Joe Jones

Kevin Nolan has described Notts County as "a team in transition" and praised each of the home debutants in Saturday's League Two encounter with Exeter City. The returning Liam Noble was drafted into the starting XI, as were youngsters Matty Virtue and Noor Husin, in a side which had to be rejigged due to the absence of Richard Duffy and Matt Tootle. Nolan says he was happy with how the new players performed, and felt towards the end of the match that the Magpies played some of the best football during his reign so far, despite the 2-1 defeat. "This is a team in transition with different types of players coming in who are finding their feet in the team," Nolan told the Nottingham Post. "We gave three home debuts today and I thought they all did terrifically well. I'm delighted with that and it's another positive for us. "We played some wonderful stuff, some of the best under my tenure, but we didn't have the cutting edge at the end." 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 superb unbeaten league home run has come to an end as Exeter City ran out 2-1 winners in Saturday's encounter at Meadow Lane. The high-flying Grecians, who are in the promotion mix, took the lead after just seven minutes through Jake Taylor. Jayden Stockley then doubled the visitors' lead just before half time as the Magpies struggled to click with several new players in the XI and in the absence of Matt Tootle and Richard Duffy. Jon Stead pulled a goal back for the hosts with a second-half penalty, won after Shola Ameobi was hauled down in the box, but sadly Notts could not go on to find an equaliser. Pride of Nottingham was at the game and interviewed a number of County fans prior to kickoff. Questions asked include how Alan Hardy and Kevin Nolan have done in their first 12 months, whether Matty Virtue will be a good replacement for Ryan Yates and whether they are happy with the transfer business conducted so far. Check out what the Black and White Army had to say in our latest episode of Meet the Fans! Share your thoughts about this week's Meet the Fans 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 lost their unbeaten home league record as Exeter City secured a 2-1 victory at Meadow Lane. First-half goals from Jake Taylor and Jayden Stockley gave the promotion-chasing Grecians a two-goal advantage. Although Jon Stead scored a penalty, the Magpies could not go on to find an equaliser The result means that Notts have tasted their first defeat in the league in front of their own fans since Portsmouth won last April. What was the reaction from the Notts boss, players and fans following the draw? Here is a collection of the best post-match reaction. Kevin Nolan “It was a disappointing afternoon and it always is when you lose a game. But I thought the lads’ reaction in the second half was absolutely fantastic. “I thought we totally outplayed Exeter, and while we created lots of opportunities, the ball just didn’t seem to fall for us or we didn’t work the keeper well enough. “I just thought the response was better all round because in the first half we showed them a little bit too much respect. “But I did feel that the free-kick which led to the first goal shouldn’t have been given and when a team scores off the back of it shows how big those decisions are. “I discussed that at the end with the referee because little decisions are just as important. “It was the same for their second goal. Their lad can’t win the ball without going through Jorge Grant. “There is a ref and a lineman there and I am bewildered as to why the free-kick wasn’t given. “But these are the decisions they have to get right even though I thought the referee had a decent game.” Liam Noble “I was disappointed to not get something out of the game, but going 2-0 down in the first half wasn’t good enough. “We showed a good reaction in the second half but we can’t put ourselves in that position. “We just fell short and we didn’t pick up enough second balls. “But it was nice to be back out there and it would have been better had we got the result we had wanted.” Jorge Grant The Black and White Army - PON Forum Chris: I have to say, I fell Notts performed very poorly yesterday. The first half wasn't very good at all, we committed players to far up the field and nobody bar Dan Jones had the pace to track back. Stead shouldn't have been playing on his own up front, though why does he insist on dropping to his knees as soon as he gets the ball? Yes, sometimes there was force and pushing but he never draws the foul to a convincing point for me. Our midfield seemed very capable but sluggish to drive forward anything remotely creative. Second half I felt Notts played some great stuff, yet we never looked likely to score and we just have this habit of trying to force the play - we need an Alan Judge type player that isn't afraid to shoot from distance. Go on Kevin, get Noble and some of the others to practice this - even Grant seemed woeful! The referee didn't help but we should play beyond this, we just seemed to allow his poor handling to be bigger than it should. Exeter I felt was very poor also, they used school boy diversion