Joe Jones

Notts County and Bristol Rovers have met a grand total of 87 times over their history. The first fixture came on the 11th January 1913, a 2-0 win for the Pirates in the FA Cup at their former home ground, the Eastville Stadium. The Magpies have claimed 31 wins and 29 draws against Rovers, whilst falling to 27 defeats. Our last meeting was in League Two on 5 March 2016 at Meadow Lane, the visitors winning 2-0. Bristol Rovers was founded in 1883 as Black Arabs F.C., and were also known as Eastville Rovers and Bristol Eastville Rovers before finally changing its name to Bristol Rovers in 1899. The club's official nickname is The Pirates, reflecting the maritime history of Bristol. The local nickname of the club is The Gas, from the gasworks next to their former home Eastville Stadium, which started as a derogatory term used by fans of their main rival Bristol City but was affectionately adopted by the team. Rovers were admitted to the Football League in 1920 and have played there ever since, apart from spending the 2014–15 season in the Conference Premier. They previously came close to losing their league status in 1939, when they were re-elected after finishing bottom of Division Three (South), and in 2002 when the team finished one league position away from relegation to the Football Conference. Their highest finishing positions were in 1956 and 1959, on both occasions ending the season in 6th place in Division Two, then the second tier of English football. The only major cup competition won by Bristol Rovers is the 1972 Watney Cup, when they beat Sheffield United in the final. The club also won the Division Three (South) Cup in 1934–35, as well as winning or sharing the Gloucestershire Cup on 32 occasions. The team has never played in European competition; the closest Rovers came was when they missed out on reaching the international stage of the Anglo-Italian Cup in the 1992–93 season on a coin toss held over the phone with West Ham United. In the FA Cup, Rovers have reached the quarter-final stage on three occasions. The first time was in 1950–51 when they faced Newcastle United at St James' Park in front of a crowd of 62,787, the record for the highest attendance at any Bristol Rovers match. The second time they reached the quarter final was in 1957–58, when they lost to Fulham, and the most recent appearance at this stage of the competition was during the 2007–08 season, when they faced West Bromwich Albion. They were the first Division Three team to win an FA Cup tie away to a Premier League side, when in 2002 they beat Derby County 3–1 at Pride Park Stadium. They have twice reached the final of the Football League Trophy, in 1989–90 and 2006–07, but finished runners-up on both occasions. On the second occasion they did not allow a single goal against them in the competition en route to the final, but conceded the lead less than a minute after the final kicked off. Actor Nick Frost is a Bristol Rovers fan, with his character Danny Butterman seen wearing a club shirt in the 2007 film Hot Fuzz. The retired Conservative MP for Hayes and Harlington Terry Dicks, is also a Gas fan. He mentioned the club in parliament on 5 May 1994 when debating with Labour MP and Chelsea fan Tony Banks. Team news Kevin Nolan is not believed to have any fresh injury worries since the win over Newport but has not given any indication as to whether he will ring the changes in Friday's FA Cup first-round encounter. Rovers top goalscorer Billy Bodin has been missing since injuring his hamstring in the win over Northampton Town four weeks ago, while defender James Clarke is out until the new year after a leg operation. Darrell Clarke spoke of other players nursing knocks and, having rested a number of his charges in the midweek EFL Trophy game with West Ham, is expected to return to a stronger line-up. Share your thoughts about this 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.

Matt Tootle has praised Kevin Nolan for the support shown to him since the manager's arrival at Notts County in January. The left-back has been speaking out about his problems with mental health and how they threatened to derail his career at one point. In May, Tootle revealed revealed how he had enjoyed a superb season at Crewe Alexandra going into the summer of 2014, but "something then just triggered" in his mind while he was on holiday in the off-season. Over the last few weeks, the 27-year-old has spoken to the likes of talkSPORT about the topic, which has prompted waves of support from people who have been affected by mental health issues. In an interview with the official EFL site, Tootle said: “The reaction has been unbelievable – for me it has been quite emotional. “From the place I was in to be able to speak out now, I take great pleasure in trying to help people. I know what some of these people are going through and to hear about how much I have helped is really good. “Since the new manager has come in he has been unbelievable with me. He knows me and what I need. When I came back after the summer he and the assistant manager both congratulated me telling me how proud they were that I’d come through this. “I was worried they would ‘tag’ me... but if anything they saw it as the opposite, which was refreshing to hear. I like to think that they’ve seen I’ve come on leaps and bounds and that there is much more to come from me as 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 is looking forward to Notts County's FA Cup first-round encounter with Bristol Rovers and is eager for his players to show how far they've come as a team. The League Two leaders welcome the Pirates - who ply their trade in League One - to Meadow Lane on Friday night and the Magpies manager believes his side have a great chance of making it through to round two. "Bristol Rovers will give us an indicator of how far we have come in such a short space of time," Nolan told the official Notts site. "When we went to Scunthorpe in the Carabao Cup we applied ourselves really well and there were a lot of positives to take. That's what I'm expecting tomorrow. "The pressure's off. The lads are really looking forward to it and so am I. "I hope we can produce another good performance to give ourselves a fantastic chance of making it through to the next round. "I've never been in the competition this early before so this is something new for me." Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County's League Two campaign will be put on ice this weekend as the FA Cup rolls into town, or more precisely, Bristol Rovers, who stand between the Magpies and the second round of the competition. With all lower-league eyes firmly on the third round and the possibility of a fixture against a big Premier League side, Notts and Rovers - currently in League One - will want to get their names in the hat for the lottery. In this Opposition View article, Pride of Nottingham spoke to Rovers fan Gary to get an insight on the opposition. About Gary: In my 30s, been a Gashead since 1992, and my favourite player is Lee Brown. Rovers dropped into the Conference in 2014 then enjoyed back to back promotions and now play in League One. What was behind this fall and subsequent rise? Relegation was a bit of a (im) perfect storm that season. The board withholding funds for players with a view to funding a new stadium, one of the two January arrivals suffering a season-ending injury, John-Joe O'Toole's goal drought and of course that dreadful last day. Keeping faith in Darrell Clarke was key - he rebuilt the team following relegation, and he repaid the faith with a solid, well-drilled and talented squad, hence the back to back promotions. What's your rivalry with Bristol City like, and what other teams do you consider as rivals? Oh, we hate City. It's a pretty strong rivalry, and especially with how their owners have created the "Bristol Sport" brand, with the intention of monopolising sport in the city and shutting us out, it's disrespectful towards us, so yeah, a lot of bad blood. Bristol Rugby played at the Memorial Stadium for a number of years, and rugby is big in that region - are a lot of Gasheads supporters of both? Not since they became part of the Bristol "Sport" umbrella, they now play at Ashton Gate and virtually none of us want anything to do with them. Most Rovers fans will follow Bath Rugby if they're into the egg-chasing. Rovers played in Bath for a number of years in the 80s and 90s - what's the current stadium situation like for the club? A mess, in all honesty. We had been in talks with the University of West of England over a new stadium but, given the amount of things they wanted control over - security, external event revenue - it wouldn't have been good for us, so we broke off talks, and we're now looking at reveloping the Mem. Who are your danger men? Billy Bodin was our top goalscorer last season with 13 goals and this season he has nine in 15 games - and he plays as a winger! Up front, Ellis Harrison and Rory Gaffney have been in impressive goalscoring form, while summer signing Tom Nichols finally got off the mark in our last game. Score/scorer 2-1 Rovers, Nichols and Gaffney with our goals and onto the second round we go! 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.

Newport County defender Dan Butler has won his appeal against the red card picked up in his side's 3-0 defeat to Notts County. The 23-year-old was sent off by referee Craig Hicks in the 34th minute of the League Two game at Meadow Lane for leading with his elbow as he challenged Matt Tootle for a high ball and left the full-back needing treatment. Newport submitted a wrongful dismissal claim and have now received confirmation from the FA that the claim will be upheld and Butler’s three-game suspension has been withdrawn. "It's a massive relief," Butler told the South Wales Argus following the decision. "I was gutted for the boys and for myself because I felt like it changed the game when I went off. "It's common sense really, to jump high your arms do need to be at a certain level. "If you throw an elbow at the same time then I agree that is a red card but I think you could clearly see there was no forced with my elbow. "I just used my arms to get as high as I could to win the ball. "I'm not going to comment on the referee but it definitely wasn't a red card and thankfully it's been taken away." 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 reportedly been ordered to pay former manager John Sheridan £125,000 following an appeal against the grounds of his sacking. The 53-year-old was let go from his role at Meadow Lane in January after losing nine games in a row, the club saying he was dismissed for gross misconduct after he was banned from the touchline for five games following a rant at officials in the game against Wycombe Wanderers in December. The Football Association released details of Sheridan’s outburst to referee Eddie Ilderton and fourth official Matthew Donohue in that game, which Notts lost 2-0. “You're a f****** c***,” Sheridan said to Donohue, before shouting at Ilderton: “You're a f****** disgrace, you f****** useless, you've not f****** got anything right today, you should be f****** ashamed, you're f****** ****, my kids aren't going to get any f****** Christmas presents because of f****** you.” Sheridan launched an appeal against his sacking, claiming gross misconduct was not the sole reason. And according to the Daily Mail, the arbitration panel in Nottingham decided in Sheridan's favour - the LMA pointing out his sacking came five games and 23 days after the defeat to Wycombe - and ordered Notts to pay him compensation. The report goes on to say that Sheridan, who is currently out of work after leaving Oldham Athletic, may pursue County Court action if the club refuses to pay. There have been no confirmations or comments from Sheridan, the LMA or Notts. Share your thoughts about this news 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.

