Joe Jones

Alan Hardy has revealed how Notts County were on the brink of signing a Spanish forward on a free transfer earlier this week. However, the move broke down because the wages agreed "needed to be net of tax, not gross". The Magpies have been on the lookout for a new forward following Mason Bennett's injury and subsequent surgery forcing him to return to parent club Derby County. “I think our search for a player who is currently unattached has been well documented,” Hardy told the Nottingham Post. “We took that search far and wide, and we were alerted to a Spanish player without a club. I don’t want to name him out of respect. “But we held productive talks, they were progressing excellently and thought we had the deal agreed. “Then his agent came back and said the wages we had agreed needed to be net of tax, not gross. Unfortunately, the deal then fell apart which was bitterly frustrating.” 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 is delighted with Notts County's "incredible journey" so far and is looking forward to a "gripping end" to the League Two campaign. The Magpies appeared to be heading out of automatic promotion contention but last Saturday's win over Stevenage and Coventry City's win over Wycombe Wanderers reduced the gap from fourth to third to one point. Hardy, discussing the postponed game against Cheltenham Town, told the Nottingham Post: "At least we won’t have to wait long before we can attempt to build on our win over Stevenage last weekend. "Results elsewhere largely went for us, too, so it was a very profitable afternoon as we leapt up a place to fourth, one point behind Wycombe. "The league is going to be extremely tight and I have to say Coventry did us a huge favour by winning at Wycombe on Tuesday night. "Accrington are still in second but, having had a look at their fixtures, statistically they have the hardest run in. "They have all the top seven to play so it’s going to be a gripping end to the season with lots of twists and turns. "All we have to do is ensure we take care of our own results and see where that takes us. "We have had an excellent season so far and our destiny is very much in our own hands. "It’s already been an incredible journey and it would be fantastic if we reach our destination ahead of schedule." 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 League Two fixture at Cheltenham Town, which was scheduled for this Saturday, has now been postponed to Tuesday next week. On Thursday, an announcement confirmed that a pitch inspection would be taking place at Whaddon Road - also known as the LCI Rail Stadium - on Friday morning. The playing surface has been covered by frost sheets all week, but a combination of snow, ice and difficult travelling conditions meant the early decision has been taken to rearrange the fixture. Blizzard-like conditions courtesy of the "Beast from the East" have battered the UK over the last 48 hours causing schools to shut and roads to close. A new date for the clash has already been set, however, with both clubs aiming to play next Tuesday, March 6, with a 7:45pm kickoff. Tickets for the initial fixture will be valid for the rearranged match and Notts confirmed that supporters who are unable to attend the rearranged fixture can return their ticket to them for a refund. Tickets will remain on sale at Meadow Lane until 4pm on Friday 2 March and will also be available from the LCI Rail Stadium on matchday cash only. 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 stressed that Notts County are doing their all to be ready for all outcomes in wake of the potential postponement of Saturday's League Two fixture at Cheltenham Town. The Magpies and the Robins are awaiting a pitch inspection at Whaddon Road on Friday morning that will determine whether the game will go on or not. Nolan said the show must go on in terms of preparation even if several players could not get into training on Thursday with such poor weather across the country. “The weather has hampered preparations, but we are fortunate that we have an indoor facility we can use so we can get some work into the lads’ legs,” he told the Nottingham Post. “Unfortunately we could not get the full squad into training, but the majority of them were, which I was delighted about. “We are just preparing as usual. It’s tough, but it’s like Christmas in the fact that the show must go on. “You’ve got to stay professional and be ready. I know everybody is tipping the game to be off, but I’ve not been involved in many games which have been cancelled because of the snow. “We got some good quality work in on Thursday, but when you are missing a part of the squad it’s a pain. “We are doing everything to prepare right and to make sure everything is spot on. If the game is played or if it’s not, we are ready for all outcomes.” 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 stressed that he wants Notts County's players to have "no regrets" come the final day of the season. The Magpies have 11 games left of the League Two campaign and they remain well in the promotion hunt. The 2-0 win over Stevenage was followed up by by third-placed Wycombe losing at home to Coventry City in midweek which keeps Nolan’s side just a point behind an automatic promotion slot. “I keep saying to the boys it’s all about us and what we do,” he told the Nottingham Post. “If we keep applying ourselves then I feel we will give ourselves a fantastic opportunity of where we want to be. “We’ve got a great chance, let’s just enjoy it, let’s keep working hard and have no regrets come the final day of the season. “I feel that with the squad we have and the people we have, I can’t wait for the run-in.” 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.

