Joe Jones

Michael O'Connor has urged Notts County to have a look at changing tactics when playing at home and treat each game as if they were the away team. The Northern Irishman compared his side's away form, in which they have won two of three this season, to their home form, which hasn't yielded a single win. "Away from home we are set up to counter-attack whereas at home we are asked to get on the front foot straight away," the Magpies skipper told reporters. "Maybe that's something we can have a look at. "Do we need to play as the away team at home because our results have been better? "But we will get it right." Notts travel to Cheltenham Town on Saturday. Share your thoughts about this story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County manager John Sheridan has claimed that he would have booed his own side alongside the supporters following their Accrington Stanley defeat. The Magpies were jeered off the pitch by the Meadow Lane faithful as their four-match unbeaten came to an end with Saturday's meek 2-0 loss against the Lancashire side. "I understand the supporters as the performance didn't merit appreciation," Sheridan told BBC Radio Nottingham. "I wasn't happy watching it. I could've booed. But I have to stay strong and I will keep faith in my players. "I am very disappointed with the way we have gone about the game. Sometimes it is hard to understand when you give a performance like that. I just think we were not at the races." Notts are now 17th in League Two with eight points from their first seven matches. Share your thoughts about this story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County captain Michael O'Connor has described his side's 2-0 defeat to Accrington Stanley as a "bad day at the office" and has urged his teammates to put it right against Cheltenham Town next week. Goals from John O'Sullivan and Romuald Boco gave the visitors the win at Meadow Lane on Saturday, which was greeted by boos at the final whistle. "We just can't get going at home and if we are to be up there at the end of the season then we need to put it right," O'Connor told reporters. "It was a bad day at the office and every team has them but we haven't given the fans a home win this season and that's the most disappointing thing. "We now need to show some character against Cheltenham next week. It's still early on in the season and we still have time to put it right. "The fans had every right to boo because that was awful. But it's done now. We will look to next week and try to get on an unbeaten run again." Share your thoughts about this story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County boss John Sheridan has criticised his players after the team slumped to a 2-0 home defeat against Accrington Stanley on Saturday. Meadow Lane was witness to a limp, insipid display from the Magpies as John O'Sullivan and Romuald Boco gave the visitors all three points. "I am very disappointed with the way we have gone about the game," Sheridan said. "With the way we finished last week's game against Grimsby and then having another home game, you hope to take that momentum with you. "But sometimes it's hard to understand how you give a performance like that. "We were just not at the races. I am not somebody who goes around making excuses. We didn't play well at all. "People were saying one or two decent things about us, but the way I am, I do not get carried away. "Unfortunately at this level, these types of performances come along, but I hope there are not too many. "It's not nice because we are at home. I totally understand the fans. The performance didn't warrant any appreciation. The players have got to be strong." Share your thoughts about this story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County's wait for a first league home win of the season continues after they fell to a 2-0 defeat against Accrington Stanley at Meadow Lane. Billy Kee fired over for the visitors in the early stages while defender Louis Laing’s header was comfortable for goalkeeper Aaron Chapman. Stanley, however, opened the scoring on 17 minutes when John O’Sullivan fired from the right - his shot took a deflection and looped over Adam Collin. After the restart, the Magpies came out and applied pressure, with Jonathan Forte putting in a number of dangerous crosses into the Accrington box. Laing, meanwhile, volleyed straight at Chapman from a Michael O'Connor free-kick. When O'Sullivan limped off injured, he was replaced by Romuald Boco, which proved to be a boost for Stanley. The Benin captain added the decisive goal for the visitors when he raced down the left wing, cut into the box and fired low past Collin. Stanley subsequently held firm to secure the win and overtake Notts into 16th place, with John Sheridan's side now 17th in League Two. Share your thoughts about the result on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County have only played Accrington Stanley 15 times in their history. The first fixtures were in August and December 1958, when both sides played in Division Three. The Magpies drew 1-1 