Terry Hawkridge is hoping that he can embark on a successful FA Cup run with Notts County this season, much like he did with Lincoln City last year. The Imps went all the way to the quarter-finals of the competition in 2016-17, the first non-league team in 103 years to reach the last eight. Hawkridge was a key component of the Lincoln team that made it that far in the competition, as well as sealing promotion to the Football League. Now at Notts, who are preparing for their first-round encounter with Bristol Rovers at Meadow Lane on Friday, the winger spoke of his aspirations. “Obviously what we achieved at Lincoln was something incredibly special and we went on a great run which gave us plenty of memories,” he told the Nottingham Post. “I would love to do the same with Notts this season and it would be amazing to see if we could go one better as you always set out to try to go as far as you can. “But you cannot get too far ahead of yourselves. We’ve got a very tough game on Friday night and they will want to experience exactly the same. “We’ve got an excellent home record and nothing to fear, so it should be a good 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 boss Kevin Nolan has revealed that he has had to tell Jorge Grant to stop being so critical of himself. The 23-year-old grabbed a brace against Newport County at the weekend, which saw him edge into the double figures mark for goals. During the 3-0 win over the Exiles, however, Grant's over-eagerness to impress - and its subsequent impact on his play - led to Nolan having to have a word with him. “I told him not to try to eat himself up,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post. “Sometimes he was trying a bit too hard to impress people instead of being normal Jorge and building himself into the game. “He was trying to force things and I just said ‘go back to your one and two touch’ because if there is one person in the squad who can do it more than others then it’s him. “You saw that against Newport. He had a few indifferent touches but I had a chat with him and just said to calm himself down. “He beats himself up too easily and he shouldn’t do that because he’s an outstanding talent. “We have to help him with that. But I thought he grew into the game on Saturday and showed some real touches of class.” 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.

October is now done and dusted, we're a third of the way into the season, and Notts County remain top of League Two! The month just gone proved a little bumpier than the almost perfect September, but nonetheless the Magpies got through it well enough and ended it on a high note. In this article, Pride of Nottingham recaps all the biggest stories from Meadow Lane and elsewhere in the Notts world that happened in October 2017. October 3 - Alan Hardy described Kevin Nolan as "a star of the future" after the Notts manager was nominated for September's League Two Manager of the Month award. - Kevin Nolan hit out at a "ridiculous" festive fixture list for Notts County this season which includes a trip to Morecambe on Boxing Day and a journey to Swindon Town three days later. October 4 - Notts announced that club record goalscorer Les Bradd was to donate £1 from every sale of his forthcoming book, Far Post: A Striker’s Tale of Scoring Goals and Breaking Records, to the beneficiaries of the CEO Sleepout that took place early in the month. October 5 Kevin Nolan expressed his delight with Shola Ameobi's return for Notts County from a hamstring injury, but insisted that he wouldn't rush him back into action. October 6 Kevin Nolan was named the League Two Manager of the Month following a near-perfect September for Notts County. October 7 Kevin Nolan gave a positive assessment of Michael O'Connor's rehabilitation from a serious knee injury describing the midfielder as being "in a good place". Notts County claimed a point against Forest Green as Rob Milsom struck in the 96th minute to give his side a 1-1 draw at Meadow Lane. October 12 Notts confirmed that Liam Noble, recently released by Forest Green, had returned to Meadow Lane and would be available for selection from January. October 14 Notts County returned to winning ways and sat at the top of League Two once again following a 2-1 win over Barnet at Meadow Lane. October 16 Kevin Nolan confirmed that goalkeeper Adam Collin had suffered an injury against Barnet and was to be sent for a scan on his knee. Notts County were handed a home draw against Bristol Rovers in the first round of the FA Cup. October 17 Notts suffered a 2-0 defeat away at Crewe Alexandra on Tuesday night which knocked them off the top of League Two. October 20 Alan Hardy revealed that Notts County have complained to the Football League over their fixture list this season. October 21 Alan Hardy spoke out in favour of the introduction a safe standing area at Meadow Lane and said he was eager to consult fans on the topic. Notts County fought back from a goal down to claim a 1-1 draw in Saturday's League Two encounter at Carlisle United. October 23 Kevin Nolan confirmed that Adam Collin has suffered ligament damage and is likely to be out for between two and three months. October 25 Notts County fell to a 2-1 defeat against Mansfield Town in their EFL Trophy Group G clash at Meadow Lane on Tuesday night. October 28 Notts County returned to the top of League Two thanks to an emphatic 3-0 win over Newport County at Meadow Lane on Saturday. October 31 Alan Hardy revealed that additional turnstile checks at Meadow Lane on Saturday for Notts County's game against Newport County were put in place to stop people using "tickets to which they are not entitled". Share your thoughts about this news roundup 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 stated that additional turnstile checks at Meadow Lane on Saturday for Notts County's game against Newport County were put in place to stop people using "tickets to which they are not entitled". In a statement published on the