What's been happening in League Two over the last week? Here is Pride of Nottingham's round-up of the biggest League Two news from the last seven days. - Steve Evans left Mansfield Town, citing a desire to work abroad, before signing a deal to work as manager of Peterborough United a day later. - David Flitcroft was swiftly appointed as the new Stags boss after leaving fellow League Two club Swindon Town. - Forest Green Rovers midfielder Drissa Traore left the club after his contract was terminated by mutual consent and linked up with Tranmere Rovers. - Port Vale striker Tom Pope has been struggling with a hernia problem that might soon require surgery. - Krystian Pearce, Mal Benning and Omari Sterling-James signed new one-year contracts at Mansfield with the options of a further 12 months. - Exeter City manager Paul Tisdale is hopeful that Ryan Brunt, who has spent around two years out with a knee injury, will return to first-team action soon. - A mediator has been appointed in the long-running legal battle between Coventry City, Wasps and Coventry City Council relating to the Ricoh Arena, which is set to take place in March. Share your thoughts about this news round-up 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.

Cheltenham Town have put out a statement saying they are doing all they can to ensure Saturday's League Two game with Notts County goes ahead. With snow and sub-zero weather causing postponements up and down the country, the Robins have had cover on at least some of the pitch since Friday before covering the whole playing surface up on Monday. Temperatures are set to drop further in the week with more snow showers expected ahead of the Magpies' trip to the LCI Rail Stadium at the weekend, but the hosts are keeping both sets of fans in the loop. Their statement read: “The pitch at the LCI Rail Stadium is completely covered as we continue to battle the wintry weather conditions and the ‘Beast from the East’ ahead of this weekend’s league fixture with Notts County. “Parts of the playing surface were covered last Friday before the entire pitch was covered in frost sheets on Monday as we made every precaution ahead of the temperatures dropping later in the week. “The club has received a large number of calls from supporters regarding the fixture. Supporters are advised to continue to check the club’s official media channels for the very latest later in the week. Stay warm and stay safe!” 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 expressed his happiness with Jorge Grant returning to goalscoring form for Notts County. The 23-year-old midfielder scored his 18th goal of the season on Saturday as he broke the deadlock in an eventual 2-0 win over Stevenage at Meadow Lane. Nolan had admitted last week how Grant was annoyed at his lack of goals in 2018, having netted 16 times before the turn of the year, and revealed how he had a tough week prior to the game. “I spoke about Jorge before the game but he’s had a tough week with his family which I won’t go into,” he told the Nottingham Post. “He is a young boy who is learning a lot and this is his first full season. He is learning a lot and he has been unfortunate because when we have needed him to step up and try to get us out of a hole, he’s been one of the eight or nine in the hole with them. “But we are all together and working hard to get back out of it. Saturday was a clear sign that we are starting to scrap our way out of it. “I am delighted with that and Jorge’s attitude was fantastic. When he came on, he looked really good and had that clear mind back. I thought he took his goal fantastically well and I was delighted for him.” 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 praised Notts County's players for not letting the crowd's anxiety in the Stevenage game filter through to them before they got their goals in the 2-0 win. The Magpies endured a tense afternoon at Meadow Lane last Saturday but managed to find the breakthrough on 77 minutes through Jorge Grant not long before Shola Ameobi added a killer second. The home fans were understandably nervous given how the game was going and how Notts had floundered in some of the previous game but Nolan was pleased with how his side overcame the tension. “There was a fair bit of anxiety,” he told the Nottingham Post. “We’ve got to make sure we try to stay cool, calm and collected and I thought we did. “There are going to be moments when you hear a little groan in the crowd and I just thought they handled it fantastically well given where we’ve been in the last few weeks. “The more you handle it, the more you can play in that environment and then the confidence and quality will come out.” 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 feel very privileged to count BettaBytz Computers as one of our corporate partners. Back in August we announced our partnership with the Mapperley-based computer shop, owned and managed by Notts County fan Kevin Searcey. Established in 2001 by Kevin and establishing itself as a Mapperley High Street fixture since 2009, BettaBytz have invaluable knowledge and experience in repairing desktops, laptops, mobile phones, tablets, TVs and many other household electricals. In addition, BettaBytz also sell a wide range of computers and gizmos, with desktops, laptops and tables just some of the items that you can purchase. At present, BettaBytz have some amazing offers in store - here are just a couple of these for you to check out! Kevin will talk through the best options for you and, instead of buying at a soulless corporate shop, you can put your trust in an independent store run by a Notts born-and-bred individual who values and gets to know each and every customer that walks through the door! So if you're after a new computer, check out these deals - while stocks last, and they will sell quick - and either go in store or contact Kevin for more info! Bettabytz Computers is located on 625 Woodborough Road, Mapperley, Nottingham, NG3 5QG. To get in touch with Bettabytz Computers, visit their website www.bettabytz.co.uk, check out their Facebook page, email [email protected] or call 0115 952 2781. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham and coming on board like Bettabytz Computers? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us. Get involved with Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.

