Joe Jones

Yeovil Town manager Darren Way is eager for his side to go all out against Notts County on Saturday and claim the points which will guarantee their place in League Two this season. The Glovers need just two points to be sure of their place in the division next season, while safety can also be assured if bottom side Chesterfield fail to win at Forest Green Rovers. While Yeovil have been in no immediate danger of the drop in recent weeks, Way is looking to get the team safe as soon as possible, and will be pushing for victory at Meadow Lane. “You want to officially get the job done, that’s for sure, as a manager and a team, so the club can make decisions on contracts, the future of the football club, the budget for next year and not to be looking over our shoulder," Way told Somerset Live. “I’ve always felt in control and confident in the remit of what we’ve had to do and I will maintain that stance because I’ve not tried to put any pressure on the players or show any anxiousness or just come in, do the job and do everything that we can within the process to put in a performance.” 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 manager Kevin Nolan has stressed that assessing the League Two table at the minute is pointless, with a lot to be determined in the final few games of the season. The Magpies face Yeovil Town in their penultimate home game of their season this weekend. Although the playoffs look like the most likely outcome for Notts, they're not mathematically certain just yet, while a top-three place is still up for grabs. “It will only matter on 5 May," Nolan told the Nottingham Post. "We will know our fate then. "We could move up and down the play-off places or we could sneak into third if we win all three and others slip up. "There are so many outcomes there’s no point looking at it. All we’ve got to do is keep winning because we want to finish the season as strongly as we started it. “It’s going to be tough (against Yeovil). We look forward to what is going to be another good game - and hopefully a winning one. "Darren Way’s done a fantastic job. They’re more or less safe now, but they’ll want to put that to bed sooner rather than later. "They're a professional side but I'm sure they’ll enjoy it with the shackles off. "We were in that situation last year and it felt so much easier because there was no pressure to go and do anything.” Share your thoughts about this news story on Football Manics by signing up for FREE to the website, visiting the forum and joining the chat with fellow football fans.

Richard Duffy has credited Notts County with helping to improve his “dire” goalscoring record. In addition, the defender believes that the Magpies’ impressive set-piece game is why they are soaring in League Two. Duffy scored his third goal of the season in the 3-1 win at Colchester United at the weekend, giving them another priceless three points in their hunt to consolidate a top seven place. “I’ve got three goals, and before I came here last season my goalscoring record was pretty dire really,” the Welshman told the Nottingham Post. “I scored four last season and and added to what I’ve got this year it’s doubled the tally in my career. I am more than happy with that, although the gaffer will say he will want a few more. “But (Shaun Brisley) has chipped in and so too have the full-backs. Goals from defenders are bonuses really and you can see that we work on it in training. If you put the ball in the box you’ve got a good chance of scoring. “At the other end if you keep them out then it gets you up the league. We’ve not conceded too many goals from set-pieces and scored quite a few. “If you did a league table on them I am sure we would be pretty high up. That’s why we are probably why we are so high up in the league.” Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

What's been happening in League Two over the last week? Here is Pride of Nottingham's round-up of the biggest League Two news from the last seven days. - Accrington Stanley have been promoted to the third tier of English football for the first time thanks to a 2-0 win over Yeovil Town, Billy Kee scoring a brace for the League One-bound side. - The 2017-18 EFL Team of the Season has named Accrington's John Coleman as manager, while Kee and Wycombe's Adebayo Akinfenwa were included among the XI. - Kee was also named League Two's Player of the Year, while Ben Wilmot of Stevenage is the League Two Apprentice of the Year. - Luton Town quintet Danny Hylton, Luke Berry, Alan Sheehan, Dan Potts and Marek Stech were named in the PFA League Two Team of the Year. Accrington have three players in the side - striker Billy Kee, centre-back Mark Hughes and midfielder Sean McConville - while Coventry's Jack Grimmer, Notts County loanee Jorge Grant and Wycombe's Akinfenwa are also included. - Cheltenham Town defender Will Boyle signed a new deal to keep him with the Gloucestershire club until the summer of 2020. - Hearts announced the signature of Cambridge United striker Uche Ikpeazu on a pre-contract. The 23-year-old has agreed a two-year deal at Tynecastle and will move to Edinburgh on 1 July. - Colchester United winger Courtney Senior signed a new two-year contract with the Essex club. - Newport County reported a loss of more than £350,000 in their latest set of financial accounts, but the board says a profit is expected following their 2017-18 FA Cup exploits. 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.

