Chris

Highlights from the Ricoh Arena as a Jodi Jones hat-trick handed the hosts an opening-day win.

To say I was optimistic about Coventry that is an understatement, however I really enjoyed the travel. I had quick kip on the coach and was awaken by @magpiejue gently nudging me. I didn’t sleep all that well the night before, however the first thing I saw was the Ricoh Arena. From the outside it looks too big to be in League One, let alone the fourth tier of English football. That feeling I had at Stevenage emerged but the atmosphere wasn’t the same, I spoke to virtually everyone I know and some new faces and ‘I’d take a draw today’ was the common reply. Pre-match for me wasn’t like a typical League Two game, for me it reminded me of playing at an higher level and I got that hopeful feeling that we could do something special – Notts honestly deserves a good season merely for all the loyal supporters who travel to virtually every game and devote their wholeheartly support to the club. Here are my five favourite pictures from Coventry City v. Notts County #1 #2 #3 #4 #5 -- Click to view the full gallery 'Faces of PON' on Pride of Nottingham's popular Facebook page here. -- Share your thoughts about this below and don't forget to join in with the Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. We at Pride of Nottingham want you to enjoy all our content for free. If you fancy helping us provide even better content, however, please consider contributing to PON by clicking here!

Notts County began the 2017/18 League Two season away at Coventry City in a highly-anticipated clash at the Ricoh Arena. A total of 1,727 members of the Black and White Army descended upon the West Midlands to see the Magpies open their account for the campaign following a summer of rebuilding both on the pitch and behind the scenes. As it turned out, the Sky Blues were in inspired form following their humiliating relegation from League One last season, and the teenage prodigy Jodi Jones rattled a hat-trick past Notts for a 3-0 final result. In this article, Pride of Nottingham looks at several aspects of the game, from the performance to whether the result was fair, and how to move on from this. Was the result fair? The final score reflects badly on Notts, the players only have themselves to blame with how poorly we allowed Coventry City to wrap up the game. There’s no denying, the Sky Blues easily deserved the win. How did Notts County play? Notts enjoyed bright spells early on, yet there were issues with support which meant key areas were disconnected. You could argue that the opening day nerves simply got the better of Notts, or that the game was ruined by the poor officials, but quite simply Notts didn’t play well enough as a unit at all. How did Coventry City play? They played quite well, however if you remove Jodi Jones from the equation, they had no real threat. Whilst most Notts fans like myself didn’t appreciate how easily their players went down, which included outright diving, Coventry did pass very well and looked to make use of the space available to them (which at times was huge pockets of the pitch). Overall they played okay. Did our tactics work out? I can see what Kevin Nolan had tried to do, however his starting 11 was massively flawed. We had nobody who could dictate the tempo, or be direct in areas where we just needed to get forward. Starting two up front was a welcome addition to me, however in the game the age up front was clear for all. Notts needed pace there desperately and I left feeling like we had underestimated Coventry City. How did the referee perform? Very poorly, he allowed Coventry to milk the play and awarded them virtually every opportunity that one of their players was shot down by the invisible sniper in the ground. Honestly, I don’t believe he was very fair and he largely spoiled the game. His efforts at taking lengthy spells to talk to players, and his inability to allow the game to flow was disappointing – otherwise don’t get me started on him! Who do we play next? Our next league game is against Chesterfield at Meadow Lane, the players desperately need to re-group here and claim the points available. I would say that a win is the encouragement we need otherwise it could be a very disappointing start to the 2017-18 League Two season. How should we play them? I’d like us to start with a bit of energy up front, I would rest Jon Stead and replace him for one of our younger options. I would certainly start Jorge Grant from the start, with possibly Haydn Hollis starting too. Despite Richard Duffy being the captain, I would drop him but this isn’t likely to happen at all. I’m unsure if using full backs and three defenders would work, at this stage it’s hard to gauge what could work – yet I think it’s important we phase our attacks better and offer the defence as much support as possible. Perhaps we could try to counter attack Chesterfield as Coventry did us? We need to cover the space behind us for sure. Here is what Coventry fans thought about the game, courtesy of Sky Blues Talk: AlansEyes: Jones gets a hat trick, yet I'm sure James Collins will still be mentioned on here a few times over the next few days. I was joking with my 20 goals from Jones this season, but then again... Mick Quinn. Dion Dublin. Jodi Jones. The CCFC opening day hat trick club. What a time to be alive. Astute: So happy. Fair play to Jones. That will give his confidence a massive boost. And that is one strong Duck that we have. I hppe there will be room in the team for him to start. He will s**t the life out teams at this level. But the major bonus for me is O'Brien. Confident and he can catch the ball. He seems to know when to stay and when to come for the ball. The defence seemed to cope with the long ball most of the time. Does anyone still think Doyle wasn't a good signing? Skybluetony176: Great opening day result. Well done the team, well done MR and especially well done JJ. Delighted for the lad. Never doubted his skill just felt he needed some belief and better decision making. Hopefully he's turned a big corner today and his career can really kick on and we can benefit from that. Johnnythespider: Always good to start with a win, hats off to Jodi. Impressed by O'Brien in goal and the battling when needed, considering it was practically a new team things can only get better. I hope. Kingokings: Great game and it was a 3-0 game. Notts county were poor and I would be dissapointed if I was a fan. Opening day I would expect a lot more. The thing is notts county will probably finish around mid table so there is worse to come than them. Fair play to us and jones was terrific. Not too sure on Beavon and mcnulty to get the goals for promotion but now the duck is here and looked great then maybe a problem solved. Looked solid at the back for once and never thought we were going to concede really (partly due to county being poor) centre mid looked fiery and ran their socks off. Here is to a decent season after that. Share your thoughts about this tactics feature article on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. We at Pride of Nottingham want you to enjoy all our content for free. If you fancy helping us provide even better content, however, please consider contributing to PON by clicking here!