Notts County's 2-0 win over Stevenage was a very welcome three points to end a poor month on a bright note, and crucially for the Magpies it brought a second clean sheet in three games. Now, Adam Collin has been the subject of some flak, to put it mildly, in recent months, and his displacement of Ross Fitzsimons hasn't been exactly welcomed with open arms. There have been questions over Collin's distribution and his tendency to hang on to the ball for long periods of time - not to mention the occasional fumbled shot and hesitation in reclaiming to stop a potential rebound. This happened in the Stevenage game, with one effort from the edge of the box being spooned upwards by the keeper and the ensuing miscommunication with Richard Duffy - himself not exactly Mr Reliable at centre-back - almost led to the visitors scoring what would have been a farcical goal. However, fair play to Collin and the Notts defence for eventually getting to full time with a second clean sheet in three games - credit must go to Ben Hall for tightening the back line, and as such he was voted the PON Man of the Match by our fans. The clean sheet didn't exactly come about through a solid performance from Collin though, and him pointing his finger to the Notts camera and saying "shock... another clean sheet", though he may feel it was justified given the flak he's been receiving, smacks of arrogance and cockiness, as well as risking antagonising some of the fans. Goalkeepers need to be confident as part of their trade - lose confidence and it's a massive setback in a job where you're the lone, last line of defence between shipping a goal and keeping the ball out. So in that respect Collin does well to dismiss the criticism aimed his way, but he needs to be mindful of voicing his opinions publicly and making remarks that could be construed as petty or arrogant. Kevin Nolan made a point about not suffering "one big bite on the bum" when Notts were preparing to face Oxford City in the FA Cup and, on a similar note, Collin has now left himself open to such a scenario if, between now and the end of the season, he was to make a crucial mistake (touch wood he does not, hopefully he will be Mr Safe Hands from now until the end of the season as Notts rise up into League One). I think players are entitled to their opinion, especially in the wake of criticism, and I don't necessarily begrudge Collin for his little post-match comment, but he needs to be mindful of potentially opening himself up to criticism should the comment come back to bite him on the backside. Share your thoughts about this feature article 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.

Grimsby Town chairman John Fenty has declared that he is open to speaking to Sol Campbell about their vacant managerial position. The former England defender, who had a one-game spell at Notts County in 2009, told a podcast last week that he could not understand why "one of the greatest minds in football" was being overlooked for jobs. Campbell was speaking after failing to land the Oxford United job, but Fenty has said he is willing to speak to the 43-year-old as he searches for a replacement for Russell Slade. Speaking to BBC Radio Humberside, Fenty said: "I'm surprised we haven't heard from Sol. He said that clubs aren't taking a punt on young managers. We'd have a chat with him." In response, Campbell told Sky Sports show The Debate: "Definitely interested". When asked if Grimsby being 18th in League Two would put him off, he replied: "No. I'm from a hard-working background. It's all about getting in there, that's the kind of guy I am." 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.

