Joe Jones

Notts County have claimed a valuable point away at Lincoln City as Saturday's League Two encounter on Saturday finished as a 2-2 draw. 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. Nonetheless, Jorge Grant struck back with a powerful drive off the crossbar to secure a share of the spoils for Notts at Sincil Bank. Notts vlogger and Pride of Nottingham contributor ARLukomski discussed the fixture ahead of kickoff, gave his thoughts as the game went on, and talked about the performance and result after the final whistle. Follow ARLukomski on his YouTube channel by clicking here. Share your thoughts about this vlog 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 his Notts County players for having come through their "battle" with Lincoln City in possession of a point. The Magpies played out a 2-2 draw against the Imps at Sincil Bank on Saturday. Jon Stead opened the scoring and Jorge Grant fired home the equaliser after Lee Frecklington and Matt Green had put the hosts back ahead. “The lads were absolutely fantastic,” Nolan told the official Notts site after the League Two encounter. “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 big game next weekend against Exeter.” 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 left Sincil Bank with a point after Jorge Grant struck the equaliser in Saturday's 2-2 League Two draw with Lincoln City. The visitors began brightly as Lee Frecklington gifted them possession just after kickoff, but the new signing from Rotherham United made amends by ushering the ball back to his goalkeeper with Jon Stead bearing down on goal. Grant then headed over the bar at the back post from Terry Hawkridge's cross, before again blazing over after being played in by Lewis Alessandra, but on the whole, the game provided little in the way of excitement for the opening 35 minutes. Notts went on to take the lead as debutant Matty Virtue did well to keep the ball alive at the six-yard box before shifting it to Alessandra, who in turn stood the ball up at the back post for Jon Stead to nod into the back of the net. However, no soon had the Magpies edged in front, the Imps - who lost manager Danny Cowley from the touchline after he had remonstrated with the referee - had drawn level through Frecklington, who was on hand to rifle home Matt Rhead's headed flick-on. On the stroke of half time, a clever ball down the side of the Lincoln defence from a free kick was rolled to Stead, but his effort was kept out by goalkeeper Paul Farman, who narrowed the striker's angle and made the block. In the second half, Matt Green came close to taking the lead when he beat the offside trap to send a header goalwards from six yards out, but Ross Fitzsimons was able to hold on. Green, however, did manage to find the net midway through the half when Danny Rowe's ball down the right channel found the striker, who this time made no mistake in slipping the ball underneath the Notts keeper to edge Lincoln ahead. It wouldn't be long before Notts would get back on equal terms as a long throw from Elliott Hewitt caused confusion among the Imps back line en route to Grant, who smashed the effort home via the underside of the bar. Share your thoughts about this match report on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Kevin Nolan has done a great job to turn Notts County around, Lincoln City manager Danny Cowley has stated. This weekend marks a year since Nolan has taken charge of a Magpies match and, in that time, the club has gone from the bottom rungs of the League Two table to the top three. "Kevin Nolan’s done a great job. He’s been there a year and he’s turned that club round,” Cowley, speaking ahead of Saturday's meeting between the two sides at Sincil Bank, told Lincolnshire Live. “I’ve got nothing but admiration for the job he has done there. “He’s been a top player but he’s really humble as well, which is nice to see because it’s not always the case. “We watched them on Saturday and they deservedly beat a Championship team. “It’s going to be a really tough game, but it’s a great game for us and one we’re really looking forward to.” 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 Lincoln City have met a total of 66 times in competitive matches over the years. The first fixture took the place all the way back in November 1893, a Division Two game in Nottingham which resulted in an away win for the Imps. The record currently stands at 35 wins for Notts, 15 defeats, and 16 draws. Notts and Lincoln have played twice this season already - the Magpies won the first fixture 4-1 in League Two whilst Lincoln won 2-1 in the EFL Trophy in November. The Magpies won their last league visit to Lincoln 3-0 in September 2009, ending a run of four trips without winning there in League Two. Stats The Imps have only lost one of their last seven league games, keeping four clean sheets in that time. The Magpies have won just once on the road in League Two in their last eight attempts and have not kept a clean sheet on their travels in the competition since September. History Lincoln City were officially formed in 1884 as an amateur association - even though there had been a team playing since the 1860s - and turned professional in the 1891-92 season. The following season, Lincoln became one of the 12 founder members of the Second Division alongside Small Heath, Sheffield Utd, Darwen, Grimsby, Ardwick, Burton Swifts, Northwich