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Notts County FC Academy Manager, Dan Leivers, has expressed his elation over the team's recent promotion, describing it as a "really emotional and happy experience" achieved via a penalty shoot-out victory. Discussing the implications of the promotion, Leivers underscored the significant impact it would have on the academy, transitioning from the National League Youth Alliance to repositioning back in the EFL. The most considerable ramification, Leivers pointed out, is the increase in funds they would receive. "The largest benefit, particularly from an academy perspective, is the funding," he clarified. "This year we have been operating devoid of any support from any leagues, the Premier League or the FA. We will now receive the Football League Cat 3 grant for this year, providing a significant sum of money which will aid us in hiring new staff, improving facilities and procuring new equipment - all of these factors will significantly enhance the players' experiences this year." Discussing staff changes resulting from the promotion, Leivers highlighted new positions that would need to be created. "Reverting back to Cat 3 level brings with it a lot of mandatory positions," he continued. "Despite the fact we have been operating close to Cat 3 level with the staff already on our books, there are key positions we now need to fill - including roles relating to education, player care and part-time coaching." Reflecting on the previous season where several teams were operated under the academy, Leivers confidently asserted that it was a successful move, providing a platform for young players to perform. He exclaimed, "I believe we've had as many as 17 different players train with the first team this year, which is fantastic." With the transition to Cat 3 in the EFL this year, an under-21s team will feature in the EFL Central League, while the under-18s will compete in the EFL Youth Alliance. The promotion's ripple effect extends to new contracts for players, said Leivers, explaining that, "Every single one of our players aged 9 to 16 will now be sheltered by the rules of EFL." He continued, "They'll presently be undergoing a process to sign their forms and officially become EFL Academy players." In addition to this, half a dozen players from the under-16s will advance to scholarships and earn their stripes as paid apprentices within the team. Regarding training, Leivers noted that the regimen would not change drastically from what it was this year, with operations at their training ground at Clifton remaining almost on par. He did mention that the only adjustments might occur on match days depending on the opponent and potential required travel. Leivers confirmed continuing their matches and training at Clifton and talked about ongoing efforts to upgrade their facilities. He extended a hearty welcome to fans, acknowledging their supportive presence throughout the past season. Just over a year into his role, Leivers spoke enthusiastically of his tenure, saying, "Just the people that are here, working with the first team staff has been probably the easiest I've ever known. It's an extraordinary group of people, and we eagerly anticipate how things will progress." With a future back in the EFL, Leivers and his team at Notts County FC Academy are anticipating the fresh opportunities and resources that come with the turf, and are looking forward to nurturing young talent for the club. The Pride of Nottingham is working hard ahead of League Two. We would encourage you all to share it with us by registering and being a part of our community. Check out the Pride of Nottingham Dashboard - your one-stop for all that’s happening across our site. Don’t forget to be a part of it!

As we approach the brink of another exhilarating season of football, Notts County's sense of anticipation is palpable. With an ambitious schedule of pre-season games against formidable challengers Stoke and Forest, the Magpies are readying themselves to test their mettle ahead of the imminent season. The team's determination and spirit are indicative of their readiness to dive into these highly anticipated clashes, beginning with a face-off against Stoke this coming Saturday, followed by a big game against Forest the subsequent week. Notts County's fervent preparations underline their hunger for success and readiness to measure up against tough adversaries. Key figures from the team have been providing insights into the meticulous groundwork ahead of these encounters. Among them, striker Macaulay Langstaff has shed light on the team's preparation strategy and morale, providing an up-close look at their robust tactical prowess and physical readiness. In discussing the team's workouts and strategic planning, Langstaff emphasised the significance of these upcoming matches. "Yeah, definitely against two top teams," he noted. "Um, you know, we'll see where we are, fitness wise, where we are tactical, tactically." Langstaff's confidence in his team's capacities shines through, in spite of the formidable opposition they will be facing. "Um, it's going to be obviously a challenging game on Saturday, but we're going in their full of confidence. Um, I think we'll see where we are in terms of pre-season. It's a great opportunity to measure how far we've come against a top team, and to test ourselves," he expressed. Notts County anticipates with gusto these encounters as they continue to pave their way towards the new season. With barely more than a week of pre-season tutoring behind them, Langstaff spoke warmly of the team's newest additions. "I think they're fitting in really well. You know, you're seeing the transformation in the chemistry we've developed in the changing room since last season. I believe they've acclimatised quickly and, out on the pitch, they've absorbed so much so swiftly," he stated. Furthermore, Langstaff elaborated on the newcomers' Swift assimilation into the team's style of play. "It's clear in the 11 vs 11s the amount they've absorbed, adapting to our style of play really swiftly. And as I said before, in terms of the changing room, they're merging in impressively well," he cited. The blend of fresh talent and seasoned players yielding promising on-pitch chemistry augurs well for Notts County. They are eyeing strong showings against Stoke and Forest, as they progress with their pre-season preparations unflinchingly. Get involved and join the Pride of Nottingham! Share your thoughts on Notts County’s pre-season preparations and upcoming games. Don’t forget to check out the topicfeed page for the fastest way to dive into PON’s forum content.

