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Notts County have strengthened their defensive line-up with the acquisition of Harrogate Town defender, Rod McDonald. The 32-year-old, who boasts over 200 EFL appearances, joins the team for an undisclosed fee and has penned a two-year contract. Richard Montague, a board member who leads on recruitment, expressed his enthusiasm: “Rod, with his proven track record as a robust EFL defender, brings exceptional depth to our backline. “As well as his excellent defensive attributes, physical presence, and ball-handling abilities, he adds leadership and experience to the squad. “Having won two promotions from this division and being named Crewe’s Player of the Season in 2022-23, we have every confidence he will be a significant addition to the team." McDonald began his career as a youngster at Manchester City and Stoke City before making his way into the EFL by showcasing his talents in non-league football. Chris Wilder provided McDonald with his EFL opportunity, signing him for Northampton Town and seeing him become a regular starter in the 2015-16 League Two title-winning side. McDonald's next move took him to Coventry City, where he was part of the squad that defeated Notts County in the 2018 League Two play-offs, before he headed south to play League One football with AFC Wimbledon. Two years at Carlisle United followed, culminating in his award-winning season at Crewe which eventually led to his move to Harrogate. Pride of Nottingham member, Robbie has shared his views on the signing of Rod McDonald, along with other members - join in by sharing your thoughts! Read up on the latest development at Meadow Lane, with Notts' ground staff working hard to provide a tremendous quality pitch. Join in with the discussion!

The home of Notts County, Meadow Lane, has undergone a transformation that promises to elevate the club to new heights. The stadium, steeped in history and tradition, has had its first full pitch reconstruction since the 1990s, a project that signifies the club's ambition and commitment to progress. Despite the commendable efforts of the ground staff, it has become increasingly evident that the pitch was in desperate need of a complete overhaul. The underlying drainage system and sub-soil base had begun to fail, necessitating a total replacement. It's a testament to the resilience of the team that the club managed to avoid match postponements due to waterlogging this season. "We had massive problems with the underneath of the pitch. Everyone sees it nice and green and lush, but we struggle with drainage," explained Matt Hallam. The board had recognised the urgency of the situation and agreed to modernise the entire infrastructure of the pitch and its surroundings. The comprehensive project has introduced a state-of-the-art drainage system, virtually eliminating the threat of waterlogging. "Many times last year, we had a really bad winter with a lot of rain and waterlogging. We did get lucky a few times, but this really had to be done," Hallam noted. He also mentioned that after removing the turf, "you could see the standing water on the actual soil," highlighting the extent of the drainage issues. Furthermore, a new hybrid SIS pitch has been installed, bringing the composition of our playing surface up to Premier League standards. Hallam elaborated, "We still use perennial ryegrass when we seed, and they probably won't see the artificial fibre stitched in because it's only like 4% of the surface. But it just means it's a lot stronger for us." The improvements will also enable Notts to meet FIFA standards in terms of playable area, positioning us to host top-class football events and other sports such as rugby, should it make financial sense. "We've extended the pitch widthways and lengthways as well so that it gives us a chance to host events in the future if we needed to," Hallam confirmed. In anticipation of consistently lengthy cold spells, an undersoil heating system has been installed. However, due to the costs involved, it won't be connected to a boiler until such time as a number of matches are put at risk. "We're putting undersoil heating in to future-proof it. If we put it in now, there's a choice in the future that we can then just connect it," Hallam stated. These upgrades reflect the club's forward-thinking approach and dedication to providing the best possible facilities for both players and fans. Hallam expressed gratitude, saying, "I just want to say a massive thanks to Jay Hearn, Martin Kavanaugh, and Sean Robinson for all their work last year and with their work here. We're really thankful for the owners putting all the investment in; I think they've been absolutely amazing for the club, and we couldn't ask for more." The tireless efforts of the Notts County ground staff, led by Hallam, have ensured that Meadow Lane is not only a historic venue but now also a state-of-the-art facility. Their dedication and hard work have been instrumental in this transformation, providing a playing surface that rivals the best in the country. The club's commitment to enhancing the ground and facilities exemplifies their ambition and forward-thinking vision, setting a solid foundation for future success. The entire Notts County community can take pride in these achievements, as they symbolise a new era of excellence for the club. The rejuvenated Meadow Lane is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved, and it stands ready to host countless memorable moments in the years to come. Fancy a signed print of your favourite Notts County player from the 2023-24 season? Check out our exclusive prints, which are illustrations done by the Pride of Nottingham gaffer, Chris. Jump in and share your thoughts on all the Pride of Nottingham discussions, become a member if you're not already and be a part of a community that cares about Notts!