Shola Ameobi has admitted that he is not outwardly looking to go into coaching once he hangs up his boots but has not fully closed the door on a potential switch to the dugout. The 36-year-old, who is in his 20th campaign as a professional footballer, is to make a decision on his future at the end of the season. Notts County boss Kevin Nolan has said he would welcome Ameobi as a coach at Meadow Lane, but the veteran striker admits he doesn't feel he has a passion for it. “Obviously management is something you think about and people have mentioned in the past that I’ve got the mentality for it,” Ameobi told the Nottingham Post. “But it’s not something I’ve ever thought that ‘I want to go into it’. “You could see with the manager here that he had that authority in any situation. You could sense he always had that destiny whereas for me I don’t have that sense myself. “It’s something that if I do go into then I will give it my all. But it’s not something I feel I have a passion for. “There are stresses and strains and it takes a lot out of you - especially at Newcastle where they’ve had to deal with a lot. “Some people make it look seamless and others don’t. I’ve seen both sides of it and I’ve seen how much you have to give. “It’s tough because football has been my whole life. But part of me just wants to be there for my family and my kids, especially the age they are. “In management you don’t get that and I’ve seen with Kevin that it’s stressful. But I am not saying I am never going to do it because sitting out the game six months, I’ll know I’ll miss 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.

Kevin Nolan is eager to see Notts County build on their winning run in League Two when they take on Yeovil Town at Meadow Lane on Saturday. The Magpies followed up their 2-1 win over Coventry City with a 3-1 victory against Colchester United at the weekend to move up to fourth in the table, though they have since returned to fifth following Tuesday night's fixtures. Exeter City are now fourth in the standings, while Wycombe remain third, five points ahead of Notts with three games left. A playoff place is now very likely for Notts, but Nolan is cautious of the threat posed by Darren Way's charges, despite their lowly position of 18th. “The last two games have been fantastic and we’ve had some good football,” he told the Nottingham Post. “We’ve got another tough game against Yeovil this weekend and they’ve had some positive and good results against some big sides this season. “But we will be working hard and tirelessly to keep this run going. We want to finish the season strongly and see where that takes us.” Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Richard Duffy has stressed that Notts County are not giving up the fight for automatic promotion from League Two. The Magpies are three points behind the Chairboys - who take on Lincoln City at Sincil Bank tonight - in the race for a top-three spot. Notts are hoping for a favour from the Imps, who will move back into the playoff positions themselves if they can overcome Gareth Ainsworth’s side, and Duffy commented on how he sees his side going forward. “We can’t give it up and at this stage of the season you don’t want to be throwing games away,” the Notts captain told the Nottingham Post. “We don’t want to be crawling into the playoffs, because the teams who have that momentum usually do well. “But Wycombe did their job on Saturday with a win at Yeovil but we’ve just got to win three games and hope they lose three. If that happens then we will see where that takes us.” Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Kevin Nolan has spoken highly of Adam Collin's big throw, describing it as a "proper weapon", and hopes the goalkeeper can continue making use of it as Notts County seek a grandstand finish in League Two. The Magpies came from behind to beat Colchester United 3-1 away last weekend, with Collin setting off a number of quick counterattacks by launching the ball upfield. “I thought Adam was absolutely tremendous again,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post. “He has got an arm on him which means he can throw it over the halfway line quite easily. When he uses it, it’s a proper weapon. “I’ve probably taken it away from him a bit because when I came here, it was about controlling the game and making sure he slows it game down. “But when he launches it, it gives us a lift and sets a bit of a tempo for us. “We spoke about it at half-time at Colchester and said that Adam would get the ball and try to release it quickly as possible. “But you’ve also got to remember the saves he made in the first and second half to keep us in the game. “The lads then went up the other end and got the goals we needed.” 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.