club site, he said: "As part of the club's open, honest and transparent lines of communication, we wish to clarify the reasoning behind the recent decision to introduce spot ticket checks inside the stadium. "We have been made aware that a small group are abusing our ticketing policy by using tickets to which they are not entitled. "Put simply, they are buying discounted concession tickets for youngsters and senior citizens and passing them on to be used by adults. "This is defrauding the club of a considerable amount of money which would be used to help our future development across all levels, while it is also wholly unfair on honest supporters who pay the correct amount. "I am extremely passionate about encouraging the next generation of young Notts fans to come and watch us by making it as affordable as possible but we have to put a stop to this wilful abuse of our ticketing initiatives. "With immediate effect, I have instructed all our turnstile operators to adopt higher levels of vigilance upon entry and the club will also be utilising additional stewards to check tickets inside the ground. "I would like to apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and ask supporters to give themselves a little extra time to gain entrance into the stadium at future matches while we address this issue." 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 claimed that Notts County have a “fantastic opportunity” of progressing into the second round of the FA Cup shock when they face Bristol Rovers on Friday. A shaky October for the Magpies ended on a high note as Jorge Grant and Shola Ameobi struck three unanswered goals between them to claim a 3-0 victory over Newport County on Saturday. That League Two win at Meadow Lane saw Notts edge back up to the summit of the table and Nolan is hoping that his side can take this momentum into the first-round encounter against the League One side on home soil. “We now look to the next game which is Bristol Rovers, we’re at home, we’ve got an absolutely fantastic opportunity to get into the next round," Nolan is quoted by the Hucknall Dispatch as saying. “We’ve made this a fortress and tough for people for come. “What we will do is hopefully give a good account of ourselves and if we continue to do what we’ve done today and keep that moving, that will give us a fantastic chance of getting into the next round. “We are not going to be favourites because they’re in a league above, but we can build momentum.” 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.

Jorge Grant feels he has come a long way as a footballer since first arriving on loan at Notts County. The 23-year-old, who is on the books of Nottingham Forest, linked up with the Magpies at the start of the year and played a big part in helping the club survive relegation from League Two. A new loan deal was subsequently agreed for Grant at the start of the current campaign and the youngster continues to impress, claiming seven goals and two assists so far in the league. “I think I have developed massively since I have been here,” Grant told the Nottingham Post. “If I look at myself when I came back here in January to the player I am now, I have improved so much both in my decisions on the ball and off it. “I think my defensive work, especially over the last three or four games, I’ve done a lot more than what I normally would do in a game. “So that side of my game is starting to come forward as 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 praised the Notts County fans for their fervent support during Saturday's 3-0 win over Newport County. Jorge Grant's brace and Shola Ameobi's powerful finish against the Exiles, combined with Luton Town's defeat to Coventry City, saw the Magpies return to the summit of League Two. Nolan was delighted with the Black and White Army's noise levels throughout the game, insisting that his players' confidence was boosted and helped spur them on in the game. “The fans were with us all the way through the game and you can see when they are on form and singing, how much confidence it gives to the lads,” he told the Nottingham Post. “Thanks to them and hopefully they can continue to do that when things aren’t going so well. “That’s when we need them even more. I was delighted with them and thank you to them for their massive support they have given me since I came here.” Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

With Notts County flying high in League Two, manager Kevin Nolan is very much the man of the moment for overseeing the transformation of a side that was previously all but certain to slip out of the Football League. In a recent interview with The Observer, the 35-year-old spoke about a number of topics both about himself and his club. Pride of Nottingham has taken his quotes and neatly and concisely compiled there here for you. Should you wish to read the full interview on the Observer website, you can do so here. On the state of Notts County when he arrived at the club There was so much when we came in which was just not right. We didn’t have a training ground. The lads were getting changed here and then driving 20 or 30 minutes and having to come back to get showered. The pitch had not been touched for six or seven years. Changing all that has given players the belief to go: ‘Oh wow, this is an environment I want to thrive in.’” On his career hopes “I want to manage at the top level. I want to be part of big European nights, something I wasn’t able to do as a player, being in the Champions League. It’s so difficult now, especially for English managers. We don’t get the opportunities as much now as we did, so for me it’s just about making sure I learn my trade here. I’ve got to make sure that I pick my path right, but at this moment in time I can’t think of a better place to be. “If we stop believing then it won’t happen. As a young English manager we’ve got to believe that there’s still room for us at the top level.” On the transition from player to coach “Every day you wake up wondering: ‘What’s the next thing for me?’ You can see why people end up in divorce and depressed and not in a good place. For me there’s a lot more to be done in that sense of looking after players. I was out of the game and that’s why I work so hard now: some nights I’m still here at nine o’clock because I don’t want to leave any stone unturned. I feel if I ever lose this job I know that I gave it my all.” On his stint at Leyton Orient "(Francesco Becchetti) should have just managed the team himself. Employing all the people he did was a disservice to football and a disservice to Leyton Orient. He wanted to tell you who’s best to play, who should have played, who shouldn’t play and ultimately that’s what cost me my job because I didn’t agree with what he wanted.” On his coaching philosophy “It’s quite funny because when Sam [Allardyce] gave his ultimate survival guide [for Premier League managers] on Sky Sports, I got a lot of cheeky texts saying: ‘It’s the Kevin Nolan bible!’ Everyone thinks I’m just a rigid 4-4-2 manager but I just like to stick to what I feel is best for the player. We have a system we all know but we can quite easily change to a three, or to a diamond four, because we work on it. I’m not just a straightforward: ‘This is me, I believe in it and I haven’t got a plan B, plan C.’ I feel that I have got that and whether I need to use it any time this season, time will tell. I don’t feel that I have a [particular tactical] philosophy. My first and foremost is getting a set of … I don’t like to call them rules … but a guidance of what’s expected when you walk into Notts County, what’s expected of you as a player: discipline, respect, togetherness.” On Matt Tootle's personal issues “It’s absolutely fantastic what he’s done to raise awareness because there is a lot of people holding back and think that it’s a weakness and it’s not. The weakness is hiding it. You’ve got to try and bring it out so people can help you. When he comes in we can talk and we can try and put him at ease or try and get him back up if he’s feeling down. It’s such a high‑pressure job. No matter if you’re playing with 3,000 people going to watch it every week, it’s pressure on you.” On taking to the pitch for Notts “At the minute I’m not in physical condition to play, that’s my excuse, but I don’t think I’d get in the team even if I was! Maybe you’ll see me in that black and white shirt one day, but hopefully not. That’s a last resort.” Share your thoughts about this interview 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 expressed his delight at how well Notts County are doing but will not rest on his laurels and is already looking ahead to the January transfer window. A somewhat shaky October for the Magpies ended on a high note when Newport County were comprehensively beaten at Meadow Lane, Jorge Grant bagging a double in a 3-0 win. The result, combined with Luton Town's defeat to Coventry City, edged Notts back up to first in the table. Ahead of Saturday's game, Hardy praised the arrival of former player Liam Noble and also insisted that the club's current success and infrastructure would be a draw for prospective new players. Hardy wrote in his weekly Nottingham Post column: "[Notts] have exceeded everybody’s expectations and there is an unmistakable buzz about what this season could have in store for us come May. "But I think it’s crucial we don’t stand back and just admire the job that has been done so far. "We want to keep pushing forward, which is why the future is always a topic of conversation here. "We have already started talking about the January transfer window and discussing potential targets who can aid us in our quest for success this season. "We have, of course, already signed Liam Noble. We were absolutely delighted to bring him in given our much-publicised chase for him in the summer. "I don’t think there is any doubt about his quality and I am sure, under Kevin Nolan’s leadership, he will thrive in this environment. "We were willing to pay big money for him so to get him on a free is not just a great deal in terms of what he will bring on the pitch, but also on a business level. "With Liam being a massive Newcastle fan, I don’t think he could be at a better a club given we play in black and white and are called the Magpies! "Not only that, he is working alongside a number of iconic ex-Newcastle figures here - players who I am sure Liam looks up to and who can help him improve on the undoubted talent he has. "We are always looking to improve the squad and, already, we have been contacted by agents about players that may be available to us in January. "Given the extraordinary progress we have made as a football club, both on and off the pitch, there’s no denying the fact that players want to come and be part of what we are trying to achieve. "The league position obviously helps immensely, but I think a lot of players from the outside looking in can see the ambition we have to make this club a huge success. "Whether they are strikers, midfielders or defenders, the list of players is growing by the day so already we have spoken about what we may potentially need come the New Year. "It’s made for some fascinating conversations and, as I’ve expressed numerous times, I will back the manager in helping him fulfil our vision for this great and historic football club." 