In a recent interview, Notts County manager Luke Williams discussed the minor injuries that some first team players have picked up during pre-season, as well as the team's upcoming game against Stoke City. Williams revealed that several first team players were not involved in the team's recent 3-0 win against Nuneaton Borough due to minor injuries. Despite these injuries, Williams is happy with how pre-season is going so far. Looking ahead to the team's upcoming game against Stoke City, Williams expects it to be a different test for his players. He is looking for mental strength, concentration and defensive duties to be on display. Williams also discussed his hopes for the upcoming season and his excitement at seeing fans return to Meadow Lane. He spoke about the bond between the fans, players and staff at Notts County and their responsibility to nurture it. He wants to give fans the performances, energy and passion that they showed last season. The team is looking forward to their upcoming game against Stoke City and the challenges it will bring. Williams revealed that several first team players were not involved in the team's recent 3-0 win against Nuneaton Borough due to minor injuries. "We had Jodi Jones with us, but he had just returned today, and it was probably unnecessary for him to be on the pitch," he said. "Will Randall jarred his ankle and is very sore, but there's very little swelling. Sam Austin's hamstring felt tight, but only tight. Aiden Baldwin and Junior Morias both picked up something in training, so we have to wait a little bit longer. Sam Slocombe has a small injury in the calf that we think will only take a few days, maybe two weeks, three weeks maximum for him to be back." Despite these injuries, Williams is happy with how pre-season is going so far. "We are happy that we are getting across the work that we want to get across," he said. "Of course, we don't like to pick up any injuries, but we are sensible enough to know that this is a reality when we are pushing the guys so hard to improve their levels and make the changes to them physically that they need." Looking ahead to the team's upcoming game against Stoke City, Williams expects it to be a different test for his players. "Certainly for us to apply ourselves defensively and for the players to be able to play the game without being affected by the scoreline because there are no points for grabs, and we play in very different divisions at the moment," he said. "I'm looking for the mental strength and concentration and the defensive duties to be on display, so we look forward to this one. It's a brilliant test for us." Williams also discussed his hopes for the upcoming season and his excitement at seeing fans return to Meadow Lane. "There is a bond with the fans, with this group of players and our staff at the moment that is incredible," he said. "And we have a big responsibility now to try to nurture that. We need to give them the performances, energy, and passion that they showed last season." We’d love to hear your thoughts on this season’s kits! Share your opinions and join the discussion. Don’t forget to also join in with the friendly match discussion against Stoke City and let us know your predictions for the game.

Notts County striker Macaulay Langstaff scored a goal in the team's first pre-season friendly against Nuneaton Borough. The Magpies won the game 3-0, with Langstaff's goal being one of the highlights. In an interview after the game, Langstaff expressed his satisfaction at getting on the scoresheet. "Yeah, of course. I think as a striker you always want to get on the scoresheet no matter what game it is, and to get to Mark early in preseason, obviously it's important for striker's confidence, so I'm not doing that," he said. Langstaff's goal was a tap-in, set up by a brilliant play from his teammate on the right-hand side. "Obviously brilliant play the right-hand side and just across, across the box I have to be that type of thing," he said. The striker also praised the link-up play between him and Dan Crowley in the first half. "I think you can see what we've been working on, the training going, you know, when it comes to get the ball and plays that one, two with Dan, it's impossible to mark," he said. Langstaff went on to explain that this type of play is something the team has been working on in training. "Um, we've been working on that all week in training since we came back in. So it's good to see it on the pitch and, um, yeah, it's going to be harder to mark for opposition Defenders this year," he said. This early success bodes well for Notts County as they continue their pre-season preparations. With Langstaff and Crowley already showing promising signs of chemistry on the pitch, fans will be eagerly anticipating what the team can achieve in the upcoming season. Join the Pride of Nottingham discussions on our topicfeed and share your thoughts on Notts County’s return to the Football League! Bookmark our dashboard page for quick access to an overview of our site and stay up-to-date on all things Notts County.