Adam Collin is pleased with having secured another clean sheet and three points in Saturday's 2-0 victory over Stevenage. Notts County had to be patient in the League Two encounter at Meadow Lane, the first goal not coming until the 77th minute when substitute Jorge Grant rifled home. Shola Ameobi then added a second minutes later and, combined with Collin's second shutout in three games, went on to get three crucial points in the race for promotion. "That's our dream in the dressing room," the goalkeeper told the official Notts site. "The gaffer always asks for a clean sheet and three points. Everything clicked for us, especially in the second half, and we came away deserved winners. "Stevenage are a handy team so we showed them a bit of respect and they played well - but we handled it really well, like we have done for most of the season, and the clean sheet proves that. "Teams at the top end of the league are going to drop points and we have had a bit of a sticky spell but confidence hasn't been knocked too much. We're a tight bunch in the dressing room and the gaffer looks after us." 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 got back on track in their League Two promotion tilt as Jorge Grant and Shola Ameobi scored to help secure a 2-0 win over Stevenage on Saturday. A gritty encounter at Meadow Lane saw the deadlock broken in the 77th minute as Grant rifled a volley into the bottom corner after the visitors had struggled to deal with a ball into the box. Ameobi then doubled the lead shortly afterwards when he bravely prodded in a header from Ben Hall to put the Magpies in control. The goals were enough to seal an important win for the Magpies, who are still in the thick of the promotion race, just a point outside the top three. How did the Notts contingent react to the win? Pride of Nottingham has compiled the key post-match reaction. Kevin Nolan "The players have found a way to win the game today and that is a fantastic trait to have. "It was never going to be smooth sailing and we have had performances where we have not hit the high notes of previous months. "But we have to start building back towards that and today was a clear sign that everyone is in it together. I thought our little bits of quality shone through." Adam Collin "That's our dream in the dressing room. The gaffer always asks for a clean sheet and three points. Everything clicked for us this afternoon, especially in the second half, and we came away deserved winners. "Stevenage are a handy team so we showed them a bit of respect and they played well - but we handled it really well, like we have done for most of the season, and the clean sheet proves that. "Teams at the top end of the league are going to drop points and we have had a bit of a sticky spell but confidence hasn't been knocked too much. We're a tight bunch in the dressing room and the gaffer looks after us." The Black & White Army Chris Notts defended very little within the first half, we just pressed off Stevenage and a better team would have had a field day. I felt sorry for Collin for this reason, the amount of pressure being piled on and the amount of shots he saved it was a joke - he had no protection. Yes, his distribution at times should have been quicker but every time he did it would only come back to him. I do feel Ross Fitzsimons should now be given a go and if Ross does well, he should keep the starting place but if not - maybe some can be less harsher on him? Probably not but it seems unfair at times. Jorge Grant made a difference, he didn't play great but he shown that little bit of class that changes games. Once we scored we grew in confidence and we started to play better, I felt both teams overall performed very poorly and it wasn't the best match. Yet the result and three points are vital. Fan of Big Tone No it wasn't a great match but 3 points were very welcome, we need to up our performance against Mansfield though because they are in good form at the moment and will be up for it. I wish the fans wouldn't be so quick to get on Collin's back, I really don't think it will help his game to hear the criticism at the match. I thought Jorge when he came on looked really back to something like his best, it seemed to give the whole team a lift. Upthepies We lacked pace, the defending was awful. The game was screaming out a 0-0 draw but the goal Grant scored completely changed the outcome. More focus on creating chances and taking responsibility at the back is required. Good win mind. Andrew Rayson Well done Notts; from a realistic fan who only gives out praise when warranted and also criticises when deserved, (otherwise labeled as a “moaner” or “doomster” by the ass-kissing (only praise allowed, critical and honest opinions banned) so called “fans”. Jimmy Gee Similar to some matches of the first half of the season. Notts kept going and scored a vital goal which was the game changer. After that confidence returned to the team. Massive three points. COYPs. Share your thoughts about this match reaction compilation 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 got their stuttering promotion hopes back on track thanks to a 2-0 win over Stevenage in Saturday's League Two encounter at Meadow Lane. The Magpies laboured throughout the game but went on to open the scoring 13 minutes from the end. It came from the refreshed Jorge Grant, on as a substitute, as he struck a superb volley into the bottom corner of the net after the visitors had struggled to deal with Richard Duffy's ball into the box. The second goal came just two minutes later as Shola Ameobi bravely prodded in a header from Ben Hall, getting a knock for his troubles although he was fine to continue. The result sees the Magpies climb to fourth in the table and narrow the gap between themselves and third-placed Wycombe Wanderers to one point. Notts County have published the highlights from the game on their official YouTube channel, and we have shared them for your viewing pleasure here on Pride of Nottingham. 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.

