PON_News

Kevin Nolan has suggested that Kristian Dennis could make his first Notts County start in Friday's League Two meeting with Yeovil Town. The striker was left out of the squad for Tuesday’s EFL Cup trip to Middlesbrough to work on his fitness. Speaking a day before the Glovers clash, Nolan is confident that Dennis' extra grafting could see him involved from the off. “We kept him back because we felt he had a real chance of starting on Friday,” Nolan told the official Notts site. “He’s been on the periphery of the first team in the opening games and we manage all of the players’ fitness carefully, so we felt if we took him on Tuesday he might not have been ready for Yeovil. “We got him to do more running earlier this week because he’s a bit behind some of the boys so by keeping him back we’ve given him more chance of starting on Friday night.” Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Kevin Nolan has declared himself proud of his Notts County charges as they took Middlesbrough all the way to penalties in Tuesday's EFL Cup first-round tie at the Riverside Stadium. In one of the games of the night, the Magpies took the lead three times, but the Championship high-flyers equalised each time to force the game to spot kicks, where the hosts held their nerve. Despite the defeat, Notts did not disgrace themselves by any means and Nolan was delighted with the output from his boys. “I am delighted with them,” he told the Nottingham Post. “There were so many good performances and I thought they handled the pressure really well. They were more than a match for Boro and I am proud of each and every one of them. “The character and the attitude they showed was tremendous. What I am hoping now is that they push on after this so we can get better as a team.” Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County have bowed out of the 2018-19 EFL Cup with their heads held high after taking Championship high-flyers Middlesbrough to a penalty shootout at the Riverside Stadium. The Magpies took the lead in the 20th minute as Terry Hawkridge's quick free kick released Jon Stead into the area, and the former Sunderland man squared for young debutant Tom Crawford to sweep home. County's lead lasted less than 10 minutes, however, as Ashley Fletcher steered in Grant Leadbitter's corner at the back post via a flick on from Daniel Ayala in the 27th minute. Just six minutes later, Notts surged ahead again when Stead turned on the right-hand edge of the Boro box and hit a low shot that beat Boro goalkeeper Lonergan at his near post. Boro then claimed a second equaliser a minute before half time, with Luxembourg international Enes Mahmutovic heading home from close range after Marvin Johnson stood up an inviting cross from the left. An exciting game then yielded a third Notts goal as Noor Husin drilled a low shot against the post, with Stead on hand to sweep home the rebound. Eventually the home side's pressure turned into yet another equaliser, as Fletcher added to his first after good work from Stephen Walker with 16 minutes to play. Neither side could be separated come the full-time whistle, so penalties would be needed to separate the two teams. Boro prevailed 4-3, with County's Stead and Jones seeing their penalties saved by Lonergan, while Boro converted all of theirs. Share your thoughts about this game on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Kevin Nolan has conceded that Notts County were powerless to stop Dongda He from leaving to join Wolverhampton Wanderers and admits that the Magpies are currently "at the bottom" of the footballing food chain. The Chinese teenager, who put in some impressive displays in pre-season, was signed by Wolves for an undisclosed fee last week, thus fulfilling his dream of joining a Premier League side. “Ultimately the kid wanted to go,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post. “The owners at Wolves wanted him and when they wanted somebody they get him. “We are at the bottom of the kingdom if you like. All we can do is scrap our way up there as quickly as possible so that we don’t lose our best young players. But if top clubs come calling this is what happens. Nothing we can do can stop that. “Ultimately as a youngster, you want to play at the top level. If they get that opportunity they are going to want to take it. “If we rejected the bid they would have taken us to a tribunal which is set at a number of years he has been with us. If it’s £100,000, £70,000, £50,000 - what’s that to a Premier League club? “We’ve got to get as much as possible. The boss worked tirelessly for the best deal for the club because we knew we were going to lose him. The boss did really well in getting the deal he did.” Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County boss Kevin Nolan has announced that Andy Kellett will make his full debut at Middlesbrough on Tuesday night. The Magpies get their EFL Cup campaign underway with a trip to Teesside where they will face the Championship side. “Andy will start on Tuesday, but Kristian [Dennis] will not,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post. “We’ve got a duty to make sure all the squad are given a fair chance. “We will be rotating like we did last year because it worked very well and the lads found it really good. “There will be a good few changes on Tuesday and because we have a quick turnaround and we are playing Friday [against Yeovil Town), we’ve got to manage who we play, and how we play.” Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Do you know any budding young artists? Do you enjoy drawing? Are you a big Notts County fan? We at Pride of Nottingham are running a competition for young supporters to draw a picture of Pon Magpie, our mascot! Alan Hardy has done wonders to turn Notts into the family club it's supposed to be, and as County's premier fansite, we want to get young fans involved in this fun contest! Submit any photos of the artwork to the Pride of Nottingham social media pages, or as a message to the Pon Magpie Facebook page! We will choose a winner and share all the pictures via the PON website! The winner will also receive a large striped Notts County pennant or an alternative for around £10 from the club shop! Please help us spread the word! Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County midfielder Andy Kellett has praised the fact that nobody can "come off the gas" at Meadow Lane due to competition for places in the squad. The summer signing from Wigan Athletic missed the season-opening stalemate with Colchester United due to injury. Although Kellett is hoping to be fit for Saturday’s trip to Cambridge United, he is not expecting to be simply drafted into the starting XI. “The competition for places is very good because there are players in a number of positions," Kellett told the Nottingham Post. “It’s hard for everybody to know if they are going to be picked or not. “Where I’ve been previously you know you are getting in the team and you come off the gas a bit. “But here at Notts, you’ve always got to be on top of it.” Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Kevin Nolan has claimed that every Notts County player had a "really solid game" in their 0-0 draw with Colchester United and that the first League Two home fixture of the season was always going to be "a bit jittery for everybody". The Magpies and the U's cancelled each other out in a fairly even game at Meadow Lane which, though not the most inspiring, still managed to yield a point and a clean sheet for the hosts. “The first game at home is always a bit jittery for everybody," Nolan told the Nottingham Post. "I just thought there were a lot of new faces, debuts made today and I don’t think anyone showed that they were a nine out of 10. “As a whole, we got sixes and sevens which is good. I don’t think anyone on the pitch has lit it up, I just think everyone’s had a really solid game and we’ve got through it. “We’ve got the clean sheet which is fantastic for us, keep clean sheets and then you only need one goal and with the talent we now have in the squad, we can get goals from all over the place. “We’re still finding our feet, I’ve got lots to be positive about.” Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County began the 2018-19 season with a point in a tricky and ultimately underwhelming 0-0 draw with Colchester United at Meadow Lane. The Magpies considerably strengthened their ranks over the summer with several high-profile signings rocking up at the club so the hope was of hitting the ground running against somewhat mediocre opposition. It didn't go that way though, with both sides looking rusty in the first League Two game of the campaign, and the outcome was a share of the spoils and a clean sheet apiece. Nathan Thomas came close when he controlled on the edge of the area before trying his luck with a superb chipped effort, but the opposition keeper was able to palm the effort away. Colchester, meanwhile, had several attempts to breach Ross Fitzsimons' clean sheet but in the end it was honours even. How did Notts boss Nolan and the fans react to the stalemate? Pride of Nottingham takes a closer look. Kevin Nolan on the game “There’s lots of positives to take from it. It wasn’t the free-flowing, absolutely fantastic game or fantastic performance, but what we have seen is lots of things we can take out to be excited about.” The Black and White Army Liampie it was okay for the first game but if kn wants fans to give their complete backing he needs to get them playing football. there was a lot of negativity flying around and i think the performance burst a few bubbles but its early. Samwatto2008 Really disappointing performance from Tootle. Really let the defence down today, caught out too many times letting Szmodics run free. He also failed to release Boldewjin a number of times and failed to utilise his strengths. Overall though I am happy with a point against Colchester as they will be pushing play offs this year. Think if Norris came on or started this would