in the first match, before losing 3-0 in the second. A hiatus of 48 years followed before the teams met again in the fourth tier, now called League Two, on 9 September 2006. The result was a 3-2 win to Notts. The original town's team, Accrington, were amongst the twelve founder members of the Football League in 1888, before resigning from the league after just five years. A team called Stanley Villa already existed at the time, named as such because they were based at the Stanley Arms on Stanley Street in Accrington. With the demise of Accrington, Stanley Villa took the town name to become Accrington Stanley. The club re-formed after World War I and entered the League in 1921 with the formation of the old Third Division North, along with the other top northern non-League clubs. This original incarnation was dissolved in 1966, before re-emerging two years later. In 2005–06, Stanley won the Football Conference and were promoted to League Two. Ironically, Oxford United, the team they switched places with, was the team that had been elected to replace the former Accrington Stanley as members of the Football League in 1962 when they were struggling with debt. Accrington Stanley is perhaps most well known for being discussed in a late 1980s advert by the Milk Marketing Board. Famous people from Accrington include Vicky Entwhistle and Julie Hesmondhalgh from Coronation Street, Yes singer Jon Anderson, cricketer Mike Atherton, Diana Vickers from The X Factor, and Mystic Meg. --- On-loan forward Aaron Collins could make his first start for Notts County after coming on as a substitute to help the Magpies claim a 2-2 draw against Grimsby last time out with a late equaliser. Curtis Thompson remains a doubt as he battles back from an ankle injury while Jonathan Forte and Stanley Aborah could keep their places in the side after starting against the Mariners. Accrington have defender Mark Hughes available after he sat out last Saturday's 1-1 draw at Carlisle through suspension. Midfielder Scott Brown could also make his comeback from a calf injury, having returned to training. There is a doubt over forward Shay McCartan after he sustained a knock while on international duty with Northern Ireland Under-21s. Share your thoughts about tomorrow's game on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County manager John Sheridan has stressed the importance of improving the club's home form as Accrington Stanley visit Meadow Lane this weekend. Despite being unbeaten in four games and with nine goals scored, the Magpies are yet to get a league win on home soil this season. "We are on a decent run, but I want our home form to be better," Sheridan said. "I see good things in us, but at the same time the first half of last week against Grimsby for example wasn't what I wanted. "We were the home side, but we were very flat. It shouldn't happen because we were on a decent run. "But once we got going, we looked a decent team. We've got good enough players to do well this season. "We do create chances, but we do switch off and concede really soft goals. The two goals last week were a prime example. "We could have avoided some of the goals. I want to go into the game score first and see it through and show what a good team we are. "But it's a long campaign and if we can get three points on Saturday, that point against Grimsby will be a good one." Share your thoughts about this story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Aaron Collins has expressed his eagerness in making the Notts County first team after his positive debut against Grimsby Town last weekend. The on-loan Wolves forward scored a last-minute equaliser against the Mariners to seal a 2-2 draw at Meadow Lane. "My aim is to get into the team, but it's Sheridan's call," said Collins. "I've scored my goal and done my bit. "Hopefully I will get starts, more minutes under my belt and more goals in the Football League. That's what I want. "I haven't set myself a target, my aim is just to do as well as I can for the team. "As a striker, all I want to do is score goals and help the team get up the table." Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts about Collins by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County and England goalkeeper Carly Telford made a guest appearance at the Multi Sport Mash Up event at Nottingham's Forest Recreation Ground on Tuesday. The event, organised by Nottingham City of Football, saw teams consisting of five players competing in three different sports - football, rugby and netball - and was won by Rise Park Ladies Football Club. The winners each won tickets to see England’s women take on Estonia in the Euro 2017 qualifier at Meadow Lane on Thursday September 15. "I think the event is a fantastic opportunity and it's great to see so many girls, all of different ages, so active in different sports,” said Telford. "There are lots of events in Nottingham that women can get involved in and the facilities that we have in the city are incredible. “Hopefully we can have more females at these kind of events on a regular basis, as it