Chris

It's a special double featured opposition view from Pride of Nottingham, as we speak with two Hartlepool United fans Mr Ripper and Poole In Nottingham. Notts will be looking to continue our new away record by making it 2 wins from 2 away games, whilst Hartlepool will be eager to cause us trouble. Hartlepool sit at the bottom of the table and their fans will be hoping for some light ahead of the difficult situation Hartlepool United find themselves in. It has been interesting for myself to read two fans views so I hope you enjoy the feature as much as I have. Firstly, could you tell prideofnottingham.co.uk a little about yourself, such as how long you've been a fan for? Mr R: I'm 39 and have been a fan for as long as I can remember. My dad took me to my first game when I was about 4 or 5. Poolie: I've been a Poolie since I was taken to my first game in 1983. We beat Halifax 3-0 and I was hooked. I moved to Nottingham in 1995 and have lived here ever since (in Beeston for the last 10 years or so). My job is selling and installing EPOS till systems. Me and oldest son Ewan are season ticket holders. For 5 years I was the editor of 'Monkey Business', the Pools fanzine, which is sadly no longer in print but is online now. Things haven't been going too well for Hartlepool United so far this season, could you tell me your views of the season up to this point? Mr R: We've been crap. Not just results wise but generally performance wise too. Performances have picked up slightly in the last month or two but at least half of the players we've got just aren't good enough. Poolie: It's been the worst I can remember. Many years ago we were bad, but that's because we had no money. Now we have money, but a collection of pea-hearted money grabbers masquerading as footballers. Unfit, uninterested and unlikely to find another league club when we release them. Before we played Sheffield United at the end of December, Own Goal was joint top scorer with 2, which I think is indicative of our plight. Your recent form is slightly better than the teams above you, do you feel the club can pull off a great escape? Mr R: A great escape? It would be monumental and would probably require four or five signings or half a dozen of the current bottom 10 teams going into admin and being docked at least 10 points! Poolie: Not a chance. If they do I will run round Market Square on a Saturday afternoon wearing nothing but a red indian headdress. At the start of the season Notts signed Gary Liddle who has been putting in impressive performances for us. How much of a loss is his presence form Hartlepool United? Mr R: Liddle was good when we first got him but to be honest he was gash for the last two seasons. The Liddle of the last two seasons he was here is no miss whatsoever. Poolie: Even if he was still here I don't think he'd have made too much difference. He'd been stale for the last couple of years anyway, so I wasn't really sorry to see him leave. Can you tell me your highlights from past and present memories of following your club away from home? Mr R: Highlights away from home? Before IOR (the current owners) bought the club the highlight of away days was the beer and the craic and getting a draw was a rare feat to savour. Since then we've had cracking away days including sealing play off places on the last day of the season and that can't really be bettered by anything other than a 3-0 win on our only ever visit to former local rivals Darlow's big daft ground. Poolie: Best away game is probably Peterborough away. First game back in the third tier for a long time. Blazing hot day, and we came back from 2 goals down twice to win 4-3. I've seen us play at about 70 grounds, including Meadow Lane about 6 times. There's lots of away days I miss - Sincil Bank, Field Mill, Millmoor - I even had a soft spot for Saltergate. I love a London trip, Charlton away where several hundred drunken Poolies dressed as Smurfs was brilliant. Often previous players come back to haunt their clubs, with Neal Bishop our captain suspended many expect Liddle to return back to midfield, how would it feel if he scored on Saturday? Mr R: I'd only be as bothered as if any of your players scored to be honest. Poolie: I hope no County players score on Saturday, but as we haven't kept a clean sheet since what seems like the Boer War, its highly likely they will. It doesn't matter to me which players score against us, they are all bastards to me. What formation do you see John Hughes playing and if you was to make the calls what would you do differently in terms of tactics? Mr R: We have a formation? Somebody should tell the players. If it was up to me I'd give them slightly different instructions to the current "go out there and run about a bit" that they appear to be being told. Poolie: Don't change a winning team, so keep the same starting line up that despatched Pompey last week. As for tactics, I don't know if our players are capable of understanding any. Who poses Notts County a risk and which players would you say we need to mark? Mr R: Not telling you. (none really) Poolie: You're just as likely to score an own goal than we are to score, but I would keep an eye on James Poole, as he has a point to prove after being left out for so long. Which players of Notts County do you feel could influence the game and would therefore require being marked by which of your players? Mr R: No idea, but if you've got any players with a bit of pace they should enjoy themselves. Poolie: Probably all of them - your keeper could have ten minutes up front at some point and you'll still come away with a clean sheet. This game will be my first away game for awhile, can you tell me about Hartlepool in general and about your stadium? Mr R: Hartlepool is great, on the coast, lovely beaches, good pubs, cracking beer. The ground is small but tidy although you get the short straw in your end if you're behind a pillar but it is the best stand in the ground for acoustics. Poolie: The ground has loads of character, with different sized stands built at different times. It's compact, and there's a low roof on the away end which amplifies any singing. Hartlepool is one of many former industrial towns around the country which have been neglected over the years. Not all of it is pretty, but we have a superb beach, Poolies are very friendly with a good sense of humour, virtually everything important (beer, food, taxis) is cheaper than in most places, and the fish and chips are great. Where do you see Notts County finishing at the end of the year? Mr R: Mid table. Poolie: 10th. How many fans do you think will be in attendance on Saturday? Mr. R: Seeing as though we've sold a fair few season tickets and had a few Saturday games postponed recently we might edge towards 4k if we're lucky and the weather isn't awful. Poolie: Under 3000. We have around 4000 season ticket holders, but given our awful performances, large numbers have decided to do something better on Saturday afternoons, such as unblocking drains or watching paint that has dried actually crack and fall off. I have to work this weekend, so I don't have to think of excuse. We would like to Thank both Mr Ripper and Poolie In Nottingham for taking the time to answer our questions.