have been a different game. Stead put in a lot of effort which saw him get an applause when subbed but he was missing and just isn't going to find form this season I don't think. Thomas looked quick and sharp, Hemmings also. Not sure which CB I would drop at the moment though as Hall needs to be in. Heart says Duffy, Head says Brisely. Happy with areas of the game though and there is still lots to work on. The Heff It looked like a team that was new with playing with each other, I think several players was nervous and found it hard to lift their performance accordingly. KingKev It wasn't as bad as some are suggesting, Notts did play well in spells but too many players had an off day. Menzinho I think Colchester will be pushing for play-offs this season, so all in all not a terrible start to the season. The expectation was high, but as we've seen through pre-season no-one's really got going yet and the wayward passes coupled with some terrible first touches made it feel like just another pre-season game. Very hard to really gauge anything from the match, Cambridge away will be interesting though, both teams should be going for the win... CliftonMagpie It's early days, but I felt like Notts was quite relaxed and never focused on pressuring Colchester. They looked a good side and I would be more positive if I was a U's fan, Notts just needs to focus more on passing forward. Ian Ale Goode no excuses we was rubbish end of let's hope we improve big time Mick Jones Need to give the team time to gel and that won't happen overnight. Also the likes of Hemmings and Dennis and a few others have yet to reach full fitness yet. My only real concern is that we're still poor at the back with no real changes having been made in that area of the team. Jimmy Gee Poor start to season. Should be playing to a plan from kick off... there was none! Cecil Richardson Stead is not a target man why cannot Nolan see that Dave Woolley Should have played Dennis with Hemmings from the off. Then if Dennis got tired change it. There was no way we were going to win a battle in the air.... Steve Blyth Never first to the ball and to be honest half of them didn’t look fit !! Dan Simpson It's tough to pass the ball around though when they do and everyone starts moaning because it's not going forward. If you want Notts to play football... Michael Rimmingtom 100% crap ok first game but expected better. Play football not hoofing the ball and hoping for the best. Still a points a point. Alex West Think we missed husin. Hewitt was poor. Vaughan was ok but lacked the options. Boldewjin was targeted but created the most. It will come together I'm certain of that. Just a quick note - we lost 3-0 first game last season. Antony Staples Poor... long ball doesn't work for the players we have!! Nick Norman First game don't panic. They are favourites for a playoff place Ian Ale Goode total rubbish new team same old tactics get a grip Nolan no team work hoof the ball back passing was rubbish one chance to score all that money spent and no improvement Michael Hill Frustrating, Dennis is wasted. Noones looking to find the strikers Share your thoughts about the match on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County began the 2018-19 season with a point in a tricky and ultimately underwhelming 0-0 draw with Colchester United at Meadow Lane. The Magpies considerably strengthened their ranks over the summer with several high-profile signings rocking up at the club so the hope was of hitting the ground running against somewhat mediocre opposition. It didn't go that way though, with both sides looking rusty in the first League Two game of the campaign, and the outcome was a share of the spoils and a clean sheet apiece, which is better than a loss I guess. Nathan Thomas came close when he controlled on the edge of the area before trying his luck with a superb chipped effort, but the opposition keeper was able to palm the effort away. Colchester, meanwhile, had several attempts to breach Ross Fitzsimons' clean sheet but in the end it was honours even. Pride of Nottingham was at Meadow Lane for the stalemate. Have you made this week's Faces of PON? Have a look through a gallery and find out! Share your thoughts about the game on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County began the 2018-19 season with a point in a tricky and ultimately underwhelming 0-0 draw with Colchester United at Meadow Lane. Although the U's appeared the brighter of the two sides at the off, the Magpies almost took a fourth-minute lead through debutant Enzio Boldewijn. The Dutchman was able to let rip with a low shot from a good position but visiting goalkeeper Dillon Barnes was able to palm the effort behind for a corner. But Colchester then threatened midway through the first half through Frank Nouble, whose header from Ryan Jackson's cross flashed inches wide of County's far post. The hosts received a let off in the second half when keeper Ross Fitzsimons appeared to handle the ball outside of his area after