Victoria, Bootle, Crewe, Burslem, Port Vale and Walsall T. Swifts. In 1895, Lincoln moved to Sincil Bank from the John O'Gaunts ground. They drew their first game at Sincil Bank 0-0 with Gainsborough Trinity and also drew their first League game 1-1 with Woolwich Arsenal. Lincoln have never won a major trophy in their history but have got their hands on the Division 3 (North) title three times, in 1932, 1948, and 1952, as well as winning League Two in 1976 and claiming the premier non-league title in 1988 and 2017. Last year, the Imps made history by becoming the first non-league side to reach the quarter-finals of the FA Cup since Queens Park Rangers in 1914. Lincoln developed from the Roman town of Lindum Colonia, which developed from an Iron Age settlement. Its major landmarks are Lincoln Cathedral, a famous example of English Gothic architecture, and Lincoln Castle, an 11th-century Norman castle. Team news Lincoln will be without midfielder Harry Anderson, who must serve a one-match ban following his red card in the 4-2 loss to Luton Town on New Year's Day. The Imps have made several key signings this month as Lee Frecklington, Danny Rowe, Jordan Williams and James Wilson all arrived at Sincil Bank. However, Josh Ginnelly has been recalled by Burnley, while Billy Knott has left on loan to Rochdale. For Notts, Shola Ameobi has missed the last four matches with a knock but he is nearing a return. Magpies manager Kevin Nolan, who this weekend celebrates one year in charge at Meadow Lane, suffered a blow this week when Nottingham Forest recalled Ryan Yates from his loan spell and sent him to Scunthorpe. However, Liverpool Under-23s captain Matty Virtue has joined on loan, while fellow midfielder Noor Husin has joined from Crystal Palace on an 18-month deal, not to mention Liam Noble being back at Notts and pushing for a starting place. Share your thoughts about this Stat Attack preview piece on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Kevin Nolan's managerial tenure at Notts County has today hit the one-year mark and the gaffer had plenty to reminisce about, but insists there is to be no resting on laurels. This time last year, the Magpies were seemingly destined for the Conference, and perhaps even extinction, until Alan Hardy took over the club and brought Nolan along with him. There was a lot of doubt over the appointment, given his relative inexperience - he had only had a short stint at Leyton Orient - and the task at hand. However, Nolan went on to secure safety with several games to spare and, in the current campaign, has guided Notts to the automatic promotion spots and the fourth round of the FA Cup. The former midfielder described the "great escape" as his proudest achievement, especially as "no-one believed", but is eager to keep building and ensure that 2018 is just as joyous as 2017, if not more. “Last year when we came in after 10 games on the spin losing and then stayed up the way we did, that’s a great escape,” he told the Nottingham Post. “It was fantastic what the players achieved after what they’d been through, so for me that was the proudest achievement. “There’s no better escape than that because we were 91st in the league, had lost 10 games on the spin, were hours from going into administration. "A new owner comes in and apparently gives a rookie manager who doesn’t know much a chance, and we do what we did. That’s how it was. That’s my greatest achievement because no one believed. “For me, it’s been a fantastic 12 months, it has. I’ve loved every minute of it and I’m hoping we can continue to grow together – the club, myself, Alan (Hardy), together we can just keep making this club better, we can get it to where Alan wants it to be. But we’re still in the early phase of that, we’re a year in. "There’s not many teams can say they’ve had the success we’ve had in the first year. For me, it’s about making sure we maintain our dignity and not get too carried away and too proud of ourselves, and start patting each other on the back because we’re still in our infancy, we’ve still got a long, long way to go in everything. We’ve got a lot of work to go to get to where we want to, and to succeed.” Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County have announced the permanent signing of Crystal Palace midfielder Noor Husin on a one-and-a-half-year deal. Here is some information about the player's identity, career, achievements and style of play. Full name: Noor Husin Date of birth: March 3, 1997 Place of birth: Mazar-I-Sharif, Afghanistan Age: 20 Height: 1,77m Nationality: Afghan and English Position: Central Midfield Preferred foot: Right Last club: Crystal Palace Came through the ranks at: Reading Other clubs he has played for: Hemel Hempstead, Accrington Stanley (both loans) About Noor Husin Kevin Nolan: “He’s a central midfielder with great technical ability. He doesn’t mind a tackle, he’s very clever on the ball and he can get around the pitch." Adrian Kajumba in The Mirror article '10 of the hottest young prospects in English football to watch out for in 2017' from 25 December 2016: "A talented, creative midfielder who loves getting on the ball and dictating play, Husin made a quick impression on Pardew (at Palace) who revealed one of the reasons he snapped up experienced free agent Mathieu Flamini was to help develop youngsters like Husin." Share your thoughts about this factfile