PON_News

Harry Kewell has criticised the performance of referee Neil Hair following his disastrous first league game in charge of Notts County. The Australian was banished to the stands as the Magpies went 4-1 down at Exeter City for arguing whether his side should have been awarded a penalty. Nonetheless, Kewell had no complaints as Notts were eventually beaten 5-1 at St James' Park. "We went in at 2-1 and it was game on," Kewell told Sky Sports. "I was confident we were going to get something out of the game. But another set-piece and a mistake and we are 3-1 down. That is when the anger kicked in. "I questioned the handball and you have to change a few other things because we are chasing the game. The eagle-eyed referee sees another handball, gives it to them and they miss it so we are still in it. "Then there was a cross in the box and it was one of those 'does it hit his hand, or does it not?'. The referee says no, we are complaining, they go up the other end and score a goal. "That was disappointing and that is when I get my marching orders. I said 'well done' to the referee; I said you can see one in the far corner but not one straight in front of you. "Everyone wants to win, I am a winner. We had to try things and we had to be vulnerable at the back to get players in the box." 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.

With the exception of Colchester United, every team that Notts County have played so far in League Two have plundered at least three goals, and today's game against Exeter City saw the largest total shipped by a Magpies side very quickly establishing a reputation for itself as a punching bag in a 5-1 defeat at St James' Park. No doubts about it, this Notts side is a farce. From a full-back one missed penalty away from a hat-trick to manager Harry Kewell sent to the stands in his first league game for his new club, a team that had already suffered plenty of humiliations this season has plumbed new depths, and the way things are going now, relegation is a certainty unless a coach whose appointment has been met in the same manner as that of Jamie Fullarton can somehow work enough magic to turn this shower into something resembling a professional football team. In all fairness, County had started well enough in Devon, with Nathan Thomas going close and Kristian Dennis being denied by Christy Pym from range, but as has been the case oh so many times this season, the defence was sliced apart like butter as the Grecians quickly established a two-goal lead, Pierce Sweeney heading home from a corner - another set piece concession - and Thomas caught out in possession to allow Hiram Boateng to set up Jayden Stockley for an easy drive. There was a sliver of hope with half time on the horizon as Enzio Boldewijn cut inside and curled home a great effort from outside the box, a goal which frankly came out of nowhere but which definitely set up a good springboard for Kewell's boys to mount a second-half comeback. Did this happen? Did it [redacted]. Christian Oxlade-Chamberlain handled the ball in the box while challenging for it, an act so foolish that his own teammates wondered what he was doing, and Sweeney fired an effort into the bottom right-hand corner, despite Ross Fitzsimons diving the right way. Not long after, Boldewijn was found guilty of the same mistake and Sweeney, a right-back, was then in with a chance of securing a hat-trick, but to save County's already-plentiful blushes, he hammered wide. Not that Notts have had any trouble embarrassing themselves this season, not even any need for other teams to do it. The defence practically gave Nicky Law free rein to make his way into the final third before the Exeter man crossed for Stockley to slam past Fitzsimons from six yards out. Just for good measure, Kewell's protestations led to him being dismissed from the dugout and sent to the stands, with BBC Nottingham commentator and Maggies legend Mark Stallard conceding that the Australian would have been better off sitting somewhere facing away from the pitch. With injury time coming up, Exeter added a fifth just to really add the mud-encrusted boot to the face of the beaten Magpies, Aaron Martin heading another easy goal from close range to leave Notts foot of the table on one measly point. 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.