I, like many Notts County fans, went to Coventry feeling very optimistic. The majority of supporters whom I spoke to said we they would take a point – something I strongly agreed with. I felt our hopes mainly relied upon our players being eager to start well, or perhaps the Sky Blues underestimating us. For the first 15 minutes I would say we played quite upbeat, however every time Coventry attacked they broke with so much space available to them. Notts seemed jagged and very unconnected going forward - every time space presented itself to us, one of the Notts players would just wastefully lump the ball forward or rush the play. Seriously, I don’t understand why at times we were trying to force the play at all? Anyone would have realised our way into the game was playing Coventry at their own game, keeping it nice and simple but making space to move forward. We played quite wide, yet certain players remained narrow or closely tied to the opposition, which in effect made it harder to bring them into the game – so a pattern emerged whereby the centre of the park wasn’t widely used and we just attempted to get balls from out wide into the box. This is another gripe for me - there was nobody spread out for rebounds! Terry Hawkridge played some good football, and our best chance came from him trying to get forward. However, there were balls played into the box where Shola Ameobi was very isolated, strike partner Jon Stead seemed missing for the majority of the game. I mean, I’m not overly worried. I think the opening-day nerves got the better of our players and the Ricoh Area is a grand stage which may have got them caught in those headlights Kevin Nolan mentioned in his post-match interview. Yet it was clear after Coventry started pressing more, perhaps around 12th minute that Notts desperately lack someone direct (*cough* *cough* Jorge Grant) and someone with pace upfront. And the usual suspects can’t really be blamed for the three goals conceded. I thought Adam Collin actually put in a very decent performance in goal. Dan Jones disappointed me from a defensive point of view, and I thought Richard Duffy didn’t do a very good job of organising his defence. Liam Walker didn’t seem the player who could change the outcome, with Elliot Hewitt also seeming like a bystander on the pitch. The issue largely lies with the tactics, line-up and organising in-game. I also felt we didn’t match the Sky Blues with determination, passion or energy – in fact they looked the fitter squad. I don’t want to get started with the referee, he killed any chance we had to gain momentum by bringing the ball back at every oppatunity and how the hell he brought into some of Coventry’s poor ice skating tactics I will never know! Most of the squad just didn’t turn up, they didn’t support each other and we never really seemed to have a clue how best to go forward. Grant injected a lot of what we was missing, yet he was the only player on the pitch that looked any different. Ameobi for me is faultless, he tried and got stuck in – he simply didn’t have the service or support to be that powerful striker we know he can be. The most disappointing aspect for me is the poor marking, all the goals seemed very soft. The first I found annoying, Jodi Jones given all the time in the world to pick his shot. The second is the most frustrating because it sealed the game at a point where there was hope of getting a draw. How we can allow a player to turn from a front facing position, to turning his back to our defender – all at the time with no challenge being made and allowing an opposition side to score so easily is really disappointing. We only had two players in a defensive position; we got caught cheaply on the break by being careless. And please do comment on who it was for us who ran back to get into a defensive position, only to be caught into some sort of bubble – I think it was Rob Milsom. I don’t fault his effort to get back but the defending was dire! As I’ve written, I’m not overly concerned and the issues are largely something Kevin Nolan can fix. I think it’s important we stay grounded and supportive, as Chesterfield won’t be an easy team to beat, but we need to defend much better. We need to take our time, allowing ourselves to get a proper feel for the game because hoofing the ball is extremely wasteful – as is rushing the passing. Honestly, we gave our support yesterday and all those who attended were let down massively. But we must be stronger in our game and try to get the points against the next two teams, I have limited interest in the League Cup – so I hope we use the game to see how we can get more pace up front (Jonathan Forte or Callum Saunders perhaps). Share your thoughts about this feature article on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. We at Pride of Nottingham want you to enjoy all our content for free. If you fancy helping us provide even better content, however, please consider contributing to PON by clicking here!

