PON_News

Harry Kewell has admitted that Oldham Athletic's forward line will be a "challenge" for Notts County's defence. The two sides meet up on Tuesday night in a League Two game rescheduled due to international commitments on the Latics' part. In his press conference, Kewell also spoke about individual players such as Richard Duffy, Jon Stead and Ben Hall. “It’s going to be a challenge for my back four,” the Australian told the official Notts site. “They have two big, aggressive strikers and tricky wingers who cross the ball well but aren’t scared to cut inside for a shot at goal. “They aren’t in the best form but they’re strong in a 4-4-2 or a 4-2-3-1 so it’s important we win the midfield battle and create - and take - chances.” On the players, Kewell said: “Duffy is a player with great experience and he’s a big character at this club so it’s great to have him in contention again. “We have to be patient with him so we can't rush him back, and the same goes for Steady who missed Saturday’s match as a precautionary measure. “Jon faces a fitness test ahead of Oldham so we’ll wait and see if he’s available, while we should have Ben Hall back in training next week which is excellent news.” 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 fought from a goal down to lead at Port Vale only for a late Tom Pope equaliser to force the spoils to be shared in a 2-2 draw at Vale Park. The hosts led after 13 minutes when Luke Hannant guided his close-range header from Ben Whitfield's cross into the top-left corner of the net past Magpies goalkeeper Ross Fitzsimons. Kane Hemmings equalised after 22 minutes, reacting first to beat Vale goalkeeper Scott Brown from close range and turn Enzio Boldewijn's ball from the right into the bottom-left corner of the net. After the restart, Neil Aspin's side continued to impress with Connell Rawlinson seeing his header cleared off the line by Jamie Turley. Ross Fitzsimons was then forced to push Whitfield's swivelling 25-yard volley away to safety. Much to the Black and White Army's delight, Elliott Ward rifled Notts into an 87th-minute lead when Turley flicked on a corner, but Pope nodded home Nathan Smith's flick-on with one minute of normal time remaining. Pride of Nottingham vlogger ARLukomski shares his thoughts before, during and after the game in this video. Share your thoughts about this video 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 come away from Burslem with a share of the spoils in a 2-2 draw with Port Vale at Vale Park. The Magpies conceded the opening goal in pretty standard fashion, Ben Whitfield floating a cross into the box which Luke Hannant looped into the top corner of the net beyond Ross Fitzsimons, the Vale man allowed plenty of time to head home on 13 minutes. However, Harry Kewell's side not only weathered the subsequent surge from the invigorated Valiants but managed to draw level just nine minutes later, as Enzio Boldewijn cut inside onto his left and let rip with an effort towards goal that was finished off by Kane Hemmings. That in turn saw Notts develop a bit more spring in their step and they enjoyed several attempts on the opposition goal through the likes of Lewis Alessandra and Matt Tootle, while at the other end, the County defence held firm to keep Vale at bay for a half-time score of 1-1. The hosts got the second half up and running and were impressive early on, Tom Pope heading over on 48 minutes and Hannant also causing trouble not long after, though his effort was high and wide. Although Elliott Hewitt forced a corner and Hemmings had a couple of attempts on the opposition goal, Vale cranked up the pressure and pummelled County's goal for much of the second half, Jamie Turley doing well to clear a ball off the line and making a last-ditch tackle. With just three minutes to go, and with Notts having weathered the storm, they surged into the lead when Elliott Hewitt's corner was flicked on by Turley and met by Elliott Ward, who hammered the effort into the roof of the net. But at the back, the same problems occurred once again as the defence left plenty of space open for Vale to play a ball across the box and Pope to head in at the back post for an eventual splitting of the points. 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.