Kevin Nolan has praised Notts County's perseverance as they ground out a 2-0 win over Stevenage on Saturday. The Magpies had suffered a downturn of form prior to the League Two game at Meadow Lane and were in danger of seeing their promotion hopes fade away. Although the performance was little to write home about, Notts nonetheless succeeded in taking all three points thanks to late goals from Jorge Grant and Shola Ameobi. "The players have found a way to win the game today and that is a fantastic trait to have," Nolan told the official site after full time. "It was never going to be smooth sailing and we have had performances where we have not hit the high notes of previous months. "But we have to start building back towards that and today was a clear sign that everyone is in it together. I thought our little bits of quality shone through." Nolan also revealed that the players will get a little downtime over the next few days as a busy schedule of two games a week will now finally ease, with the next match not until next weekend. "The lads are going to have a good couple of days off to go home, recuperate, relax and have some time away from football because it's been a tough month," he added. "We have had a game every four days this month and not many teams have done that so we have to make sure we get these lads fully rested and recharged for another tough game at Cheltenham next Saturday." 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 claimed a much-needed three points in a 2-0 win over Stevenage in Saturday's League Two encounter at Meadow Lane. Jorge Grant came off the bench to open the scoring on 77 minutes, with Shola Ameobi adding a second three minutes later to make sure of victory. The opening stages of the game brought about opportunities for both sides as Luke Amos bundled the ball into the side netting and Ben Hall sent an effort over the Boro bar. Ben Kennedy and John Goddard then tested Adam Collin with tentative chances, while at the other end Elliott Hewitt headed over from Terry Hawkridge's delivery. Neither side could find the breakthrough by the half-time mark, despite Jonathan Smith's shot which went wide, another Goddard effort, and Jon Stead volleying off target from Matt Tootle's cross. The second half brought about more incisive play from Notts as Stead, Hawkridge and Carl Dickinson weighed in with chances. Smith then spurned a good opportunity for Stevenage when he was well placed in front of goal but sent a volley straight at Collin, while at the other end Hawkridge's over-hit cross had to be palmed over by Tom King. Finally the breakthrough came 13 minutes from the end as Grant struck a superb volley into the bottom corner of the net after Stevenage had struggled to deal with Richard Duffy's ball into the box. And three minutes later came the clincher as Ameobi bravely prodded in a header from Hall, getting a knock for his troubles although he was fine to continue. The result sees the Magpies climb to fourth in the table and narrow the gap between themselves and third-placed Wycombe Wanderers to one point, though the top three all have a game in hand. 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.