Notts County manager Luke Williams expressed his satisfaction with his team’s performance in their first pre-season friendly against Nuneaton Borough, which ended in a 3-0 win for Notts County. In an interview with the Notts County media team, he praised the young players on the team for handling the pressure of playing alongside more experienced players brilliantly. He discussed the continuation of the team’s style of play from last season, noting that there were some similarities in terms of possession dominance and free-flowing play. He mentioned that while there will be some changes during pre-season, it was nice to see some similarities from where they left off. Individual performances were also touched on by Williams, who praised Aaron Nemane for his speed and precision and Dan Crowley for his ability to manipulate the ball and move his body around it in a brilliant way. He also mentioned Jim O’Brien’s class performance and Macaulay Langstaff and Cedwyn Scott’s goals, which showed their confidence and continuation from last season. Williams cautioned against reading too much into the result, stating that it’s difficult to read too much into a game like this as it’s their first one, and they have a few new faces and some young guys helping them out. “But of course, we have to go through this process to play 45 minutes for everyone, and I’m really happy that we came through it with some good performances,” he said. He was particularly impressed with the young players on the team, who he felt handled the pressure of playing alongside more experienced players brilliantly. “When you are a young guy, and you come in, and you’re on the same pitch with a guy who was a top goalscorer last season, there is pressure and some nerves there,” he said. “But they handled that brilliantly.” The manager also discussed the continuation of the team’s style of play from last season, noting that there were some similarities in terms of possession dominance and free-flowing play. “I don’t think we want to completely rip up everything that we did last season,” he said. “So we try to carry on. There will be some changes during pre-season for us to look at different options, but it was nice to see some similarities from where we left off.” Williams was pleased with his team’s performance in their first pre-season friendly and is looking forward to continuing their progression through pre-season. Are you a member of the Pride of Nottingham? Why not join in and become a regular poster? We would love to have you share your views. Join the match discussion for yesterday’s post-match comments on the friendly win over Nuneaton Borough.

Notts County manager Luke Williams has revealed his thoughts on the importance of having a balanced and competitive squad ahead of the new season. The Magpies are looking to build on their successful campaign that saw them finish second in the National League, after winning the playoff final against Chesterfield. Williams, who took over from Ian Burchnall in June 2022, has been busy reshaping his squad with several new signings and departures. One of the key areas that Williams has focused on is ensuring that he has enough depth and quality in every position to cope with the demands of a long and gruelling season. He believes that having a strong bench and a variety of options will give him more flexibility and creativity to change games and adapt to different situations. He also wants to avoid having players who are unhappy or frustrated with their lack of involvement, as that can have a negative impact on the team spirit and morale. In an interview with Notts County, Williams shared his views on how he is pleased with the depth across all positions in all areas. "We don’t want to have players that spend long periods not being involved. "It’s awful for a player and terrible for the atmosphere around the place to have players that are backed up a long way behind three or four players and hoping for a miracle to get near the team," he said. Williams also spoke about how seven substitutes will be a refreshing change for him next year. "We many times had no goalkeeper on the bench so we have five outfield players now we will almost definitely have a goalkeeper and six so we have one extra outfield player in reality often we have one extra outfield player to what we had last season but this is huge because it can be a player that can be a completely different option to all of the other players on the bench," he said. He continued, "Last season you had to make a call to leave somebody completely out so more options for me is fantastic and it gives us a chance to have more dynamic ways of changing the game off." The manager is optimistic about the potential for squad depth to help Notts County maintain their momentum in the upcoming season. "We potentially can move the pack around and still retain what we are," he said. Williams also praised the attitude and work ethic of his players, who have been working hard in pre-season training to prepare for the new challenges ahead. He said that he has been impressed by their commitment and desire to improve and learn from their mistakes. He also said that he has seen signs of improvement and cohesion in their performances in the training matches so far. He added, "The players have been fantastic, they have been very receptive to everything we have asked them to do. They have shown great character and resilience, especially after some tough results last season. They have come back with a positive mindset and a hunger to do better. They have also shown some good quality and understanding on the pitch, which is encouraging." Williams hopes that his squad depth will give him an edge over his rivals in League Two, as he aims to guide Notts County back to League One. He said that he is confident that he has a squad that can compete with anyone in the division, and that he is looking forward to the start of the season. He concluded, "We have a lot of competition for places, which is healthy and good for the team. We have players who can play in different positions and systems, which gives us more options and versatility. We have players who can make an impact from the bench, which can be crucial in tight games. We have players who are hungry and motivated, which is vital for success. We have a squad that I believe in and trust, and I can’t wait to see them in action." We want to hear from you! Share your thoughts and predictions before and after our friendly against Nuneaton Borough. Let’s show our support for the team! Adam Summerton has shared his thoughts on League 2. Do you agree with his views? Let us know in the comments!