on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County have announced the permanent signing of Crystal Palace midfielder Noor Husin on a one-and-a-half-year deal. The 20-year-old came through the Reading academy, going on to make his senior football bow during a loan spell at Hemel Hempstead Town. Husin, who was born in Afghanistan, then moved to Selhurst Park from the Madejski in August 2016. Last season he spent time on loan in League Two, scoring once in 11 appearances for Accrington Stanley - incidentally against Notts. "I've come from a Premier League club but this has all the attributes to hopefully get there one day," Husin told the official Magpies site. "I'm delighted to be able to help the club try to achieve its ambitions. It's a massive club with good support so everything about it excites me. Husin will be in contention for Saturday's meeting with Lincoln City and he added: "I was made aware of the game and how big it is. Hopefully we can win and stay up there in the automatic promotion places. "It's not going to be easy. Lincoln are doing well, but I'm sure the boys will be doing all they can to get a good result. "Hopefully I can show the gaffer I should be involved and, if I get on the pitch, I'll be looking to help the team in any way I can and hopefully get three important points for the fans." Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County boss Kevin Nolan has spoken highly of new loan arrival Matty Virtue and admitted that Ryan Yates's untimely departure is part and parcel of football. Yates was on loan at Meadow Lane until Wednesday, when he was recalled by Nottingham Forest and sent out to League One side Scunthorpe United, also penning a new City Ground deal. The Magpies have moved quickly to bring in a replacement in the shape of Liverpool Under-23 captain Virtue. "We've had some fantastic recommendations from some really good players who have been in the game," Nolan told the official Notts site. "He trained with us today for the first time and you can see he's a real fox in the box and that he times his runs really well. He's a very good technician and passer of the ball. "I think you'll see the better Matty Virtue in a couple of weeks' time. It's always tough when you come into a new environment but you can already see he's more than capable. "We're hoping when he crosses that white line it suits him and we start taking him on an upward curve. "He's going to be given a great opportunity to excel here and go back to Liverpool a better player. We'll help him as much as we can." When asked by the Nottingham Post about Yates's departure, Nolan replied:“I’m obviously disappointed to lose Ryan because he’s been a major part of our squad in the last six months. He’s done really well for us. “It’s brilliant for him that’s he’s earned a contract over the road on the back of what he’s done here. I’m absolutely delighted for him, and wish him well going forward. “It come as a surprise because we wanted him for the year, but that’s football. He was given a decision to make, and he’s made his decision, so all we do is wish him the best.” 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.

It feels like an age since we were last in League Two action given the glut of festive football followed up by the FA Cup and then nothing for a whole week! But here we are again in league action as we take on local rivals Lincoln City at Sincil Bank this weekend. Pride of Nottingham has spoken to Imps fan Sam to get an insight on the opposition for Saturday's short trip away. About Sam: I'm 25, been supporting the team since I was a kid with my dad taking me to games, and my favourite player of all time is Simon Yeo. How have Lincoln done so far this season? Amazingly. As a promoted side, there's always that anxiety in the back of the mind of how we'll do in the higher up league, but to be sitting in the playoffs and boasting such great form, we can keep on dreaming of back-to-back promotions, but we're just enjoying the ride. How would you say 2017 has been for the Imps? If things are going superb this season, the calendar year was pretty much perfect. The FA Cup run was the stuff of dreams and then ending the season with promotion before continuing the good form in League Two, well let's just say we hope 2018 will be just as amazing. Who have been your standout players this season? Most of the squad has been superb, but Michael Bostwick - what a signing he's been. He's a beast in midfield and in our Checkatrade game against Rochdale the other day played centre-back and was immense. But really, I can name so many quality players - Matt Green, Alex Woodyard, Neal Eardley, Harry Anderson and Matt Rhead just to name a few. Are you happy to see Terry Hawkridge delivering for Notts? Absolutely. His goals secured Lincoln the title last season and even though many fans didn't want him to leave, it's fair enough for him to join his hometown club. Also he didn't celebrate when he scored against us so yeah, happy to see him prospering. Where do you think you'll finish this season? I would love a top-seven finish and a go at the playoffs, though promotion may be a bridge too far this season. I'll be delighted with a top-half finish and hopefully the squad can develop even further and mount a proper promotion challenge next year. Score/scorer prediction? 2-0 to Lincoln, Matt Rhead with both goals! 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.