Jon Stead has admitted that Notts County are "not taking opportunities at key moments" in games and must develop a "killer instinct and ruthless streak" if they are to climb back up the League Two table. The Magpies are just one place above the relegation zone after suffering three successive defeats in the league to Bury, MK Dons and Swindon Town, with Port Vale coming up. “We are not taking opportunities at key moments in the game and when they have gone begging, the tide has turned in matches a bit,” Stead told the Nottingham Post. “That’s when we are coming unstuck. The manager has pointed out those chances we are getting need to be taken. “We’ve had a little bit of bad luck with some decisions along the way, but you get them so you can’t moan too much. “We need to get that killer instinct and ruthless streak into our game and when we do we will be putting teams to bed which will give us more confidence in the way we are playing.” 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 announced that teenage winger Sam Osborne has signed a professional contract with the club. The 19-year-old has made six senior appearances for the Magpies, most recently turning out against Newcastle United’s Under 21s in the EFL Trophy. “I came in the morning after the Newcastle game and Mark Crossley told me Paul (Hart) wanted to speak to me,” Osborne told the official website. “He told me there and then – he said I’d been doing really well and that I deserved it. “Now I just want to carry on being in and around the first team and push for a spot. I’ll be training hard every day and looking to show what I can do week in, week out with the Under 23s." Osborne, who joined Notts from Dunkirk Colts, added: “As a winger, I love getting at players and trying to create for the 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.

Harry Kewell has admitted that Notts County need to bring in another "leader". The Magpies invested heavily in the summer transfer market but remain third from bottom in League Two, having lost their last three games. Kewell, who replaced Kevin Nolan early in the campaign, would like to recruit a player who can add to the leadership brought by Jon Stead and Elliott Ward. “We have a leader in Steady and we have Wardy who has great potential,” the Australian told the Nottingham Post. “We have Milly who is a talker, but we are needing that leader. If we can get it, we will get it. “I am angry because we lost [to Swindon Town last week] and God knows how. But that’s football. "We have to lick our wounds and concentrate on Port Vale this weekend because it’s a huge 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.

Harry Kewell has warned his Notts County players that any lapses in effort and concentration could mean being offloaded in January. The Australian oversaw a five-game unbeaten run of two draws and three wins but the upturn in form gave way to three straight defeats. Speaking after the 2-1 loss to Swindon Town, where the Magpies took the lead only to be pegged back and eventually beaten, the manager suggested that he had to "scare" his players into form. “If they don’t want to play my style, they don’t want to work hard and don’t want to fight then January is just around the corner," Kewell told the Nottingham Post. “Swindon maybe had a third of the game and what we were doing in the first half, we stopped in the second. I don’t know why. “We knew their only danger was Matty Taylor crossing the ball, which we stopped in the first half, but we then allowed him to do it three or four times in the second. “That becomes laziness so they must be tired and can’t play to my level. That means we look and make sure we have players who want to do 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.

