Joe Jones

Matt Tootle has stressed that Notts County must stop the "silly little mistakes" which have led to three defeats in the last four games. The Magpies were beaten 2-1 by Plymouth Argyle on Tuesday night as goals from Jake Jervis and Nauris Bulvitis came either side of Jon Stead's strike. Tootle believes that Notts could feel positive about their performance in the League Two clash, but added that they are conceding soft goals and undoing all their good work. He told reporters: "We can be encouraged by the way we went about our business in the second half, but it's just silly little mistakes which are leading to goals. "It's annoying because everybody is going to make mistakes but you might get that bit of luck where it doesn't result in a goal. "But I thought in the second half we dominated the game. We just have to keep going. We are too good a team to lose games at home like that. "The gaffer is working with us on keeping the ball better and moving it forward quicker on the floor. "I said in an interview the other day that it will take time. I remember when we went up with Crewe we lost our first six games so there's nothing to worry about just yet. "We've just got to keep plugging away - it will come." What do you think of what Tootle had to say? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County manager John Sheridan felt like his side deserved all three points against Plymouth Argyle in Tuesday night's League Two 2-1 defeat at Meadow Lane. The Magpies fell behind to Jake Jervis's strike just before the quarter-hour mark but were level in the 17th minute through a Jon Stead solo goal. Plymouth struck again on the half-hour mark as Nauris Bulvitis scored from a corner and, despite County's efforts in the second half, could not fashion a second equaliser. Sheridan told reporters after the game: "I think we deserved all three points. We played really well. I've got lot of positives from the game. "After Saturday's performance, I let my feelings known. But the players responded really, really, well. "We've created so many chances to score goals. And I don't think you will see a better performance all season from any team in this league than what we produced in the second half. "We looked a really good team." Do you agree with Shezza's thoughts? Share your opinions on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County's hangover from last season has continued into the fourth match of the current campaign as John Sheridan's charges limped to a third defeat in four games against Plymouth Argyle. The Magpies began the season with a 2-0 defeat at Yeovil Town, followed it up with an early exit from the EFL Cup at Scunthorpe, before struggling to a 1-1 defeat at home to Stevenage, and on Tuesday night, a 2-1 defeat was the order of the day. First blood went Plymouth's way on the quarter-hour mark as full-back Gary Miller broke forward into an attacking position and played the ball inside to former Notts loanee Jake Jervis, who turned and shot low past goalkeeper Adam Collin. Jon Stead equalised just three minutes later in emphatic fashion as he raced down the right and then cut into the penalty area before slotting the ball past Luke McCormick at his near post from eight yards out. However, the third and final goal of the game would come just after the half-hour mark, courtesy of Connor Smith's corner being headed home by Nauris Bulvitis. Notts tried desperately to get themselves back into the game and nearly snatched a last-gasp equaliser, but McCormick made a brilliant save to deny Michael O'Connor at the death. How do you feel Notts did? Share your thoughts by signing up to Pride of Nottingham, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County and Plymouth Argyle have met a total of 44 times over the years, with the Magpies winning 23 times; the Pilgrims have triumphed 12 times, and nine draws have taken place. The first meeting took place on 13 Jan 1923, a FA Cup clash in Plymouth which ended as a goalless draw. Plymouth's premier team takes its nickname from an English religious group that left Plymouth for the New World in 1620. The club crest features the Mayflower, the ship that carried the pilgrims to Massachusetts. The city of Plymouth is the largest in England never to have hosted top-flight football. They are also the most southerly and westerly League club in England. The club was founded in 1886 as Argyle Football Club, the first match taking place on 16 October 1886 against Caxton, a team from Cornwall and saw the Pilgrims lose 2–0. Poor performances on the pitch led to the club going out of existence in 1894 before being resurrected in 1897 as one part of a general sports club, the Argyle Athletic Club. Much speculation surrounds the origin of the name Argyle. One explanation is that they were named after the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, an army regiment with a strong football side of its own. Another theory is given the respective geographical placements–suggests the name comes either from the nearby public house, The Argyle Tavern, where the founder members may have met, or the local street named Argyle Terrace. An alternative suggestion is that their initial kit was decorated in the famous Argyle diamond pattern. The club adopted its current name when it became fully professional in 1903 joining the Southern League, under the management of Bob Jack. Since becoming professional in 1903, the club has won five Football League titles (one Division Two and two Division Three), five Southern League titles and one Western League title. The team set the record for most championships won in the third tier, having finished first in the Third Division South twice, the Third Division once and the Second Division once. In March 1973, Plymouth played a friendly against Brazilian giants Santos - who had a certain Pele in their ranks. However, the Devon club shocked the crowd of over 37,000 people at Home Park by cruising to a 3-0 lead and going on to win the game 3-2. --- Louis Laing could be back in the Notts team against Plymouth on Tuesday night after rejoining the Magpies on loan from Motherwell, having had a previous loan spell at Meadow Lane in 2014 while on the books at city rivals Nottingham Forest. The defender might go straight into the team with boss John Sheridan likely to make some changes after describing his side's second-half showing against Stevenage on Saturday as a "shambles". The likes of Alan Smith, Genaro Snijders, Elliott Hewitt, Adam Campbell and Graham Burke are also options for Sheridan. Plymouth boss Derek Adams could once again ring the changes for the trip after his side slipped to a third straight defeat in all competitions at Carlisle United on Saturday. Adams made 14 signings during a summer of change at Home Park and defender Nauris Bulvitis became their 11th debutant of the season against the Cumbrians after international clearance came through on Friday. Connor Smith replaced David Ijaha for the start of the second half at Brunton Park and could well have played himself into the starting line-up after an impressive showing. How will Notts fare against Plymouth? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Motherwell defender Louis Laing has rejoined Notts County on a loan until January. The 23-year-old made 12 appearances during his previous loan stint at the club two seasons ago, during which time Notts kept six clean sheets. Laing, formerly of Nottingham Forest, told the Notts official website: "It's good to be back because the last stint I had here was massively enjoyable. "It's a big club with great fans and and hopefully we can replicate our form from when I was last here and push for promotion. I firmly believe we can get do that - it's one of the reasons I came. "We've got a good manager in place and the fans are brilliant - they will cheer us on all the way. "We'll take each game as it comes, starting with three points against tomorrow night." Will Louis Laing make all the difference for Notts County? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County want to bring former Nottingham Forest defender and Magpies loanee Louis Laing back to Meadow Lane, according to reports. The 23-year-old, currently at Motherwell, is now believed to be on John Sheridan's radar as the Notts gaffer looks to shore up his defence. Laing was brought to Notts on loan by Shaun Derry in the 2014/15 season and performed admirably at the back for the Magpies while at the club. He moved on a free transfer to Motherwell in the summer of last year after leaving Forest, having spent five months on loan at the Scottish Premier League club. The Nottingham Post speculates that Laing could be in the Notts squad as early as tomorrow, when they host Plymouth Argyle in NG2. Sheridan has also been linked with the likes of Kelvin Wilson and Lewin Nyatanga over the summer. Would you want to see Louis Laing back in the black and white shirt? Share your thoughts with Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County have salvaged a point against Stevenage in the first Meadow Lane game of the 2016-17 season as Jon Stead helped the Magpies come from behind. The visitors made a bright start and made the most of a mistake by Haydn Hollis, who should have cleared the ball but instead allowed midfielder Jobi McAnuff to get inside and tee up Ben Kennedy, who rifled home. John Sheridan's side managed to pull level midway through the first half when a 50-yard pass by Carl Dickinson picked out the run of Stead, who lobbed the advancing Jamie Jones to net his and his side's first goal of the campaign. Notts then poured forward in the search of further goals and were denied by the woodwork on two occasions. Stead hit the post when he fired across goal following neat work by Hollis, before Thierry Audel rattled the crossbar from close range, but ultimately the spoils were shared. Sheridan was not happy with his side, telling reporters after the game: "The second half was a shocking performance and I’m not happy one bit. We made it look very difficult and we were causing ourselves a massive problem. "I’m not having it – Stevenage totally dominated the second half. There’s no danger that what happened last season will happen this season with me – I will sort it out." How do you feel Notts did in the game? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County and Stevenage FC have only ever met nine times, the first meeting coming on 17 September 2011 at Broadhall Way (known as the Lamex Stadium) - the result on that day was 2-0 to the Magpies. Our head-to-head record is pretty simple: five wins for Notts, four wins for Stevenage, no draws. Stevenage in their current form have only been in existence since 1976, but there have been numerous incarnations of the club that stretch back over a century. A club called Stevenage FC was formed in 1894, but they soon adopted the name Stevenage Town. In 1951 the club were founder members of the Delphian League. In 1956 they merged with Stevenage Rangers to form Stevenage FC, before reverting to Stevenage Town four years later. They had some success in the Southern League but folded in 1967, after which Stevenage Athletic were created in their place a year later. This incarnation again knocked about in the Southern League but went bankrupt in 1976. This brings us to Stevenage Borough, formed shortly after Athletic's demise, and this time they managed to prosper and work their way up the leagues until finally reaching the Football League in 2010, at which point they took the whole thing full circle by dropping the Borough from their name and becoming Stevenage FC. Despite their relatively short history, Stevenage have won a number of trophies and competitions, including two FA Trophy cups in 2007 and 2009. The Lamex Stadium holds 6,722 people, 3,142 of which can be seated. To put it into perspective, three full houses at Stevenage could fit into the Meadow Lane stands with 45 seats to spare. The highest attendance recorded at the stadium was 8,040 for a match against Newcastle United in the FA Cup fourth round on 25 January 1998. A temporary stand was erected behind the away end to increase the stadium capacity to 8,100, enough to satisfy FA requirements. Two films were set in and around Stevenage: "Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush" and "Boston Kickout". "Spy Game" was partly filmed in Stevenage but set in Washington DC. A number of famous sporting figures were born in Stevenage, the most notable of which are Lewis Hamilton, Jack Wilshere, Ashley Young, Ian Poulter, Kevin Phillips and Jason Shackell. --- Michael O'Connor is expected to be included in the Notts County squad for the first time this season when Stevenage visit Meadow Lane. The midfielder, signed from Port Vale in June, has been nursing a hamstring injury but Magpies manager John Sheridan said at his pre-match press conference on Thursday that O'Connor is now fit. Stevenage boss Darren Sarll could keep the starting XI who shocked Ipswich Town in the cup in midweek. Ben Kennedy, who scored the winner at Portman Road, started his side's opening-day defeat to Crewe Alexandra on the bench but could now be rewarded with a starting spot on Saturday. New signing Rowan Liburd should keep his place in attack after making his debut on Tuesday night. Dean Wells was taken off at Ipswich with a tight hamstring but should be fit to start while Ronnie Henry is questionable for the trip. How will Notts get on against Stevenage? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up for FREE to the website, visiting the forum and joining the discussion.

