PON_News

POST-MATCH | NOTTS COUNTY 3-2 BOREHAM WOOD [AET] | JODI JONES

POST-MATCH | NOTTS COUNTY 3-2 BOREHAM WOOD [AET] | ADEN BALDWIN

POST-MATCH | NOTTS COUNTY 3-2 BOREHAM WOOD [AET] | LUKE WILLIAMS

Notts County manager Luke Williams has discussed how the goal his team conceded against York City last weekend could benefit his players in their upcoming play-off semi-final against Boreham Wood on Sunday afternoon. In the final league game of their impressive National League campaign, the Magpies had to settle for a draw when Shaq Forde scored an equaliser in the 89th minute, securing The Minstermen’s place in the fifth division for next season. Macaulay Langstaff had put the hosts ahead with his 42nd goal of an outstanding first season for Notts, breaking a record in the process. In spite of a strong first-half showing, Williams’ side was unable to extend their lead due to an outstanding performance by York’s goalkeeper Ryan Whitley. He made several key saves, including two late attempts from Adam Chicksen and Cedwyn Scott. Even though Notts had 19 more shots, 75% possession with 841 passes and an xG of 2.75, it was a disappointing set of match statistics in another game where they dominated. Having conceded only 42 goals this season, second only to Luke Garrard’s team, the Notts head coach thinks that Forde’s goal is a timely warning of what can happen in a single knockout match. "Yeah, I agree with that for sure, and I think that when you dominate a game so much and you naturally the players feel like they huffed and puffed to try and get that second goal, it didn't happen, the game is nearly finished, so we can relax. "They're human beings but, we have to try and push them to be better, and even the top, top professional will be there for every moment, so that was a good opportunity for me to say to the players that in a game where the numbers were so lopsided in terms of the chances we created to the opportunities we gave up. "But football is beautiful because it is - otherwise you might as well leave after the first goal if football is as simple as that. "It's brilliant, but we are still always trying to do better." Don’t forget to check out the Pride of Nottingham online merch site for all your Notts County gear! Dive into the best forum content with the Pride of Nottingham’s ‘Topicfeed’ - the ultimate way to stay up-to-date with Notts County discussions!

Notts County came close to securing automatic promotion to Wrexham, even though they amassed over 100 points. According to Manager Luke Williams, Notts County’s exceptional season does not necessarily make them the top pick for promotion in the National League play-offs. Notts will compete against Boreham Wood in the semi-final on Sunday, with the winner advancing to the Wembley final six days later. Notts ended the season 35 points ahead of Boreham Wood in the standings and set a new record of 107 points for a team that finished second in the league. Luke Williams spoke to BBC Radio Nottingham, he said: "I don't know who makes us favourites? "It's a different competition, so I'm not sure how we are equated as favourites - that one is strange. "If you just say the teams that are higher in the league are more favoured to win then I suppose that is a simple way to make that assessment." In any previous season, Notts’ points tally would have secured their automatic promotion back to the English Football League. However, Wrexham’s division-record 111 points earned them the title and promotion. The difference between Notts in second place and Boreham Wood in sixth was greater than the gap between Sunday’s rivals and the relegation zone. Despite this, Williams asserts that the events of the previous 46 games - including the club-record 32 league wins and 117 league goals - will have little impact now that the competition has become a knockout format. "The mentality around this tournament now and the one that just finished are very different," Williams added. "We have to be ready to win the game in front of us and not look at what we have done in the past." Be sure to check out the Pride of Nottingham Facebook group! It’s a great place for fans to share posts, thoughts and be part of the wider community. Come join us and show your support! Visit the Pride of Nottingham Dashboard! It’s the all-in-one location to see what’s happening on our site. Get involved today and join the community!