Notts County wrapped up a truly miserable seven days with a third defeat on the trot, this time spurning a one-goal half-time lead against Swindon Town to eventually lose 2-1 at Meadow Lane. Last week, Bury thoroughly hammered the Magpies. On Tuesday, an undeserved red card for Jamie Turley led to MK Dons making the most of things and emerging victorious. But this time, Notts played impressively and had all the stats on their side, yet went on to lose anyway. The home side had were quick out of the blocks at the start of the match, played in near-freezing conditions, with Kane Hemmings forcing a save from Lawrence Vigouroux after only 30 seconds. His effort set the tone for an impressive first-half display from Harry Kewell's side who created numerous chances to extend the lead with Enzio Boldewijn, Matt Tootle and Lewis Alessandra all going close. Notts then rode their luck when Elliott Ward was required to make a desperate goal-saving block to deny Marc Richards, but the breakthrough eventually came on 39 minutes. Cedric Evina’s pinpoint cross found Hemmings, who turned home beyond the reach of Robins goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux. The Magpies continued to assert their dominance in the second half, with Jon Stead seeing a shot deflected just over the bar while Hemmings fired wide. Swindon were still in the game somehow and Steven Alzate, who had recently come on as a substitute, grabbed the equaliser as he shot low past Ross Fitzsimons. Hemmings then wasted a glorious chance to give Notts the lead again before heading the rebound over the bar. In the end, Notts were reacquainted with darkness their old friend when Jamie Turley diverted Matt Taylor’s cross past Fitzsimons to put the visitors in front and en route to all three points. 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 have met Swindon Town on 65 occasions, the first time being in the FA Cup over a century ago. On that day in January 1911, the Robins beat the Magpies 2-0 at the County Ground. In terms of head to head, 25 games have been won by Notts, 28 by Swindon, and 12 have been drawn. Notts have won four of their last five home league matches against Swindon, losing the other. The home side has won five of the last six league meetings between Notts County and Swindon. Stats After 14 matches last season, Notts had 17 more points (29 - P14 W9 D2 L3) than their current total of 12 so far this campaign (P14 W3 D3 L8). Swindon have failed to score in each of their last three league games (D1 L2), the longest current run in the competition. Michael Doughty have been directly involved in seven of Swindon's 17 league goals this season (41%) scoring five times and assisting a further two. Seasons in each division Division 1 (or Prem): 1 Division 2 (or Champ): 18 Division 3 (or League 1): 63 Division 4 (or League 2): 7 History The club was founded in 1879 by Reverend William Baker Pitt. Whilst curate of Christ Church, the high church of Swindon, Pitt formed Swindon Association Football Club to provide recreation for young men in his parish. Swindon won the Southern League championship in 1910-11, earning themselves a Charity Shield clash with Football League champions Manchester United. This, the highest-scoring Charity Shield game to date, was played on 25 September 1911 at Stamford Bridge with Manchester United winning 8–4! Some of the proceeds of this game were later donated to the survivors of the Titanic. During World War II, The War Department – the government body responsible for the supply of equipment to the armed forces in the UK – took over the County Ground in 1940. For a while, prisoners of war were housed in huts placed on the pitch. For this, the club received compensation of £4,570 at war’s end. Swindon Town were the first League club to use floodlights, having had them installed in 1951. The County Ground is also the only football stadium in the world with a Rolex watch acting as its timekeeper –the clock on the Stratton Bank stand featuring its name was erected to celebrate promotion in 1963. Swindon have spent one season in the top flight, in 1992-93, during which Glenn Hoddle managed them. Sadly, they didn't do too well, being relegated at the end of the season after conceding 100 goals. The most notable silverware in the Robins’ possession is undoubtedly the League Cup, won in 1969 after beating Arsenal in the final at Wembley. Royle Family and Two Pints Of Lager actor Ralf Little was rumoured to be on trial at Swindon back in 2002, though the funnyman later claimed that he was just training with the squad. Jazz singer Jamie Cullum is also a fan of the Robins. Team news Notts County will have defender Jamie Turley available for the Swindon game following a successful appeal against his red card. The centre-back was sent off during the second half of the midweek defeat at MK Dons but on Thursday the FA upheld a claim of wrongful dismissal. Midfielder Rob Milsom has served a three-match ban and will be available again to manager Harry Kewell. Centre-half Richard Duffy has been sidelined by a hamstring injury and even though he's back in training, he may need some more time to get back to full fitness. On-loan Brighton defender Ben Hall is back at his parent club to undergo treatment on a groin problem. Swindon will check on the fitness of midfielder Michael Doughty ahead of the trip to Meadow Lane. Doughty needed stitches in an ankle wound picked up during the home defeat by Cambridge on Tuesday night, so continues to be assessed. James Dunne could come into the team should Doughty not be passed fit, with midfielder Jermaine McGlashan and forward Kaiyne Woolery both pressing for a start. Defender Sid Nelson is available again following his one-match suspension. Share your thoughts about this match preview 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 confirmed that Notts County will appeal Jamie Turley’s red card at MK Dons as a one-match suspension looms on the recent new signing. Referee Michael Salisbury caused uproar when he dismissed the centre-back for a professional foul in the 59th minute following a challenge on Rhys Healey which earned Paul Tisdale’s side a penalty. The Magpies were leading 1-0 at the time through Lewis Alessandra but Chuks Aneke scored the resulting spot kick before the franchise went on to secure the victory through Healey’s strike. “We will appeal the red card and I am sure he will be playing on Saturday,” Kewell told the Nottingham Post. “When you look at it in slow motion it looks as if their player slips. It was an embarrassing decision. “I just don’t see what he has seen. I have seen the challenge from four different angles. “In the meantime, we have to concentrate on getting that anger out and concentrate on the Swindon game this weekend.” 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.