Harry Kewell has outlined the need for Notts County to be smarter in possession if they are to stop their current rot. The Magpies are currently at the bottom of League Two, having claimed just one point on the opening day of the season. Kewell, who has recently replaced Kevin Nolan as manager, has taken charge of one game so far, the 2-1 loss to Grimsby Town in the EFL Trophy. The former Crawley Town boss was pleased with what he saw in the first half of the game but felt his players should have been more savvy when it came to performing with the ball. “It’s down to the individual and you can only lead a horse to water,” he told the Nottingham Post. “It’s as simple as that. Again, these players have had a little taste as to what is capable. “People think it’s harder running, but it’s actually with the ball. If you keep it and be smart with it, then it takes the pressure off. “There were some instances in the second half that we just weren’t clever enough to shift it and pass it. We then invited pressure, but it’s a learning curve for us.” Fans have commented numerous times on the need to strengthen the team's back line given how many goals have been shipped in recent weeks. Kewell says that, while their eyes remain open to new signings, he wants to give the current batch the "benefit of the doubt". “We are looking at all options,” he said. “There could be a few new faces coming so it could be exciting times. But we are in no rush and you have to give these boys a chance. “They have played a certain way, now a new manager has come in and has asked for something different. So give them the benefit of the doubt and let them try to impress.” 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.

Jonathan Forte enjoyed four different spells at Notts County - three on loan and one permanent. No Magpies fan can doubt his commitment to the cause at Meadow Lane, and many were bemused to see him on the fringes of Kevin Nolan's team for much of last season. Now at Exeter City, Forte's new team will be facing Notts, who are having a real bad time at the minute and head to St James' Park tomorrow in hope of getting their first win of the season, or at least their second point of the campaign. Speaking to Stuart James of Devon Live, the 32-year-old - not expected to feature due to a hamstring injury - gave his thoughts on taking on his former employers, whether he was under-used at the San Sirrel last term, and their current woes at the foot of the table. Jon, it’s Notts County on Saturday. A game I’d imagine you are looking forward to given it is against your former employers? Yeah. Obviously I was there for two years - and in previous years before as well – but to be honest, it is just another game. We will try and get the three points and move on from there. Speaking to a County-supporting friend of mine, he felt that you were largely under-used last year and had you played a bit more, they could have made that extra step and got promotion. Yeah, I would say so myself as well! Yeah… the manager at the time had his views and it wasn’t to be, so we move on. He has left now and the club are under new management. What are you expecting from a Harry Kewell Notts County? Well, when a new manager comes in, the players tend to get an extra boost, if you know what I mean. It is going to be the same on Saturday. Obviously he gets it down and passes the ball, I think that will probably suit their fans a bit more. But he has done well at Crawley and it will be a tough game. It sounds like they have gone for a manager that plays a completely different style to Kevin Nolan. Absolutely. Like I said, I’ve seen a contrast and it is completely different, but it will be a difficult game, whatever. You would have played with a few of the players last season, which ones would you say are their dangers? The majority of the players that I was with have done very well, so I can’t really name names. But there’s Elliot Hewitt and Jon Stead, my old (strike) partner! But like I said, they are a good team, Rob Milsom (is another player there) and it is a good team. But they have a different manager and it will be a tough game. Final thoughts [Notts] are not doing so great, and I think it is a false position they are in at the moment as they have some really good players. 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.

Paul Hart has returned to Notts County by being appointed as the club's new technical director. The former Magpies academy manager and caretaker boss will form part of a new football structure at Meadow Lane which announced Harry Kewell as their new manager last Friday. Last season, Hart enjoyed promotion from League Two in his role of assistant manager to Nathan Jones at Luton Town. “Paul is a superb addition for us,” Alan Hardy told the official website. “Not only is he one of the most respected men in the game, he also knows Harry very well. “His remit will be a broad one to match his tremendous knowledge, experience and breadth of contacts. “He will be on hand to mentor and support Harry, while also being responsible for setting the club’s overall footballing philosophy with a keen emphasis on our development and academy set-ups. “I have every confidence that he and Harry will oversee an upturn in our immediate fortunes and build a footballing infrastructure which will help us achieve our long-term ambitions.” 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.