is really fun to be part of and you can really challenge yourself. “To be able to test yourselves out of your comfort zone can be really beneficial and it can help women gain a lot of confidence when they are taking part.” Katie Gibson, programme and partner coordinator at the City of Football, said: "This was a great chance for females to showcase their talent across three sports and it has been a great occasion for everybody involved. "At City of Football, we are looking at raising the levels of participation in sports in Nottingham and this was a perfect opportunity to not only be part of a great event, but also for girls to get involved in different sports." Telford was representing Precision Goalkeeping at the event. Share your thoughts about this story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County Ladies trio Laura Bassett, Jade Moore and Jo Potter have been called up to the England squad for their home game against Estonia at Meadow Lane. Mark Sampson's side have already qualified for next year's European Finals, which will be held in the Netherlands, but a win at County's ground could see them top the group. The match, which takes place at 7:05pm on Thursday September 15, is England's last home qualifier. Tickets are still on sale for the fixture, priced at £7.50 for adults and £3.50 for concessions. To book your tickets, visit http://www.nclfc.co.uk. Share your thoughts on his story by signing up to Pride of Nottingham, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County loanee Aaron Collins has expressed surprise and delight at getting the equalising goal against Grimsby in Saturday's 2-2 draw at Meadow Lane. Trailing 2-0 to Shaun Pearson's header and an Omar Bogle strike, the Magpies pulled it back through Jonathan Forte's goal and Collins's late strike. The hosts could have even had a third, but Michael O'Connor struck the bar from a penalty. "It was a great start and I was so happy to get a goal," Collins said. "In training on Thursday I hit two left foot shots that flew way over the crossbar. "And then before the game, I hit another two in the warm-up that went way over. "But then in the game I ended up making a great connection. "As soon I struck it I thought it was in. There was a shot I had before that with my right foot that I had made good contact with too. It went into the bottom corner and I am happy with that." Collins also praised one of the substitutes in particular, adding: "Vadaine came on and changed the game for us. "We were on the backfoot in the first half, and their keeper made a great save at the end to prevent us from winning. "Having been two goals down, to come back to take a point – we are happy with that." Share your thoughts about this story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County boss John Sheridan has praised his substitutes for helping the side claw back a 2-2 draw against Grimsby Town in Saturday's League Two game at Meadow Lane. Shaun Pearson and Omar Bogle powered the visitors into a two-goal lead by the hour mark, but Jonathan Forte and Aaron Collins helped the Magpies come back to get a point. Sheridan said after the game: "I thought we were a bit flat in the first half and I didn't think we were at the races. "Full credit to Grimsby for that because I thought they were on the front foot a lot more than we were. "They were picking things up a lot quicker than we were and unfortunately we went a goal down. "But the two lads up front were a real handful and we couldn't deal with it. "However we started the second half really well and got on top before giving away a shambolic goal. "You think at 2-0 down it's a mountain to climb, but we responded really, really, well. "The substitutes came on and changed the game. We peppered them and got them on the back foot. "In the end I am gutted we have not won the game. The fans appreciated how we tried to get back into the game, so full respect to them." Share your thoughts about this story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County fought back from two goals down to clinch a point in a 2-2 draw against Grimsby Town in Saturday's League Two meeting at Meadow Lane. Paul Hurst's charges began the game brightly and were ahead just after the half-hour mark when a corner was headed towards goal by Shaun Person. Despite the defender being around 15 yards out, the ball dumbfounded every Notts defender and crept into the bottom corner, much to the dismay of the home players, staff and fans. It would get worse for the Magpies as, 56 minutes in, another defensive mistake led to another Mariners goal. Omar Bogle extended the visitors' lead when he raced on to a poor back pass from Stanley Aborah and beat the advancing Adam Collin. John Sheridan's side set about trying to claw something back from the game and were rewarded on 77 minutes when Richard Duffy forced a save from James McKeown into a save and Jonathan Forte poked home the rebound. Moments after the restart, Notts won a penalty after Vadaine Oliver was felled in the box, but captain Michael O'Connor sent his spot kick against the