Despite Notts having started brightly, Coventry City took control of the game and ended the game claiming all three points in a comprehensive 3-0 win. Adam Collin saved well at his near post early to deny Michael Doyle, but Notts found more time on the ball and enjoyed a lengthy spell as Terry Hawkride came close him self after hitting the post just seven minutes later. On the 28th minute mark Shaun Brisley's flicked header went wide of the goal. Moments later, the Sky Blues found enough space in the Notts defence for Jodi Jones to slot his shot into the bottom corner. In the second half Coventry continued to dominate, with only inspiration coming from Magpies substitute Jorge Grant. However, it wasn't enough as Jodi Jones wrapped up the win with two goals as Notts were caught cheaply on the counter attack in the final 10 minutes. Here are the match highlights from the official Notts site - see for yourselves how the Magpies got on. Share your thoughts about the highlights on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.

Notts County began the 2017/18 League Two season with a difficult trip to Coventry City on Saturday 5 August. A total of 1,727 members of the Black and White Army descended upon the Ricoh Arena to see the Magpies open their account for the campaign. As it turned out, the Sky Blues were in inspired form following their humiliating relegation from League One last season, and the teenage prodigy Jody Jones rattled a hat-trick past Notts for a 3-0 final result. Despite the poor result, it was good to see all the Notts faithful congregated together once again to enjoy all the thrills and spills of supporting their beloved team. Pride of Nottingham was at the Ricoh for the game and took pictures of fans - see if you've made it in this week's Faces of PON! Share your thoughts about this week's edition of Faces of PON on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. We at Pride of Nottingham want you to enjoy all our content for free. If you fancy helping us provide even better content, however, please consider contributing to PON by clicking here!

Ahead of Notts County's opening fixture of the 2017/18 League Two season, against Coventry City at the Ricoh Arena, Pride of Nottingham spoke to Sky Blues fan George Baker (Twitter: @georgedbaker_) to get an insight on the opposition. About George: I'm 19 years old and have been supporting the Sky Blues since I was about 6. My Dad, who happens to be the chairman of the Sky Blue Trust nowadays, took me to my first game at Highfield Road in a game against Birmingham which we drew 1-1 I believe and I've been hooked ever since. I would say I would have a genuine love for the club and I think I know that since they've broken my hear so many times over the last few years! What was your initial reaction to the fixtures release, and are you happy with the opening fixture? Seeing the fixture list for the first time was a bit of a reality check to be honest with you. When I first started supporting the team, we were a mid-table Championship side who had previously had 35 years in the top flight up until 2001. And now, we're in the fourth tier and playing the likes of Forest Green, Mansfield Town and Lincoln City. I don't mean any offence to those teams mentioned but it just highlights our fall from grace. As for our opening fixture against Notts County, I think it's a tough first game for sure. I fully expect them to be challenging for the play-offs at the very least so Saturday's game may provide an indication of where the two sides will end up come the end of the season. It would have been nice to have been eased into League Two with a slightly easier opponent but it may be a positive to chalk off a game against one of our rivals this season. After last season's disappointment, how do you think Coventry City will adapt to life in League Two and what have you made of your pre-season? After last year's relegation we've been quick in clearing out a lot of the deadwood and replacing it with a fair bit of quality. I must admit I think we have a better team now than we did in League One. I think we have the right manager this year though and Mark Robins appears to have built a squad to withstand the rough and tumble of League Two. I think we may take a short while to adapt, not just to the League but as a team as nine new faces are being bedded into the squad with a few more expected but come September/October that's when we'll really get the ball rolling. As for pre-season, it's been a mixed bag. We've had a few decent results and one or two uninspiring performances but I don't look to much into pre-season. I'll be making my first full judgement this weekend! Which three players should Notts County be aware of, and which would you say is your key man and why? I think all of our danger men are new signings at the club. We'll start off at the back with Jack Grimmer. We've signed him from Fulham after some decent loan spells at Shrewsbury and judging from his first few outings he looks to be a real asset. He is able to bomb up and down the right hand side and is more than capable of beating his man and whipping a cross into the box. With Chris Stokes playing a more defensive left-back role it allows Grimmer push further up the field and provides an welcome option in attack. Our second player to watch out for sits in the middle of the pitch and that would be Peter Vincenti. We somehow managed to prize him away from Rochdale and he's a player who really excites me. Whilst he's the wrong age of 30, I believe he's still got plenty in the tank. We are likely to deploy him on the left of an attacking three and standing at 6 foot 5, he'll be real threat at the back post from Grimmer's deliveries. Our final player to watch in my opinion is Marc McNulty, who I believe will challenge for not only club top scorer but also the league as a whole. He's scored three in pre-season which yes were all from the penalty spot but he's shown to a be a real threat. He tends to play in the number ten role so picks up space in between the midfield and defence and will likely be playing off knock downs and link up play with Stuart Beavon, who is another player to arguably watch out for. Do you have any memories of Notts County over the years? If so, please share a couple of your favourite memories. I'm not sure I have too many memories of Notts County if I'm honest, since I've supported Coventry we haven't played on too many occasions - and when we have we tend to lose! I remember Jack Grealish tearing us apart a few seasons ago at your place! Both clubs have experienced somewhat turbulent times due to ownership, how do you feel about Otium Entertainment Group (SISU) and would having a good League Two season put things right? I like many want rid of SISU. They are nothing but a cancer to this club and until they leave we will not move forward. If we were to have a good season and get promoted then of course, that would be fantastic but it wouldn't solve our ownership problems. We still lack investment on the pitch. We have another ongoing court case against our landlords, our rent agreement ends at the end of this season, as does our academy's stay at their usual facility. A promotion would not fix the mess we are in. It may help, but we really are a shambles. There is talk of a takeover and that is the only way we can move forward. Until we have new owners, I don't believe that any form of success can rectify or put right what SISU have done wrong. What do you think the score will be? It's a hard one to call as both teams will be looking to make a statement early on. I think there will be goals though. I'll go for a 2-2 draw, an entertaining draw that is. McNulty and Willis scoring for us. Share your thoughts about this opposition view article on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. We at Pride of Nottingham want you to enjoy all our content for free. If you fancy helping us provide even better content, however, please consider contributing to PON by clicking here!