Harry Kewell has warned Notts County's players that anyone who shirks hard work will be out of the starting XI right away as he bids to mould the team into one that wins "however that may be". The former Liverpool, Leeds United and Australia winger was appointed last week as Kevin Nolan's replacement, the latter dismissed with the Magpies at the foot of League Two. “I want to win, however that may be," Kewell told the official Notts site. "We’ll have a plan and a structure but that can go out the window within five minutes, so it may come down to digging in and working hard to pick up second balls. “There will be a formula for when we have the opportunity, though, and the players will be prepared for that style of play. “From day one I want to improve the effort from the players because that’s something I’m a big believer in. “Hard work beats talent if talent doesn’t want to work. You can go through the worst patches in football where you can’t pass, your crossing is poor and your shooting is off target but it doesn’t stop you from working hard, pressing and closing down. “When you do that the ball may drop and then you can start to play simple passes and you get your confidence back that way – it’s all going to come down to hard work. If you don’t want to work then you will find yourself on the bench or in the stands.” 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 owner Alan Hardy has admitted that he would not have bought the club were he able to turn back time and also described himself as "not the ideal football chairman". Hardy enjoyed a superb 18 months from when he took over at Meadow Lane in January 2017 to the end of last season, helping the Magpies survive relegation against all odds in 2016-17 before sealing a playoff finish the following term. However, things have not gone to plan this season, with the Notts team putting in some frankly risible performances in League Two to drop right to the foot of the table, a fall from grace which spelt the end of Kevin Nolan's reign at the club. Hardy admitted during a press conference on Monday that he has made plenty of mistakes during his reign and confessed that his introduction to the football industry has shattered the romanticism often associated with the sport. “If I could rewind the clock back 18 months, I would not have bought the club,” he is quoted by the Nottingham Post as saying. “I think football is a bubble and this was described brilliantly to me by Gary Brazil (Nottingham Forest coach) a couple of years ago. When you are inside that bubble, you very rarely see anything outside of it. “Gary said that people need to step out of it and see the real world and they don’t. People who are more removed from it see this beautiful industry that’s immense fun and excitement. “It’s not. It’s selfish, it’s cutthroat, and incredibly demanding. It’s emotionally challenging and pulls at your own personal values. You end up behaving in a way aligned to the industry, and not aligned to you. “It’s surprised me how ruthless it is. It challenges you in lots of ways you wouldn’t expect.” Hardy also stated that, while he has received messages praising the work he has done so far with the club surviving relegation then reaching the playoffs last term, it remains of little significance. “It’s nice, but it doesn’t resonate with me,” he said. “That’s because I am not the ideal football chairman. I am too up and too down. “You talk to somebody like Peter Ridsdale for example, he is incredibly straight down the middle. He doesn’t get carried away when the team loses, and he doesn’t get carried away when they win. He handles change very well.” 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.

We at Pride of Nottingham are delighted to announce the winner of our Draw PON Magpie competition. The winner is 7-year-old Caitlyn Marie Elston who's mother Claire Knight submitted the winning artwork to our Facebook page. Well done to the winner and thank you to every junior magpie who took part by sending in your images of PON Magpie, the Pride of Nottingham mascot. We will be in contact with the winners parent shortly, who will have the opportunity to claim a Notts County pennant or equivalent valued prize from the club shop. When asked about the competition, Pride of Nottingham Webmaster Chris Buckley said "When discussing potential competitions, the PON team felt it was only right to focus on something junior magpies could take part in. We left the age range open to anyone 16 years old and under." We're really impressed by the quality of artwork that was submitted to us, it would have been nice to of seen a few more entries but overall the standard of artwork has been good to see. There's still chance for more artwork to be sent in outside of the competition, artwork will be added to the gallery in the next couple of days on the Pride of Nottingham website. If you would like your childs artwork to be put in our PON Magpie gallery please send it to [email protected].

