Chris

Introduction: Name: Michael Beardmore. How long have you supported Accrington Stanley? I’ve supported Accrington Stanley since I was about 8. I’m now 35. Are you a season ticket holder? Yes, I’m a season ticket holder. Age? 35. Favourite Player? Shaun Whalley. Andy Holt has been a prominent figure in the club’s management. How do you feel about his leadership and the direction he has taken the club? Are there any specific initiatives or changes he has implemented that you particularly appreciate or disagree with? Andy Holt has been amazing for Stanley. What he has built at the club is incredible, including the ground and clubhouse. I agree with the changes he has made. How would you rate Accrington Stanley’s performance so far this season? Are there any standout players who have made a significant impact? I don’t think we have played really badly. We’ve had a couple of tough games. Against Doncaster away, we were well in the game for 65 minutes. Shaun Whalley has been as consistent as always, showing quality. A few new lads have looked good too. Tyler Walton looks like a real find. Are there any specific matchups or battles on the pitch that you think will be particularly important in determining the outcome of the game? We just need our defence to stay strong. Maybe Farrend Rawson can try to keep Daavid McGoldrick quiet, but it won’t be easy. What are your expectations for the upcoming match against Notts County? Do you feel confident about Accrington Stanley’s chances? We played okay there last season, but again, it won’t be easy at all. I’d take a draw now; I’ll say 2-2. What do you see as the biggest challenges facing Accrington Stanley in the near future? Conversely, what opportunities do you think the club should capitalise on? It’s always the same for Stanley, keeping our better players is a challenge every season. And some of the young lads too. It’s not easy. What are your expectations for Accrington Stanley this season? Do you have any specific hopes or predictions for where the team will finish in the league? Safety first, I’d take mid-table, but I would love a play-off push. Maybe this young team, including Donald Love, isn’t quite ready for that yet. Accrington Stanley has a reputation for nurturing young talent. How do you feel about the club’s youth development program? Are there any young players you believe have the potential to become key figures in the future? We have a fantastic young set-up with the likes of Alex Henderson, Connor O’Brien, Dan Martin, Aaron Pickles, and a few more. Yes, the future does look bright. Final comments from Chris Accrington Stanley are always a team which is well-organised and works as a unit. They will be dangerous on the break and counter. Notts County must show their robust approach to defending, with Stanley being quite effective at set pieces and this will be a key area for the magpies' to balance. In attacking, Notts will have to make use of all the space on the pitch and when chances present themselves, it would be good to see the centre of the park explored and not just the flanks. We have the quality to punish them, but I believe it will fall down to pressure and who takes their chances. I predicted a 2-0 win for Notts. Join the conversation on Pride of Nottingham's match discussion as Notts County takes on Accrington Stanley at Meadow Lane - share your thoughts and predictions! Members of Pride of Nottingham are actively discussing the Notts County board's statement following the closure of the transfer window, join in and share your views!

Introduction: Name: Lee Witts. How long have you supported Swindon Town? I’ve supported Swindon since I was about four years old. Are you a season ticket holder? I’m not a season ticket holder because I have a young child at home who is too young to go to games at the moment. However, I go to most home games and some away games, including some long ones. Age? 29. Favourite Player? The legends Don Rogers and Sam Parkin. How do you feel about Swindon Town’s performance so far this season? What do you think are the main reasons behind the team’s current position in the league? I think we need new players. Our squad depth is shocking, which is why our start to the season hasn’t been good. We capitulated during the first home game against Walsall. How do you feel about the recent loan signings of Miguel Freckleton, Joel Cotterill, and Kabongo Tshimanga? How do you think these new players will integrate with the existing squad? Freckleton looks like he’ll be a decent signing after a few more matches. Cotterill needs to improve as he hasn’t had a good start. Tshimanga could be a great signing if he scores a few early goals. What are your expectations for the upcoming game against Notts County? Which Notts County players do you think Swindon Town should be most wary of? My expectation for the game on Saturday is a win, but I know that Notts are much better defensively so far this season. So, a draw would still be a solid result! If we control the midfield and limit Jatta’s service, I would be very happy. What strategies do you think Swindon Town should employ to secure a win against Notts County? How do you think Swindon Town’s recent signings, like Jeff King and Grant Hall, can contribute to the strategies you mentioned? Jeff King has an amazing cross and shot. If we find Smith in the box, he’ll likely win the header and score because of his stature. Even though Hall had a bad game against Walsall, he has plenty of Championship experience and should start performing well in the future. How has the fan support been this season, and how do you think it affects the team’s performance? What are your thoughts on the management and coaching staff’s approach this season? Our fans expect more than what we’ve been giving them. We’re one of the biggest clubs in this division on paper, but we’ve nearly gone out of business and underperformed in the last four or five years. Our fanbase is fed up and wants to see results and passion. This season, we’re playing more direct football than we have in the past, and it will take some time to get used to. But I believe we can turn our fortunes around. Are there