post and out of play. Nevertheless, the Magpies were able to get something back from the game after loanee Aaron Collins rifled home from Oliver's knockdown. Share your thoughts about the game on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County and Grimsby Town have met a total of 78 times over the years, with the first fixture coming on 5 October 1893. Notts won the Division Two clash 2-0 at Trent Bridge. The Magpies have 27 wins, while the Mariners have 32, and 19 games have been drawn. The two teams last met on 17 February 2010 at Meadow Lane, with Lee Hughes opening the scoring and Jamie Devitt equalising for a 1-1 draw. Grimsby Town FC was formed in 1878 after a meeting held at the Wellington Arms public house in Freeman Street, Grimsby. Several attendees included members of the local Worsley Cricket Club who wanted to form a football club to occupy the empty winter evenings after the cricket season had finished The club was originally called Grimsby Pelham, this being the family name of the Earl of Yarborough, a significant landowner in the area. In 1880 the club purchased land at Clee Park which was to become their ground until 1889 when they relocated to Abbey Park, before moving again in 1899 to their present home, Blundell Park. The club is the most successful of the three professional league clubs in historic Lincolnshire, being the only one to play top-flight football. It is also the only club of the three to reach an FA Cup semi-final (doing so on two occasions) and is the only one to succeed in two finals at the old Wembley Stadium. It has also spent more time in the English game's first and second tiers than any other club from Lincolnshire. Notable managers include Bill Shankly, who went on to guide Liverpool to three League titles, two FA Cups and a UEFA Cup triumph and Lawrie McMenemy who, after securing promotion to the then third division in 1972, moved to Southampton where he won the FA Cup in 1976. Alan Buckley is the club's most successful manager; he had three spells as team manager between 1988 and 2008, guiding the club to three promotions and two appearances at Wembley Stadium during the 1997–98 season winning both the Football League Trophy and the Football League Second Division Play-Off Final. In 2008 Buckley took Grimsby to the capital again, but lost out to MK Dons in the final of the Football League Trophy. The Mariners had also reached the Football League Two Play-Off final in 2006 at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium, but lost the match 1–0 to Cheltenham Town. Later trips to the Wembley in 2013 and 2016 saw them defeated in the FA Trophy final by Wrexham and FC Halifax Town respectively. Grimsby managed to reach the Conference play-off final in both 2015 and 2016, after losing to Bristol Rovers they defeated Forest Green Rovers to earn promotion back to the Football League. Initial relegation from back in 2010 made them the fourth club to compete in all top five divisions of English football (after Carlisle United, Oxford United, and Luton Town). --- Wes Atkinson will be available for Notts County against Grimsby Town on Saturday despite his red card in midweek. Atkinson was sent off along with Hartlepool's Toto Nsiala in injury time towards the end of the EFL Trophy tie between the two clubs on Wednesday night but the defender's suspension will be served in the next group game in that competition, rather than in League Two. Magpies manager John Sheridan made several changes in midweek and the likes of Adam Collin, Matt Tootle, Richard Duffy, Michael O'Connor and Jon Stead will probably be recalled to the starting line up. Teenage forward Aaron Collins can also be added to Sheridan's squad after signing on loan from Wolves. Grimsby boss Paul Hurst, meanwhile, could include two deadline day signings in his squad for the first time. QPR midfielder Brandon Comley and Barnsley striker Shaun Tuton are both available after completing loan moves to Blundell Park, but Manchester United keeper Dean Henderson will not arrive until Monday after international duty with England Under-20s. However, Hurst will once again be without Dan Jones (knee), Sean McAllister (groin) and Rhys Browne (hamstring). How will Notts County get on against Grimsby? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up for FREE to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