Colchester United captain Luke Prosser has spoken of the incident where Notts County's Shola Ameobi allegedly elbowed him in the chest, and says he received an apology about it after the game. Just before half time, the veteran Magpies forward appeared to elbow Prosser in the chest, although referee Brendan Malone chose to take no action. Ameobi went on to score County's second goal in Saturday's 3-1 away win at the Weston Homes Community Stadium, which kept them in the hunt for a top seven spot. “I went to see the doctor, and have just looked at the incident in the physio room,” Prosser is quoted by GreenUn24 as saying. “I got an elbow straight in the chest. He (Ameobi) apologised to me after the game, put it that way. “It’s part-and-parcel of football, but obviously it didn’t go our way. To be fair, we were having a bit of a tussle before we went into the box and I was looking across when he made a connection with me. “It looks like he struck out, looking at the video, but that’s not the reason why we lost the game. It’s a big decision, but we have still got to defend crosses that are coming in, and you’d always rather there were 11 versus 11 on the pitch, to make it a better game. “He managed to get the second goal, but we have still got to defend that. Albeit on another day he would not have been on the pitch, but we have still got to defend better than what we did do.” Asked whether he thought about taking out revenge, Prosser joked: “He is a lot bigger than me, and you have to pick your battles! And it’s fine now, though on another day, he shouldn’t have still been on the pitch, maybe.” 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 hailed Jonathan Forte after the striker grabbed his third goal in two games against Colchester United on Saturday. The 31-year-old has endured extended spells outside of the squad but his equaliser spurred the Magpies to victory as they ran out 3-1 winners at the Weston Homes Community Stadium. It was the first time Notts have sealed back to back wins in League Two since last September and Nolan praised Forte for the impact he had on the game. "You can see he's riding the crest of a wave at the minute," Nolan told the Nottingham Post. "He kept Steady out, finished his goal fantastically and worked his socks off. "I'm delighted both he and Shola got on the scoresheet - and I thought Steady was terrific when he came on. "All three contributed, but Forte is showing what we all believed he had. Hopefully he can continue that form until the end of the season." Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County have taken another giant step towards sealing a League Two playoff place with a 3-1 win at Colchester United. The U's had taken the lead after just nine minutes through Drey Wright at the Weston Homes Community Stadium before John McGreal’s side hit the post early after the break. However, the Magpies stormed back in the second half as Jonathan Forte, Shola Ameobi and Richard Duffy sealed a memorable comeback for Kevin Nolan's side. Tom Eastman hit the post for Colchester but Notts hung on to claim a comeback victory that sees them sit four points off the automatic promotion spots Here is some of the post-match reaction from the events in Essex. Kevin Nolan "We had a few choice words at half-time. I just feel we didn't match the high standards we set last week. "I challenged them to get back to that level as quickly as possible and show the togetherness, character and spirit they've shown all season. "We were lucky to get in at 1-0 but I thought the goals we scored were fantastic and they came at the right time. "The lads' character was absolutely brilliant in the second half and I thought we were well-deserved winners." Richard Duffy “We were not good in the first half to say the least and we didn’t do what we were told to do. “We have instructions and things on the board which tells us what we need to do to win games and we didn’t do any of it. “They hit the post early doors in the second half but apart from that and when we scored the goal, there was only going to be one team who won it. “I’ve seen the manager angrier but he said what he thought and I don’t think anybody could disagree with him. “He walked out and the lads got together and had a quick chat. We got some more instructions and gladly we came out and put in a performance. “We had intent, we got it forward and we won a lot more second balls. The back four got up and in the first half we didn’t do that. “They found pockets and were playing through us and big Adam Collin made a fantastic save to keep it at 1-0. “If you are not playing well being a goal down allows you to regroup at half-time and you go again. That’s what we did and we scored three good goals.” The Black & White Army Dave Woolley: Absolutely wonderful 2nd half well done again JF 3 in 2 games ! That’s a strikers return.... fantastic. Mariusz Cwiklinski: Well, looks like Forte is taking his long overdue chance, good lad ???? Tracy Rigby: ????????????????⚫️⚪️???????????????? Mark Rogers: Automatic promotion still not out of the question COYPs ???? Neale Tristram: Top result after a nervous first half ???? Andrew Rayson: Well done Notts, and well done Nolan for sticking to what worked the previous week for once. It is actually really refreshing to have reason to hand out praise all round for a change...Those on here who constantly disagree with me enough to mock me and doubt my support for the team; read the above Carefully. Christopher Key: Up a place to 4th! Really happy with that. Claire N Shane Wigley: Backto winning ways Mr Nolan David Skelding: Great team spirit to turn that around! Let's get that play-off spot in the bag! 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.