tactics and frequently cheated. I noticed several incidents which went unpunished, from a two footed challenge to one of their players hitting out at Virtue (for no reason). At the end of the day we was poor and, I struggle to suggest we deserved anything from it. United Pie: With that loss yesterday my nerves are starting to rattle exester are starting to have a late serge. That loss now puts us in danger of the casing pack closing in on us Accrington are a game in a hand and can now go second with a win we need to hold our nerve and play like we have been doing. Cause loosing games like yesterday day dose not get you promoted. Liampie: fans near me kept going on about us missing yates but i think even he would have struggled yesterday. we started poorly and it became a game of chasing them after the early goal for exeter. i think the better team won tbh, we did not create enough clear chances and for that reason i am disappointed. i think they scored from their first two shots on target! standards are slipping nolan. ARLukomski: I feel like we are gonna bottle this if we keep going the way we are. Nolan got it completely wrong yesterday. If it ain’t broken, don’t try and fix it. No idea why we went with 4-2-3-1 when it’s untried, untested and unproven with this team. Why change a formation that’s been working all season. Hunt plays everyone on for the first goal. Second one is a woeful pass by Virtue. Husin was bought off when he was doing well. Noble and Walker looked quality in the centre of midfield yesterday. Hewitt is not a centre back, we desperately need to sign some cover. Early in the second half, four good balls were put into the box with nobody’s on the end of them, showing again why we so badly need a striker. Alessandra missed a sitter at the back post. Ameobi won the penalty then afterwards didn’t look bothered. The problem is yesterday’s selection was caused by injuries and again we have no strength in depth. Luton can have injuries and replace them players with players who are just as good. Tootle is ill and we replace him with a grandfather clock. The Black and White Army - Social media Peter Walker: Still In a better place than last January! Either we play Jonathan Forte or we get a striker in not another midfield player Steve Brewer: Didn't play bad. Ref had a hand in both of their goals although it was bad defending and the goalie should have stoppe d Stuart Anderson: 1st half was awful, why the hell we started 1 up top beggers belief!! 2nd started ok but we dominated when we bought a 2nd striker on! We need a pacey striker who knows where the net Is!! I thought Noble was very good today. Adrian Wheatley: If today dont make them look for defenders then nothing will nothing on the bench for central defence and let the only option leave for free? 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 superb unbeaten league home run has come to an end as Exeter City ran out 2-1 winners in Saturday's encounter at Meadow Lane. The high-flying Grecians, who are in the promotion mix, took the lead after just seven minutes through Jake Taylor. Jayden Stockley then doubled the visitors' lead just before half time as the disjointed Magpies struggled to cope against their opponents. Jon Stead pulled a goal back for Notts with a second-half penalty, won after Shola Ameobi was hauled down in the box, but sadly the hosts could not go on to find an equaliser. Should you wish to see them, here are the official Notts YouTube highlights from the game. 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 bemoaned Notts County's 2-1 defeat to Exeter City and rued a number of key refereeing decisions which he felt cost his side dear. The visitors raced into the lead after just eight minutes through Jake Taylor's tap-in before Stockley struck the decisive second just before half-time. Jon Stead scored a second-half penalty after Shola Ameobi was hauled down in the box but the Magpies couldn't find an equaliser and so lost their unbeaten home record which stretched back to April 2017. “It was a disappointing afternoon and it always is when you lose a game,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post. “But I thought the lads’ reaction in the second half was absolutely fantastic. “I thought we totally outplayed Exeter, and while we created lots of opportunities, the ball just didn’t seem to fall for us or we didn’t work the keeper well enough. “I just thought the response was better all round because in the first half we showed them a little bit too much respect. “But I did feel that the free-kick which led to the first goal shouldn’t have been given and when a team scores off the back of it shows how big those decisions are. “I discussed that at the end with the referee because little decisions are just as important. “It was the same for their second goal. Their lad can’t win the ball without going through Jorge Grant. “There is a ref and a lineman there and I am bewildered as to why the free-kick wasn’t given. “But these are the decisions they have to get right even though I thought the referee had a decent 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.

