Chris

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”.