John Sheridan has played down suggestions that he is building a winning culture at Notts County, but admits that he needs his players to "not like getting beat". The Magpies have won three games in a row with Wednesday's victory over Hartlepool United, a run not seen since the days of Shaun Derry. Sheridan said: "I wouldn't say I am building a winning culture because we still have a lot of work to do, but I want players who do not like getting beat. "I want a group who, if they go out with that manner, have a good chance of achieving things. "That's a mentality we have got to get because I don't want to be second best. "It happened too much last season and I still see signs of it, which is something I want to eradicate. "Hopefully, by winning games then it will only improve us." How will Notts get on against Grimsby? Share your thoughts about this story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County manager John Sheridan has claimed that new loan signing Aaron Collins will provide pace in attack and expects him to challenge for a first-team place right away. The Wolverhampton Wanderers forward is on loan until January and he will go straight into the squad for Saturday's game against Grimsby Town at Meadow Lane. "He's a young player and has a lot of potential," Sheridan told reporters. "He's quick and can play up front or play wide right. "He will be really good on our big pitch. He's got good energy. "Aaron's still learning, but he is somebody who can give us pace and he will come in and compete with what we've already got." Collins will be reunited with Sheridan for a second time having played under him at Newport County, who sold him to Wolves for £100,000 earlier this year. How much impact will Aaron Collins make? Share your thoughts about this story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County have got off to a winning start in the revamped EFL Trophy with a 2-1 win over Hartlepool United at Meadow Lane. Genaro Snijders fired the hosts into a 21st-minute lead with a goal on the break, working himself into a shooting position and drilling low into the far corner. Rhys Oates then brought Pools level with his first goal of the season after good work by Lewis Alessandra in the 29th minute. Parity, however, lasted just six minutes, as Lewis Hawkins fouled Carl Dickenson in the area and Graham Burke beat Adam Bartlett from the penalty spot. In added time a melee broke out and Wes Atkinson and Toto Nsiala were sent off as a result, meaning they will miss the next group game in the competition. The win banked County's first points in Group F as they stretched their unbeaten run to three games and, in the process, sealed their second win over Hartlepool inside a month. Share your thoughts about this game on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County manager John Sheridan has expressed his desire to take the EFL Trophy seriously and try his luck at getting to Wembley. The competition has come under intense criticism following the inclusion of Premier League academy teams, which fans feel is compromising the integrity of the tournament and the English Football League itself. "Even if this was a friendly game, I would still be wanting to win it – that's the way I am," Sheridan told reporters. "Obviously with the rulings and Premier League teams coming in, it makes it a little bit different. But listen - it's football. If I was a player I'd want to be playing in any game. "It's our best chance, I feel, of winning a cup and trying to earn a day out for the supporters at Wembley. I've been there and won it and it's something I will remember. "I don't think the inclusion of the Premier League teams make it inferior. We'll be going to Sunderland which, for the players, will be a good occasion for them. "All the teams will be wanting to get through and make it to the final. I would never disrespect it in anyway. We have to take it seriously." "I will give one or two players who haven't been playing a game. But the rules state that I have to play five of the 11 which started on Saturday, or five who have made the most appearances this season. "Whichever team I put out it will be a strong one. I want to make sure we go out and play well. We are at home and I want to win the game. Whoever I play I am confident of getting the right result." Do you agree with John Sheridan's musings? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County assistant manager Mark Crossley admits he is still looking to determine what Rob Milsom's best position is, but claims he will be a 'big addition' to the squad. The 29-year-old played the first half of Tuesday's reserve team game against Chesterfield, which saw the Magpies win 2-1 with goals from Graham Burke and Wes Atkinson. "We are working his best position out. I was at Fulham when he was coming through," Crossley said. "He was definitely a left-back. I believe he's pushed forward to play left wing and central midfield. "He can play two or three positions. That's massive for us. "You don't see many left footers around. I wouldn't even put it past him being able to play left sided centre-back if we needed him. "He's like three players in one. It was great to get him on the pitch. He did brilliant. "He was only going to play half an hour but the lad wanted to stay on. He showed what a class little player he is. "He'll be a big addition to our squad when he gets match fit." What do you think about where Rob Milsom should play? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County loanee Louis Laing is delighted in being able to contribute to his side's success, whether by keeping clean sheets, scoring or providing assists. The 23-year-old played a hand in both Magpies goals away at Hartlepool United on Saturday, scoring the leveller before setting up Jon Stead for the winner. Laing told reporters: "I am trying to think back if I have scored in England before, but I haven't, so that's something to celebrate. "I had a hand in the second goal as well, which was nice too. The space opened up for me and I just thought I would drive into it. "I think that's one of my strengths, that when I see space I can step into it. "I was about to pull the trigger myself actually, but thankfully I didn't. It would have been nice to score two, but it was great to help Steady to get a goal." The 2-1 victory over Hartlepool is Notts County's first win this season. How crucial will Louis be to Notts during his loan spell at Notts? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County boss John Sheridan has praised his charges for the "good response" to Tuesday's defeat against Plymouth Argyle. The Magpies came from behind on Saturday to beat Hartlepool United 2-1 and claim their first win of the season. However, Sheridan was unhappy with his side for conceding the first goal of the game at Victoria Park, describing it as "sloppy". "The response to Tuesday was good," he told reporters after the game. "We could have scored three or four goals and I was just pleased for the players to get the result we were after. "The goal we conceded was poor. I told them before the game not to leave their wingers one v one with ours. "But we switched off and we should work harder to stop the ball from coming into the box. "It was a real sloppy goal, but it was a great response from the players in the second half. "Steady's got three goals now and that's a good return from him as well. "Louis has anticipated the first goal and we have shown really good character to get back into the game." How will Notts build on this win? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County have claimed their first win of the 2016-17 League Two season after coming from behind to clinch a 2-1 victory at previously unbeaten Hartlepool United. The hosts took the lead on eight minutes when Lewis Alessandra beat County’s Carl Dickinson and sent the ball low into the area, where Toto Nsiala bundled over the line. Notts could have levelled when Jon Stead got in on goal, but was denied as Trevor Carson deflected his finish onto the bar before Jonathan Forte wasted a chance from the left. On 66 minutes, John Sheridan’s charges equalised when a cross was headed back into the area, Louis Laing making the most of a disorganised Pools defence to prod the ball beyond Carson. Notts then sealed the win 15 minutes from time as Laing was allowed to bring the ball out of defence without a challenge, and he picked out Stead in the area to curl in from an angle. Share your thoughts on the game on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County and Hartlepool United have met 30 times over the years. The first meeting was on 21 September 1959 at Victoria Park, and the Magpies won 4-2. The head-to-head record stands at 13 wins for Notts, 12 defeats, and 5 draws. In 1905, the amateur team West Hartlepool won the FA Amateur Cup which at the time was considered second only to the FA Cup. Partly as a result of this the opportunity for a professional team arose in 1908, when West Hartlepool Rugby Club went bust leaving their stadium Victoria Ground vacant. The stadium was bought and the current club was founded under the name ‘Hartlepools United Football Athletic Company’, representing both the town of West Hartlepool and the original settlement of Old Hartlepool. The new team joined the professional North-Eastern league and West Hartlepool F.C. lost some of their players to the new professional side. West Hartlepool managed to continue for a few seasons, but it was not long before they broke up leaving Hartlepools United as the only team in town. In 1968 the "s" and the "United" were dropped from the team name of "Hartlepools United". This was in connection with West Hartlepool being absorbed along with the old smaller town of Hartlepool and the village of Hart into one new borough named "Hartlepool". The appendage of "United" was finally restored in 1977. Brian Clough was invited to manage Hartlepools in 1965. His reaction was: "I don't fancy the place," but he took the job anyway and stayed for two seasons alongside Peter Taylor. Under Cyril Knowles' management the club won promotion to the Third Division in 1990, but Hartlepool's greatest moment occurred in 2005 when they narrowly missed promotion to The Championship. According to local folklore, the term “Monkey Hangers”, which Hartlepudlians are sometimes called, originates from an incident in which a monkey was hanged in the town. During the Napoleonic Wars, a French ship of the type chasse marée was wrecked off the coast of Hartlepool. The only survivor was a monkey, allegedly wearing a French uniform to provide amusement for the crew. On finding the monkey, some locals decided to hold an impromptu trial on the beach; since the monkey was unable to answer their questions and because they had seen neither a monkey nor a Frenchman before, they concluded that the monkey