PON_News

League Cup Determining Round Draw Reaction | Nottingham Forest (A) | Adam Dunleavy

MATCH REACTION | STUART MAYNARD | YORK CITY 2-2 NOTTS COUNTY

FIRST INTERVIEW | JACK HINCHY

Pre-season Update | 24.07.25 | Adam Dunleavy

New Signing | Evie Brooks | Interview

Ian Marsden bleeds black and white. His passion for Notts County, a tradition passed down from father to son, has woven itself into the fabric of his life. "It's simple really," says Ian, a hint of nostalgia in his voice, "my dad was a Notts fan, and so am I." Life throws curveballs, however. Ian's wife Wendy, a pillar of support who once cheerfully chauffeured him across the country to cheer on the Magpies, can no longer drive due to a brain tumour. "Football doesn't seem as important any more when things like that happen," reflects Ian poignantly. Yet, the spirit of the game, the shared experience with his daughter Paige at matches, these remain a constant. "She's not that into football," he admits with a smile, "but she loves the atmosphere and the quality time together." Memories flood back for Ian when he talks about Notts County. He recounts his days as a junior Magpie with a childlike enthusiasm, a time filled with playing on the hallowed turf of Meadow Lane and even enjoying a stint as the club mascot. Victories over fierce rivals Nottingham Forest and the unforgettable promotion-clinching day against Cheltenham Town are etched in his mind like treasured photographs. There have been lows too, of course. The crushing defeat at Swindon in 2019 is a moment Ian describes with a grimace as "the most horrid, awful feeling." But even the recent years in the National League have offered glimmers of light. A chance encounter with a fellow commentator on the airwaves led Ian to fulfil a lifelong dream: commentating on Notts County, albeit at a Wembley eerily devoid of fans due to Covid restrictions. Another unforgettable moment came in the 22-23 National League season, in the press box overflow for the Wrexham away game, rubbing shoulders with international journalists for a game in the fifth tier of English football. The absurdity of the situation isn't lost on Ian. He shakes his head and chuckles; "surreal" is the word he uses. Ian's passion for Notts County extends beyond the terraces. His background in sports journalism finds a natural outlet in his volunteer work with Nottingham Hospitals Radio. Here, he has commentated on a wide range of sports, but the opportunity to call a Notts County game, even in the unusual circumstances of the empty Wembley stadium, holds a special place in his heart. "Despite the result and performance," he says, "this was still me, commentating on Notts, at Wembley, and that's a day I will never forget." Ian Marsden's story is a testament to the enduring power of football fandom, a love that transcends results and circumstance. It's a love passed down through generations, a love forever bound to the black and white stripes of Notts County. His journey reflects the dedication of countless supporters who weave the threads of their lives into the fabric of their clubs. Ian, the junior Magpie turned commentator, turned family man, embodies the unwavering spirit that keeps the beautiful game alive, one supporter, one memory, one game at a time. Ian's dedication extends far beyond the club's recent struggles in the National League. He remembers with fondness the camaraderie of away trips with Reg's tours, the thrill of scoring a goal for the junior Magpies on the hallowed turf of Meadow Lane. These experiences paint a vivid picture of a lifelong supporter, a man whose love for the club is as much about the shared experiences and the community spirit as it is about results on the pitch. The experience of Notts County has been undeniably transformed by Ian's family life. Gone are the days of Wendy chauffeuring him across the country for away games, but the essence of his fandom remains. He finds joy in sharing his passion with his daughter Paige, creating new memories on match days. Through the highs and lows, Ian's love for Notts County has endured. It's a love story etched in black and white, a testament to the enduring power of football and the unwavering spirit of its fans. Following the promotion from the National League in 22-23, Ian Marsden went on to write a book called "Putting on a Show." This book tells the story of Notts County's record-breaking 22/23 promotion. It's a must-read for any fan and can be purchased from the Notts County store in person, or via contacting Ian Marsden on Facebook. You can also drop the Pride of Nottingham an email at [email protected], and we'll pass over the details. It's a great book! Maddi Collins has organised a fundraiser to help support the Marsden family via Go Fund Me - the money raised helps Wendy who's been diagnosed with a stage 4 brain tumour tick off items from her bucket list. Check out the Pride of Nottingham dashboard, join in with the content within our community forum and be sure to leave your thoughts on subjects that interest you.