any particular players you are excited to see develop this season? Which player do you think has been the standout performer so far this season? I think Will Wright has been our standout performer. He looks very solid, and he was a great signing after his success with Crawley last year. He’s also a set-piece expert, so he’s my best player so far this season. When he finally gets fit, Sean McGurk is a very talented youngster, and I can’t wait to see him flourish in the right hands. What are your hopes and expectations for Swindon Town for the rest of the season? What changes or improvements would you like to see in the team moving forward? The playoffs were our objective this season, but after the first three games, and if nothing improves, I’d probably say mid-table or even relegation if our performances don’t change. However, we have a lot more experience this season, and I think we should be okay. How do you think Swindon Town can effectively cope with teams that like to retain a high amount of possession? Additionally, what adjustments do you think the team should make to their defensive and midfield strategies to counter such teams? I think we’ll struggle on the counter-attack. Walsall, for example, punished us every time they attacked in the last home game. However, not every game will be like that, and I think we’ll have our fair share of possession over a long and fruitful season. Also, I think we have a good chance of getting a result against Notts County if we can keep Jones quiet on Saturday. Final comments from Chris It’s still very early in the season, and Swindon Town’s start is a false impression of their abilities. They are a good League Two team with some very good players, and the arrival of Kabongo Tshimanga on loan from Peterborough United should give them a threat up top. Notts will see this as a good opportunity to continue their undefeated start. I believe it will take a few more games before Swindon start to pick up their season, so I think their form will benefit Notts if we control the game. Jodi Jones and our midfield will be crucial in making the game difficult. I think Swindon will be defensively tight and hard to break down. The Magpies must be creative in their bid to get their first three points on the road. I predict a 2-0 win, but I acknowledge that it could end in a draw. Take a moment to cast your vote for the Pride of Nottingham Player of the Month for August and recognise the standout performances! Pride of Nottingham member Blake encourages fans to share their love for Notts County by posting their favourite memories with fellow supporters!

Born on 16 November 1898 in Derby, Tom Keetley was a legendary English footballer who played as a centre forward. He was part of a footballing family, with several of his brothers, including Arthur, Harry, Joe, Frank and Charlie, playing professionally as well. Keetley started his career with Bradford Park Avenue before joining Doncaster Rovers in 1923. He played for Doncaster for a decade and became their all-time leading goalscorer, scoring 180 goals in 231 appearances. Keetley's impressive performances caught the eye of many clubs, and in 1929, he signed for Notts County for a fee of £750. Keetley's debut for the Magpies was a memorable one, as he scored a hat-trick against Bristol City in a 3-1 win. The 1930-31 season was one of his best, as he scored a remarkable 39 league goals for Notts, a record that stood for 92 years until it was broken by Macaulay Langstaff in 2023. Keetley's goals helped Notts to a third-place finish in the First Division in the 1930-31 season, their highest ever league finish. Keetley's playing style was that of a traditional centre forward, who was tall, strong and good in the air. He was also known for his ability to score goals with both his feet and head. Keetley's physical attributes and goal-scoring prowess made him a fan favourite at Notts, where he spent most of his career. His career spanned from 1919 to 1934, during which he scored 284 goals in the Football League. Despite his success on the pitch, Keetley's personal life was not without its challenges. In an era where footballers were not paid as much as they are today, Keetley struggled financially after retiring from football. He became a publican but was declared bankrupt in 1945. Keetley also suffered from ill health in his later years and died in August 1958, aged 59. Notts County fans still hold Keetley in high regard, and he is regarded as one of the club's greatest ever players. His record-breaking season in 1930-31 will always be remembered as one of the finest individual performances in the club's history. His legacy at Notts is further cemented by the fact that he is still the club's all-time leading scorer in the top flight of English football, with 64 goals in 108 appearances. Football has come a long way since Keetley's playing days, with the sport now being the most popular ball game in the world. However, the issue of the welfare of young players in academies and the challenges of life after football still persist. The tragic death of 18-year-old Jeremy Wisten has reignited soul-searching about the role football academies play in developing young players and whether the sheer scale of the operation makes it exploitative. While Keetley's career may have ended almost 90 years ago, the challenges he faced off the pitch are still relevant today. Footballers at all levels should be aware of the importance of planning for their future after their playing career comes to an end. Keetley's story serves as a reminder that footballing success on the pitch does not always translate to financial stability off the pitch. Tom Keetley's football career was one of great success, as a dominant centre-forward who played a vital role in Notts County's best-ever league finish. His memory lives on in the hearts of football fans across England. Take a walk down memory lane by reading more Notts Alumni articles on the Pride of Nottingham, published every fortnight. Join the Pride of Nottingham and subscribe to one of our tiers to support the site’s upkeep and future, ensuring we continue to bring you the best Notts County content.