Notts County have lost their superb unbeaten home record in League Two after fellow promotion chasers Exeter City claimed a 2-1 win at Meadow Lane on Saturday. Boss Kevin Nolan fielded a different-look side to their usual XI, with Richard Duffy and Matt Tootle both sidelined, and a much-changed midfield including Matty Virtue, Noor Husin and the returning Liam Noble. The Magpies fell behind after just eight minutes as a contentious free kick whipped in by Lee Holmes was met by Dean Moxey, who struck the post before the rebound was converted by Jake Taylor. Notts mustered a couple of half-chances as a Jon Stead header from Dan Jones's delivery bounced tamely to Christy Pym and Lewis Alessandra also failing to beat the Exeter keeper with a shot from the corner of the box. However, Pym was largely untroubled in the first half, while the visitors were more dangerous and doubled their lead on 42 minutes through Stockley. The Grecians top scorer latched on to a long ball forward, got the better of Shaun Brisley and found the bottom corner from the edge of the area to leave the Notts contingent reeling at the break. The second half saw Notts grow into the game, but not before several more dangerous attempts from Stockley, one denied by Elliott Hewitt's goalline clearance and the other cannoning off the woodwork. However, the deficit was halved on 73 minutes when Troy Archibald-Henville hauled substitute Shola Ameobi down in the box, prompting the referee to point to the spot. Jon Stead then subsequently despatched the penalty, sending Pym the wrong way, but despite a late flurry of attacks, they couldn't find an equaliser to prolong their unbeaten home record. 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 revealed that Notts County are quarter of a million pounds inside their budget at present. Since taking over the club, Hardy has overseen a change in fortunes both in the pitch and off the pitch, with the Magpies near the top of League Two and in the fourth round of the FA Cup. Speaking about the round four fixture, which sees Notts host Premier League strugglers Swansea City, the club owner spoke about how a giant-killing would potentially be even better for the club's finances. "If we can go on to cause a shock, it would certainly help with the financial side of the football club," Hardy told the Nottingham Post in his weekly column. "On Wednesday we had a six-hour budget meeting with the group financial director to run through our half-year results. We are £250,000 inside the budget. "That means our losses are a quarter of a million less, which has been helped by the TV coverage of the Oxford City game and the fact we are regularly selling more tickets and hospitality. "We are delighted to be £250,000 inside where we thought we were going to be and, while it looks unlikely we’ll meet our overall target of £500,000 by the end of the season, we might get halfway there. "If we do manage to beat Swansea, however, I would expect we’d be likely to have another TV game as the odds are enhanced for us to draw one of the big boys. "That would be amazing but, first and foremost, I’m looking forward to what will be a special day next weekend, as well as a big league game against Exeter City this 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.