In an interview on the Notts County YouTube channel, Head Coach Stuart Maynard revealed his excitement and optimism about the club's summer activities, including four significant new signings and a restructure of the team's leadership. His candid insights reflect a collaborative effort to strengthen the squad and navigate the upcoming season. Discussing the first of the new signings, Maynard spoke highly of defender Matty Platt, brought in from Blackburn. "Absolutely delighted that there was a lot of other interest for him," he said, emphasising the hard work by the recruitment team. Platt's technical ability and defensive qualities stood out. "He's one of the most dominant centre-halves in the division. His defensive qualities have just come on leaps and bounds, and he's a top, top player," Maynard added. Next in line was Jacob Bedeau who, according to Maynard, brings a different skill set. "I think he's athletic; we know that he can overload teams," the coach explained. Noting Beau's versatile play and one-on-one defending prowess, he mentioned that, "There's so much more development within his game. He’s a really good footballer and has adapted very quickly to men's football." Goalkeeper Alex Bass joined from AFC Wimbledon, and Maynard couldn't hide his excitement. "He's probably up there in the top three goalies. We know that he's one of the best goalies within the division," he said. Highlighting Bass's impressive 16 clean sheets, Maynard continued, "We knew that we had to address this in the summer, and Alex was our top target." On the left-wing, Nick Tsaroulla was another significant addition. "He's someone that can play on both wing backs. His work ethic is incredible for the team," Maynard lauded. Tsaroulla’s dribbling ability and defensive strength in one-on-ones make him a valued asset. "We need to make sure we've got strength and depth," he stated. Maynard also shed light on the fresh leadership dynamics, naming Macaulay Langstaff as the new captain and Matt Palmer as vice-captain. "Macaulay Langstaff is infectious. His work ethic, professionalism, and the tone he sets for the team makes him an ideal captain," Maynard said. On Palmer's vice-captaincy, he remarked, "Matt is key to everything we do. He's the glue between the back and the front." The decision to change the captaincy didn’t reflect poorly on the outgoing captain, Kyle Cameron. "Cammy helped massively in getting the club promoted back to the EFL. It wasn’t an easy decision, but it was right for us moving forward," said Maynard, expressing high respect for Cameron's capabilities and contributions. With the preseason almost underway, Maynard shared his anticipation. "Really excited. It’s been a busy summer rebuilding what we knew needed addressing," he said. He assured fans that the club remains committed to its style but hinted at subtle tactical changes. "We want to overload our centre-halves and rotate into different shapes. We've got the right personnel now to do that for us," the coach said. Lastly, the coach touched upon the club's forward-thinking moves, including using the state-of-the-art 'Nest' facility if England progresses to the knockout stages of the Euros. "It just shows the forward-thinking of the football club, not just on the pitch but off it too. It's all about sustainability as a football club," Maynard concluded. As Notts County gears up for the new season, the combination of new talents, refined leadership, and strategic planning makes it an exciting time for both the club and its supporters. Fans have every reason to share in their head coach’s optimism. ARLukomski has shared his insight into Notts County head coach, Stuart Maynard. Give this a read and share your thoughts on 'The Stuart Maynard Evaluation'. We are also discussing this very catch-up with Stuart Maynard over on our forum. Piethagoram has started a discussion about all the talking points - check it out here!