Pride of Nottingham had kindly been allowed permission by Neal Bishop to ask him a series of questions. As one of our only surviving League Two winning players at the time, we were hopeful of being able to ask Neal some questions about his time at the club which he kindly accepted. During a busy December period the questions were sent across to Neal but unfortunately I waited to publish his answers. We're very grateful for the time and kindness shown by Neal who was expecting his first child with his partner Fran, which shows his dedication towards fans. Having spent time in the lower leagues, how did you feel when you made the step up to the football league with Barnet? Yeah i was delighted, i think i was 25 when the chance came to go into the football league with Barnet, there was a bit of interest from other clubs but Barnet made me feel like they really wanted me so it made my choice easy. How does this reflect now, having played with Notts in League one and being promotion challenges for the Championship? Looking back i honestly can say i wouldn't change the way my career has progressed, obviously i would have liked to go into the football league earlier but i loved my time in non league and met some great people so i wouldn't change that for the world Do you have any match day rituals? I've got no rituals are superstitions on a match day, as long as your preparation is spot on I don't believe putting 1 boot on before another makes that much difference! What's it like at Christmas being a professional footballer? Christmas is actually a time of year i really enjoy as its non stop games, and as a footballer, there's nothing better than playing competitive games, it can be hard on lads who are away from there family's but we get our time off come May so we cant really complain What do you consider to be your greatest achievement so far and what are your ambitions for the future? I think there's been so many personal highlights in the last few years it impossible to single out 1, the Man City games were brilliant, beating Sunderland, winning league 2, going to Juve, been made captain, all have been fantastic, for the future, the aim of myself and the football club has got to be the championship What's your favourite music, any particular bands/singers? I'm not someone who follows a particular singer or band, my music collection is fairly eclectic, there's stuff in there from 60s soul to 90s dance! What's been your favourite Notts shirt and football shirt in general? My personal favourite was the home shirt of our 1st season in league 1, as for the away shirts i like the pink 1 we currently play in You and Lee Hughes feature in our flyer, what are your thoughts on being featured on it for a Fan Site? Aha! very good! any picture I'm in with Hughsey as great as he makes me look like I've got hair! Apart from Lee Hughes, you are the only Notts player remaining from the 2009/10 season. What's it like for players who come in on loan or on a transfer that don't know any other players? I've never done it myself but i imagine its really hard to come into a new dressing room, full of strangers, knowing you could be gone again in a week or so, however since I've been here our dressing room has been full of great lads and anyone who has come in has been welcomed in to the group from day 1 Lastly, what would you say would be your most defining moment of this season so far? I'm hoping this seasons defining moment is yet to come! Please note that the questions were asked before Lee Hughes's departure. We would also like to Thank Neal for answering our questions and congratulate Neal and Fran! On their first child little baby Oscar! (Future Notts captain no doubt)

Various rumours often circulate around the footballing world, at Meadow Lane it's no different for Notts County especially in recent years (I dare not say why). Recent reports have seen us linked with an ex premiership striker who was originally assumed to be Craig Beattie, who failed to impress Keith Curle. It was stated in local media that he wanted to bring in players who could make an impact straight away and concerns regarding Craig’s fitness were raised therefore the experienced striker wasn't offered terms at the football club. In recent weeks various names have been mentioned but the club, especially the media team who suggest no signings will be made. Many fans also don't expect any additional squad players since Mr Trew openly spoke about clawing back a 70k loss. This doesn't seem to have made any impact on the rumours which have seen us in recent years linked with a fair few players. It depends where you read but you will come across at least one rumour surrounding a striker. Ian Henderson has been mentioned across various social streams including the official facebook page for Notts County. The most popular however surrounds a more experienced player, who is close to the end of his career. The player in question is at the age seemed to be preferred by Keith Curle being mature at the age of 33. Jason Scotland, who was released by Ipswich Town on the 21 January 2013 after agreeing terms to mutually terminate his contract, is being linked with Notts County in online media. This story is also gaining momentum on Twitter, which has seen tweets suggest that the player is set to sign with the club shortly. Jason, unlike previous targets, does show signs that he can be a prime goal scorer, as he had enjoyed a successful period with Swansea City netting 45 goals – in 90 games in 2007 to 2009 seasons. He also has had success at various clubs including St. Johnstone and most recently Ipswich Town where he scored 19 goals – in 87 games having been with the club since 2010 until his release. Typically a strong forward who plays very well off advanced midfielders, he's known for being in the right place at the right time and has scored a few goals from being a poacher due to good reading of the game. It is unclear if he has left the club due to his fitness levels although a different class from the earlier names being Beattie and Henderson. He could very well be worth the gamble, as calm composure could be what's missing at Meadow Lane at this point in time.

