a Notts fan. Vicki: At school most of the kids was into forest, they thought only OAP's went to notts and I got a lot a stick at school Can you tell Pride of Nottingham about your favourite player growing up? Tom: Has to be Michael Johnson for ensuring we stayed in the football league with assistance from Hoult, was great how he returned home to his club and following season took a pay cut to end his career, one game in particular stands out against Rochdale, he took a battering all game with blocks, goalline clearance with shot hitting him right in his stomach, only to end the game with his first Notts County goal. Vicki: My favourite player Les Bradd, omg he was great lol So far this season, which game stands out the most to you and why is that? Tom: Curse of Hartlepool;) Game that possibly stands out most is first league game of the season, from that confidence increased and got the feeling no team be bullying us unlike last season. For majority of the season that as gone on to be the case. Vicki: Got to say yesterday, the team was crap first half, was a different time after half time (think Chris gave them a smack). If you were the manager and you could realistically sign two more players, which position would they be and who? Tom: I would sign a new striker in Tom Craddock in hope be able to show his potential, along with carrying on an impressive lower league scoring record. Second player would been Bogdanovic due to believing he would had the ability to ensure top 6 finish. Vicki: Striker, anyone who can put the ball in, sometimes i think midfield needs someone too. We've got the strongest side Notts County have had for many years, yet we are struggling. What's your take on the current form and how can we see past it? Tom: We seem to have hit a blip in form recently, one main reasons as to be our inability to score when on top, this then giving opposition the confidence to go down other end and go for the win, so only way past it is signing a striker. Sadly for what ever reason we have struggled last couple of years to sign a good one. Vicki: Think we have signed to many donkeys, they love the money but not our club, there's NO passion. Have you ever been to a match that wasn't Notts County related? If so can you tell about the match? Tom: Went to watch Mansfield Town play Portsmouth to see Tony Adams. But left disappointed due to him refusing to stop for picture and autograph. Vicki: Only to watch my sons play at school. How important would you say success is on the field for Notts and where did you see us finishing at the start the season? Tom: Very if we are to improve the gates and therefore increasing player budget, but same time good attacking players get fans in, so its a bit cat and mouse atm. Need more fans but fans want good players before willing to pay for matchday tickets. At start of the season under KC I expected play-offs with decent chance top 2, but sadly we are couple players short of that. So have to settle for decent chance at top 6. Vicki: VERY, VERY thought we would make the play off, still hoping, onwards and upwards NCFC for ever. Pride of Nottingham would like to thank Tom (who we wish the best with his business adventure) and Vicki. Many thanks for taking the time to answer our questions.

After a series of away games we finally managed to watch an home game at Meadow Lane, one I had been personally looking forward to watching. Mr Trews notes come at a time where the fans will genuinely appreciate having a clear insight into the daily life of the football club. After the dismissal of Keith Curle and other matters, Mr Trews notes reflect on a very important matter with regards to the attendances. Please take the time to read the notes as they give a little more reflection to life at Notts County. Good afternoon everyone and welcome to Meadow Lane for this npower League 1 fixture against Crewe Alexandra, our first home game under Caretaker Manager Chris Kiwomya. There are obviously a few things to cover in my notes this week, but I must start by wishing my wife Aileen a very happy birthday for yesterday and hope that you will join me in wishing her all the very best. I will let her tell you how old she is! I would also like to welcome the players, officials and, of course, the supporters of Crewe to Meadow Lane, I hope that they enjoy the hospitality available to them. Now, to the obvious matter of interest. Whilst I don’t want to dwell on the departure of Keith Curle as Manager last weekend, it would be remiss of me not to mention it and thank him and his team for the work that they did here at Meadow Lane. Suffice to say, performances had not been what we had hoped for in recent weeks, attendances had begun to drop, albeit for a number of reasons, there was a rising level of discontent amongst supporters and two wins in eleven games simply isn’t good enough at this stage of the season. That is a very brief summary of the reasons behind our decision, but I will be able to talk further about this at our Fans’ Forum, which is due to take place in the Meadow Lane Sports Bar on Friday 1 March. For now, I must call on everyone to get behind Chris Kiwomya and his team. No decision has been taken on a permanent appointment at this stage, but Chris has a great opportunity to state his case and I know it's an opportunity he is keen to seize. Onwards and upwards Ray Trew Chairman Many thanks to both Mr Trew and the media team for providing us with these notes.