Jackson had sent Nouble through on goal. Nathan Thomas then came close with a superb chance when he controlled on the edge of the area before trying his luck with a chipped effort, only for Barnes to backtrack and tip the ball over for a corner. Colchester came close to claiming victory with 15 minutes remaining when Aaron Collins teed up Tom Eastman, who struck the bar with a curled effort from the edge of the box, but ultimately the spoils were shared. Share your thoughts about this match report on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Kevin Nolan has revealed that Richard Duffy will be Notts County's captain in Saturday's League Two opener against Colchester United. The defender held the armband for most of last season as Michael O'Connor was sidelined through a long-term injury. Now that O'Connor has left, Nolan has stated that Duffy will continue as skipper "for the foreseeable future" but says it's not a permanent appointment. “Richard Duffy will lead the team out on Saturday,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post. “I haven’t made my mind up who is going to be the club captain yet. “Richard stepped in so well last year for Ocky (during Michael O’Connor’s injury) that he will continue to do it for the foreseeable future until I actually pinpoint one. “It’s probably been the last thing I’ve been thinking of this week although people keep pushing me on it. “I expect him to do the job that he’s done since I came into the club, he’s been absolutely fantastic doing that.” Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Alan Hardy has issued a call for more Notts County fans to get behind the team this upcoming season. The Magpies have invested heavily this summer following an above-expectations finish last term, qualifying for the playoffs. "A general rule of thumb is that if you get results right on the pitch, most other things will follow," Hardy wrote on the Notts website. "We've certainly seen that with major increases in supporters, hospitality sales, merchandise sales and other revenue streams. "I've lost count of the number of fans who have contacted me to say the atmosphere at the club has changed beyond belief, how lapsed fans are coming back in their droves, how parents and grandparents are bringing their children and grandchildren to Meadow Lane for their first taste of professional football and how we are all enjoying - and not enduring - watching this great club of ours. "But, please, we need even more of you. Our season ticket holder base has gone up by 35 percent but that needs to grow still further. "Season ticket holders are the lifeblood of our club. If you have not already bought one, please do your very best to do so in the next few days - our current discounted rate is due to expire on Saturday. "For those of you unable to buy a season ticket, please make an extra effort to come to as many games as you possibly can. Your support really does make a difference. "I'd like to see a crowd in excess of 6,500 on Saturday for our opening game against Colchester. It would mean a huge amount to me, to Kevin and all the players. "A league season is a marathon not a sprint but to see you all on Saturday would be a great way to welcome our new signings to Meadow Lane and to show the fighting spirit and passion our support can create. "I hope and believe this can be a very special season and, with your support, it will be." Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Noor Husin has claimed that Notts County's playoff heartache last season will prove a superb incentive for the Magpies to get the promotion job done this time round. Notts were in and around the League Two's top three for much of the 2017-18 campaign but stuttered in the final few months to finish in the playoffs, which they subsequently lost to eventual winners Coventry City. “Last season will only make us stronger and the boys know what it takes now,” Husin told the Nottingham Post. “Hopefully we can go a step further and get that promotion everybody is after. “Everyone was bitterly disappointed with how last season ended after doing so well. But it’s only going to spur us on to go up and I am sure that will give us that extra bit of motivation we need.” Husin has also spoken of his international call-up with Afghanistan, expressing pride at being convoked by his nation, but he says he will put club before country this month. “I have been called up by Afghanistan, but they have a friendly in a couple of weeks’ time [against Palestine on August 19] which I am not going to,” he said. “But when there is an international break I think I will be going. “I was called up a couple of years ago, but I put it on hold at the time. I am delighted to be called up and my family are proud. I am really looking forward to it. The games are going to be in Qatar, China and places like that. "They keep track of me and I speak to the manager who has just been appointed. He used to coach in the Dutch league. He’s been watching my games and they keep an eye on me to see how I am getting on." Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Kevin Nolan has spoken about Notts County duo Lewis Alessandra and Will Patching, praising the former and providing an update on the latter. The 29-year-old attacker scored against Basford and Leicester City and is pushing for a start in the League Two opener against Colchester United. Manchester City academy product Patching, meanwhile, made his debut for the Magpies at the weekend when he came on as a substitute in the 2-0 defeat at Luton Town. “Lewi is just a quality player, a quality lad and a good kid,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post. “He is lovely to be around and is great on the training ground. “The lads we have brought in have taken him to new levels which is good.” As for Patching, he said: “It’s going to take him a while to get up to speed. He is way behind the lads, but he is training fully now with the boys. “He got 15 to 20 minutes on Saturday and he will now be playing in a game on Tuesday to get his minutes up. “But I think we will be seeing him in the League Cup game when we can get him extra minutes and get him in a proper competitive game.” Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Richard Duffy has admitted that he would relish being handed the Notts County captain's armband permanently but says he will back whoever is given it. “I’ve spoken to the manager but nothing about the captaincy,” he told the Nottingham Post. “Whoever it will be will be and if it is me then great. If it’s not then I will be back whoever gets it. “Obviously I wore it for the majority of last season until Occy (Michael O’Connor) came back and that was because he was club captain. But if the manager gives it to me, then I will relish it.” Duffy also thinks Notts must not be afraid to have moments of playing hoofball if they are to change their philosophy and become a passing team. “Being easy on the eye isn’t easy,” he added. “You’ve got to do the dirty things and you’ve still got to put the ball in behind and play it long whatever people say. “If you look at Man City and Arsenal they will do it and then teams will start to drop off then they start to play. “Luton did it. They are a passing team and get the ball down but have a look at how many times Bris (Shaun Brisley) and I were chasing back to our own goal. “It was quite a few times and however good you are, they will put it in behind and make you drop off, then all of a sudden the holes appear and that’s when they start playing their stuff. “You’ve got to work yourselves into games and we did that in the first half.” Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Kevin Nolan has admitted that Notts County were punished for making “strange and sloppy” decisions in their 2-0 loss at Luton Town on Saturday. The Hatters secured a 2-0 win at Kenilworth Road through former Magpies loanee Jorge Grant and Elliott Lee. The latter scored from close range after Ross Fitzsimons failed to collect a header on the goal line following a corner. “I was a bit disappointed really in what we’ve been trying to do and what we’ve been about in pre-season,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post. “I thought we were second best certainly in the second half. “In the first we contained them and I think they only had one shot on target. But in the second half we made some strange and sloppy decisions and we were punished for it.” Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County manager Kevin Nolan has stressed that each of his players will have a chance this weekend to earn a starting XI spot in their League Two opener against Colchester United. The first team travel to Luton Town on Saturday, while some senior players are also expected to feature at Carlton Town on Saturday in their final pre-season matches. The Magpies will open their campaign against the U's at Meadow Lane on August 4 and Nolan wants all of his charges to be "selfish" in their pursuit of a first-team berth. “There’s still plenty to play for,” Nolan told the official club website. “I don’t know what’s going to happen between now and next week. “Football changes minute-by-minute, hour-by-hour. This will be a massive 90 minutes for them. “I’ve told everyone to be selfish to make sure they’re ready come Saturday week because they never know, they could get that call.” Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County defender Ben Hall has tipped Kane Hemmings to have a good season as he admits he is the most difficult striker to deal with in training. Following last season's playoff near-miss, the Magpies set about bolstering their ranks with big money signings, Hemmings recruited from Oxford United for a six-figure sum. "I'd probably say Kane Hemmings is the toughest to mark at the moment with his movement. His hold up play is good too," Brighton loanee Hall told the Nottingham Post. "He was holding defenders off against Leicester so I think he'll be good for us." Hall also commented on Kevin Nolan's training regime, adding: "It's been difficult, especially last week. It's not nice, but it's what you've got to do to be ready for the start of the season. "There's one or two things still to come together yet. We've got another two weeks to get ready. We'll get that right and be ready for the start of the season." Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Sam Allardyce has admitted that he knew he would be criticised for leaving Notts County in 1999 for Bolton Wanderers but stated that it was an opportunity he couldn't miss and so had to be "selfish". In an interview published in "Record Breakers - The Inside Story of Notts County’s Momentous 1997/98 Title Win", the former Magpies boss was asked why he decided to up sticks. "I think I had to be selfish for myself," he replied. "There was a great affinity with the club and a great relationship that I had built. This opportunity came along where I had to be selfish for myself, and not feel anything other than the fact I have got to do it for me. "I knew I would be criticised for leaving, but there were other circumstances I don’t really want to go into that actually helped that decision to be made. "The real decision was that this was a football club that gave me my career in football, gave me my dream, and gave me everything I wanted to achieve. "Even though I’m not north-west or Bolton-born and bred, I am an adopted Boltonian. I arrived there at 15 and married a Bolton girl. "The new stadium at Bolton – the Reebok Stadium – to walk in the middle of that and say, “I’m back where I always wanted to be,” to try and take that club forward, that became the next challenge. "All that I did at Limerick, Blackpool and Notts County, all that I’d learned down there in terms of finding the right solutions to problems when we were financially strapped – I think Bolton at that stage were £45m in the red, which doesn’t actually seem a lot now but then that was a bankrupt football club really. "I had the tools to manage all of that because of what I’d done at Limerick, Blackpool and Notts County. That apprenticeship stood me in good stead to move on, but I’ll never forget, never forget that particular season. Ever." Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Kevin Nolan has spoken highly of Notts County academy product Dongda He and is confident of the club bringing through youngsters of high pedigree in the coming years. The Magpies have experienced a drought in talented academy players coming through the ranks to establish themselves in the senior team, with only Curtis Thompson and Haydn Hollis having made the breakthrough recently. However, with He looking like a real talent and the likes of Remaye Campbell, Pierce Bird, Alex Howes and new recruits Tom Crawford and Will Patching, the future is looking bright for those in black and white. "It's fantastic. It's been a while coming,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post. "With Dongda, we only just got his visa a few weeks ago, but we've got high hopes for him. "There's a number of young lads in our system who we feel can make an impact. Tom Crawford, who we got from Chester, you can see he's got a brilliant attitude. Alex Howes, young Spike, has been great. "We've got high hopes for a few of them. We'll see them in and around the first team more this season because the squad is a lot younger than last season. They'll get chances during the season.” Focusing on He, Nolan added: "Dongda did really well. It took him a little bit of time to get used to the game, but we expected that as he's only been training with us for a week or two,” he said. "He's got real ability and we'd like to release that at some point. He's under no pressure though. None at all. We want to create an environment where he can thrive here." Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Another weekend, another pre-season friendly, another seven notches on the calendar, another week closer to the start of the 2018-19 season. On Saturday, Notts County had the privilege of facing none other than the team that defied odds of 5,000-1 to win the Premier League title in undoubtedly the biggest fairy tale in sporting history, ever. Although Leicester City have not been able to mount another title challenge since the magical 2015-16, they nonetheless enjoyed a superb Champions League run in 2016-17 and finished in the top half of the table last time out. But obviously none of that compares to the opportunity of facing the oldest professional Football League club in the world at the magical Meadow Lane, does it? And the Magpies got off to a great start through Lewis Alessandra, though goals from Wes Morgan, Hamza Choudhury, Demarai Gray and Islam Slimani saw the Foxes eventually run out 4-1 winners. Pride of Nottingham was at the San Sirrel for the game and took plenty of photos of the Black and White Army. See if you're among the Faces of PON! Share your thoughts about the game or the gallery on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.