After 1,471 days, Notts County has finally secured their return to the English Football League. A penalty shoot-out win at the end of an extraordinary National League promotion final against Chesterfield at Wembley on Saturday changed all that, as they secured their return to the English Football League after a four-year absence. Their relegation to non-league football for the first time in 2019 meant 161-year-old Notts, a founding member of the Football League in 1888, lost their mantle as the 'world's oldest football league club'. Signs proclaiming Notts' place in the annals of the game, which were all around their home ground, were either taken down or covered over with black tape. For the Magpies, the years of non-league exile were dark days. Cedwyn Scott finally ended the years of purgatory with the decisive penalty in their 4-3 shoot-out win against the Spireites after Notts twice battled back to draw 2-2 at the end of extra time. As Notts County prepares for their return to the Football League, fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming season. Paul Linley, a long-time supporter of the club, is one of many who have purchased season tickets for the upcoming season. "After watching the best footballing team we've had in 34 years and my son getting the NCFC bug, I just couldn't resist!!! It's just a pure pleasure to watch," he said. Linley's son Evan is also excited about the upcoming season. When asked about his favourite player on the team, he said, "McGoldrick, as he came for love over money." Evan is also looking forward to seeing Notts County compete as favourites to win the league. Kimbo Walster, another long-time season ticket holder, has been supporting Notts County since 1990. She has many fond memories of supporting the club, including their recent victory at Wembley. "Very much the memory of supporting Notts, Juventus, away at Wembley this season winning League 2 after being 14 points behind," she said. Walster also spoke about how the club has impacted her life. "I lost my mum who was a massive County fan and even though it's hard going to games without her, without Notts I wouldn't be here today," she said. "I've never felt so close and connected to this football club for a very long time. We're going in the right direction and only going up, up and up, getting higher up the divisions." Gareth Jones is another fan who has purchased a season ticket for the upcoming season. He is looking forward to seeing Notts County compete against better teams and is optimistic about their chances. "Personally, I would be happy with a top-half finish but following the bookies, they are tipping us for back-to-back promotions," he said. Jones also praised the current state of the club under the Reedz brothers' ownership. "The Reedz brothers are something else," he said. "Obviously we all know the problems we had under the last ownership, but these boys have really steadied the ship and funded the necessary signings like McGoldrick to really make a push next year!!" As Notts County prepares for their return to the Football League, fans like Paul and Evan Linley, Kimbo Walster and Gareth Jones are eagerly anticipating what promises to be an exciting season. Join the Pride of Nottingham discussions on our topicfeed and share your thoughts on Notts County’s return to the Football League! Bookmark our dashboard page for quick access to an overview of our site and stay up-to-date on all things Notts County.

Manager Luke Williams has been busy in the transfer market, bringing in new talent to strengthen the team. The club has made several signings from League One, including David McGoldrick and Dan Crowley. These players bring experience and quality to the squad, and Williams is excited about their potential. However, it's not all good news for Notts County fans. The club has also seen some departures, including Ruben Rodrigues. Rodrigues was a popular player among fans and his departure will be felt by the team. In an interview with the official site, Williams expressed his sadness at Rodrigues' departure but also wished him well for the future, saying "I'm very sad to see him go. "I'm happy for him to be able to express himself at a higher level and showcase what he can do. Of course, a contract is going to be good for him and his family, so I'm very sad and happy at the same time." Williams also spoke about the club's recent signings, including David McGoldrick and Dan Crowley. He was particularly excited about McGoldrick, describing him as a player with "incredible quality" and an "aura" that would be beneficial for both the staff and players. Williams also praised Crowley's quality with the ball and versatility in playing different positions. Another new signing from League One is Dan Crowley. Williams spoke about him, saying "I've known about him as a player for a long time, and I've been in two different clubs where we were close to trying to sign him. "He was on a list of players with this type of quality. He has brilliant quality with the ball and can play different positions as well. Now we need to try to help him understand how we play and what is really important to us, and add that with his own individual skills. Hopefully, we have a brilliant partnership there." He added. The Notts County head coach also discussed Will Randall, who he knows well from his time at Swindon. "When I was at Swindon a long time ago when we were a League One team at the time, Will was coming through the youth team and was a very exciting player. "His first team debut was away at Preston, and he played well in a Preston team that beat us in a playoff final. Will was 18, I think, and he really equipped himself brilliantly," he said. Luke Williams is hopeful that the new signings will help Notts County achieve their goals for the season. While it is always difficult to see players leave, he believes that the new additions will bring fresh energy and talent to the squad. What do you think about Aaron Nemane signing a new two-year-deal with Notts County? Leave your thoughts in the comments! Can you name any players who have featured for both Notts County and Nuneaton Borough? Join in with our MAGnets topic and share your knowledge!