INTERVIEW | SUMMER CATCH UP WITH STUART MAYNARD

Nick Tsaroulla expressed a mix of emotions as he bid farewell to Crawley Town FC, a club he holds dearly, and joyfully embraced his new journey at Notts County. Nick's tenure at Crawley Town has been marked by significant personal and professional milestones. He shared heartfelt sentiments as he spoke about his departure: "Yeah, it's obviously sad but really exciting to be at a new club. A massive thank you to everyone at Crawley who gave me my chance. We have some unbelievable memories together that will live with me forever. It's written in the history books. It's beautiful to have that to look back on, but now I'm excited to be here [at Notts County]." When asked about his initial reaction to Notts County's nickname, 'The Pies', Nick's response was enthusiastic: "I don't know. It was quite cool and quite nice. It's a bit different." Nick's decision to join Notts County was influenced by the club's prestigious history and ambitious outlook. Despite having the opportunity to stay at Crawley, he felt a strong pull towards Notts: "It's a very prestigious club. You can feel the aura when you walk around. I've played here twice last year, and the fans' energy is palpable. The club's philosophy of playing attractive football aligns perfectly with my style. It's ambitious, and I know I'll improve as a player and person here. Hopefully, I can repay the club with good memories." Nick's move to Notts, despite the drop to League Two, was a strategic decision motivated by the club's ambition. "When a club like Notts County knocks on the door, it's hard to refuse. They're ambitious and don't deserve to be in this league. But we have to work hard for it. I have no doubts about the club's ambition, with the gaffer, the owners, everyone involved. We all want to be higher, and hopefully, we can achieve that together." With similarities between Crawley and Notts' playing styles, Nick addressed how he intends to balance attractive play with effectiveness: "I think just killing teams off. We have our identity, but sometimes we need to adapt to certain teams. If we're all on our A-game, I don't think anyone can beat us. The squad is very talented, and I believe they'll make me a better player. Hopefully, I can do the same for them." Nick is eager to train and play alongside top talents like Jodi Jones and Aaron, who were notable attacking threats in the division last season. "I'm very excited to train and play with them. It's exciting for Notts County fans to have all three of us. I'm seeing a lot of positives and looking forward to playing with them." Discussing his dual role as a wing-back, Nick emphasised his enjoyment of both offensive and defensive responsibilities: "I enjoy both aspects. My first two seasons with Crawley were more about solid defence. I've been educated in both sides of the game." Nick expressed his enthusiasm about working with Stuart Maynard, who is gearing up for his first pre-season as Notts' head coach: "He's a great guy. From my first phone call, I knew I could work under him. He can develop me and take this team up. I believe he can achieve that." As pre-season approaches, Nick has been balancing work and rest to maintain his fitness: "I think it's good to go away refreshed, but I always get the itch to train. I enjoy keeping fit and being strong. I'm just looking forward to getting back and starting well for the season." Nick is also excited about engaging with the Notts County fans and the Nottingham community: "I love meeting fans and building relationships. I had a special bond with Crawley fans, and I hope to have the same here. We entertain them, and hopefully, we can provide that next year." As Nick embarks on this new chapter with Notts County, his enthusiasm and commitment promise a thrilling season ahead for both the player and the fans. Fancy winning a signed print of Notts County goalkeeper, Tiernan Brooks? You have the chance to do so by entering our Facebook and Twitter contest respectfully. Just click on Facebook or Twitter in this message. Interested in other signed prints? All the 2023-24 player portraits have been kindly signed by the players. Get yours today, with FREE delivery! Hurry to make an order as your favourite player might be sold out.