Notts County have announced the signing of experienced centre-back Elliott Ward on a free transfer. The Magpies were believed to be in the market for a defender following a dreadful start to the League Two campaign. On Monday afternoon, Ward was confirmed to have arrived at Meadow Lane, though the contract length has not been disclosed. The 33-year-old has played professional football for nearly 14 years, with a tally of more than 300 appearances at every level of the English professional football pyramid, thus providing experience and stability in the Notts back line. Previous clubs include West Ham, Coventry City, Norwich City, Bournemouth and Blackburn Rovers, plus numerous loan spells including at Huddersfield Town and the old rivals Nottingham Forest. 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 disappointed yet again on Saturday as Forest Green Rovers ran out 3-1 winners at Meadow Lane. The result left the ten-man Magpies rock bottom of League Two but frankly it could have been even harsher on Harry Kewell's new side. Liam Shephard opened the scoring when he rifled past Ross Fitzsimons in the first half and, after the restart, Dan Jones walked for a two-footed lunge on Lloyd James. Forest Green then had a goal ruled out but soon after doubled their lead when Reuben Reid capitalised on some poor Notts possession to beat Fitzsimons. The Magpies, led for the day by Mark Crossley and Jon Goodman, were let off as Rob Milsom was not punished for a foul on Reid in the box. Substitute Jon Stead then scored to give Notts hope, but the visitors sealed the win when substitute Dayle Grubb curled in for an easy victory. Pride of Nottingham was at Meadow Lane to suffer alongside the rest of the Notts fanbase, but we also did our duty of interacting with supporters and taking photos. Find out if you're part of this week's Faces of PON! 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's season continues to go from bad to worse as Forest Green Rovers enjoyed a comfortable 3-1 win over the 10-man Magpies at Meadow Lane on Saturday. With Kevin Nolan no longer at the helm, Richard Thomas also let go, and Steve Chettle at a wedding, the reins were taken by goalkeeping coach Mark Thomas and academy boss Jon Goodman. Though Harry Kewell was in attendance, his first game will not be until midweek, while his first media duties will be taken on Monday. On the pitch, Notts actually began the brighter of the two sides, with Kane Hemmings, Enzio Boldewijn and Kristian Dennis all weighing in with efforts. Predictably for this season though, it was the opposition who took the lead, Liam Shepherd rifling home from inside the box after the hosts had failed to clear a cross. Things turned worse after the break after Dan Jones was deservedly sent off for a two-footed lunge on Lloyd James before Reuben Reid slotted through the gloves of Ross Fitzsimons. Although the Magpies halved the deficit - undeservedly - when Jon Stead turned his marker and fired through the legs of the opposition keeper, it was soon enough game over. Close to full time, Dayle Grubb was set up by Reuben Reid and made no mistake from inside the area to trigger an exodus of home fans as there would be yet another defeat to leave the club bottom of the Football League. 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.

Crawley Town's director of football has spoken of Harry Kewell's move to Notts County, saying the Australian "made it clear" he wanted to speak to the Magpies for the job. Kewell was one of the names touted to replace Kevin Nolan at the helm of the Meadow lane outfit, and rumours picked up pace on Thursday before the appointment was confirmed on Friday morning. Selim Gaygusuz said a deal was agreed - with a compensation package reported by the press to have been set at £400,000 - and admitted that Kewell had spoken of his desire to speak to Notts and Alan Hardy. “Harry Kewell made it clear earlier this week that he wanted the opportunity to speak to Notts County which we granted," Gaygusuz told the Crawley site. “Matters concerning compensation for the remainder of his and Warren Feeney’s contract have now been concluded successfully. “The search for a new manager is underway and we are looking to make an appointment as soon as possible.” 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.