Macaulay Langstaff has had a record-breaking season with Notts County and there’s no telling where his career will go from here. He’s hoping to cap off his first season with the Magpies by achieving promotion. Despite initial doubts about his ability to adapt to a new league and environment, Langstaff has proven himself by scoring 42 goals in 45 games. He’s set new records for the most goals in a league season for Notts and in the National League and is the first player to win three Player of the Month awards in a single campaign. Langstaff’s achievements have been recognised by his peers and fans alike. He’s won both the Players’ and Fans’ Player of the Season awards, presented by Magpies' legend Les Bradd. Langstaff even shared a brief conversation and warm embrace with Bradd before taking to the Meadow Lane pitch and scoring another record-breaking goal. In an interview with the Nottingham Post, Macaulay Langstaff spoke about the relationship he has with Bradd and how Bradd has played a pivotal role in helping him uncover and further develop his goal-scoring touch. He said: "It's been unbelievable. He always has a laugh and a joke with me every time I see him and about the goals he scored, and he always says don't try and beat my record for one season! "He's been so good for me, he has given me tips ever since I first came to the club - he met me on one of my first days here, and he was telling me about the club and the history of it and things like that. "I see him more or less every single game when we come in on a Saturday or a midweek game, he is always stood there shaking the lads' hands. "When you see a figure like that when you walk into the club, it gives you that motivation to go on the pitch because he always has nice, calm words and for him to deliver me those awards on the pitch, it was an unbelievable feeling for me." Langstaff arrived at Notts County from Gateshead along with teammate Cedwyn Scott after the pair scored a combined total of 54 goals in all competitions for Mike Williamson’s side. Langstaff quickly made his mark by scoring two goals in a 3-0 win over Maidenhead on opening day at Meadow Lane. Notts County is now just two games away from returning to the Football League after a four-year absence and the possibility of back-to-back promotions has become a reality. Langstaff is using his title-winning experience to help his team’s push for promotion and has noted how the dressing room at Meadow Lane differs from the one he experienced last season. "I have noticed a few differences, but more similarities. "Obviously last year was a very successful one for myself and Cedwyn also came with me from Gateshead after winning promotion, so we tried to add that little experience in the dressing room, but we have got that experience all over the pitch - we have winners in there. "I think I have tried to add that coming from Gateshead as well - there are a few differences, obviously this team is full of leaders, full of winners, and some lads that have played at the top level and Gateshead wasn't necessarily like that. "But in terms of similarities, there are many." Langstaff is close to playing on the Wembley turf and could return two more times after the National League season ends. The 26-year-old, born in Stockton-on-Tees, is a lifelong Middlesborough fan. Michael Carrick’s team has secured a place in the Championship playoffs after an impressive turnaround at the Riverside Stadium since Carrick took over as manager. Langstaff’s grin grew wider as he spoke about his childhood club, and said: "Yeah definitely, "They have got into the play-offs, and they could potentially be at Wembley two weeks after we potentially get there, and I have always said I would love to add another trip to Wembley, so hopefully they both lead to victories because that would be unbelievable and probably my dream season." Please visit the Pride of Nottingham forum and share your thoughts on the fantastic topics we have featured by leaving a comment. Make sure to follow the Pride of Nottingham on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube to stay up-to-date with all the latest news and discussions!

PRESS CONFERENCE | BOREHAM WOOD (H) | MACAULAY LANGSTAFF

MESSAGE | LUKE WILLIAMS

PRESS CONFERENCE | BOREHAM WOOD (H) | LUKE WILLIAMS

It's that time of year once again! The Pride of Nottingham Notts County National League 2022–23 Awards have arrived, and it's time for fans to cast their votes. This year's categories comprise Player of the Season, Goal of the Season, Signing of the Season, Away Game of the Season, and Member of the Year. The contenders for Player of the Season are Sam Slocombe, Kyle Cameron, Aden Baldwin, Adam Chicksen, Jim O’Brien, Sam Austin, Matt Palmer, John Bostock, Macaulay Langstaff, Jodi Jones, Aaron Nemane, Cedwyn Scott, and Ruben Rodrigues. The nominees for Goal of the Season are as follows: - Castro's free-kick goal against York (24/9/22) - Langstaff's finish from the team against Wrexham (04/10/22) - Scott's cheeky left post against Maidstone (21/10/22) - O'Brien's outside-of-the-box goal against Scunthorpe (03/12/22) - Scott's header against Oldham (26/12/22) - Namane's cheeky lob against Aldershot (07/01/23) - Langstaff's brilliant rebound against Yeovil (18/02/23) - Bostock's wonder free-kick against Wrexham (10/04/23) - Namane's failed bicycle kick against Woking (15/04/23) - O'Brien's rebound goal against Maidstone (22/04/23) The contenders for Signing of the Season are Macaulay Langstaff, Aden Baldwin, Cedwyn Scott, Jodi Jones, Sam Austin, and Geraldo Bajrami. The nominees for Away Game of the Season are York, Wealdstone, Eastleigh, Scunthorpe, Aldershot, Torquay, Chesterfield, Altrincham, Maidstone, and Wrexham. Regulars of the forum can also vote for Member of the Year! Nominations include DangerousSausage, TheSkipper, Dripsey3, fozzy, Piethagoram, CliftonMagpie, Super Ram, liampie, menzinho, Joshua, upthepies, and allardyces tash. Fans can vote by visiting each topic within the Pride of Nottingham forum. Links will be provided for easy access. The deadline for voting is 16th May 2023, so make sure to cast your votes before then. Player of the Season: Goal of the Season: Signing of the Season: Away Game of the Season: Member of the Year: Every season, the Pride of Nottingham proudly canvasses Notts County fans for their opinion on the past season. For over 10 years, we have conducted the awards, even during challenging times. It's vital that we open the floor to give fans a representation of the 2022-23 National League season. As a community, we encourage all fans to have their say and cast their vote! The awards ceremony will take place online, so fans from all over can join in on the excitement. Don't miss your chance to have your voice heard and support your favourite Notts County players and moments from the 2022-23 season. Cast your votes now!