Aaron Nemane, the 25-year-old wing-back, has agreed to a new two-year contract with Notts County. Nemane played a crucial role in the record-breaking 2022-23 season, providing both offensive and defensive contributions. His constant threat down the right-hand side of the pitch and significant defensive efforts were instrumental in our success. Nemane's performances throughout the season earned him praise from both fans and pundits alike. His ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates, as well as his tenacity in winning back possession, made him a standout player in our squad. The Notts County board of directors and head coach Luke Williams are thrilled to have secured his continued services. A statement from the club praised Nemane's growth as a player, noting his increased concentration, game-understanding, and self-belief. These improvements resulted in a standout 2022-23 season, including exceptional performances during our play-off campaign. "In Aaron’s time at the club he’s gone from a player capable of producing great moments to one who can make a big impact from first minute to last," the statement reads. "As his influence on the team has grown, we’ve seen opponents pay more and more attention to him, and he has consistently shown he can rise to the challenge." Nemane's unique characteristics, including his speed, low centre of gravity, and close control, make him an elusive player on the field. "We also feel Aaron has unique characteristics – he’s incredibly quick and, with his low centre of gravity and close control, extremely elusive," the statement continues. "At 25, we feel he can still improve a lot, and we’re very excited to give him the platform to realise his immense potential." In addition to his on-field contributions, Nemane is a beloved member of the squad and a positive presence in the locker room. "On top of all that, Aaron’s a much-loved character and a hugely positive presence. All things considered, he’s a very valuable member of the squad," the statement concludes. The club is excited to continue working with this valuable player and looks forward to seeing his continued growth on and off the field. Make sure to use the Pride of Nottingham dashboard for quick access to all our latest content. Don’t miss out on our opinion features written by a dedicated group of fans.

Notts County manager Luke Williams has returned to training as the squad prepares for their pre-season games. These games provide an opportunity for players to build fitness and for managers to experiment with tactics and formations. They also allow new signings to integrate with their teammates and adapt to their new surroundings. Pre-season games against higher-level opposition, such as Stoke and Forest, provide a valuable test for the team. These games will allow Williams to assess his squad’s progress and make any necessary adjustments before the start of the new season. In an interview via the official site, Williams spoke about the club’s pre-season preparations. He discussed the importance of pre-season games against Stoke and Forest, stating that "It’s very important and all the games were planned for specific reasons. "Both games are going to be able to make actions that are hard to defend against and too quick and too skillful. But to do the hard work and try to shut space down and be organized and concentrate, this is free really, this is just applying yourself correctly and hard work," he said. On how he plans to integrate his philosophy onto new arrivals at this stage of the season, Williams said "It’s absolutely true that it takes the players some time to adapt to some things that I like and things that I don’t like. And that’s true of most managers. Some systems are easier, some more difficult, but for sure it took a while with a lot of the players to adapt. And then I think they adapted very well in the end." The manager is optimistic about the potential for new arrivals to adapt quickly to his philosophy. "Now I think we have a great beginning because many players and our staff have experienced already what we’re going to try to do. So we can hopefully speed up the process. We have many coaches now because I’m hearing players talking to new players, expect this, be ready for this and so on. And this is really brilliant," he said. Williams is excited about the potential for a successful pre-season. "I’m hoping we’re ahead of where we were last year and that we can try to speed up the process," he said. The club’s fans are eagerly anticipating the start of the new season. They are hopeful that Williams’ philosophy and approach will bring success on the pitch. Check out the Pride of Nottingham Topicfeed for easy access to our forum content! Take part and let the Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts on how many season tickets the club has sold.