Alan Hardy has paid tribute to the Notts County fans for getting behind the team even during the leaner spells and insists the fanbase has a huge role to play in the latter stages of the season. The Magpies spent a good chunk of the season in the automatic promotion places, even holding top spot for a number of weeks. However, County's form has tailed off in 2018, with four defeats, two draws and just three wins from the nine league games this calendar year. This has sent Notts - previously boasting a sizeable cushion into the automatics - tumbling down into the playoff places, with eighth-placed Lincoln City now just five points behind. Hardy addressed this in his latest Nottingham Post column and, as well as praising the "magnificent backing" given by the Black and White Army, he also spoke of the need for the team players and coaches to get in "cup finals" mode. "I am of the firm belief the fans have a huge role to play in the remainder of the campaign, especially in our home games," Hardy wrote. "The backing we have had this season has been truly magnificent and there have been times when it has been so powerful, it has helped us overcome extraordinary odds. "An example came in our home match against Cambridge when we were 3-0 down. Instead of becoming silent, anxious and greeting mistakes with groans, the fans roared with defiance. "The noise levels grew and you could see the confidence flooding into the players. It gave them belief that, despite the deficit, they could still fight back to get a result. "They did just that by securing a 3-3 draw when defeat looked inevitable. It was a prime example of the fans playing the role of 12th man. "Our supporters travel up and down the country at great expense because of their love for their wonderful football club. "We can harness that backing for the last 12 games of the season as we continue to chase down those sides above us. "Hopefully we will begin our ‘cup finals’ with a bang against Stevenage on Saturday, a team who are sitting comfortably in mid-table with neither relegation or promotion looking a likely prospect. "That makes them dangerous because they can come here to Meadow Lane without pressure, meaning we will have to be on our guard. "As the manager has pointed out, we are striving to reach our form from earlier in the season when we were incredibly difficult to beat as we soared towards the top of the league. "I know Kevin, his staff and the players are working tirelessly to lead us out of what has been an indifferent run, but it was never going to be a season without a tricky period. "I am convinced we will come through it with more experience and more understanding of what is required should we encounter such a spell again. "A third consecutive home win would certainly be the perfect tonic and, with a crazy fixture schedule now behind us, we can drive forward, giving it our best shot from now until the end 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.

Head to head Notts County and Stevenage have only ever met 12 times in competitive fixtures. The first meeting was on 17 September 2011 at Broadhall Way (known as the Lamex Stadium) - the result on that day was 2-0 to the Magpies. Our head-to-head record is five wins for Notts, five for Stevenage, and two draws. The Magpies have won one of their last four home league games against Stevenage, drawing one and losing two. Stevenage, meanwhile, have won one of their last six league games against Notts County. History Stevenage in their current form have only been in existence since 1976, but there have been numerous incarnations of the club that stretch back over a century. A club called Stevenage FC was formed in 1894, but they soon adopted the name Stevenage Town. In 1951 the club were founder members of the Delphian League. In 1956 they merged with Stevenage Rangers to form Stevenage FC, before reverting to Stevenage Town four years later. They had some success in the Southern League but folded in 1967, after which Stevenage Athletic were created in their place a year later. This incarnation again knocked about in the Southern League but went bankrupt in 1976. Stevenage Borough, formed shortly after Athletic's demise, managed to prosper and work their way up the leagues until finally reaching the Football League in 2010, at which point they took the whole thing full circle by dropping the Borough from their name and becoming Stevenage FC. Despite their relatively short history, Stevenage have won a number of trophies and competitions, including two FA Trophy cups in 2007 and 2009. Trivia Broadhall Way holds 6,722 people, 3,142 of which can be seated. To put it into perspective, three full houses at Stevenage could fit into the Meadow Lane stands with 45 seats to spare. The highest attendance recorded at the stadium was 8,040 for a match against Newcastle United in the FA Cup fourth round on 25 January 1998. On that day a temporary stand was erected behind the away end to increase the stadium capacity to 8,100, enough to satisfy FA requirements. Two films were set in and around Stevenage: "Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush" and "Boston Kickout". "Spy Game", meanwhile, was partly filmed in Stevenage but set in Washington DC. A number of famous sporting figures were born in Stevenage, the most notable of which are Lewis Hamilton, Jack Wilshere, Ashley Young, Ian Poulter, Kevin Phillips and Jason Shackell. Team news Kevin Nolan's got pretty much a clean bill of health, save for long-term absentee Michael O'Connor who is nonetheless back in training. The Magpies are looking to bounce back from the midweek defeat to Cambridge United and Nolan wants more players to chip in with goals to aid top scorer Jorge Grant. Grant has scored 17 times in 43 games since joining on loan from city rivals Nottingham Forest, but has found the net just once in 2018. Stevenage boss Darren Sarll will hope to have Matt Godden and Ron Henry available again for the trip to Meadow Lane. Both players missed last week's 4-1 win over Yeovil Town but will be given as long as possible to prove their fitness. Sarll has been boosted by the return to training of Chris Whelpdale and Ben Sheaf following lengthy injury lay-offs. Whelpdale has not played since the end of December and Sheaf since earlier the same month, but both are targeting a place in the squad. 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.