Head to head Notts County and Exeter City have met a total of 45 times over their history. The first meeting came at St James’ Park in Division Three (South) on 1 November 1930, and it finished as a 3-3 draw. The Magpies have an excellent record against the Grecians; from 45 competitive encounters, Notts have won 18 and drawn 19. Our last meeting was on September 26 at St James' Park, where Notts outlined their promotion credentials with a 3-0 win over their fellow high-flyers. Notts are unbeaten in their last three League Two matches against the Grecians (W2 D1), keeping clean sheets in two of those matches. However, Exeter have avoided defeat in each of their last two visits to Meadow Lane in League Two (W1 D1), including a 4-1 away win in this exact fixture in the 2015/16 campaign. Stats Along with Brentford, The Magpies are currently enjoying the longest home unbeaten run in the 2017/18 campaign only of all the sides in the English Football League (13 games - W10 D3), last losing at home in the league back in April 2017. Exeter on the other hand, have lost each of their last five league games on the road, failing to score more than one goal in any of those matches. They last lost more away games on the bounce when they were defeated in nine such consecutive games between February and April 2012. Jorge Grant has scored three goals in his two league appearances for Notts County against Exeter despite starting neither of those games, averaging a goal every 22 minutes on the field against the Grecians. History Exeter was formed in 1901 as St. Sidwell's United and played in the Southern League from 1908 until 1920, when that league's top division was absorbed into The Football League as its new Division Three. The club was the first ever team to play the Brazilian national team in 1914, a match which was commemorated in a 2014 friendly game against Fluminense. City took 60 years to achieve their first ever promotion, finishing fourth in Division Four in the 1963–64 season. Since then, the club have mostly yo-yoed between the third and fourth divisions, spending five years in the Conference between 2003 and 2008; having been promoted a further four times (in 1976–77, 1989–90, 2007–08 and 2008–09) and relegated five times (in 1965–66,1983–84, 1993–94, 2002–03 and 2011–12). Famous fans include Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, Adrian Edmondson, Mark Nicol and Noel Edmonds. Singer Joss Stone signed up as a member of the Supporters' Trust, being introduced to fans on the pitch as a new member during a League Cup match against Liverpool. In 2002 pop singer Michael Jackson was made honorary director of Exeter City. He visited St James Park with celebrity friend Uri Geller, who was also a director. The crew of the HMS Defender also adopted Exeter City as their home team and use their strip if playing games whilst on tour. Team news Shola Ameobi returned from a four-match injury absence as a second-half substitute in last weekend's draw at Lincoln City and is expected to feature against Exeter. Should Magpies manager Kevin Nolan opt to restore Ameobi to his starting line up, Lewis Alessandra could be the player to make way. Nolan was this week boosted by the news that Nottingham Forest will let Jorge Grant remain on loan at Meadow Lane for the remainder of the season. Exeter captain Jordan Moore-Taylor is rated a 50/50 chance to be fit in time for Saturday's game - the 23-year-old has not played since December 30 due to injury. Fellow defenders Troy Brown and Luke Croll, who have been absent even longer than Moore-Taylor are also back in training but are not yet ready for first team action. Midfielder Hiram Boateng will be hoping for a place in the starting line-up after coming off the bench against Coventry last week. Share your thoughts about this Stat Attack 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.

Kevin Nolan has thanked Nottingham Forest for confirming that Jorge Grant would remain at Notts County on loan until the end of the season. The youngster spent the second half of last season at Notts and returned this term alongside Ryan Yates, the duo instrumental in the club's rise to the upper echelons of the League Two table. Forest decided to recall Yates last week and ship him out on loan to Scunthorpe United, causing friction among the Notts fans plus anxiety regarding Grant's immediate future over the Trent. However, owner Alan Hardy went on to confirm that Forest - new manager and all - will let Grant stay put until the end of the campaign and Nolan was pleased with the outcome. “I am delighted to have Jorge here until the end of the season,” the Magpies boss told the Nottingham Post. “With everything that happened with Ryan, we had that fear that Jorge would be going back to go to a number of clubs in League One. “But Jorge said he wanted to stay and Forest were really happy for him to stay too. “We thank Forest for helping us with Ryan at the beginning of the season and we wish him the best of luck going forward. “And we thank Forest for allowing us to keep Jorge so we can continue helping him with his development so that he goes back a better player and he is closer to the first team.” Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County are back in League Two action this weekend with a home game against one of League Two's trickier propositions, Exeter City. The Grecians topped the table earlier in the season and remain well in promotion contention as they sit fifth in the table. Pride of Nottingham has spoken to Exeter fan Matt to get an insight on Saturday's opposition. About Matt: I'm 27 years old, been supporting the team as far back as I can remember, and my favourite player is Richard Logan. How have Exeter City done so far this season? On the whole it's been fantastic, we picked up from where we left off last season and went top of the table and even though our form has gone a bit wobbly - mostly due to the poor away form - we're still just a point off third place, so it's all up for grabs! Was 2017 a good year for the Grecians? Definitely. From bottom of the table in November 2016 to a playoff place and a trip to Wembley, obviously it was a massive shame not being able to get the job done against Blackpool but having picked up from where we left off, it's a great platform and we hope 2018 can see Exeter finally go up! Who has been your standout player this season? Jayden Stockley, our record signing, has had a brilliant campaign so far, with 13 goals in all competitions. Apart from being a clinical finisher, he's also able to pull off stunning pieces of skill, like when he flicked the ball over that Morecambe defender before scoring in our 4-1 win a couple months ago. What's your favourite memory as an Exeter fan? The 1-0 win at Rotherham on the last day of the 2008-09 season, which gave us our second successive promotion - from non-league to League One in two years. What an amazing day that was! Where do you think you'll finish this season? If we can sort out our away jitters and keep on performing and getting results at home, there's no reason why we can't finish in the top three. Even Luton and Notts, who seemed like they were shoe-ins for 1st and 2nd, are beatable on their day, so there's bound to be a lot more twists and turns this season. Score/scorer prediction? I'll go for 2-2. Grant is probably the best player in League Two so he could get one or two for you, but Holmes and Stockley to get ours. Share your thoughts about this opposition view 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.

Exeter City midfielder Lloyd James has claimed that his side will "put their bodies on the line" at Notts County in a bid to turn around their poor away form. The Grecians were top of the table earlier in the season but their form ended up tailing off somewhat as they now sit in the playoff area. They have 7 wins from their last 10 home games, but on the road, they have 6 defeats and 2 draws from their last 10. Ahead of Saturday's League Two meeting at Meadow Lane, James was in defiant mood and insists Exeter will "get better" as they seek to build on last weekend's 1-0 win over Coventry City. “Our home form has been excellent, we just hopefully need to change our away form against Notts County,” James is quoted by the Nottingham Post as saying. “It’s about more performances like last Saturday – working hard and I think everyone put their bodies on the line, so we’ll do that against Notts County and show the character we do have, so hopefully that will bode us well. “We know some of our performances haven’t been good enough and we will get better. We’ve had some good wins on the road and hopefully we can get one at the 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.

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. - Forest Green Rovers boss Mark Cooper accused his top scorer Christian Doidge of diving twice in an attempt to win a penalty in their 1-0 defeat at Swindon Town. He said: "I'm very angry with Christian. He dived twice in the box. Nobody is near him and he's chosen to fall on the floor when he had a chance to score his 18th and 19th goals." - Crewe Alexandra midfielder Tom Lowery has signed a new three-and-a-half-year contract at the club. A graduate from the Alex academy, he has made 29 league appearances this season, with his contract having been due to expire this summer. - Barnet have named former Newport County boss Graham Westley as their new head coach to take charge of first-team affairs. Mark McGhee was originally announced as Barnet's new manager in November but the Scot is now in the role of head of technical. - Cambridge United have appointed Mark Bonner as their first-team coach after Mick Halsall left the club. Bonner had previously been the U's academy manager and will now assist Shaun Derry and assistant Joe Dunne. - Swindon have signed forward Marc Richards on a free transfer following his release by Northampton. The 35-year-old has agreed an 18-month deal with the Robins, who are ninth but just two points off a top-three spot. - The Robins have also have signed Crystal Palace forward Keshi Anderson on a two-and-a-half-year deal for an undisclosed fee, having been on loan with them this term, scoring four goals in 22 league games. - Nottingham Forest midfielder Jorge Grant is to see out his season-long loan deal with Notts County, according to Magpies owner and chairman Alan Hardy. The news follows a spat between the two clubs after Ryan Yates was prematurely recalled by the Reds. - Wycombe Wanderers duo Nick Freeman and Yves Ma-Kalambay have agreed extended contracts with the club - the former has signed a deal until 2020 while the latter will stay with Wycombe until the end of the season. - Brandon Comley has agreed a permanent move to Colchester United from Queens Park Rangers for an undisclosed fee. The 22-year-old midfielder, who joined the U's on loan in August, has signed a contract until the summer of 2020. - Swindon have made an offer to acquire the freehold of their County Ground home. The Robins say representatives engaged in "several positive meetings" with Swindon Borough Council last year and the club have now made a formal offer to purchase the stadium. (Sources: BBC Sport and Sky Sports News) 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.