Introduction: Name: Elliott Hanley. Neil Wilkinson. How long have you supported Grimsby Town? Elliott: Since I started watching Town. Neil: 48 years. Are you a season ticket holder? Elliott: Yes, I have a season ticket. Neil: No. Age? Elliott: 27. Neil: 57. Favourite Player? Elliott: At the moment, there are a few. Neil: Danny Rose. What are your thoughts on Grimsby Town’s performance in their first game of the season, and how do you think it sets the tone for the rest of the season? Elliott: We weren't at our best, and it showed in the defeat. However, new players are still coming in and getting to know each other, so I wasn't worried! Yes, you want to start the season with a win and gain momentum, but August still feels like pre-season to me, with players coming and going. This was evident in the performances against Bradford and Cheltenham. Neil: A slow start, but you can see what they are trying to achieve. Playing from the back and then moving the ball quickly through the phases. It didn’t work particularly well in the first game of the season. Which player do you think has been the standout performer for Grimsby Town in these initial games, and what specific qualities or contributions have they brought to the team? Elliott: For me, there are three: McJannet has been brilliant, Khouri, playing at left-back, has put in a shift and done the job needed, but George McEachran has been quality! He looks like his time at Swindon is behind him, and he’s showing his actual potential. Neil: Jordan Davies is going to be our outstanding player. He’s a class above most in the division. He links the play up really well and can receive the ball in very tight spaces. How do you feel about the team’s current management and coaching staff, and what impact do you think they have had on the team’s early performances and morale? Elliott: I think we should give David Artell time and allow the season to progress; we’ll do well! Neil: Artell and the coaching staff always needed a pre-season with their own players, so time will tell, but the early signs are good. Morale will improve with each game, as will confidence once we start getting results under our belt. What do you think are the key strengths and weaknesses of Grimsby Town’s squad based on the first two games, and how do you think these will affect their performance in the upcoming match against Notts County? Elliott: I feel we need another centre-forward and a central defensive midfielder, but I think the team is strong. Thompson was a standout in the second half of last season, and we have a brilliant midfielder. However, we don’t have someone who can replicate Thompson, as most of our other midfielders are more attacking. Neil: We don’t appear to have much strength in depth. Our bench against Bradford was pretty weak. It remains to be seen which players will recover in time for the County game, but I’m confident that if we keep this group fit, we will do okay. How do you see the upcoming match against Notts County playing out, and what do you think will be the decisive factors in determining the outcome? Elliott: I feel Grimsby will win, mainly because I think you’ve got rid of some of your best players from last year. However, at home last season, Jodi Jones tore us apart and was brilliant. I’d take Jodi Jones at Grimsby in a heartbeat! Neil: I believe we will win. The midfield will be important. Ours is playing with a lot of belief at the moment after the last two games. We have to be decisive in front of goal, though. Are there any specific tactics or strategies you think Grimsby Town should employ against Notts County, and how do you think these will counter Notts County’s strengths? Elliott: Just carry on playing the way we are, and we’ll be absolutely fine! Artell-ball is in full swing! Neil: We’ve developed our style of playing out from the back and drawing the opposition in before playing through the lines. The result will depend on this continuing to work. Our confidence is up at the moment, so we should persevere with it. What are your expectations for Grimsby Town for the rest of the season based on their early performances, and what do you think the team needs to do to achieve these goals? Elliott: We’ll be absolutely fine. I think we might be underdog dark horses in my opinion. I think David Artell has implemented a way of playing which looks like it can work, especially if we work hard week in and week out! Neil: Again, we just need to persevere with our style of play. We are a much more confident side than last season, and I’m expecting a mid-table or above finish. I certainly don’t expect to be in a relegation battle. With some injured players