Head to head Notts County and Forest Green Rovers have met three times in competitive action and the Green Devils have not beaten the Magpies yet. The first game came in the third round of the FA Cup on 19 January 2010, and it ended in a 2-1 win for the Magpies at Meadow Lane. Last season was the first that both teams were in the same league, with their first league encounter finishing 1-1 thanks to Rob Milsom's injury-time equaliser (and he's now back with us so wonder if he can repeat it). Stats and trivia Notts County have failed to win all six of their games in all competitions this season. They started decently enough with a 0-0 home draw against Colchester United but went on to lose their next four in League Two, though they did only lose to Middlesbrough on penalties in the EFL Cup. Likewise, Forest Green are out of the cup but they remain unbeaten in the league. That said, they have drawn four on the trot in the league. Their last win in any competition came on August 14 in the EFL Cup against Swindon Town but haven't won in the league since the opening day. Opposition history Forest Green Rovers were founded in October 1889 by Reverend E. J. H. Peach, the local Nonconformist church minister, representing the Forest Green area of Nailsworth in Gloucestershire. The name Rovers was adopted in 1893, and the following year the club were founder members of the Mid-Gloucestershire League, the first association football league in the county outside Bristol. After the league folded in 1902, Forest Green become members of the newly formed Stroud League and also members of the Dursley and District League which they won in 1903, the club's first silverware. After a break for the First World War, Rovers enjoyed a period of great success winning two football leagues and three cups in both 1921 and 1922. They then joined the newly formed Gloucestershire Northern Senior League with Cheltenham Town among others in 1922. Rovers joined the newly formed County League in 1968 and played under manager Peter Goring for the next 11 years, moving up again to the Hellenic League in 1975 under his stewardship. In 1982, Rovers achieved fame at Wembley winning the FA Vase 3-1 and at the same time winning the Hellenic League and moving into the Southern League Midland Division. Seven years later a struggling Rovers outfit was renamed Stroud FC but this alienated a lot of people connected with the club, until the arrival of Trevor Horsley in 1992 saw the name changed back to Forest Green Rovers. After finishing eighth in the Southern Division under Frank Gregan in 1995–96, they won the division the following season, earning promotion to the Premier Division of the Southern League. The 1997–98 season then saw FGR them win the Southern League Premier Division, securing a second successive promotion and entry to the Football Conference. FGR finished in the relegation zone in 2005 and 2010, but both times were handed a reprieve when Northwich Victoria and then Salisbury City were demoted for non-footballing reasons. The club was then taken over by Ecotricity owner Dale Vince, at which point the team improved until finally sealing promotion into the Football League in 2017. Team news Notts defender Richard Duffy hobbled off at Lincoln City with a foot injury and is likely to miss out alongside Matt Tootle who has a shoulder injury. New manager Harry Kewell will not take the reins against FGR, with Jon Goodman and Mark Crossley overseeing proceedings. Farrend Rawson missed Tuesday's EFL Cup tie with a foot issue but is expected to be back for FGR. New signing Nathan McGinley could also make his debut at Meadow Lane after the defender joined from Middlesbrough on Wednesday. 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 have had an eventful Friday morning as Harry Kewell was officially appointed as manager while Rob Milsom rejoined his former club. Both arrivals have been plucked from Crawley Town, their manager penning a contract of undisclosed length and midfielder Milsom joining initially on loan until January, when the deal is expected to become permanent. In what has been a bumper morning, Crawley assistant manager Warren Feeney also comes along with Kewell, while several boardroom changes have also taken place at Meadow Lane. Alan Hardy will be appointing a technical director at Notts, but as part of the restructure, Darren Fletcher will be standing down from his role as vice-chairman. “Having now worked in football for a significant period of time, I have had the opportunity to learn from other clubs what good looks like," Hardy said of Kewell on the official website. “I have therefore decided to appoint a technical director, who will set the club’s overall footballing philosophy and be on hand to support and mentor the manager as required. “Harry will, however, be solely responsible for our first-team squad, having the final say on transfers, tactics and team selection. “He has enjoyed an excellent start to his managerial career and I am hugely impressed with his knowledge and attention to detail. “I thoroughly enjoyed our discussions about the role and have been left with no doubt that he has a fierce ambition to succeed and a real enthusiasm to work for Notts County. “I’m excited to see how he implements his exciting methods and look forward to him working with our new technical director.” Milsom spoke about Hardy, his manager at Crawley and now at Notts, saying: “Harry has been absolutely brilliant for me. He’s given me a new lease of life and confidence. “I’m really enjoying my football under him and hope I can continue to add to my game in line with his style of play. “It suits me and I think the supporters will really enjoy the way he wants to do things, which is to get the ball down and pass it. “The message he was trying to get across to us at Crawley is that he wants us to be an exciting team to watch. “Obviously, the main focus will be being solid defensively, but as time goes on and his ideas come across to the players I think you’ll see a really enjoyable, exciting, attacking team. “He’s a very hardworking manager. He’ll work a lot on getting the boys in the right shape both defensively and attacking. “You know exactly what you’re going to be doing and what he wants from you as a player.” 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.