Jon Stead has spoken about Ryan Yates's recall from Notts County and also praised replacement loanee Matty Virtue. The Nottingham Forest youngster impressed on loan at Meadow Lane but was recalled before being sent out to Scunthorpe United in League One. It wouldn't be long before another highly-rated youngster arrived at the club, however, in the shape of Liverpool Under-23 captain Virtue. “We were not really surprised (about Yates's departure) because Ryan did fantastically well for us,” Stead told the Nottingham Post. “We just took it in our stride really because there are other lads vying for that position and ready to come and step in. “We wish him all the best and thank him because he was terrific for us. “He’s a great lad and a top, top professional. He’s a throwback to the old school professionals and I’ve no doubt he will go a long, long way in the game.” Speaking about Virtue, Stead added: “He did very well (in his debut against Lincoln).I think he was in the dressing room scratching his head a little bit. But he held his own very well and I think we will see a lot more of him throughout the games, especially at home. That’s when he will be able to get on the ball a little bit more. “His neck was probably a bit sore from watching it go over his head last weekend. But he was very combative and he dealt with the physical side of it 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.

Kevin Nolan has expressed his hopes of seeing Nottingham Forest send more players on loan at Notts County. The Magpies have made use of Jorge Grant and Ryan Yates this season and both have been a revelation for the club. Although Yates was recalled by the Reds, Grant is to stay at Meadow Lane until the end of the campaign. “We hope there will be a couple more coming from over the road,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post. “If they keep coming over, going back and winning new contracts that says we are doing something right. “I am delighted we are trying to build better relationships with the new owners and the new manager so we can work together. “Not only will it help Notts move forward, but help Forest’s players move forward as well. We’ll see what happens.”

Kevin Nolan is looking forward to Liam Noble being back to full match fitness and giving him a selection headache when picking the Notts County matchday squads. The midfielder, who registered for the club at the start of the month after rejoining from Forest Green Rovers, has so far made two substitute appearances, against Brentford and Lincoln City. “We already knew that Nobsa had a lot of ability which is why we made him a major target in the summer,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post. “He has a great footballing brain and what we have to make sure of is that we get the best out of him and we don’t see the Nobsa that was here a few years ago. “He’s been out of the game a few months so it’s going to take him time to find his feet. But the good thing is that he has seen how we work, what is expected of him in whatever position he plays. “I feel he is just biting at the bit for that opportunity and chance. All it does is gives me an extra selection headache and puts people on their toes. Players in position now know he is breathing down their necks.” 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 say they have been given confirmation by Nottingham Forest that Jorge Grant will be able to stay on loan at Meadow Lane for the remainder of the season. Grant spent the second half of last season at Notts and returned this term alongside Ryan Yates, the duo instrumental in the club's rise to the upper echelons of the League Two table. Forest decided to recall Yates last week and ship him out on loan to Scunthorpe United, causing friction among the Notts fans plus anxiety regarding Grant's immediate future over the Trent. However, Alan Hardy has now stated that Forest - new manager and all - will let Grant stay put until the end of the campaign. “I would like to place on record my thanks to Forest for confirming that Jorge will be staying with us," Hardy said on the official Notts site. “He has been a pivotal figure for us, scoring 17 goals, and this confirmation comes as a huge boost as we look to take our excellent form into the latter part of the campaign. “We appreciate Forest trusting us with Jorge’s development and look forward to having him with us until May.” 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 tipped Noor Husin for success in Notts County colours after revealing that the midfielder's omission against Lincoln City was due to lack of match fitness. The 20-year-old signed for the Magpies last week from Crystal Palace but sat out Saturday's 2-2 draw at Sincil Bank. Nolan was quick to pour praise on Husin's style of play and professionalism, and expects him to be ready for action soon. “Noor is a fantastic player and a good kid,” he told the Nottingham Post. “He’s had League Two experience last year with Accrington Stanley and he’s a really good technician. “He’s got a good engine and I am really looking forward to seeing him in our shirt. “It was just a bit too early to throw him in against Lincoln as he only trained with us on Friday. “He hasn’t played many games and we have to get his match fitness up to speed. But I am delighted to bring him 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.