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 returned to winning ways in emphatic style thanks to a 3-0 win over Newport County in Saturday's Meadow Lane clash. The visitors were reduced to 10 men in the 34th minute when Dan Butler was dismissed following an elbow on Matt Tootle. The Magpies went on to take fell behind shortly afterwards when Jorge Grant slotted home from Jon Stead's pass. Shola Ameobi then doubled the Magpies' advantage with a neat finish after 52 minutes, turning in a Grant cross. The Nottingham Forest loanee went on to score his second of the match three minutes later when he nodded in the rebound from his own saved shot. Grant sadly missed out on a hat-trick when his free kick rattled the woodwork, but Notts still saw out the game without a reply from Newport and, combined with Luton Town's defeat, went back to the top of League Two. Here is the reaction from the Notts manager, several players, and the Black and White Army following the superb win over the Exiles. Kevin Nolan “I was delighted with the performance and we were like our old selves again. It was what we were producing when we were at the top of the league the last time. It was high tempo and we dictated the play from start to finish. “We really made it difficult for Newport and I was delighted with the goals we scored and the clean sheet too. It could have been five, six or seven given the chances we created and I don’t think that would have flattered them. “Before the sending off there was a bit of anxiety, but I always felt we were in control but perhaps tried to force things a bit too much at times. But we started to settle and then the sending off came. But just because they have a man sent off it doesn’t give you an automatic right to win the game. “You have to earn it. We did that and we made them pay the price for being down to 10 men.” Jorge Grant “I’m really happy. It’s been five games without a goal so it was good to get three points and a clean sheet. “We came in with an attitude of ‘we’re not going to lose this game’ and maybe in the last few weeks we have let teams come on to us - but it was the opposite and it was proved in the final score. “We were confident. We’ve been working on being calm and composed around the box in training and picking out the final pass. We could have had a lot more than three goals. “It was a bit disappointing not to see the free-kick go in as that would have been a hat-trick and the first one of my career, but the win was all that mattered.” Players on social media The fans Who r ya?? You Pies!!: Worthy winners in the end, after a game that needed something to get it on its way, got the incident with the sending off we didn't look back after that could have maybe won by more and played some good stuff to boot, COYP back top, indeed the only way is up! Mark Connors: All you haters need to shut up about team selection and changes he makes for other competitions - KN KNOWS what he is doing in KN we trust - ironically we won today and Mansfield drew so who got it right Tuesday - I don't care if Mansfield win at Meadow Lane in the league as long as we go up YOU PIES! Rachel Lee: Fantastic result played really well all the team but also both Jorge and shola lets go notts let's carry on! Darren Handley: Great to be top of the pile again but some fans still don’t care if we can’t beat Mansfield really a local derby and your not bothered,are you really a Notts fan? Pete Cowlishaw: Great result but seriously lads, you had 21 shots on target and only stuck 3 of them away, you need to get better at finishing lol Share your thoughts about this 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.

Notts County have returned to the summit of League Two as Jorge Grant bagged a brace in a 3-0 win over 10-man Newport County. The 23-year-old opened the scoring in the 36th minute when he calmly slotted into the corner from inside the box after being played in by Jon Stead. That came just three minutes after Dan Butler had seen red for catching Matt Tootle with his elbow in an aerial challenge. Early in the second half, Shola Ameobi produced a powerful finish to double Notts' advantage. Grant went on to score his second of the match three minutes later when he nodded in the rebound from his own saved shot. He sadly missed out on a hat-trick when his free kick rattled the woodwork, but Notts still saw out the game without a reply from Newport and, combined with Luton Town's defeat, went back to the summit. Here are the highlights from the game, as posted on Notts County's official YouTube channel. 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.

Jorge Grant has praised Notts County's ruthlessness in front of goal as they returned to the top of League Two with a 3-0 win over Newport County on Saturday. The Nottingham Forest loanee bagged a brace either side of Shola Ameobi's strike at Meadow Lane and could have even claimed a hat-trick were it not for his free kick rebounding off the woodwork. “I’m really happy,” Grant told the official Notts site. “It’s been five games without a goal so it was good to get three points and a clean sheet. “We were ruthless in front of goal. We came in with an attitude of ‘We’re not going to lose this game’ and maybe in the last few weeks we have let teams come on to us - but it was the opposite today and it was proved in the final score. “We were confident. We’ve been working on being calm and composed around the box in training and picking out the final pass. We could have had a lot more than three goals. “The day after every game I watch it back and go through it with my dad, seeing what I could have done better or differently. I criticise myself quite a lot. “I have high expectations of myself so that’s why I beat myself up about certain things but the manager has given me little pointers and told me to go out there, express myself and enjoy myself because I am a better player when I do that.” Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Born in Stockton-on-Tees, Neal Bishop's journey in football began with Middlesbrough, though he was released by the Teessiders as a teenager. From there, he joined Northern League club Billingham Town and had two spells there either side of a short tenure at Gateshead FC. While in his first spell at Billingham, Bishop once played in a game alongside his brother Craig and father Rob due to a run of eight matches in 15 days towards the end of the 2000-01 season. Bishop continued to ply his trade in the non-league but worked his way up the food chain as he earned the captain's armband at Scarborough, before joining York City and helping them to the Conference playoffs in 2007. In a show of ambition, he rejected a new deal at York and went on to fulfil a lifelong ambition of playing in the Football League by joining Barnet on a free transfer that year. Bishop didn't exactly make the best start at Underhill, being sent off for violent conduct in just his second match at the club, against Norwich City in the League Cup, but went on to make 47 appearances in the 2007-08 season. The following season, he initially handed a transfer request but went on to withdraw it and ended up becoming club captain after Ismail Yakubu was handed the role. In December, Bishop suffered a fractured jaw after being kicked in the face by Ricky Ravenhill, then of Darlington - fate would reunite the two players at Notts County later on in their careers. In May 2009, Bishop's Magpies journey began when he signed a pre-contract agreement to join the club, which was to undergo an adventure of its own in the shape of the Munto "takeover". On the pitch, Notts were a force to be reckoned with as they cruised to the League Two title, with Bishop's tenacious, never-give-up style and strong engine a crucial part of the setup as he made 43 league appearances that season. Despite the off-the-field uncertainty as Munto ended up being a con, the midfielder never let said issues bother him and, as matters were settled at boardroom level in the summer, he signed a two-year contract extension that would keep him at the club until 2012. In League One, Bishop continued to go from strength to strength as he helped Notts consolidate their place in the third tier, being rewarded with the captain's armband by Paul Ince and finishing the campaign with 51 appearances, two goals, the Player of the Year award, and a new two-year deal at the Lane. Bishop's finest display for Notts came in the fourth round of the 2010-11 FA Cup as the Magpies welcomed Manchester City to Meadow Lane. Just before the hour, he headed home the opener against the Citizens from Alan Gow's corner kick, and for a while, Notts fans were dreaming of a huge upset. Sadly, the match ended up as a 1-1 draw when Edin Dzeko struck a late equaliser, which meant a replay at the City of Manchester Stadium where the hosts upped their game and claimed a 5-0 win. Given that Man City's eventual FA Cup win marked their first trophy in 35 years and was followed up with a Premier League title win the following season, one can't help but wonder how the trajectory of English football may have differed had Bishop's goal been the winner. There was yet more time for a grandiose contribution from Bishop - he was County's captain when the team took on Juventus in their new stadium inauguration in September 2011, a season where the Magpies came within a whisker of making the League One playofs. The 2012-13 campaign would prove to be Bishop's most fruitful one from a scoring perspective, bagging seven goals, but sadly it would also be his final one at the Lane. In an interview with the official Notts site ahead of his departure by mutual consent in June 2013, he said: “It’s an emotional day. "This club has been a major part of my life for four years and I can honestly say I wouldn’t change a thing about my time here. It’s been the best part of my career. “The club are heading in a different direction and there are a number of changes this summer and it just seemed the right time. “I’ve had meetings with the Manager and the board and I’ve given my reasons and I’m really grateful to Jim Rodwell and the Trews who have been very understanding and helped me. “It’s been fantastic. From the rollercoaster of the first season, the cup runs, captaining the club at Juventus and leading the lads out everytime, representing the club was a massive honour. It’s probably my proudest moment in my life. “The fans have been absolutely fantastic with me. I’d like to wish them all the best and thank them. I can’t speak highly enough of them.” Bishop subsequently joined Blackpool, then in the Championship, in August of that year, penning a five-month contract that was extended to take him until the end of the 2013-14 season. Following his spell at Bloomfield Road, he joined newly promoted League One side Scunthorpe United in June 2014, where he continues to ply his trade today. We at PON are delighted to have had the privilege of seeing Neal Bishop in Notts colours at the peak of his powers and contributed countless quality moments to the team, which is why we are delighted to include him in our Notts Alumni list of illustrious Magpies of years gone by. Share your thoughts about this Notts Alumni 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. 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Newport County manager Mike Flynn has hit out at referee Craig Hicks for showing Dan Butler a red card in their 3-0 defeat at Notts County. Butler was sent off in the 34th minute after leading with his elbow on Matt Tootle in an aerial challenge which left the Magpies full-back needing treatment. It proved a turning point in the game as Notts went on to bag three goals against the Exiles and could easily have got more, with Jorge Grant nearly sealing a hat-trick. “The referee has got it wrong,” Flynn told the South Wales Argus. “It changed the game and it spoiled the game. “I’ve been told by the fourth official that he [Butler] went in with excessive force. “I don’t think the referee had control of the game to start with. I believe he’s made honest decisions but unfortunately he’s got a lot of key ones wrong. “And, just to rub salt into the wounds, I’ve watched the third goal again as well and it wasn’t over the line. It’s not been a great day.” 