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. Carlisle United striker Steven Rigg left the club on conclusion of his short-term contract, signed in October. Notts County signed Liverpool Under-23 captain Matty Virtue on loan as a replacement for Ryan Yates, who was recalled by parent club Nottingham Forest and shipped out to Scunthorpe United until the end of the season. Port Vale signed Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Donovan Wilson on loan until the end of the season and also recruited Dior Angus permanently from Redditch United, whilst letting Anthony de Freitas go upon expiry of his contract. Winger Reece Mitchell left Chesterfield after his contract was cancelled by mutual consent. Forest Green Rovers snapped up former Notts defender Haydn Hollis after his contract was cancelled at Meadow Lane, and Reuben Reid has also joined from Exeter City. FGR also signed Gavin Gunning from Port Vale and Farrend Rawson from Derby. Cheltenham Town signed Fulham striker Elijah Adebayo on loan until the end of the season. Crewe Alexandra midfielder James Jones will be out for 10 to 12 weeks after damaging a medial collateral knee ligament in training. Grimsby Town signed Derby striker Charles Vernam on loan until the end of the season. Chesterfield owner Dave Allen reportedly agreed in principle an offer in the region of £10m to sell the club to a Chinese investment consortium. 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 moved quickly to replace recalled Nottingham Forest midfielder Ryan Yates by signing Liverpool Under-23s captain Matty Virtue on loan. Here is some information about the player's identity, career, achievements and style of play. Full name: Matthew Joseph Virtue-Thick Date of birth: May 2, 1997 Place of birth: Epsom Age: 20 Height: Unknown Nationality: English Position: Midfield / Defensive Midfield Preferred foot: Right Last club: None Came through the ranks at: Liverpool Other clubs he has played for: Chelsea youth Thoughts on player - Neil Critchey, Liverpool academy coach: "I must give a mention to Matty Virtue, who has been outstanding for us this season in midfield. He is going from strength to strength and he was driving the team forward at Arsenal and constantly getting into the box. He is a great example to all of our younger players around him. If you put the hours in, if you practise and you are dedicated to your profession then you can improve and you will improve. He is a great role model for the boys. I thought Matty had a good 2016-17 season and he has started where he left off, and hopefully he can keep doing that and he may surprise one or two people I think." Share your thoughts about this factfile on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County have announced the loan signing of Liverpool Under-23s captain Matty Virtue on a deal until the end of the season. The Magpies were left reeling following Ryan Yates's recall from parent club Nottingham Forest but have moved quickly to bring in a replacement in the middle of the park. Virtue is highly rated at Anfield and has been singled out for praise by academy manager Neil Critchey, who says he has been outstanding this season for the Under-23s and is also a great role model for his teammates. "It's a massive opportunity for me," Virtue told the Notts site. "It's my first loan move - I've needed to come out and get games and this is the perfect place with the gaffer and the experienced players in the squad. "Coming here to work with Kevin Nolan was a huge pull. I want to be a goalscoring midfielder and I think I can learn and progress a lot under him. "He has seen me play and knows what I can bring to the team. He has shown faith in me by bringing me to the club. "I think I've been playing strongly at under-23 level and shown what I can do, which has helped me get this move. Playing against senior professionals is the next step in my career and I'm here to learn. "I'm a box-to-box midfielder who likes to get up and down the pitch and chip in with a few goals. I want to work hard and bring energy to the team. "I spoke to Jordan Williams yesterday about his experience here a few seasons ago; he was full of praise and told me to come here and enjoy it." Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County have confirmed that Ryan Yates has been recalled from his loan at Meadow Lane by parent club Nottingham Forest. The 20-year-old made 29 appearances for the Magpies in a fruitful loan spell which saw the team rise to second in League Two and reach the fourth round of the FA Cup. On Wednesday, speculation arose linking Yates with a loan move to Scunthorpe United as well as a new contract by the City Ground outfit. Notts have now confirmed that Yates has returned over the Trent, and the player had kind words to say about the club and fans. “I can’t begin to describe how much I have enjoyed my five months at Meadow Lane," he told the official Notts site. “I can’t thank the chairman, manager, staff, my team-mates and supporters enough for helping me settle in and develop as a player. “Notts will always have a place in my heart and I wish everyone connected with the club well for the rest of the season and beyond.” Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Alan Hardy has revealed that Notts County launched a bid to sign Ryan Yates on a permanent deal from Nottingham Forest but were turned down. The 20-year-old is heavily rumoured to be on the verge of being recalled by the Reds and shipped out on loan to Scunthorpe United. Speaking to Team Talk on Notts TV, Hardy said: “I made a bid which got turned down. "They want to keep him and in fairness to Ryan Yates, he’s been at Forest since he was nine. “His ambition is, I want to play alongside Joe Worrall against Arsenal in the FA Cup – that’s where Ryan Yates’ head is and we will try and help him on his journey. “He’s on a journey to play for Forest because that’s where his heart really is.” Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Alan Hardy has spoken of the event Notts County put up on Monday night for the FA Cup fourth-round draw, speaking on how humbling it is to acknowledge the difference made to the fans' lives. On Friday, Hardy will have been owner and chairman of the Magpies for one year, and the improvements made by the club and team cannot be described as anything other than a total rebirth from the previous mess. After Notts clinched a superb 1-0 win over Championship Brentford in the FA Cup third round, Meadow Lane hosted an event where several hundred fans watched the draw alongside Hardy and other club officials plus players. “It’s actually really humbling to get feedback from the fans. Events like that bring home how much we impact people’s lives,” Hardy told the Nottingham Post. “We live in this football bubble which I joined 12 months ago. You quickly become all consumed by this football world and your own self-importance because you’ve got a job to do. “You’ve got to get this club fit for purpose. Sometimes you lose sight of how much this club means to people. “We put on this event for 250 people. It came after I was walking down the side of the pitch at Brentford on Saturday. “We had 1,300 people there singing their hearts out and I said to (Notts director and BT sport commentator) Darren Fletcher ‘look at these amazing fans’. “They make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. I wanted them to be at the draw and he said 'if anyone can make it happen you can big fella'. “Within 25 minutes we’d got a concept for a live show and we sold out within three or four hours. “We had ardent fans there and it’s humbling to be amongst them. It’s very humbling to hear what a difference we’ve made to people’s lives.” 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.

As you may all be familiar, Pride of Nottingham regularly looks back into the history archives to share significant moments of Notts County's history on each day of the year. Normally this is done via a picture on social media, but January 10 is an especially eventful day, to the point that having an image for each one would be almost too much. So, for today only, we have compiled all the events of this day in a feature article for you. 1920 Meadow Lane hosted its first ever FA Cup tie, a decade after Notts County moved into the stadium. The Magpies played their first league game there in August 1910 but six consecutive away draws and the onset of World War 1 meant their first home game did not take place until 1920. In front of a crowd of 30,000 spectators, Notts beat Millwall 2-0 thanks to goals from Harold Hill and Billy McLeod. 1970 Goalkeeper Barry Watling, who had arrived from Bristol City in July the previous year, made his Notts debut in a Fourth Division meeting with Exeter City, which ended 1-1. Watling would go on to keep 21 clean sheets in just 65 games for the Magpies and was a key member of the team that won promotion the following season. 1992 Paul Rideout, who had joined Notts from Southampton for £250,000 in September the previous year, was sold to Rangers for double what the Magpies paid for him, just 24 hours before the magpies were due to face Nottingham Forest. Chairman Derek Pavis told fans the club had no choice but to sell him then as Gers had allegedly threatened to pull the plug on the deal unless the deal went through in time for that weekend's league fixtures. 1998 Notts became the first club to hit the milestone of playing 4,000 matches in the Football League when they took on Rochdale away at Spotland. The Magpies won 2-1 thanks to goals from Gary Jones and Phil Robinson. 2009 Jack Wheeler, who loyally served Notts for more than 25 years as coach, trainer, assistant manager, caretaker manager and scout, sadly passed away aged 89. 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.