THE NEST: ENGLAND AT THE EUROS

FIRST INTERVIEW | NICK TSAROULLA

Notts County has announced the signing of Crawley Town’s promotion-winning wing-back, Nick Tsaroulla, on a two-year contract, with an option for an additional year. The 25-year-old departs from West Sussex a legend, having won the hearts of Red Devils supporters during his four-year tenure at the Broadfield Stadium. Board member and head of recruitment, Richard Montague, expressed his admiration for Tsaroulla’s journey: “First and foremost, it’s crucial to acknowledge the deep bond Nick has developed with Crawley since his professional debut in the 2020-21 season. “We understand how much he treasured his time there and is grateful to the club for setting him on his path as a senior professional. "It’s clear to see why Crawley’s fans hold him in such high regard. Nick is an incredibly exciting player – tenacious in his approach, an exceptional dribbler, unpredictable, and capable of scoring stunning goals from seemingly impossible situations. “He's also highly proficient in defensive phases and comfortable playing on both flanks, making him an excellent support for Jodi Jones, Aaron Nemane, and our other wide options. “Nick brings depth to our squad, with over 100 games of League Two experience and a fantastic persona. “He’s going to be a tremendous addition on many levels, and we’re delighted he’s chosen to advance his career with us.” Tsaroulla is a product of Tottenham Hotspur’s academy and spent time with Brentford’s B team before signing his professional contract with Crawley early in the 2020-21 season. A few months later, he scored one of the most memorable goals in Crawley’s history. Just seven games into his senior career, he powered past several Leeds United players to set his team on the path to a remarkable 3-0 FA Cup victory over Marcelo Bielsa’s Premier League side. This sensational finish deservedly earned him the Goal of the Season accolade. Tsaroulla continued to flourish and last season he made 49 appearances, scoring six goals and assisting another six, aiding Crawley in securing promotion via the play-offs. Check out Pride of Nottingham's dashboard page for a quick overview of what is happening on the site, a deep dive into the discussions and share your thoughts on the topics! What do you think of the signing of wing-back, Nick Tsaroulla? Join in with the Pride of Nottingham's discussion as fans share their thoughts on the latest signing.

Notts County has finalised the signing of goalkeeper Alex Bass from Sunderland, adding a talented and experienced player to their ranks. The move, which has sparked excitement among the club's fanbase, is seen as a significant step towards fortifying the team for the upcoming season. In an interview, Bass expressed his enthusiasm for joining the club, saying, "I'm really excited to be here. It's something that I really look forward to. The pull of the club and everything that's going on was a real appealing thing to me, and I'm delighted to be here." Reflecting on his previous campaign with AFC Wimbledon in League Two, Bass considered last season a success despite narrowly missing out on the playoffs. He stated, "It was a good season. I think they wanted a bit of stability after the season they had before, and we did that. Just obviously just missed out on the playoffs, which was a real shame. But on a personal note, I felt like I had a really good season. So hopefully another season here to kick on, and we'll go again next season." Bass's individual accolades, including a close call with the Golden Glove award, were interrupted by an untimely injury. "It was an annoying one. Obviously, personal accolades are really good to get hold of, and unfortunately, I didn't have the opportunity to get that. But there's always next season, and hopefully, we'll take it home with us this season," Bass said with optimism. When asked about the appeal of Notts County, Bass spoke highly of the club's atmosphere and potential. "It's a great club. I played here last season, and it was a great atmosphere, a big club. I feel like it could easily go higher, and hopefully, we can do that next season going forward. You never know; you look at the clubs that have gone up, you can go up again, and that's a big thing that we'll hopefully do here." Acknowledging the crucial role a goalkeeper plays in Notts County's style of play, Bass is keen to embrace the responsibilities. "Yeah, definitely. It's a big position, I think, as a goalkeeper, and you need to have a calm head when things aren't going your way. I like to think that I've got a nice calm head, and I'll just go into the position and really push forward and hopefully have a really successful season," he remarked confidently. Richard Montague, Head of Recruitment at Notts County, highlighted Bass's commanding presence and impressive shot-stopping abilities. Bass concurs, noting the importance of these traits in League Two. "Yeah, definitely. I think, obviously, being in the league last season, I know what it's all about. You've got to be a commanding presence in your box. You've got to come and take your crosses, your punches, little things just to get the ball away from danger. Your centre halves love it when you come and catch the ball in the 90th minute and just kill the game. It's something that I've really worked hard on in my game, to be that commanding presence, and hopefully, that will continue." With pre-season in full swing, Bass is keen to settle in quickly and integrate with the team. "Great feeling, everyone has been very welcoming and glad to have me on board. And likewise, I'm glad to be here. Hopefully, everyone can form a good partnership together and push this club higher up the leagues," he enthused. As Bass begins his search for a new home in Nottingham, his focus remains firmly on contributing to a successful season. "Yeah, definitely. We'll be looking straight away. Hopefully, get up here as soon as possible and go from there. I'm staying over tonight, and hopefully, try and find some houses tomorrow to get settled." With Alex Bass on board, Notts County's future looks bright as they aim for promotion and success in the upcoming season. Join the growing family on PON by considering pledging your support to one of our exclusive membership tiers. Your potential subscription will help secure the future of the Pride of Nottingham. Have a look at the Pride of Nottingham's online web store, where you can find t-shirts and signed prints of your favourite players of the most recent seasons at Notts County.