Former Notts County manager Ian "Charlie" McParland has given his thoughts on Kevin Nolan's dismissal at Meadow Lane as well as the concept of paying compensation for a replacement. Nolan was let go on Sunday after the Magpies fell to their fourth League Two defeat in a row at Lincoln City. Two of the three managers supposedly being headhunted by Alan Hardy were believed to be Crawley Town’s Harry Kewell and AFC Wimbledon’s Neal Ardley. “For me, there are a lot of good managers out of work and I wouldn’t want to be paying compensation for managers that are in jobs already," McParland told Notts TV. “If Ardley and Kewell want to talk to Hardy, who can only pick one, and I’m a chairman of one of their football clubs and my manager wants to talk to another club, I’m thinking where’s his commitment here? “The sacking season used to be October and I didn’t agree with that – chairmen and owners should show a bit more faith in people. “I would have certainly given Nolan, be it right or wrong you never know, a bit more time to recover this situation because it’s still really early and 41 league games are left. “He could’ve gone on a run of four or five wins or he might have lost another few but I would have stuck with him to see how he would have done.” 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.

Meadow Lane is one of the stadiums proposed by the FA in its official bid to stage the UEFA Women’s EURO 2021 in England. Notts County's home ground is among the likes of several EFL stadiums included, with the likes of Brentford, Peterborough United and Sheffield United seeing their grounds included. The FA’s decision to submit its bid follows England Women’s successful Euro 2017 campaign in the Netherlands which saw the Lionesses reach the semi-finals, generating a record peak audience of four million TV viewers in the UK. The proposed cities and stadia included in the bid are: Brighton & Hove - AMEX Stadium London - Wembley Stadium and Brentford Community Stadium Milton Keynes - Stadium MK Manchester - Manchester City Academy Stadium Nottingham - Meadow Lane Peterborough - ABAX Stadium Rotherham - New York Stadium Sheffield - Bramall Lane Notts chairman and owner Alan Hardy told the official club website: “We are absolutely delighted that The FA see us a worthy host for this prestigious tournament. “At Notts County we are staunchly supportive of the development of women’s football and have recently set up a girls’ academy and women’s team which will provide a sustainable, professional platform for player development. “Should The FA’s bid be successful, this would be hugely exciting news for the city and we await the outcome with great anticipation.” Nottingham City Council leader Jon Collins added: “The UEFA Women's European Championship is the most significant women's national football team competition in Europe. “We’re pleased that, alongside Notts County, we have secured Nottingham as a host city for 2021 in the event that The FA’s bid is successful. “This would provide a good opportunity to shine a global spotlight on Nottingham as a great sporting and tourism destination. “We could expect around 100,000 fans to attend the four matches which could be staged here, bringing a huge boost to the local economy, along with an estimated global TV audience of 165 million. “It would be a chance for us to stage another top-class sporting event and to bring women's football to a new family and young crowd, which would increase the opportunities for women and girls to play football.” UEFA’s deadline for bids to stage the tournament is 31 August 2018, with a final decision on the successful host nation to be taken by the UEFA Executive Committee on 3 December 2018. 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 owner Alan Hardy has penned a further statement wishing to update fans on his reasoning for Kevin Nolan's dismissal and looking ahead to bringing in a new manager. The former Premier League midfielder was let go on Sunday after Notts fell to their fourth League Two defeat in a row at Lincoln City. Notts have also confirmed that board member Jon Enever has quit the board, but the main focus as stated on the Notts website was to do with Nolan's departure. "In light of recent developments, I feel it is important that I maintain direct lines of communication with all our supporters," wrote Hardy. "Firstly, I would like to reiterate that the decision to part company with Kevin Nolan was not one I reached lightly, nor was it taken without the full consultation and support of all board members. "I maintain that, when Kevin walked through the door in January 2017, he was one of the very few managers who could have saved us from losing our proud status as the world’s oldest Football League club. "For that he will always have my heartfelt gratitude - and I am sure all Notts supporters feel the same. "But, unfortunately, that achievement cannot come with a lifetime guarantee of employment and, having assessed the performance of the team since the turn of the year, it is clear to me that a change was needed. "What we must do now is look to the future. I am very keen to make a swift appointment to ensure the successful candidate is given time to, should they wish, utilise the loan window which closes at 5pm on Friday. "We have approached three clubs for permission to speak to their managers and have been inundated with expressions of interest from elsewhere. We hope to hold discussions with our preferred targets this afternoon. "This is merely a bump in the road on our journey to success and, together as an extended family of supporters, players, staff and directors, we will continue to move Notts County in the right direction. "Of all our accomplishments over the past 20 months, attracting average crowds in excess of 8,500 has arguably been the most impressive. "It is a phenomenal achievement and I thank everyone who has come out to support what we’re trying to achieve. "I expect to have a new manager in place before Saturday’s home match against Forest Green Rovers and would call on everyone with Notts County at heart to come down to Meadow Lane and support us as we commence a new chapter in our beloved club’s history. "I will, of course, continue to keep you all updated. Alan." 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.