back in the next few weeks, we will have some strength in depth, but we probably need a couple of players before the transfer deadline. Final comments from Chris It's going to be another difficult game, one where Notts must have to be at their best. Local derbies tend to be a bit disappointing, so I am hopeful that we can make a difference going into this game. Starting well, retaining the ball and creating clear chances would make things much easier. I expect Grimsby to be dangerous themselves on goal, but provided our defence continues to want to win the ball back. I am more inclined to think Notts will get the win. I am going for a 2-1 win. Join in with the Pride of Nottingham's match discussion ahead of Thursday's clash against Grimsby Town - have your say and read what other fans think? Check out Pride of Nottingham's web store! We are a non-profit fan site, which relies on the support and funding from fans. This is a great way to get something exclusive but to also show your support for PON.

Fan Introduction: Name: Tom Pratt. How long have you supported Fleetwood Town?I have supported Fleetwood Town for 18 years. Are you a season ticket holder? I am a season ticket holder. Age? 30. Favourite Player? Danny Mayor. How do you feel about Fleetwood Town’s pre-season preparations this year? Were there any standout performances or new signings that caught your eye? Also, what are your thoughts on the team’s performance in the opening game of the season? I think Fleetwood Town has had a good pre-season this year. Mark Helm has caught my eye as a key player. I think they played well in the opening game of the season; they looked good defensively, but not so much in attack. Reflecting on Fleetwood Town’s performance last season, what were some of the key moments or challenges that stood out to you? Given the club’s relegation, what changes or strategies would you like to see implemented to help the team bounce back and achieve promotion? I think Charlie Adam coming in steadied the ship. I would have liked to see Fleetwood make more signings in the attacking positions. I started supporting Fleetwood because a family member was part of the club. Memorable moments for me include winning six promotions in ten years and also winning the League Two play-offs at Wembley. What are your thoughts on the upcoming match between Fleetwood Town and Notts County? How do you think both teams will perform, and where do you believe each team will finish at the end of the season? I think it would be a great match and I think they will both be challenging for automatic promotion. How do you feel about the current depth of Fleetwood Town’s squad? Are there any specific areas or positions where you think the team could improve or strengthen to enhance their performance this season? I think Fleetwood need more options at striker. Who do you believe will win the League Two title this season and secure the automatic promotion places? Additionally, which teams do you think will finish within the playoff spots, and what are your reasons for these predictions? I think Fleetwood will possibly win League Two this season. Notts County will finish runner-up, and in the last automatic position, I think it will be Gillingham. I think the play-offs will include Bradford, Port Vale, Chesterfield, and Tranmere. I believe it will be like this because each of these teams has recruited well for the standards of League Two. Final comments from Chris Fleetwood Town should not be underestimated, they come to Meadow Lane having beat West Brom in the League Cup 2-1, as well as winning their opening League Two game of the season against Grimsby 1-0. Notts must shrug of the disappointment of losing in the League Cup against Shrewsbury Town, as an impressive first half saw a 2-0 lead which the Shrews overcame in the second half, pulling back to level terms and going 3-2 up before Alassana Jatta forced both teams into penalty shoot-out. Notts must approach the game like the 0-0 draw against Tranmere, but work hard to create efforts on goal. So far, only 4 shots have been registered by the Magpies' on goal and this will need to be much higher come Sunday. It should be a good game, but I do feel Fleetwood won't be pushovers and may force Notts to dig deep to pull off a good result. Notts County has recently celebrated 5-years under the Reedtz Brothers ownership. Have a look at what the Pride of Nottingham community has to say and join in by sharing your own thoughts on their time at the club. Pride of Nottingham member, Robbie writes: "Conor Grant, who is he?' Find out more about the latest Notts County recruitment and be sure to leave a comment on the topic.