The brief revival is just a memory now - the five-game unbeaten run has given way to two defeats on the trot and a renewed ringing of the alarm bells as Notts County loiter dangerously above the Notts County drop zone. Unlike the horror show at Bury last Saturday, the Magpies put in a much-improved performance, but if it isn't the players that screw things up, then chances are it'll be the officials as in tonight's case. Notts went to MK Dons, a side flying high in the fourth tier, and went toe to toe with the controversial Buckinghamshire-based franchise, both sides crafting chances in the early stages. The visitors took the lead midway through the first half when Lewis Alessandra had a pop from around 20 yards out and, via a slight deflection, got the better of goalkeeper Lee Nicholls, who conceded his first goal in over 430 minutes of football. In the second half, however, came the sucker punch for Notts as Rhys Healey was adjudged to have been bundled over in the County box - a seemingly innocuous challenge from Jamie Turley was deemed enough for a red card by referee Michael Salisbury. Up stepped Chuks Aneke and the MK man rolled the ball past Ross Fitzsimons for an ill-deserved equaliser. On 70 minutes, Notts conceded the losing goal as Dean Lewington's short corner found Healey at the front post, who in turn found the roof of the Notts net from an incredibly tight angle, leaving a thoroughly bitter taste in the mouths of the Black & White Army. 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 admitted that Notts County were "very, very poor" in their 4-0 loss at Bury and will be desperate to make amendments following the "horrific performance". The Shakers were impressive at Gigg Lane while Notts were lacklustre, a combination which meant for a one-sided game in which the hosts ran riot and scored two goals per half. “We were poor throughout the whole match,” Kewell told the Notts website. “We knew what Bury were good at and had a process in place to counteract their style but we didn’t do it. “We looked good in training all week but what we did at Gigg Lane did not reflect the work we had done to prepare. We were very, very poor. The boys have to take responsibility and hopefully it was just an off day.” “What we did out there was a poor excuse for defending. We sat off them and gave them an open path through to our goal. “The idea was for a man to sit in the middle of the park and cut their attacks off but it never happened. “We were slow, sluggish and didn’t pick up any second balls and Ross Fitzsimons was probably the only player who did what was expected of him today. “I give my players opportunities but they weren’t at the races today. I’ll be re-watching this horrific performance and looking at where we need to make amendments. “I think David Vaughan did well coming off the bench, and Kristian Dennis put himself about when he was introduced. “Thankfully we have another game coming up in a couple of days where we can put this right.” 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's five-game unbeaten run in League Two came to an abrupt end on Saturday as they fell to a humbling 4-0 defeat away at Bury. The Shakers were impressive from the off and took the lead on 11 minutes when Nicky Maynard slid in to convert Callum McFadzean's cross. Eight minutes later the hosts were two up as a low cross from Danny Mayor was not cleared by a static Magpies defence. The ball trickled into the path of Dominic Telford, who tapped home from three yards to leave the visitors with a mountain to climb. Bury almost made it three shortly before the break when skipper Neil Danns fired narrowly wide. Notts came close to a reply on the hour mark when Jamie Turley's powerful header was cleared off the line by Adam Thompson. However, Bury made it 3-0 when Jay O'Shea scored from the spot after Matt Tootle was adjudged to have brought down Telford. Nicky Adams' long-range curling strike in the 88th minute was the cherry on top of a combination of a strong Bury display and a lacklustre Notts performance. Pride of Nottingham vlogger ARLukomski was at Gigg Lane to watch the proceedings and has reported on the goings-on before, during and after the game. Share your thoughts about this video 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.