Gleeds board director Jon Evener has resigned from the Notts County board in the wake of Kevin Nolan's departure from the Magpies first-team manager role. The former Premier League midfielder was let go on Sunday after Notts fell to their fourth League Two defeat in a row at Lincoln City. On Sunday evening, Nottinghamshire resident Enever quit the board. "After some serious soul searching I've decided to step down as a board director of Notts County Football Club," he wrote on Twitter. "For the majority of the time it's been a huge privilege to be involved with the World's oldest league club. "I've worked with, and met, some fantastic people who genuinely have the best interests of the football club at heart. "As an individual I need to be true to my own values and be honest enough to know when my ability to influence matters is restricted. "I wish the club every success for the future and hope the former management team will be successful in their careers." A second board member may also have stepped down too, with Darren Fletcher removing the role of Notts board member from his Twitter profile. 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 confirmed that Kevin Nolan has left his role as first-team manager. Assistant manager Richard Thomas "has also been relieved of his duties", suggesting that both individuals have been sacked rather than resigning. The Magpies have struggled in League Two this season, with an opening-day draw with Colchester United followed by four straight defeats to leave the club bottom of the table. Steve Chettle and Mark Crossley will take charge of first-team affairs until a new manager is appointed. “This is a decision we’ve made with the best interests of Notts County at heart,” wrote owner and chairman Alan Hardy on the club website. “While the beginning of our 2018-19 campaign has been bitterly disappointing, the board and I believe results and performances throughout 2018 have not been good enough overall. “The last eight months have seen us win only eight of our 28 Sky Bet League Two matches, a run which saw us surrender our position in the automatic promotion places before suffering defeat in the playoff semi-finals. “Our away form has also been a continuing concern, with only two league victories recorded on the road since the turn of the year. “Ultimately, a continuation of this form would not allow us to meet our targets for the season and, having conceded 16 goals in our last five matches and being without a win in our last 10 competitive games, we feel now is the time to move forward with a new manager at the helm. “Everybody knows of my desire to restore the fortunes of the world’s oldest Football League club and I have invested substantial monies to strengthen our playing squad in the summer. “Our supporters have responded magnificently by turning out in their droves but, unfortunately, their efforts have not been backed up by performances on the pitch. “This club will nevertheless always owe Kevin a huge debt of gratitude for his work in saving us from relegation from the EFL when I first arrived in January 2017. “It was a truly remarkable turnaround and we wish him and his team every success in the future.” 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 lost their fourth League Two match on the trot as Lincoln City ran out 3-1 winners in Saturday's match at Sincil Bank. The Magpies, if we're not being too harsh, could do little about the opening goal, a superb effort from Imps captain Lee Frecklington. Andy Kellett had headed clear but the ball fell to Frecklington, who sidefooted a ferocious volley from about 25 yards out which gave Ross Fitzsimons no chance. And then Notts did manage to pull level as Kellett struck a low free kick which evaded everyone and nestled into the back of the home side's net. Things then began going wrong when skipper Richard Duffy suffered a knee injury and was replaced by Terry Hawkridge, with Matt Tootle dropping into the back three. And then Kevin Nolan's side were behind once again when Bruno Andrade restored Lincoln’s lead with a tidy volley before the break. Things continued to go from bad to worse and eventually Notts were killed off when Michael O'Connor worked the ball wide to Andrade, whose cross was turned home by Anderson. The result leaves Notts rock bottom of the table and alarm bells are now ringing loudly at Meadow Lane. 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.

