Chris

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.