What a shame that Notts County weren't in action last week due to the Oldham game being postponed... they had won three League Two games on the bounce and were unbeaten in five, but with the momentum gone, the Magpies proceeded to lose 4-0 away at Bury. The Shakers were impressive at Gigg Lane while Notts were lacklustre, a combination which meant for a one-sided game in which the hosts ran riot, with their first concrete chance coming after just seven minutes when Danny Mayor was in a superb position, only for Cedric Evina to get back and thwart the effort. No such luck on 11 minutes when Bury did manage to get their noses in front, some good link-up play down the left culminating in Callum McFadzean whipping a dangerous low cross across the six-yard box for Nicky Maynard to poke home at the back post. Seven more minutes and it was 2-0 to the home side as Mayor attempted to beat Ross Fitzsimons with a cheeky backheel, and although he didn't succeed, the effort deflected to Maynard, who knocked the ball into the path of Dom Telford for an easy close-range tap-in. Notts manager Harry Kewell made two changes at the break as Kane Hemmings and Elliott Hewitt came off for Kristian Dennis and David Vaughan, but to little avail as Bury continued to be on top in most aspects, with Maynard once again having a pop early on after the restart, though Fitzsimons saved on this occasion. Goal number three came on 65 minutes, and this was from the penalty spot as Matt Tootle hacked down Telford, prompting referee Carl Boyeson to show the Slugman a yellow and point to the spot. Jay O’Shea stepped up to take the spot-kick, firing the ball into the bottom left-hand corner past a stationary Fitzsimons as County's fate was effectively sealed. There was yet time for more misery as, late on in the game, Nicky Adams cut in and took the ball beyond multiple defenders before rifling a long-range effort into the back of the net to send Notts home with their tail between their legs. 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 believes youth players nowadays have it too easy, citing the methods of Australian rugby league coach Craig Bellamy in helping toughen new recruits up. The former Socceroos midfielder, one of the most heralded players of his nation, is not pleased with the concept of young players having "their kits folded for them" among other things. While Bellamy reportedly used to send young players to building sites to build up character, Kewell thinks this may be a step too far, but is still keen on easing off from having players "already living the life of a top player" and making them graft. "We used to do so many jobs and, for me, that’s what needs to come back,” the Notts County boss told the Nottingham Post. "I see a lot of kids now and they have their kits folded for them, they get this and that. They are already living the life of a top player because everything is laid out. They get breakfast, they get their lunch but they aren’t going to get that at every club. "Nine out of 10 players are not going to make it so they could end up at a club where you have to take your own kit home and wash it. I think clubs should do more to prepare players in that respect. "Back in Australia, one of our greatest coaches in rugby league is Craig Bellamy at Melbourne Storm. There is a story that goes round that when a new player comes in, he first gets them to work on a building site for a couple of weeks. "It’s like that’s real work, but the rugby is the pleasure. We can’t really send footballers to building sites, but there are things we can do to make youngsters a little tougher. "If they do make it then fantastic but it would also give them balance too." 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.

Kane Hemmings has revealed his optimism regarding Notts County's aspirations this season. Despite a woeful start to their League Two season which saw them rooted to the bottom of the table, the Magpies have since bounced back in style. “It’s only October and there is a long time to go before the season over,” Hemmings told the Nottingham Post. “There’s 30-odd games to go so there’s definitely no reason why we can’t be involved. “If we can go on a decent run of games unbeaten and you’re picking up results, you’ll be right in there. “Obviously our goal at the start of the year was to be challenging for promotion and that’s not changed. “We haven’t got off to an ideal start, but over the last four weeks we’ve shown lots of improvement. “I don’t see why we can’t build on that and put a run together where we do get ourselves up the table.” 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.