Hello and welcome to episode 37 of the Pride of Nottingham PONcast, presented by dynamic duo Chris and JJ. The PONcast is back after a brief break over the festive period - we hope you have all had a great Christmas and a happy New Year! In this week's episode we recap Notts County's festive fixtures and assess each of the performances in the games against Cambridge United, Morecambe, Swindon Town and Port Vale. We also talk about the Magpies' superb 1-0 win over Brentford in the third round of the FA Cup and discuss the fourth-round draw. In addition, we look at who Notts should look to sign in the January transfer window as well as who Kevin Nolan should let go, either on loan or permanently. All this and more only in episode 37 of the Pride of Nottingham PONcast! Share your thoughts about this PONcast episode 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.

After the anti-climax of Notts County drawing Brentford away in the third round of the FA Cup, it was superb to see the Magpies overcome the Bees and go in the hat again for round four. I was at Meadow Lane on Monday night alongside the 200 or so fellow Notts fans to see the draw made and, when ball number 13 was drawn, the tension was palpable - would the following few seconds bring euphoria or disappointment? As it was, the drawing of Swansea City or Wolverhampton Wanderers was cheered - although it wasn't a Premier League giant, I agree with Alan Hardy in thinking it was the "next best thing". Swansea are currently a top-flight side (whether that will still be the case next season remains to be seen) while Wolves are a Premier League side in waiting. After the initial satisfaction of the draw came the next question: "Can Notts County overcome their opponents and enter the hat for round five?" Myself, I would rather take on Swansea than Wolves. As we saw over the weekend, a number teams which are fighting for Premier League survival were either taken to a replay (Swansea, West Ham, Bournemouth) or knocked out altogether (Stoke), which shows that sides which have top-flight survival on their mind may not focus on the cups as much. As well as fighting relegation, Swansea are also in a really poor run of form - their win over Watford was pretty impressive, granted, but they were second best for most of the game before striking twice late on in the game to steal all three points. In total, Swansea have won just four games all season and their tally of 13 goals scored in 22 league games is woeful to say the least. Carlos Carvalhal was also a very peculiar choice of manager, having been sacked by a side in the league below before getting the Swans gig, and it remains to be seen whether he will be a Sam Allardyce / Roy Hodgson, or an Alan Pardew. In comparison, Wolves are ripping the Championship apart, boasting a 12-point lead over second-placed Derby County and with just three league defeats all season, plus a tally of 50 goals scored and just 20 conceded. The really frightening thing about Wolves is how their rich owners, Fosun International, and their links to super agent Jorge Mendes have ensured the procurement of some of the best young players in world football, who have turned down some of the biggest clubs in the world to join Molineux. Take for example Diogo Jota, on loan from Spanish giants Atletico Madrid, or Ruben Neves, the most expensive signing in second-tier history from former Champions League winners Porto. And then there is Rafa Mir, a player that was being courted by Real Madrid - yes, Real Madrid - but ended up leaving Valencia for Wolves. The way Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo is going about assembling his team, I personally wouldn't think it surprising if Wolves get promoted this season and then finish in the top 10 of the Premier League next year. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if Swansea lose their replay on January 17 - even though it's at the Liberty Stadium, I can imagine their fans getting disgruntled if Wolves nick an early goal, or go at the break level at half time, which could boost the visitors. In terms of who I'd like to see Notts get next round, I think Swansea would actually be an easier proposition than Wolves. A team low on morale and form whose main focus is Premier League survival, or a swashbuckling team on great form boasting some amazing players? Whichever side wins their third-round replay, it'll be good for Notts to host Meadow Lane and, given the magic of the FA Cup (and of Hardy's New Era), anything can happen in round four! 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.