It’s official! Sunderland goalkeeper Alex Bass has signed a three-year deal with the club, stirring excitement among fans. The 26-year-old arrives for an undisclosed fee after a stellar loan season with AFC Wimbledon in 2023-24. According to Richard Montague, a board member and head of recruitment, Bass was not only the standout goalkeeper in League Two last season but also ranks highly among League One goalkeepers. Montague expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Alex to Meadow Lane. Alongside our new defensive signings, Matty Platt and Jacob Bedeau, he’s a commanding presence who will help us address the defensive challenges we faced last season.” Montague added, “He’s a fantastic shot-stopper, having kept 16 clean sheets last season, and he brings considerable EFL experience at the age of 26. His abilities on the ball are crucial for our style of play, and we believe he has a lot to offer.” Bass’s remarkable performance for Wimbledon saw him make 44 league appearances, earning widespread acclaim from supporters. He narrowly missed out on the League Two Golden Glove award to Stockport’s Ben Hinchliffe. A product of Portsmouth’s academy, Bass made 18 League One appearances there before moving permanently to Sunderland. He also has 22 League Two appearances from loan spells with Bradford City and Southend United under his belt. The future looks bright for Alex Bass at Meadow Lane, and fans look forward to watching him achieve great things with the team. Join the excitement at the Pride of Nottingham, by sharing your thoughts on the latest magpies' signing Alex Bass - let us know your thoughts on this. The Pride of Nottingham's dashboard page has recently undergone work with its popular latest content widget. Check out the speed improvements and bug fixes here.

FIRST INTERVIEW | ALEX BASS

The Pride of Nottingham is seeking to expand its moderation team with the addition of a Global Moderator. This role is pivotal in maintaining the integrity of our fan community by ensuring discussions remain respectful and aligned with our site's values. The ideal candidate will have a keen eye for detail, a fair and impartial approach to community management, and a genuine passion for Notts County. As a Global Moderator, you will be entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing multiple sections of the site, mediating disputes, and upholding the standards that make our community great. We are looking for someone with a willingness to engage actively with our members and become a key member of the Pride of Nottingham community. Please note that this is a voluntary role, offering no financial compensation but providing an opportunity to be at the heart of Notts County's online fanbase. If you're ready to take on this challenge and contribute to the Pride of Nottingham, we'd love to hear from you. The responsibilities of this role are detailed below. To read about the position, key duties, and expected behaviour, please click on the spoiler box. This will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the role.

ENG v SER | FULL-TIME SCENES AT THE NEST!

THE NEST | OPENING NIGHT

FIRST INTERVIEW | JACOB BEDEAU

JODI JONES | ALL 30 GOAL CONTRIBUTIONS IN 2023-24

MACAULAY LANGSTAFF | ALL THE GOALS 2023-24

THE NEST | WORK WELL UNDERWAY ON FANZONE

THE NEST | FANZONE WORKS WELL UNDERWAY

WEMBLEY UNSEEN | ONE YEAR ON

PITCH RECONSTRUCTION | MEADOW LANE SURFACE UNDERGOES MAJOR TRANFORMATION

Post-Match Interview | Northampton Town (A) | Annie Taylor

Post-Match Interview | Northampton Town (A) | Adam Dunleavy

Pre-Match Interview | Northampton Town (A) | Dylan Bhundia

LIVE STREAM | FANS' FORUM