Richard Duffy admits that Kevin Nolan's half-time dressing room dressing down did the trick as Notts County ran out 3-1 winners at Colchester United on Saturday. The Magpies trailed at half time to Drey Wright's ninth-minute opener but scored three goals after the restart, through Jonathan Forte, Shola Ameobi and Richard Duffy, to seal victory in Essex. “We were not good in the first half to say the least and we didn’t do what we were told to do,” the team captain told the Nottingham Post following the League Two victory. “We have instructions and things on the board which tells us what we need to do to win games and we didn’t do any of it. “They hit the post early doors in the second half but apart from that and when we scored the goal, there was only going to be one team who won it. “I’ve seen the manager angrier but he said what he thought and I don’t think anybody could disagree with him. “He walked out and the lads got together and had a quick chat. We got some more instructions and gladly we came out and put in a performance. “We had intent, we got it forward and we won a lot more second balls. The back four got up and in the first half we didn’t do that. “They found pockets and were playing through us and big Adam Collin made a fantastic save to keep it at 1-0. “If you are not playing well being a goal down allows you to regroup at half-time and you go again. That’s what we did and we scored three good goals.” 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 taken another giant step towards sealing a League Two playoff place with a 3-1 win at Colchester United. The U's had taken the lead after just nine minutes through Drey Wright at the Weston Homes Community Stadium before John McGreal’s side hit the post early after the break. However, the Magpies stormed back in the second half as Jonathan Forte, Shola Ameobi and Richard Duffy sealed a memorable comeback for Kevin Nolan's side. Tom Eastman hit the post for Colchester but the visitors claimed a comeback victory that sees them sit four points off the automatic promotion spots. Relive the key moments from the match with the official Notts County YouTube highlights, which we have shared here on Pride of Nottingham for you. Share your thoughts about the match on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Kevin Nolan was pleased with Notts County's second half performance against Colchester United, coming from a goal down at the break to run out 3-1 winners at the Weston Homes Community Stadium. The Magpies trailed at half time to Drey Wright's ninth-minute opener but scored three goals after the restart, through Jonathan Forte, Shola Ameobi and Richard Duffy, to seal victory in Essex. “We didn’t match the standards we set last week against Coventry,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post. “I challenged them to get back to there and show what they have shown all season which is togetherness, character and spirit. “I just thought we looked off it and we allowed Colchester too much time on the ball. “When you do that with a good side they punish you and we were lucky to get it at 1-0. “But at the score you are always in the game. We did all the right things in the second half and I thought the goals were fantastic. “We got them at the right time and the lads’ character was brilliant in the second half.” 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 came from a goal down to record a 3-1 win at Colchester United that keeps their League Two playoff hopes alive and kicking. The Magpies endured a poor first half, falling behind on nine minutes when Drey Wright exchanged passes with Ben Stevenson, slicing through the visitors' defence, before slotting low past Adam Collin from close range. In the 17th minute, Colchester came close again when Mikael Mandron picked up Ben Stevenson’s smart pass and ran at the visitors’ defence before drilling a low shot straight at Collin. Kane Vincent-Young, Wright and Mandron all weighed in with efforts against Notts, who had Jonathan Forte's goal ruled out on 25 minutes for a push by Shaun Brisley on Luke Prosser following a corner. The U's almost doubled their lead just after the break when Tom Eastman divered Mandron's header onto the foot of the post. Three minutes later, Notts dragged themselves level when Forte squeezed a low shot past Sam Walker after Shaun Brisley had done well to keep the ball alive from Tootle’s cross. Ameobi then fired the visitors into the lead with 21 minutes remaining, finishing off after Forte and Matty Virtue tested the opposition keeper. The game was then killed off with 14 minutes remaining when Richard Duffy rose to head home Dan Jones's free kick into the area. Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Shola Ameobi has revealed that he is mulling over whether to retire at the end of the season but will consider it properly in the summer. The 36-year-old has enjoyed a fruitful career in the English game, with more than 300 appearances for Newcastle United, the club he is most associated with. Ameobi has also impressed in Notts County colours since signing for Kevin Nolan last winter, and this season he has netted five and assisted four in 33 appearances. “That love is certainly still there for me,” Ameobi told the Nottingham Post. “It's a tough one. I think my mind wants to, but we just have to see where we are. “I've always said that I will take stock at the end of the season, give myself a couple of weeks and see if I'm good to go. “So at this point in time there's no yes or no. But what I do know is I'm still fully involved. “I still want to help this team make history and I think obviously if you do that then it would definitely sort of make the job easier in terms of deciding.” 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 and stats Notts County have met Colchester United 44 times over the years, all league encounters except for one Sherpa Vans Trophy tie in 1988. The Magpies are in front when it comes to head-to-head, having won 22 games to Colchester's 15, with seven draws. The first fixture between Notts and Colchester took place on 23 February 1959 at Layer Road, a Division Three clash which finished 4-1 to the U's. The last fixture was earlier this season, Notts running out 2-1 winners at Meadow Lane thanks to goals from Shola Ameobi and Ryan Yates. All league encounters between the two have never taken place higher than the third tier. Notts have won 10 of their last 12 meetings against Colchester, whilst the U's have failed to keep a single clean sheet in their previous 20 matches against the Magpies. The Magpies have won three of their last four trips to Colchester in the EFL, though that single defeat did come in their most recent visit to the Weston Homes Community Stadium. Colchester have lost three of their last four League Two matches on home soil, failing to score in all three of those defeats. Notts County have lost back-to-back League Two games on the road. The Magpies last lost three consecutive away league matches within a single season in February 2017 (run of seven straight defeats). History Colchester United Football Club is a baby in English football club terms, having been born in 1937. However, Colchester Town Football Club, the club's predecessor, was around since 1873. Despite dwindling crowds in the mid-1930s, though, they refused to follow its neighbours Ipswich Town in turning professional, much to the disapproval of its fans and players. As a result, Colchester United was formed, with the intention of playing professionally, and went on from strength to strength while its stubborn neighbour fell into decline and eventually folded. Colchester United are responsible for one of the FA Cup's greatest ever upsets, when, in February 1971, they defeated the infamous Don Revie's Leeds United, an established top flight side who would finish second that season, by three goals to two. The U's were in the fourth division at the time. The U's won the Football League Trophy (now the Johnstone's Paint Trophy) in 1996-97. and also compete in a competition called the Essex Senior Cup, a tournament contested by mostly non-league clubs within the region (Colchester usually field a youth/reserve team for this), winning this trophy back in 2009-10. Micky Cook holds the all time club record for appearances with Colchester, having played nearly 700 games between 1969 and 1984. Notable former players include Titus Bramble, Alec Chamberlain, Mark Kinsella, Kevin Lisbie and Newcastle cult hero Lomana LuaLua. Trivia The town of Colchester is said to be the oldest recorded town in Britain on the grounds that it was mentioned by Pliny the Elder, who died in AD 79. It was for a time the capital of Roman Britain, and is a member of the Most Ancient European Towns Network. Since 2006, Colchester has been one of 12 places in the UK where Royal Salutes are fired to mark Royal anniversaries and visits by foreign heads of state. Team news Colchester will make another check on the fitness of Tom Lapslie and Brennan Dickenson ahead of their home game against Notts. Midfielder Lapslie and winger Dickenson have both missed the last two matches with knocks. Defender Ryan Inniss will definitely miss out for Colchester as he has a knee injury, while Cole Kpekawa has left the club after his contract was cancelled by mutual consent. Notts pair Jon Stead and Terry Hawkridge are back in contention after missing the midweek win against Coventry due to knocks. Ben Hall, Carl Dickinson, Noor Husin, Rob Milsom, Liam Walker and Lewis Alessandra all made way on Tuesday night, but are pushing for recalls. Nolan has reported no new injury worries as his side chase back-to-back league wins for the first time since September. 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.