Farewell then Haydn Hollis. The Notts County youth product has opted to depart Meadow Lane permanently in search of first-team football and is now with Forest Green Rovers. The 25-year-old links up again with Rovers manager Mark Cooper, who had a short spell in the San Sirrel hotseat in 2016, and is contracted to the League Two strugglers until the end of the 2018-19 season. What have both Notts and FGR gaffers said about the move, what are Hollis's thoughts on leaving Notts and joining FGR, and what do both sets of fans have to say about the switch to the New Lawn? Pride of Nottingham has compiled some of the reaction right here. Kevin Nolan on Hollis leaving Notts "I would like to wish Haydn all the best in his new venture. Even though his first-team opportunities have been limited this season due to the fine form of Richard Duffy, Shaun Brisley and also Elliott Hewitt, his attitude in training and around the club has been first class. I'm confident he will go on to have an excellent end to the season and career. I'm gutted to lose him but it was in his best interests to move on and play football." Hollis' departing message to Notts "It was really hard for me to leave after nine great years but the time has come to move on in my career. I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone connected with the club every success in the future." Mark Cooper on Hollis joining FGR “I know Haydn from Notts County, he’s a big, powerful, left-sided centre-back and we’re just making sure we’re covering all our bases and we have enough players if we do get injuries. Haydn will be a good acquisition for us, he’s left footed, aggressive and a big lad as well. He has played in League One and played over 100 games for Notts County and is still only 25. He’s got a good pedigree and will do really well for us.” Hollis on joining FGR “I’m delighted to be here and work for the manager again but more importantly I’m delighted to try and be playing football again. I love a challenge and a fight. The competition at the back now keeps everyone on their toes and with competition, people are going to push each other. From an outsider, it is a small football club but it’s got a big heart and a lot of passion and I am buzzing to be part of it.” The Black and White Army (from the PON forum and social media) liampie: it goes to show you cant listen to rumours. hollis is not a bad player but he just has not settled, its better for him that he leaves. i hope he proves people wrong and establishes himself with forest green. that said i do think we needed him off our books as he never stood a chance of being anything more than a backup. Fozzy: Sad to see him go as he has been around for so long, but he wasn't very good and his move should guarantee FGR's return to non league! With him gone and Bird out on loan, the only CH cover we have is Hewitt, so I would say it is pretty nailed on that one of the players we are looking to bring in will be a CH, which is what everyone wants. ARLukomski: Good luck to him. He was our donkey. Definitely need a CB cos Hewitt really really isn't one. Dubzee Jason Bellaby: Good luck Haydn hope a change of club and a run of games will get your career back on track. The FGR fans (from The FGR Forum) The Old School TomCat: HH came through the Notts County School of Excellence and loaned out a few times but has been a 1st team since Season 2012-13 and has scored 8 goals. Worryingly HH has had only one appearance this season in the League Cup where he scored a goal. He seems to scored a goal at first game at most of clubs he's played for. Fgr2016: Seems like a squad rotation player to me... No more then that.. Suppose if your going to play 3 centre backs you are going to need 2 reserves (being Manny and Haydn...) certainly isn't the same WOW as the other three. Dursleydog: Good signing but I can't help thinking we are now a little overstocked at CB and a little short at right wing back and central midfield. Bennett is injured and hasn't played well all season, Evans is nowhere near good enough as backup, Laird looks uncomfortable in his own position let alone out of it. Central midfield we have no depth at all, although signing Hollis may free up Collins to play there more. Still, a good League 2 quality signing that should strengthen the team. Welcome Haydn! Share your thoughts about this transfer reaction 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.