Notts County have confirmed that the 2017/18 early bird season ticket price will be frozen for those who renew next season. Since taking over at Meadow Lane, Alan Hardy has put offers in place from time to time, including lowering the gate prices at the start of the season, plus one-off promotions such as "£2 for Crewe". Now, whether Notts play in League Two or League One next season, the club has made it so current season holders will pay the same early bird price as last year, with renewals available from Monday 19 March. "The loyalty of our season ticket holders is hugely appreciated and this exclusive price freeze is our latest show of appreciation for their commitment to the club," Hardy told the official Notts site. "The huge strides we have made both on and off the field would not be possible without our dedicated fanbase and we hope this gesture underlines how much we value them." 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 is hoping that Notts County's impressive work with loan players will lead to more clubs sending their up-and-coming prospects over to Meadow Lane. Jorge Grant and Ryan Yates have been a revelation with the Magpies so far this term - the latter sadly no longer with the Magpies - while over the last few years, the likes of Marc Bola, Jack Grealish and Callum McGregor have also thrived at the club. “I am hoping people can see what we are doing with these loan players,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post. “The ones we have taken from Premier League clubs have all gone back better players and gone on to better clubs, or gone back and got new contracts. “For me, I am absolutely delighted with that. It’s crucial for us because if we keep doing well with these kids and they keep going back speaking about us in a positive light. “Football is a small world and word soon flies round. Players would know they would be coming to a club who will look after their welfare on and off the pitch. “That’s what we will continue to do hopefully making them better while they are with us and when they go back.” 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 revealed that Notts County "haven't heard anything" from Nottingham Forest regarding Jorge Grant, who also wants to remain where he currently is. Grant and Ryan Yates joined the Magpies on loan in the summer and have been impressive, only for the latter to be recalled by his parent club. This led to fears regarding Grant's stay at Meadow Lane but Nolan has suggested that the club's top goalscorer this term may stay put until the summer. “We haven’t heard anything from Forest,” the Notts boss told the Nottingham Post. “We want to keep Jorge and he has come out and told everyone that he wants to stay here. “He feels that is better for his development which is great on our behalf. “Hopefully Forest can see in the year we have had him how far he has come and what he has done. “He’s been fantastic and we want to keep developing him. “We want to send him back in four to five months’ time so that he has got an even better chance of breaking into their first team. “If not then hopefully we can lend him again next year.” 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 hailed Matty Virtue for a good showing in his Notts County debut in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Lincoln City. The Liverpool Under-23 captain was handed a start just days after joining on loan and had a hand in the opening goal, scored by Jon Stead. “It was always going to be tough for him and we knew that,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post. “He probably hasn’t played in too many games like that on pitches like that, coming from under-23 level. “I said ‘welcome to League Two’ to him in the dressing room and brought a wry smile to his face. But he handled it magnificently. “He couldn’t get into the game to show the quality he has but that will take time, as I said when he signed. This will make him as a player, he will learn from it and become better from it. “There’s still a lot more to come from him and we will help him with 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 remain well in the hunt for an automatic promotion place thanks to a 2-2 draw at Lincoln City on Saturday. The Magpies took the lead after 35 minutes when a clipped pass from Lewis Alessandra was headed home by Jon Stead. Lee Frecklington, who returned to the Imps from Rotherham this week, fired in an equaliser two minutes later to head back in the changing rooms all square. The Magpies then fell behind