Notts County have been boosted by the return of Jon Stead for the trip to face Colchester United on Saturday. The 35-year-old, who triggered an extension this week which will see him with the Magpies for another season, missed the win over Coventry City. Winger Terry Hawkridge will also be available after being sidelined through a knock to allow Nolan more firepower at his disposal. “Jon trained on Thursday and the couple of days before that,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post. “He’s available for selection as well as Terry Hawkridge. “It was hard telling lads last year that they were not going to be in the 11, but it’s harder telling lads they are not going to be in the 18. "It just shows you the strength in depth we have got.” Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Kevin Nolan has admitted that he hasn't given his holidays a single thought as he seeks to finish the season strongly with Notts County. The Magpies are edging closer to sealing a playoff place, which would extend their campaign beyond the standard 46 games - although automatic promotion is still a possibility. Four league games remain for Notts, with Colchester United first up at the Weston Community Homes Stadium, and Nolan spoke at length about what is coming up for his team. “You sometimes get to this point in the season and look forward to the holidays, but I’ve not even spoken about one to my missus yet,” he told the Nottingham Post. “That shows how much work we are trying to put in and to finish the season strongly. “There’s no better feeling to win, especially when it’s deserved and with a performance like last week. Coventry are a really good outfit and Mark Robins was very complimentary about our lads after the game. “We knew we had to be on our mettle if we were going to secure the win. It was just the way we did it. When it went to 1-1 you think ‘here we go again’ and part of me felt that. But you look at the lads and to do what they did was fantastic. “But they’ve been flying this week in training and have been looking forward to the game. It’s going to be another difficult one but one we hopefully can enjoy, keep the winning run going and see what happens come 5pm on Saturday. "Colchester is a tough place to go and they played us really well here. We got away with one in the last minute and I did say to their manager that we did. “We are going to be prepared for them because they’ve got some very good strengths. As I say, we’ve noticed a few chinks in their armour and I hope we can expose them on Saturday. “I am just going to enjoy every minute of it. Unless I am going to be a top manager there are not going to be many times when you get these opportunities. I am really looking forward to the games and celebrating no matter what happens on May 5 because it’s been such a fantastic turnaround.” 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.

Colchester United defender Tom Eastman has warned Notts County that they “will not take their foot off the pedal” as they look for a strong finish to the League Two season. The U's are currently four points off the top seven ahead of their game against the Magpies at the Weston Homes Community Stadium this weekend. While they have not given up hope of a late playoff charge, a failure to beat Notts would almost certainly rule them out of the reckoning, but Eastman insists they will not give up without a fight. “We’ve got a tough run-in and all of our games now are against teams who are chasing promotion,” Eastman told the Colchester Gazette. “It’s going to be good fun for us to test ourselves against them and none of the boys are going to take their foot off the pedal. “We’ve got four games to go and we’ll be looking to win all of them. “We’re definitely not going to make it easy for anyone who plays against us. “We have Notts County here on Saturday and hopefully get the three points.” Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Jon Stead has triggered a clause in his Notts County contract to extend his stay at Meadow Lane past the end of the season. The 35-year-old striker, who has scored 13 goals this term, had to play a set number of games and the Nottingham Post confirmed that he has passed the required target. Manager Kevin Nolan reiterated the news and paid tribute to Stead, who turned down a move to the United States last summer to remain with the Magpies. “Jon will be here next season,” Nolan told the Post at his pre-match press conference ahead of the League Two trip to Colchester United. “He’s been fantastic and is up there with Adam Collin, Richard Duffy and Elliott Hewitt in terms of their performances all season round. “I know he hasn’t had the goal output, but he has assists and has been involved in a lot of good stuff. “I am telling you if he was out of contract in the summer he would have a number of League One and League Two sides vying for his signature. We are very lucky to have him.” Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Kevin Nolan has revealed that he will be having a chat with Joey Barton in hope of persuading him to come to Notts County. Barton, who played alongside Nolan at Newcastle United, will be able to return to football in the summer once his 13-month ban for betting offences comes to an end. Although the 35-year-old is being tipped to join a Premier League or Championship team, the Magpies boss said he'd have a word with him and see what happens. “Joey and I are good friends and he’s also a good friend of Darren Fletcher (board member),” Nolan told the Nottingham Post. “He is a top player and a top lad. I really got on well with him and I think he describes himself as Joey on the pitch and Joseph off it. That’s his quote, not mine by the way. “I get on with both of them and respect both of them very highly. From my point of view he will probably want to play at a higher level. “If that doesn’t come to fruition then I am sure there will be a conversation between me and him in the summer. “If a deal can be done, then it can, but if not then we wish him well. “Let’s just see what happens. I am not ruling it out. It’s got to be right for the club, and most importantly it’s got to be right for the player. “I got on well with him at Newcastle and we are very good friends off the field and on it. “I don’t see it having a negative impact. It will only add more quality and positivity to the squad.” Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Colchester United would be securing a "double victory" this weekend should they get the better of Notts County, claims former U's midfielder Kemal Izzet. John McGreal's men are 11th in the table and fourth points adrift of seventh-placed Coventry City, while the Magpies sit fifth in the table, six points clear of eighth place. “This weekend’s game is a massive one, as far as I’m concerned,” Izzet, who currently manages Stanway Rovers, told the Gazette News. “Beating Notts County would almost be like a double victory because they’re another side up there in the table. “Colchester would take three points and, at the same time, stop their opponents adding to their tally. “They have to show up and be clinical - an area that let them down last weekend, apparently - and for me it’s make or break. “If they win, they’ll claw back one of their main rivals but if they lose it could be game over. I suspect that would be them done.” Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

What's been happening in League Two over the last week? Here is Pride of Nottingham's round-up of the biggest League Two news from the last seven days. - Elliott Whitehouse scored the only goal of the game as Lincoln City beat Shrewsbury Town 1-0 to win the EFL Trophy final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday. - Crewe Alexandra have extended the contracts of goalkeeper Dave Richards, until 2019 with a year option, and forward Owen Dale, until 2020 with a two-year option. - Cambridge United defender Greg Taylor has signed a new two-year deal to keep him at the club until 2020. - Watford have poured cold water on speculation linking them with Stevenage and England Under-19 defender Ben Wilmot, saying they had pursued him in January but have since moved on. - Dermot Drummy killed himself six months after losing his job at Crawley Town, an inquest heard. The club sacked Drummy in May 2017, and he went on to seek counselling for his "low mood". - Accrington Stanley's John Coleman has won the EFL League Two Manager of the Month award for March, while Cheltenham's Eisa is the Player of the Month. - Crawley Town's Karlan Ahearne Grant, Crewe Alexandra's Jordan Bowery, Cheltenham Town's Mohamed Eisa, Morecambe's Sam Lavelle, Coventry City's Marc McNulty and Lincoln City's Ollie Palmer have been nominated for the PFA Player of the Month award. 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.

Kevin Nolan has claimed that Notts County are ready for every possible outcome in terms of where they'll finish this season in League Two. With just four fixtures left, it's all up for grabs in the upper echelons of the table - the Magpies look likely to clinch a playoff spot, but automatic promotion is not an impossibility. Currently four points behind third-placed Wycombe Wanderers (who, like fourth-placed Exeter City, have a game in hand), Notts are still very much in with a shout, and Nolan is prepared for every eventuality. “We will see what happens come May 5, see where we are and then reassess,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post. “We will be ready for every possible outcome and we will give it a good go. “We are all going to give it 110 per cent and try our best to achieve what wasn’t set out to be at the start of the season. We’ve got an opportunity so why not dream and go for 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.