Haydn Hollis has joined Forest Green Rovers after having his Notts County contract terminated to facilitate his move to the New Lawn. The 25-year-old, who progressed through the Magpies academy system before making his debut in 2012, made 137 appearances for the club and scored eight times. However, Hollis slipped down the pecking order this season, being restricted to appearances in the EFL Cup and EFL Trophy, and has now opted to join Mark Cooper's League Two side to get first-team football. Kevin Nolan told the official Notts site on Hollis's departure:"I would like to wish Haydn all the best in his new venture. "Even though his first-team opportunities have been limited this season due to the fine form of Richard Duffy, Shaun Brisley and also Elliott Hewitt, his attitude in training and around the club has been first class. "I'm confident he will go on to have an excellent end to the season and career. I'm gutted to lose him but it was in his best interests to move on and play football." Hollis, meanwhile, said: "It was really hard for me to leave after nine great years but the time has come to move on in my career. "I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone connected with the club every success in the future." Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Alan Hardy has stressed that Notts County are seeking to do their January transfer business early in the window to allow for players to be settled come the end of the month. So far, the Magpies have made one signing, Liam Noble registering as a player after returning to Meadow Lane from Forest Green Rovers in October last year. Hardy also mentioned that Notts are vying to sign two "highly valued players" on loan, one of which is also on the radar of League One leaders Wigan Athletic. “We’re in close negotiations with a couple of players to bring a couple of players in on loan,” he told the Nottingham Post. “It’s unfair to say who they are at this stage. Wigan are after one of them so it’s between us and them. “They’re top of League One so we’re working hard to sell Notts County to him. If it comes off it will be really exciting for the fans. “If not we’ll move on to the next target. The important thing is they’re both highly valued players. “We’re only going to bring people in who can make a real difference and we think these players can. “We’re not planning to leave it late. We want to get players in the team and settled in January as opposed to not playing until February.” Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Alan Hardy has described Notts County's FA Cup fourth-round draw against Swansea City or Wolverhampton Wanderers at Meadow Lane as "the next best thing" to a Premier League giant. The draw was made on Monday evening and the Magpies were handed a home tie against the winner of the game between the top-flight's bottom side or the Championship's runaway leaders. “We were hoping for the big plum tie against a top six Premier League side away from home,” Hardy is quoted by the Nottingham Post as saying. “We’ve got the next best thing. After the game on Saturday, Kevin Nolan said he just wanted a tie at Meadow Lane, so he’s delighted. “I think it’s a great opportunity whoever we play. Swansea are bottom of the Premier League fighting for survival, so I doubt they’d play a full strength team. “We’ve beaten League One and Championship teams already. We’ve got a great chance to beat a Premier League side at our fortress. Don’t forget we’ve lost only once in the last year at home. “Wolves is a tough proposition. They’re a very good side. They’ll get promoted I’m sure. They’ve spent a lot of money and that team. “They’re arguably a mid-table Premier League team. They’re very well supported. They’d bring a huge number of fans.” 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 would love to see Notts County get a Premier League top-six team away from home in tonight's FA Cup fourth-round draw. The Magpies stunned Championship side Brentford at Griffin Park in the third round, Jon Stead's superb curled effort the difference in a 1-0 away win. Hardy described the victory and the subsequent euphoria as his best result as chairman and looked forward to seeing what the next round would bring. “This win was right at the top for all sorts of reasons, in terms of the drama, the excitement, the nerve-wracking moments and how tense it was,” he told the Nottingham Post. “It was unbelievable and I was breathless. It felt like somebody had punched me in the stomach. “It’s the most memorable result of my time as chairman and it was the biggest game we have had since I came into the club. “To come to Brentford, a Championship club, and return home with a win was just phenomenal. The players were absolutely sensational – every one of them. It’s unfair to pick anybody out.” When asked about who he'd like in the fourth round, Hardy replied: “Any of the Premier League top six away from home would be my dream tie. “It would be nice to give the fans a brilliant day out and it would also give us much-needed pennies in the jar. “The club has changed phenomenally since we came in and this is just another giant step forward in terms of its development and progress. “And it would be nice if we could have that rewarded with a fantastic tie in the fourth round.” 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 delight with Jon Stead, describing him as an "unsung hero" for his man-of-the-match performance against Brentford in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday. The veteran striker, part of the Bradford City team which shocked Chelsea in the fourth round three years ago, repeated his feat with the winner against the Championship Bees at Griffin Park. Stead had received some fan flak at times for a number of reasons including a relatively low goal tally, but Nolan was quick to point out his contributions this season. “Steady’s best performance have been against Scunthorpe, Bristol Rovers and Brentford – all top sides. He has shown how much quality he has,” Nolan told the official Notts site. “He hasn’t got the goals he would have liked this year but his contributions towards our performances and our success have been vital. “He’s been magnificent and I’m delighted to be talking about him for once because he becomes an unsung hero. “Everyone expects him to be all about goals – and he has been – but it’s not been him scoring them, he’s been creating them and had a major influence.” 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.