Head to head Notts County and Lincoln City have met a total of 68 times in competitive matches over the years. The first fixture took the place all the way back in November 1893, a Division Two game in Nottingham which resulted in an away win for the Imps. The record currently stands at 35 wins for Notts, 16 defeats, and 17 draws. Last season Notts ran out 4-1 winners against Lincoln at Meadow Lane, lost 2-1 in the EFL Trophy and drew 2-2 at Sincil Bank in the league. History Lincoln City were officially formed in 1884 as an amateur association - even though there had been a team playing since the 1860s - and turned professional in the 1891-92 season. The following season, Lincoln became one of the 12 founder members of the Second Division alongside Small Heath, Sheffield Utd, Darwen, Grimsby, Ardwick, Burton Swifts, Northwich Victoria, Bootle, Crewe, Burslem, Port Vale and Walsall T. Swifts. In 1895, Lincoln moved to Sincil Bank from the John O'Gaunts ground. They drew their first game at Sincil Bank 0-0 with Gainsborough Trinity and also drew their first League game 1-1 with Woolwich Arsenal. Lincoln never won a major trophy in their history but did secure the EFL Trophy last season, beating Shrewsbury Town 1-0 at Wembley in the final. They also got their hands on the Division 3 (North) title three times, in 1932, 1948, and 1952, as well as winning League Two in 1976 and claiming the premier non-league title in 1988 and 2017. Two seasons ago, the Imps made history by becoming the first non-league side to reach the quarter-finals of the FA Cup since Queens Park Rangers in 1914. Lincoln developed from the Roman town of Lindum Colonia, which developed from an Iron Age settlement. Its major landmarks are Lincoln Cathedral, a famous example of English Gothic architecture, and Lincoln Castle, an 11th-century Norman castle. Stats Lincoln are winless in their last five meetings with Notts County in League Two (D2 L3), last winning in December 2008 in a 1-0 victory. Notts County have only won one of their last six visits to Sincil Bank in League Two (D3 L2), having won six visits in succession in the Football League before this run. Lincoln City striker John Akinde has scored three goals from three shots on target in League Two this season. Notts County have lost each of their last three league games, conceding 3+ goals in each match. The Magpies last lost more in succession in January 2017 when they suffered 10 consecutive defeats in League Two, Jon Stead was directly involved in three of Notts County's six league goals against Lincoln last season, scoring two and assisting one. Team news New Lincoln loan signing Sam Slocombe is pushing fellow goalkeeper Grant Smith for a starting place ahead of the visit of Notts County. The 30-year-old joined from Bristol Rovers earlier this week and was on the bench for Tuesday's 2-1 win over Bury, with the club unsure how long a thigh injury will keep out first-choice Josh Vickers. Harry Anderson could get a recall to the starting line-up after coming on at half-time and assisting in their second-half comeback. For Notts, Matt Tootle remains a doubt having missed the last three matches with a toe injury. On-loan Brighton centre-back Ben Hall is still out with a groin problem which had prevented him featuring this season. Share your thoughts about this Stat Attack preview piece 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 Notts County are in discussions with players over joining the club, providing they “can affect the group in the right way”. A centre-back and a central midfielder are thought to be top of the wanted list as the Magpies seek to overcome the difficult start to their season. “There is no movement as yet, but we have spoken to a number of players who are out of contract,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post. “We’ve spoken to a number of clubs too. “There are a lot of young boys in the group and some big personalities have gone from last season. “It’s got to be somebody who affects the group in the right way. “We’ve got interest in a couple of people, but it won’t be done unless the boss signs it off and then we can move forward.” 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.