HIGHLIGHTS | NOTTS COUNTY 1-1 YORK CITY

TEAM TALK | JONATHAN HAMMOCKS

Faces of PON 22-23: York City (H) is a gallery of Notts County fans who were in attendance at this past weekend’s 1-1 draw with York City. The gallery is intended for Notts County fans and anyone whose picture may have been taken. We encourage fans to share the gallery and interact by leaving a comment or a like. It’s been a tremendous season, one for the record books, and it was great to see so many fans just enjoying themselves. The Pride of Nottingham gaffer, Chris said: “I am aiming to return to taking pictures again for the playoffs. "Potentially Wembley, fingers crossed. Next season the gallery will return for home games, but away ones will be limited to a selection of pre-match photos. "It was a delight to be back taking photos, something which hasn’t happened since COVID, and although I tired myself out in the days after, it was well worth doing." We encourage Notts fans to be on the lookout for Chris. Simply wave, shout or just ask for a picture, and he will happily oblige. Fans can also check the Pride of Nottingham Facebook and Twitter pages, along with the gallery on the site itself. So come on Notts fans, show your support and share your memories from this past weekend’s game. Let’s make this season one to remember! Don’t forget to drop by our Facebook and Twitter pages to stay up-to-date with all the latest news and updates from Pride of Nottingham. If you see something you enjoy, be sure to give it a like and show your support. We appreciate all your interactions and feedback! Join in with the Pride of Nottingham community by sharing your views on the discussions in the 'Topicfeed'. It's a great way to connect with fellow Notts County fans, voice your opinions, and stay up-to-date on the latest news and events. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to be part of a vibrant and passionate community of supporters!

GOAL | NOTTS COUNTY 1-0 YORK CITY

PRESS CONFERENCE | YORK (H) | ADAM CHICKSEN

Adam Chicksen has recently spoken out about the impact that Notts County boss Luke Williams had on his decision to extend his stay at Meadow Lane. Earlier this week, the Magpies defender signed a new two-year deal with the club, following an exceptional season in which he netted a career-best 11 goals in all competitions. Chicksen’s performance this season has been nothing short of remarkable, with the defender scoring more goals than he has ever managed in the entirety of his professional career. It’s clear that Williams’ influence has played a significant role in Chicksen’s decision to remain at the club for another two years. The future looks bright for both Chicksen and Notts County, with the defender’s new contract signalling his commitment to the club and its ambitions. With Williams at the helm and Chicksen on the pitch, fans can look forward to more exciting performances and hopefully even more success in the seasons to come. "It was massive," explained the 31-year-old on the impact the current Notts boss in committing his future to the club for another two years. "The style that he brings to the environment, everything that he has brought is so valued to how I live my life and how I act and treat everyone, he has very similar core values to myself. "It makes you want to play for him, he is a great person not just a great head coach, so it makes you want to work and play harder. "He has set up space for all of the younger lads to flourish and for me, it gives me so much energy seeing that. Being in my early 30s it has given me so much energy seeing so many lads improving in such a short amount of time, it just shows his passion for the game - he's doing a great job." Chicksen has been a key component of the Magpies’ success this season, consistently providing a goal threat and delivering tireless performances on the left-hand side. The Zimbabwean is predicted to be among the top contenders for league and club awards at the end of the season. Before their most recent game against Maidstone, Chicksen had started 43 of 44 games this campaign. However, he was given a rest for the journey to the Gallagher Stadium, with Frank Vincent filling in as wing-back and making his first start for the club in the National League this season. The 24-year-old has made a strong impression since returning from his loan spell with Aldershot, adapting to a position he is familiar with having made his National League debut for Torquay at left-back. His tireless efforts and energy as a substitute have earned him the admiration of Magpies fans and Chicksen himself. "He's done brilliantly to come back in and be so willing and open to learning and being moved into a new position and having no arrogance, or no feelings of disappointment about being moved into a different position, but seeing it as an opportunity. "He has been learning and improving, asking me questions along the way and being open to putting the shirt back on and feeling no disappointment about having to go out on loan and learn so many more techniques about himself, to come back and apply them you can see the progress. "That is someone willing to learn and someone willing to improve, and the manager has seen that and given him a chance and he has been brilliant in the last few weeks in training, and that's why as a team, me being in a similar position, it's not me coming out of the team and I need to feel anger towards him, to see him work so hard and to go in, we all support each other and that is how we are going to get to that collective position of success." Last month, Vincent referred to Chicksen as a ‘role model’ and emphasised the influence he had on both himself and the rest of his team-mates. Chicksen, along with Sam Slocombe, Connell Rawlinson and Jim O’Brien, are viewed as the more seasoned members of this current group of players. The Magpies defender underlined the importance of imparting his own experiences to his team-mates and those in the academy to sustain the success fans have enjoyed this season. "It's massively important - they are going to look towards us for guidance and if we don't pass on our knowledge, what is the point of me carrying on in this game? "Because if you can't pass on your knowledge to youngsters and help them to take that further and into the next generation of football, you're doing a real injustice to the next generation. "If you don't pass on stuff that you have learned, for them to take it further it's not going to keep the football moving in the direction that's beneficial. "I'm happy to pass on my knowledge and happy to show every day, and they have to open to it, and they are learning, and you are seeing the results from that." Don’t miss out on the latest Notts County news and discussions - check out the ‘All Activity’ page on Pride of Nottingham for all the latest updates! Hurry and get your hands on one of our limited signed A4 prints by various Notts County players - they’re selling out fast!