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 Notts County's performance in their 3-0 win over ten-man Newport County and believes that the scoreline could have been even more flattering for the Magpies. Jorge Grant scored a brace for Notts in Saturday's League Two encounter at Meadow Lane either side of Shola Ameobi's strike and only the woodwork denied the Nottingham Forest loanee a hat-trick from a free kick. “I was delighted with the performance and we were like our old selves again,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post. “It was what we were producing when we were at the top of the league the last time. “It was high tempo and we dictated the play from start to finish. We really made it difficult for Newport and I was delighted with the goals we scored and the clean sheet too. “It could have been five, six or seven given the chances we created and I don’t think that would have flattered them. “Before the sending off there was a bit of anxiety, but I always felt we were in control but perhaps tried to force things a bit too much at times. “But we started to settle and then the sending off came. But just because they have a man sent off it doesn’t give you an automatic right to win the game. “You have to earn it. We did that and we made them pay the price for being down to 10 men.” 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 returned to the top of League Two thanks to an emphatic 3-0 win over Newport County at Meadow Lane on Saturday. The hosts enjoyed the first opening of the game as Elliott Hewitt received a cutback from Jon Stead on the edge of the area and went for goal but sent his effort wide. Mike Flynn's charges responded through Dan Butler, who let rip with a powerful effort which Ross Fitzsimons did well to hold. Jon Stead then headed inches wide from Matt Tootle’s cross while Terry Hawkridge volleyed over, but on 33 minutes came the moment that turned the tide in Notts's favour. Butler was shown a straight red card after leading with his elbow when challenging Tootle in the air, leaving the full-back requiring treatment. The opening goal followed just two minutes later as Stead played in Jorge Grant, who coolly slotted the ball past Joe Day and into the bottom corner. Notts claimed a vital second early in the second half when Grant turned provider for Shola Ameobi to slam the ball past the Newport stopper after outsprinting Scot Bennett to the ball. The three points were sealed just three minutes later as Day saved well from Grant’s point-blank header but the playmaker’s second effort just crossed the line. Further chances came and went for Kevin Nolan's side, with Shaun Brisley being denied by a fine stop while Stead also went close and Grant missed out on a hat-trick with a free kick that came off 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.

Dan Jones has claimed that Notts County's players feel they can beat anybody at Meadow Lane and that recent adverse results have only made the squad stronger. The Magpies go into Saturday's home game against Newport County second in the table and just one point behind leaders Luton Town. However, Notts' form has dipped over the last month, with just one win in their last six games in all competitions, but Jones is eager for the team to put recent results behind them. "The run we went on was fantastic but you are going to have ups and downs during the season," Jones told the Nottingham Post. "In this league, it's tough because every game is a serious battle. "Newport are a good side with good players. They have recruited well but I feel we can beat anybody here. The pitch is fantastic to play on, you have no excuses whatsoever. "We've had a bit of a blip but it makes you stronger as a group. Hopefully on Saturday we can get back to winning ways, put the last few weeks behind us and move on." 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 and Newport County have met a total of 48 times over the years, the first fixture coming in 1930, which the Magpies won 3-2. The head-to-head record is skewed in the Magpies’ favour, with 25 wins, 9 draws and 14 defeats. The last meeting was in May 2017, the last game of last season, and Newport won 2-1 at Rodney Parade to avoid the drop to the National League. Our record league win is against Newport – an 11-1 hammering. We have also beaten them 5-0, 6-2, 7-0, 6-0 and 8-1 over the years. Newport, originally nicknamed "The Ironsides" due to Newport being home to Lysaght's Orb Works steel works, started out in the Southern League in 1912 at Somerton Park. The official name of the club was The Newport & Monmouth County Association Football Club, although the shorter Newport County was soon adopted. The club were reformed in 1919 and were first elected to the Football League in 1920. Newport were Welsh Cup winners in 1980 and subsequently reached the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup Winner's Cup in 1981. The club was relegated from the Football League in 1988 and went out of business in February 1989, but reformed shortly afterwards and entered the English football league system at a much lower level. In 2013 the club then won promotion back to the Football League for the first time since 1988. In the 1970s and 1980s comedian Frank Carson was appointed as a Director and Vice President in order to raise the profile of the club. Newport-based rappers Goldie Lookin' Chain are also supporters of the club and were the team's shirt sponsors for the 2004–05 season FAW Premier Cup matches. Team news Adam Collin has been sidelined for between two to three months with ligament damage so Ross Fitzsimons is likely to retain his place in Notts County's goal, with Branislav Pindroch also an option. Kevin Nolan made widescale changes in the EFL Trophy loss to Mansfield Town and is likely to restore most of the players who turned out at Carlisle United last week back to the starting XI. Joss Labadie and Calum Jahraldo-Martin are both out with hamstring injuries for the Exiles, but midfielder Robbie Willmott is available after recovering from a knee problem. Paul Hayes, who signed for the Exiles after a chat with Newport boss Mike Flynn on LinkedIn, is not expected to be involved as he looks to return to match fitness. Share your thoughts about this Stat Attack 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.