Notts County today have confirmed the signing of John Cofie on loan from Manchester United. John spent time earlier in the season with Sheffield United where he scored 2 goals in 16 appearances. He's a young striker at the age of 20, hopefully adding some hunger to our squad. Notts agreed terms on Thursday with United and he travelled to Meadow Lane on Friday morning to complete his move. He is the first signing under caretaker manager Chris Kiwomya, who has signed in a fairly decent prospect and will have a pacey player at his disposal. Many fans might have hoped for a more experienced player, one whom may already have more playing experience but none the less we welcome John Cofie as a magpie! He started his career off at Burnley where he was highly rated for being strong, determined but also very fast. He quickly earned a move to Manchester United where he stayed in their youth system until late 2010. After which he moved onto their reserves team, since being loaned out. His first experience was found at Royal Antwerp of the Belgian Second Division which saw him play 13 times scoring 3 times. Speaking to our own resident from Manchester SteveMUP regarding this loan signing, Steve told me that John is a very raw product but gives nothing less than 100%. “He's still regarded fairly highly amongst the United fans who follow our development system” Steve added. “I had hoped he would establish himself further at Sheffield United, he's a very fast player. I see him being a very useful signing for Notts County. Obviously this isn't a signing that your fans will be over the moon about, give the lad a chance first”. John has been given the number 19 shirt, which makes him eligible for the game tomorrow. We encourage all fans to try to turn the recent events into positives, lets get behind the club and sing until we can't. http://youtu.be/M349xIgSHPg

Crewe Alexandra come to Notts having won their last two games, one in which was against Coventry City in the JPT. Notts County will be focusing on changing the recent form which has seen them lose two away matches to the hands of struggling Hartlepool and then last tuesday against Stevenage. Crewe haven't beaten Notts in the league for awhile, so Chris Kiwomya could very well be the man to continue this record against them. Pride of Nottingham has taken the time to ask Mike and Andy a series of questions. Firstly, could you tell prideofnottingham.co.uk a little about yourself, such as how long you've been a fan for? Mike: Hello, Thank you for this opportunity to Interact with some fellow football fans. My name is Mike Sheridan, I have been a Crewe fan for 30 years and a season ticket holder for 25, ups and downs have been witnessed by my eyes at this club. Many of those at the hands of great clubs such as yours. I cannot wait for this game. Andy: I have been a Crewe Alexandra fan for many years this is my 45th season and am the current Stadium Announcer We share the same amount of points, however you have a game in hand, if you beat us on Saturday your team will be making steady ground towards the play-offs. How important is it for you and for the club to be pushing on for a place in the play-offs? Mike: Our manager has said that the playoffs are his aim, but in my eyes finishing that high up is a bonus to surviving in a league we had no intentions of being in half way through last season. We are doing a bit better than what I expected though, so who knows! Andy: P.O place isnt that important most fans would be happy with a mid table finish anything else is clearly a bonus, but we want that JPT now we've got such a great chance. You haven't beaten Notts County in the league since 96/97 which since you've only managed to draw once, the rest resulting in defeats. Do you think this Saturday will be different considering our recent events? Mike: Is that how long its been? Wow, what a real thorn in our side! to be honest anything can happen on the day, I have always been a passionate believer in that when 22 men get on a football field. No records or off field situations have anything to do with their performances and overall result. Andy: Yes our record against County is very poor at best, on the back of a 0-3 win away at Coventry confidence has to be high. At the start of the season who did you think would win the league but also get promoted and finish in the play-offs? Mike: I genuinely thought Coventry and Preston would be the big two pushing around the auto promotion places. Swindon, Stevanage, Sheffield and yourselves were also top runners in my predictions. Andy: The obvious as in Sheff Utd and I always fancied Swindon to do well, P.O places I predicted could be County, MK, Doncaster and PNE. Crewe Alexandra have produce some of the best youths at our level, some of which have gone onto bigger clubs, such as David Vaughan. How many of your own youths feature in your current squad and do you rate any coming through the ranks? Mike: If you think back to our Wembley win, I think all but 3 of our starting XI were youth graduates. At the moment however with new signings from last summer and a couple of loanees I think That number is more like 5/6 depending on what side Davis goes with. I could name a few young lads who are coming the youth system, but I don’t think Mr. Gradi would be best pleased with me publicizing their names