A brand new season is about upon us as Kevin Nolan’s Notts County travels to the Ricoh Area where The Magpies’ will take on Mark Robins' Coventry City. The hosts haven’t been in the bottom tier of English football since the 1958-59 season and will be highly expected to bounce back into League One at the first attempt. Notable summer recruitments for Coventry City consist of Jack Grimmer, Marc McNulty, Michael Doyle and Liam O’Brien. The Sky Blues, much like Notts, will be hoping that the additional strengthening of their defence will be enough to overturn last season’s disappointment (relegation, in their case), and allow the club to return to better times. Run-down of their last five pre-season friendlies Saturday 8th July – Sutton United 0 Coventry City 1 Tuesday 18th July – Barnsley 3 Coventry City 1 Tuesday 25th July – Mickleover Sports 0 Coventry City 1 Saturday 29th July – Coventry City 0 Liverpool XI 0 Sunday 30th July – Nuneaton Town 1 Coventry City 2 The Players – Fact Sheet Former Notts loanee Kwame Thomas features for the Sky Blues as a striker; the 21-year-old has made 14 appearances, netting three goals. The Key Players Marc McNulty will be hoping to impress his new club after leaving Sheffield United in the summer, the striker has tallied up a fair few goals whilst playing for various clubs and will be eager to showcase his talent within League Two. Peter Vincenti will also be a key man for Coventry City come Saturday, his influence and play will be a major asset in midfield. Liam Kelly and Kyel Reid will also offer the hosts a lot of bulk with their attacking phases, so Notts will have to be aware of their runs and prevent any chance of the midfield duo running in behind our defence. Style of Play, Strengths, and Weaknesses I fully expect Mark Robins to be more direct with Coventry City on Saturday, bolstering their attacking options in a formation, which will suit their attempts to retain the ball – as they attempt to dictate the tempo. In pre-season the Sky Blues have been trying to strengthen themselves up at the back and put together a convincing performance to hold out against a very talented Liverpool XI largely made up of under-21 talent. City are known for being a direct club, who patiently build play and use their wide-man to make the difference. However, they have a fairly weak link in goal - the defence can be punished with clever play and from set pieces, with Liam Walker being a noticeable candidate for Notts in order to utilitise free space found at the back. Much of the game will be played within the centre of the park, so it will be vital that we try to use our crossing and chances from distance in order to gain momentum. Share your thoughts about this article on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. We at Pride of Nottingham want you to enjoy all our content for free. If you fancy helping us provide even better content, however, please consider contributing to PON by clicking here!

Defender Shaun Brisley speaks to iFollow Notts after signing for the Magpies.