New Coach | Harry Mclean

MIC'D UP | NETHERLANDS TRAINING CAMP

INTERVIEW | MATTY PLATT IN THE NETHERLANDS

Pre-season Preview | Adam Dunleavy

MATCH REACTION | STUART MAYNARD | NOTTS COUNTY 1-0 WYCOMBE WANDERERS

MATCH REACTION | KELLAN GORDON | NOTTS COUNTY 1-0 WYCOMBE WANDERERS

TRAINING | KELLAN GORDON'S FIRST SESSION

MATCH REACTION | RYLEY REYNOLDS | ALFRETON TOWN 2-2 NOTTS COUNTY

INTERVIEW | STUART MAYNARD

In a pivotal move for both clubs, prolific Notts County striker Macaulay Langstaff is set to join Championship side Millwall. The 27-year-old has been on the radar of the Lions throughout the summer, and the deal looks imminent, securing last season’s League Two Golden Boot winner for their squad. Langstaff, who extended his stay with Notts County until 2027 in August and was installed as club captain on June 10, now appears poised to make his debut at Championship level. Millwall’s current roster of strikers includes Tom Bradshaw and Kevin Nisbet, with the addition of Langstaff promising to bolster their attacking options. In addition, Japhet Tanganga is reportedly set to undergo a medical with Millwall in preparation for a permanent move. A staggering tally of 71 goals in 97 appearances for Notts County stands testament to Langstaff’s prowess since his arrival from Gateshead. His signing for Millwall comes with a reported fee of £750,000. Langstaff's journey began by netting 42 goals in the National League, propelling Notts to promotion. He then continued his impressive form by scoring 28 goals in League Two. While Notts County currently hold joint fifth favourites status for the title, Langstaff’s exit might impact those odds. The decision to part ways with Langstaff was undoubtedly difficult for Notts County. Their board of directors expressed immense pride in Langstaff’s achievements, noting his professionalism and significant contributions to the club's recent successes. “We’re incredibly proud of what Macaulay has achieved in his time at Meadow Lane and wish him every success as he commences this exciting new chapter in his career. While we knew we were signing an excellent player, we could never have envisaged his achievements reaching the heights they have done over the last two years,” the directors stated. Stuart Maynard, head coach of Notts County who named Langstaff captain earlier this summer, reiterated the sentiment: “I would like to join the board in congratulating Macaulay on such a fantastic move. While we would have all loved to have kept him, his goals return was always going to make that incredibly difficult, and it wouldn’t have been right for anyone to stand in his way.” As Langstaff looks to thrive in the Championship, Notts County prepare to build a competitive squad ready to take on the challenges of the upcoming season. The departure of their star striker marks the end of a significant chapter, but also the beginning of new opportunities for both Langstaff and Notts County. Join the Pride of Nottingham community as we discuss the departure of fan favourite Macaulay Langstaff - share your thoughts, disappointment and parting message to the striker. Would you like a souvenir of Macaulay Langstaff's time at Notts County? We still have signed prints and a t-shirt. Show your pride for the former Notts County hero.

MACAULAY LANGSTAFF | EVERY NOTTS COUNTY GOAL

Lucien Mahovo, the promising 19-year-old defender who emerged as a star at Meadow Lane, has officially joined Norwich City for an undisclosed fee. Mahovo, who signed his first professional contract with Notts County in December 2022, leaves for the Sky Bet Championship after making his league debut on the final day of the last season. Speaking to Canaries TV after his signing, Mahovo expressed his enthusiasm for the move. "Brilliant, it’s a great club, it has brilliant facilities, and I am so excited to get ready and get going," he said. Notts County’s board of directors issued a statement reflecting their pride in Mahovo’s achievements and the role the club has played in his development. “While we’re very keen to see academy graduates like Lucien go on to establish themselves in our first team, we should also take pride in our ability to nurture young talent in a way that attracts interest from clubs in higher divisions. Having progressed well since his arrival in the 2021-22 season, Lucien thoroughly deserves the recognition this move brings for him – and we’re very happy with the structure of the deal." The statement also recognised the collective effort involved in Mahovo’s growth: “We’d like to acknowledge the efforts of everyone in our academy who was involved in bringing Lucien to the club and his development thereafter.” Mahovo’s journey at Notts County began after his stints in the academies of Manchester United and Sheffield United, where he initially shone as a winger. On moving to Meadow Lane, he quickly adapted to a new role as a central defender, impressing both fans and coaches alike. He signed a professional contract shortly after making his senior debut in an Emirates FA Cup qualifying fixture against Coalville Town. His experience grew further with a 90-minute appearance against Lincoln City in last season’s EFL Trophy, and a loan spell with Boston United before stepping in to cover defensive injuries at Forest Green Rovers. Reflecting on his time at Notts County, Mahovo had nothing but heartfelt words. "I absolutely loved it there, I spent a good three years of my life there. They took me in when nobody else wanted to, and they have made me the player I am today, so I am so grateful for the opportunities they have given me, and it was a good ending," he shared. As he embarks on this new chapter, Mahovo is eager to bring his loan experiences to the forefront to make a solid impact at Norwich City. "I think the men’s game is completely different to what the Under-21s bring and when you go there you come out a different player. I think I have learned a lot of valuable lessons when going out on loan, and I am ready to apply them here," he added. Now settled at Norwich, Mahovo is set to make the most of pre-season. "I am so excited, looking around the club today the facilities are fantastic, and I am so eager to use them, so I am ready to get going whenever," he remarked. Notts County wishes Lucien Mahovo all the best as he moves forward in his football career, carrying the pride of Meadow Lane with him to higher grounds. Share your thoughts with Pride of Nottingham on this surprising development, with fans talking about Lucien Mahovo to Norwich City. Browse around the Pride of Nottingham web store to check out our exclusive prints, most of which are kindly signed by the players - along with t-shirts and other items. Support the Pride of Nottingham by grabbing some of our excellent merch.