after 67 minutes when Matt Green slotted home but Jorge Grant crashed in a shot off the underside of the crossbar for a share of the spoils. What was the reaction from the Notts boss, players and fans following the draw? Here is a collection of the best post-match reaction. Kevin Nolan “The lads were absolutely fantastic. It was a battle and they stuck in there. "We couldn’t get going with our fluidity today but these lads have got camaraderie, togetherness and determination to come away with a very good and respectable point. “When you come away to places like Lincoln you are going to be put under pressure and they are going to put balls into the box from all directions. "You have to make sure you are up for the battle and we were – we more than matched them and handled everything they threw at us. “It’s another fantastic result and we’re looking forward to another biggame next weekend against Exeter.” Jon Stead “The atmosphere made it an exciting game and these are the types of matches you want to be playing in. “We had a fantastic following and we could hear them as much as the home fans. “It was a good occasion and the way Lincoln play is direct. But, I tell you what, it is effective and you give them massive credit for that because they do it very well. “They made it very difficult for us. They took the lead but we are disappointed with the two goals we conceded. “But to get the point was pleasing because we were under the cosh at the end.” Matt Tootle The Black and White Army on PON Super_Danny_Allsopp: Decent point in the end. Some last ditch defending. Green and Rhead caused us no amount of problems. Chris: I'm pleased with the draw. I do feel we need to learn to control games away from home and maintain leads better, but obviously I would take the point any day of the week. It sounded like a typical derby game really - these are usually always close fought games and really I wasn't far off with my goal amount or score prediction. Hopefully Virtue can become a key player for us in midfield, a few fans who I have asked praised him. Yet it sounds like we bypassed a lot of play by hoofing it. TheSkipper: I would always take a point away from home. After we lost the focus in the game we could have easily lots the match. It was good play to get back into it, but it was not pretty football. Share your thoughts about this reaction round-up 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.

Notts County came from a goal down to salvage a 2-2 draw at Lincoln City in Saturday's League Two encounter at Sincil Bank. The Magpies had taken the lead through Jon Stead’s header in the 35th minute, which led to Lincoln manager Danny Cowley being sent to the stands for protesting a foul in the build-up. Lee Frecklington, however, equalised on his debut minutes later and Matt Green then put the Imps ahead. Jorge Grant, as is always the case, was the hero as he struck back with a powerful drive off the crossbar to secure a share of the spoils for Notts at Sincil Bank. Here are the highlights from the game, posted on the official Notts YouTube channel and shared by 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.

Danny Cowley has claimed that Lincoln City were hard done by due to "three major decisions" going against them in the 2-2 draw with Notts County. The Magpies had taken the lead through Jon Stead’s header in the 35th minute, which led to Cowley being sent to the stands for protesting a foul in the build-up. Lee Frecklington and Matt Green then scored to put the Imps ahead, only for Jorge Grant to salvage a point midway through the second half. “Overall, I’m disappointed [to draw],” Cowley told Lincolnshire Live. “It took us 30 minutes to get going but from minute 30 to 90 we were really good. “Three major decisions went against us and they were game changers. For the first goal, there was a foul on Sam Habergham which he [the referee] didn’t see. “Credit to players because the way they responded was excellent. After that we created lots of chances and we’re disappointed we haven’t won the game. We feel it is two points dropped. “I must say that was a hard game to referee, I respect that, but I was disappointed with three decisions that went against us. “The first goal was a clear foul, then Matt Rhead was flattened at the back post. “Then Michael Bostwick gets in a great header and their boy lifts his hand and it clearly hits him on the arm. Those decisions didn’t go for us but I think referees need a bit more help.” 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.