Sol Campbell has claimed that clubs are afraid to appoint "one of the greatest minds in football" after he was overlooked for the Oxford United job. The former England defender - who made one appearance for Notts County during the Munto season - held talks with the U's, who have just recently been taken over by Thai businessman Sumrith Thanakarnjanasuth. However, the League One side are thought to consider former Liverpool, Newcastle United and Wales forward Craig Bellamy as their frontrunner for the reins. "I did go (for the Oxford job) and they didn't accept me," Campbell told the Arsenal podcast Highbury & Heels. "Maybe it was a lack of experience, things like that, but it's a full circle. Experience? How do I get experience? Well, I need a job to get experience. "I don't want to go too low that it's a struggle, and I don't want to go too low that I'm under someone and thinking 'what am I doing here?' I would rather be managing a club myself. "I'm confident and it's not like it's rocket science to run a football club, especially when you get to that level. "If you're intelligent enough and a quick learner you will learn pretty soon, within two or three games, what the team needs, training-wise, to survive in that league, get better in that league, to get in the play-offs or even win the league. "I'm intelligent enough, it's not like I played on a fox and dog pitch all my life. I can't believe some people, I'm one of the greatest minds in football and I'm being wasted because of a lack of experience or 'maybe he talks his mind too much'. "Go to Germany, they love people who speak their minds. They got the jobs. I'm sorry that I've got a mind, but don't be scared of that. That should be something you want at your club, but obviously not." 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 stressed that he did not expect Notts County's season to be all plain sailing but is confident the team will get out of the rut they're currently in. The Magpies spent a good chunk of the season in the automatic promotion places, even holding top spot for a number of weeks. However, County's form has tailed off in 2018, with four defeats, two draws and just three wins from the nine league games this calendar year. This has sent Notts - previously boasting a sizeable cushion into the automatics - tumbling down into the playoff places, with eighth-placed Lincoln City now just five points behind. “I was under no illusion that we were going to go through a tough time this season,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post. “I always said we were going to hit a bump in the road and it’s getting a bit bigger and bigger. “But, listen, we have got to get ourselves out of it - and we will. “Looking at the lads, I believe that they believe they are going to get out of it, and hopefully that starts on Saturday. “Then we can look to start building from there. But, as I said, you don’t go from being poor to being top-notch in an instant. “We’ve just got to get back to being where we were six weeks ago.” 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.

EFL clubs have voted in favour of shutting the summer transfer window for permanent transfers on August 9. The deadline will now be at 5pm on the Thursday after the opening round of EFL fixtures. However, clubs in the Football League will still be able to loan players and register any that are made free agents up until August 31. The decision brings the 72 clubs in line with the Premier League, who voted in favour of closing the window before their season starts last September. Of the teams from the Championship, League One and League Two, 40 voted in favour of the change while 29 went against. There were no abstentions and the remaining three clubs instead sent their apologies. EFL chief executive Shaun Harvey said in a statement: "After discussing the options throughout the course of the last few months, I'm pleased that the matter has been determined by clubs ahead of the start of next season. "This new approach will give clubs and managers the stability they crave earlier in the season whilst also providing the flexibility to add to their squads after the traditional deadline until the end of month if required." 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 Jorge Grant is getting frustrated due to his downturn in form but stresses that Notts County can't just rely on him all the time. The 23-year-old has scored 17 goals this season but only one has come this calendar year, which has coincided with the Magpies also stumbling in League Two. Nolan has addressed Grant's form in his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday's meeting with Stevenage but wants each player to take full responsibility. “Jorge has played a lot of games and he is getting a little bit frustrated because he is not in a rich vein of scoring form,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post. “But it’s not just down to Jorge. We can’t just look to him to get us out of it all the time. “It has to be a collective responsibility and there are too many of us who are under par week in, week out. “That’s why we are getting these inconsistencies. You can afford to have two or three, but when you are at seven or eight, then it’s not good enough for us. “We have to find the right solutions as quickly as possible. Once we do I am sure we will get that confidence high and you will see the best of the boys again.” 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.