Luke Williams, the manager of Notts County, made a humorous comment about his press coverage after a video was posted on the club's social media platforms showing him chasing a deer away from the training ground. The players were apparently impressed with their manager's agility and persistence. The Magpies are gearing up for their last league match of the National League season, which will be against York City at Meadow Lane this weekend. They hope to carry their momentum into the play-offs, following Wrexham's title-winning victory over Boreham Wood last Saturday. During preparations, a deer found its way onto the training pitch and ran around as the cameras rolled. In the video, the Notts head coach can be seen trying to catch the animal, while his players applauded his efforts. Eventually, the deer left the training ground, leaving Williams out of breath. "Yeah, I have just about got my breath back - it's actually not my first rodeo with this kind of situation," Williams revealed when asked about the situation. "My good friend David Coles a goalkeeping coach at Bristol Rovers and a real amazing guy, he is a real animal lover as well, and we actually found a deer caught in the net behind the goal that catches the ball when you do finishing practice. "On that occasion I had to actually wrestle the deer to the ground because the net was caught around the antlers, and he gave my good friend David a right good kick just below the knee - it put him in hospital I think." Recognised for his strategic influence on the current group of Notts players, Williams was present to investigate further the brilliance that orchestrated the departure of the deer from the training ground - acknowledged by some of the Magpies team. "It was actually a milder version when the deer was already free - myself and the staff I am not sure on the video if you can see the staff, we make a brilliant press, I think Ruben (Rodrigues) and Sam Austin are quite impressed with the way we pressed the deer and kept him in one corner and force him off the training pitch. "I was really happy with the staff, we have everything clipped up in the meeting to show all the angles of the press and the energy was brilliant." Don't miss our match discussion on the final home game of the season against York City - share your post-match thoughts and join in on the conversation! Join the Pride of Nottingham community now! Sign up to share your thoughts, opinions, and passion for the Magpies with fellow Notts County fans and help keep us united.

After an impressive season under the management of Luke Williams, Notts County's Adam Chicksen, a defender, has committed to a new two-year deal at Meadow Lane. Since joining the Magpies in 2020, the 31-year-old player has developed a devoted following among fans for his tireless displays and has now earned the status of a cult hero. In addition, Chicksen has significantly enhanced his skills to become a potent attacking threat, scoring 11 goals in all competitions this season. This accomplishment is particularly noteworthy given that he had only scored seven goals in his entire career before this campaign. The board of directors and head coach Luke Williams have issued a joint statement which states: "We’re delighted to reward the immense contribution Adam has made to the club. "As a player, we think he has a very unique skillset – incredible stamina and determination which compliment his qualities at both ends of the pitch. "As a person, he has embraced the club’s philosophy superbly and become an amazing role model for his team-mates, leading by example day-in, day-out. "He’s a huge asset in so many ways, and we know our supporters will share our happiness that he has committed his future to us." Adam Chicksen's decision to extend his stay at Notts County is a huge boost for the club and its fans. The defender's tireless displays and impressive attacking skills have earned him the status of a cult hero, and his commitment to the Magpies for another two years is a testament to the progress the club has made under the management of Luke Williams. With Chicksen on board, Notts County will be looking to build on their success in the upcoming season and continue to make strides towards their ultimate goal of promotion. Have a look at the Pride of Nottingham's 'Topicfeed' to peruse and participate in our discussions. Join our community at the Pride of Nottingham by creating an account and getting involved in our discussions!

TRAINING | CHICKS IN FOCUS