was in fact a French spy. Being found guilty the animal was duly sentenced to death and hanged on the beach. An alternative theory is put forward alongside the above on the "This Is Hartlepool" town guide, stating: "Then there are some who point to a much darker interpretation of the yarn. They say that the creature that was hanged might not have been a monkey at all; it could have been a young boy. After all, the term powder-monkey was commonly used in those times for the children employed on warships to prime the cannon with gunpowder." In the 2002 council election, the team's mascot "H'Angus the Monkey", aka Stuart Drummond, was elected mayor of Hartlepool as an independent, under the slogan "free bananas for schoolchildren". In recent years the most visible fan of the club has been Jeff Stelling, presenter of Soccer Saturday on Sky Sports. The rock star Meat Loaf, Janick Gers of the metal band Iron Maiden, MP Peter Mandelson, and film director Ridley Scott are also fans of the club. --- Rob Jones could return to the Hartlepool squad for the Notts County game after he missed Tuesday's 3-3 draw at Crewe Alexandra with a head injury. Pools boss Hignett otherwise has no fresh selection concerns with Jake Orrell continuing to work his way back to full fitness after suffering a thigh problem in pre-season. Notts boss John Sheridan has an unchanged squad as he looks to secure a first win of the season. He made just one change against his former club Plymouth Argyle in midweek - handing a start to Louis Laing at the expense of Haydn Hollis, who was left out of the match-day 18. Few, if any, changes are likely but the likes of Alan Smith, Genaro Snijders, Vadaine Oliver, Adam Campbell and Graham Burke are options. Curtis Thompson (ankle) is not quite ready to return from injury but has been stepping up his training, while Rob Milsom is doing likewise as he also recovers from an ankle problem. How will Notts fare at Hartlepool? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County boss John Sheridan has warned that Hartlepool United will be tough to beat on Saturday, but will aim to shut up shop at the back and come away with something. The Magpies have endured a tough start to the 2016-17 League Two season, with two defeats and a draw in their first three games, plus an early exit from the League Cup. Against Plymouth Argyle on Tuesday, Notts put up a good performance but still finished the game on the receiving end of a 2-1 defeat, with Sheridan eager to address the problems at the back. "They are a good team," Sheridan said of Hartlepool. "My brother Darren went to watch them the other night and so did Graham Browne, the chief scout. "I've watched them too. They have got some good players, a couple of them I've managed before. "Craig Hignett is a good manager. They are a well organised 4-4-2 side, and will be tough to beat. "They will be hard to play against. It's always a difficult place to go. "They are scoring goals and they showed good character the other night when they were 3-1 down but came back to get a point. "But we will go there with a lot of belief that we can get something from the game. "In every game we've played, we've created chances, which is a plus. But if we don't concede we are not going to lose a game. You have to stop the ball from going into the back of the net. "We just have to keep those standards up from Tuesday night. We can't do it one week and not the next. If we play like that, then we will win games." How will Notts fare against the Pools? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County academy manager Mick Halsall has confirmed that youth players Montel Gibson and Yohan Rutty-Smith have joined Evo Stik Northern Premier Division One South club Romulus FC. The former has signed an initial one-month deal at the Birmingham-based side, while the latter joins on on work experience. Halsall said: “A huge part of any young player’s development is getting first-team experience, be that at their parent club or elsewhere. “The physicality, pressures and expectation of senior football can’t be replicated in youth matches and, having been sent off on his debut last night, I’m sure Montel can already vouch for the fact that results-based football presents entirely different physical, mental and emotional challenges.” “I’m aware that some supporters were disappointed that we didn’t publicise the news of these loans. As academy manager, a big part of my job is to ensure our young players remain grounded and, especially in the case of Yohan, who is on a work experience loan, stay out of the spotlight. “However I understand supporters’ desire to be kept informed and, having discussed this issue with senior management at the club, I will ensure news of this nature will be publicised promptly in future. “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank supporters for their continued interest and support of the academy.” Is this a good loan move for the two players? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up for FREE to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.