What's been happening in League Two over the last week? Here is Pride of Nottingham's round-up of the biggest League Two news from the last seven days. - The proposal to close the EFL's summer window early will be voted on by all 72 teams from the three divisions at Villa Park on Thursday. The proposal is for the window to close at 5pm on August 9. The loan window would stay open until August 31. - Phil Brown, former manager of Derby County, Hull City, Preston North End and Southend United, has reportedly turned down the opportunity to take the reins at Grimsby Town. The 58-year-old is without a club, having ended a near five-year stay at Southend when he was put on gardening leave on 17 January. - Dover Athletic have signed defender Kevin Lokko from Stevenage on loan until the end of the season. The 22-year-old has made only two substitute appearances for Boro, after joining them from Maidstone for an undisclosed fee last August, and spent much of this season on loan at Dagenham & Redbridge, making 25 appearances before being recalled earlier this month. - Yeovil Town have signed former Notts County goalkeeper Stuart Nelson until the end of the season. The 36-year-old left Gillingham by mutual consent on 31 January after making more than 220 appearances for them. - Newport County defender David Pipe has had his contract extended for another season after triggering an appearance clause in his current deal. The 34-year old has been rewarded with the extension having already played 35 games this season. - Also at Newport, defender Jazzi Barnum-Bobb had his contract cancelled by mutual consent. The 22-year-old has made over 40 appearances for the Exiles. Share your thoughts about this news round-up 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 suffered another huge blow in their automatic promotion hopes as Cambridge United ran out 1-0 winners in their League Two clash at the Abbey Stadium. Medy Elito scored the winner for the hosts in the 30th minute to continue their good form since the departure of manager Shaun Derry with a third win in a row, while for Notts it's a fourth league defeat in 2018. What was the reaction to the match from Kevin Nolan and from the Black and White Army? Pride of Nottingham takes a closer look. Kevin Nolan "I'm deeply disappointed because I thought we were starting to get back to where we were and I feel we have come away from that today. "There wasn't much in the game but we didn't deal with Uche Ikpeazu well at all tonight. We looked at their strengths and we didn't deal with any of them and we didn't do anything to exploit their weaknesses. "I have said to the lads we have another quick turnaround and another big game on Saturday where we have to get three points." The Black & White Army (PON forum and social media) Northants Pie: I think we should just settle for the mid table finish that we are hurtling towards. Dissapointing given our start to the season but we were found out around the end of November and have only managed to get worse since. This squad nearly got relegated for a reason, we need another relatively large scale squad change in the summer to ensure we get a more dynamic defense and a more dynamic front line. Chris: It's disappointing because you can see that they don't have the fight anymore, fans are telling the passion is gone and I'm seeing a lot of comments which fall inside with this feeling. I don't care where we finish, provided we fight. Nile Ranger would ruin us and all our progress, but we need someone up top.It's hard, but we lost one nil to a team that by the stats played much better. Oh well. Alex West: Nolan needs to seriously look at himself in the mirror. Disgusting performance not even one shot on target. Well finish bottom half at this rate not alone the play offs. Seriously bottling it Stephen Jeffery: Bubble has well and truly burst, nice while it lasted but league 2 football is best we can offer, dream on Alan if you think championship Martin Smith: What do you think Nolan will say. The lads weren't up for it tonight thought we played better second half etc. Ffs 4 4 2 Nolan us fans do know a bit about football. I know we've come a long way and building for the future but come on do our players know what a goal looks like after tonight's stats. Saying all this I will be there in Saturday hoping for a better performance and a goal or two. Coyps Martyn Malone: PISSED OFF BIG TIME This is what happens when you don't get players in the transfer window not just that something is not right players don't just stop playing like Notts have over the last 7 weeks if it's not sorted asap mid table then no playoffs for HARDY like he wants Adrian Wheatley: Grant poor again think he needs a rest for a bit playing like hes not interested at the end of the day he will hi tail over the river at the end of the season. Play our players who have it all to play for Mike Adams: 4 shots on target and no goals in the last 3 away league games-players arguing with players, players arguing with manager and players arguing with fans-talk to someone who was at Barnet or Cambridge if you want to know what’s happening at this club Share your thoughts about this post-match reaction compilation 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.