On the back of the first home win since November, Notts County fans will be planning their 134 mile journey to the home of Leyton Orient as our away record could roll on for a full year if we make the next couple of away games without defeat. This would be great achievement, adding to the fantastic year of celebrating 150 years. It's now more than ever we hope to see a return to consistency as Pride of Nottingham ask Orient fan Lee a series of questions in which we hope to gain further insight to the football club he supports. 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 supporter for over 25 years now and have a season ticket in the office block (West Stand). Tend to go to about 75% of the away games as well. How optimistic ahead of the season were you and the majority of the Orient fans? After last season when we just avoided relegation then I thought things couldn't get much worse, but we started in the same vein before picking up a bit. In your opening matches your side appeared to struggle with consistency bar the impressive win over Yeovil, how important were the 3 games you won in succession? The win at Swindon was hard fought and certainly changed the mood amongst the fans. In all honestly we were lucky to beat Brentford and the Yeovil game was the first time we had looked like a football team. Has the recent weather had any effect on your latest fixtures? Due to the weather and the cup fixtures we have had we have been playing Sat/Tues every week in January and will do near enough every week in February too. Some of our players look exhausted and could do with a rest. Are there any games which stand out for you personally this season and could you tell us about the match? Well I missed some of our better results (4-1 at Carlisle etc) due to being on holiday, but I would say the win at Swindon was very important as it looked like we didn't know how to win at the time. Russell Slade was caretaker manager of Notts County in 94/95 season but unfortunately for him it didn't work out, what are your thoughts on him as a manager? Some of our fans go overboard calling him "Super Russ", some go the opposite way saying he is awful. I think "Above Average" would be the term I would use for him. We can range from looking excellent to looking non-league under him. Has a Leyton Orient supporter could you tell us about your favourite players past and present? Past - Alan Comfort, Carl Griffiths, Steve Castle. Present - Moses Odubajo, Kevin Lisbie and Lee Cook. Can you tell our fans a little about your ground, facilities and any nearby pubs etc? The ground is hemmed in by flats and away fans get to sit in the oldest stand which is also the only one with pillars. You can get in the Supporters Club by paying on the door, or you have the Coach & Horses on Leyton High Road. If you want to venture further afield the Birkbeck Tavern is a fantastic pub. Please tell Pride of Nottingam who your main threats to Notts County are? Lee Cook if he is on his game. Do you have any thoughts on our players on who Orient should be wary of? Well it will be interesting to see if Leacock will show more interest in playing for you than he did for us, and Campbell-Ryce could cause us problems. I also dislike Colin West with a passion Are there any local derbies or grudge matches that you look forward to? We have just had one derby against Brentford, but have the prospect of Southend in the JPT Area final coming up. As the January transfer window is still open are you hopeful of any further signings? I think we are pretty much up to the 65% on wages, so if Cook and Rowlands stay I can't see us adding any more players after the signings of Macdonald and Azeez. We would like to Thank Southgate O (Lee) for taking the time to answer our questions.

On a night very much filled with optimism ahead of League One clash against Oldham Athletic, things again have turned to the weather which doesn't seem to be holding back Notts County or the great efforts shown by many involved within the club. The outcome I feel will be the turning point which leads me to mention Mr Trews comments from the #themag. In last nights edition were given more insight to some of our fans concerns as Mr Trew openly mentions talks about undersoil heating, also clearly the passion which PoN is trying to add on ourselves. Good evening everyone and welcome to a very wintery Meadow Lane as we look to beat the weather once again to play this npower League 1 game against Oldham Athletic. I have to start by saying a massive thank you to our Youth Team players and coaching staff, the office staff, groundstaff, the workforce supplied by our sponsors On-Call Recruitment and of course all of the supporters that volunteered to help get Saturday’s game against Sheffield United on. If you are reading this it hopefully means that we have managed to beat the frost again this evening, which will have been another fantastic achievement. I can’t stress how important it is for the club to get games on whenever possible, we always do all that we can to get matches to go ahead as scheduled. There has been further talk of undersoil heating over the past couple of weeks, but the truth is that, until we are at least in the Championship, this solution simply isn’t financially viable for us. That doesn’t mean that we are looking at and considering all available options though. I would like to welcome the players, officials and supporters of Oldham that have made the trip south this evening. It was their continued involvement in the FA Cup with Budweiser that meant this game had to be postponed of course and I would like to wish them all the best for their game against Liverpool in that competition this weekend. For Notts though, I am just hoping to see more of the passion and determination that were on show on Saturday because it is exactly that kind of display that we will need in every game from now until the end of the season if we want to be challenging for promotion. Onwards and upwards Ray Trew Chairman Pride of Nottingham again would like to Thank Mr Trew for his 'Chairman's Notes'.