Cedric Evina has had positive words to say about the start of his time at Notts County and is eager to kick on in a "talented squad". The French defender has made the left-back spot his own since joining the Magpies as a free agent in September, having started every game, and has been instrumental in the current five-game unbeaten run. “It’s been amazing,” he told the Nottingham Post. “This is a massive club and I think I have been very solid in my performances. “We’ve been playing well as a team so it’s a bit of a shame that the Oldham game was rescheduled because we wanted to get back out there and keep the momentum. “We’re gelling as a team so I’m looking forward to the next few months as the season progresses. “I can’t rest on my laurels just because we have had a few wins, though. We are doing well as a team but I have to perform individually because we have such a talented squad which creates pressure.” 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.

Shola Ameobi has spoken in favour of Harry Kewell, claiming the Australian has the "hunger to be great" and hoping Notts County will give him the chance to achieve his goals. The former Magpies striker, who was released in the summer, did his UEFA A coaching license with Kewell, who succeeded Kevin Nolan as manager at the club at the end of August. Followingh a bumpy start, Kewell eventually got Notts up and running, with three wins on the trot and five unbeaten overall. "I did my A license with Harry. He's always had his own mind, been his own man," Ameobi told Sky Sports Soccer Saturday last week. "He's gone into management and he believes in his style of play. He wants his players to believe in that and that is what will come out with Harry. "He doesn't mince his words. He wants his players to live a certain way, act a certain way and play a certain way. "Harry loves it. He says he love it more than playing. He's got the hunger to be great and I hope he gets the chance to do 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.

Former Notts County Ladies forward Kirsty Linnett and her partner, Burnley and New Zealand striker Chris Wood, have spoken of the struggles faced when the Lady Pies folded last year. In April 2017, the controversial decision to liquidate Notts Ladies was taken by club owner Alan Hardy, who had purchased the club just months earlier. Hardy justified his decision as absolutely necessary from a business perspective, one taken with a heavy heart, and has since gone on to set up new female teams within the club which are run more organically and sustainably. Nonetheless, the closure of Notts Ladies remains a contentious point among many fans and followers of the women's game, and in an interview with the Guardian, Linnett and Wood spoke of the experience, which came just weeks after they had bought their first home. “Kirsty came home and said: ‘Our club is no more,’” said Wood. “I said: ‘That can’t be possible. Notts County has folded?’ And she said: ‘No, just our side of it.’” Linnett elaborated: “I don’t know how you can liquidate one side of a club and not the other. No one got a penny after that day but the PFA were really helpful. We had just got a house together and a puppy, and within two months I had to move to Reading and straight into a club house with four other girls. "I can see the business side of it, our debt was half a million, but a lot of men’s teams are losing millions at every level of the game so that wasn’t a valid excuse to me. There are girls I know from that team who had no family support in the area and never found a team again.” The liquidation of Notts Ladies “would never happen in the men’s game”, claims Wood. “Things happen in the women’s game that should not happen.” Linnett now plays for Liverpool Women and has now set up home in the North-West alongside Wood. 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 stated that the Notts County players who put in a poor display against Newcastle United Under-21s in the EFL Trophy are not in a "good position". However, the Australian has refused to close the door on them outright and will give them the chance to redeem themselves by working harder in training. Kewell made 10 changes to his side as he gave the likes of Andy Kellett, David Vaughan, Noor Husin, Dan Jones and Kristian Dennis some much-needed minutes after not figuring for his first team in recent weeks. However, Notts fell to a meek 2-0 defeat, leading many fans thinking that some of the players involved could well be jettisoned in January, “People are happy enough to keep coming in and ask questions,” Kewell told the Nottingham Post. “All I ask for is hard work every single day and when it comes to the games you should be happy because it’s not training. “But the best thing about the game like that is you record it and if anyone has a complaint then I will watch it and I am open to suggestions. “They have to prepare themselves for a tough battle now. It’s not a good position, but all the doors are still open. They just need to work harder.” 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.