John Sheridan has revealed that he is looking to add a centre-back to his Notts County squad and says he has spoken to two clubs about signing players on loan. The Magpies boss has pledged to turn his side into an attacking force, particularly at Meadow Lane, but he is still keen to bolster his back line. "I am just waiting for the clubs to get back to me, they know the interest," Sheridan told reports. "There are two clubs I've asked about a centre-back. It will be a loan deal. "Again, I can't just go and pick them up so obviously you just have to wait. "But we've enquired about the same position at two clubs so hopefully it will be the first one who comes back." Sheridan has already signed defenders Matt Tootle, Richard Duffy and Carl Dickinson this summer. Who would you like to see added to the Notts defence? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County manager John Sheridan has pledged to play attacking, winning football at Meadow Lane as he targets home form as a key factor in leaving League Two. The Magpies have failed to score in their two competitive games so far this season, both of which were away, but will welcome Stevenage to NG2 this weekend. Sheridan told reporters: "The form at Meadow Lane is going to be massive for us. It always is when you are trying to get out of any division. "I want us to be very positive and really go for games at home. I am going to be very attack-minded, and you need to score goals. "A lot of the time, the formation will be set-up for us to play with a purpose like we are going to create chances." Sheridan did, however, stress the importance of stemming the flow of goals at the back too, citing the 2-0 EFL Cup defeat at Scunthorpe United in midweek. He added: "Even though I thought we defended well the other night, and our shape was good, we gave a silly free-kick away and it led to a goal. "And for the second goal, we were in possession of the ball. It's not just down to the keeper and the defenders. "That's people higher up the pitch sometimes giving you a problem by somebody taking too many touches and so on. "It's about the team and we are trying to work hard as a team to stop goals from going in." How will Notts fare against Stevenage this Saturday? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

John Sheridan has praised his Notts County side for their performance in their 2-0 EFL Cup first-round defeat at Scunthorpe United, saying the players should have got something from the game. The Magpies took their opponents to extra time after a goalless draw at Glanford Park, but Kevin van Keen's brace sent Notts home with nothing to show for their exploits. "I don't know whether to laugh or cry," Sheridan told reporters. "We had some great chances to score and we made good openings through good football as well. "I thought we played, really, really well. I am just a bit down because I am gutted for the players. "I was very frustrated on the sidelines because I thought our performance warranted something out of the game. "I am gutted we have lost. It was a massive up on Saturday's performance. I made one or two changes. People came in and did well. "The system worked and we worked our socks off." What do Notts County need to do to improve this weekend against Stevenage at Meadow Lane? Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County have been knocked out of the EFL Cup at the first hurdle after falling to a 2-0 extra-time defeat at Scunthorpe United in Tuesday's first-round tie at Glanford Park. The Magpies had the opening shot on target as a cross was floated over by Jon Stead and hit on the volley by Alex Rodman which Luke Daniels parried away. Alan Smith then tried his luck with an audacious volley from about 30 yards out which wasn’t too far off target, while Kevin van Veen came close on 25 minutes for the Iron. Both sides traded chances throughout the game but neither could break the deadlock by the full-time mark, so extra time it would be. The hosts went on to take the lead in the 100th minute as Josh Morris's free kick into the box was knocked on by Murray Wallace and drilled home by Van Veen. The Dutchman then sealed the win for Scunthorpe when he received the ball on the edge of the box and curled into the bottom corner to send John Sheridan's team home with a second consecutive competitive defeat of the season - with no goals scored. Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts on Tuesday's game by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

John Sheridan admits that promotion from League Two is the priority for Notts County this season, but he will still put a strong team out for tonight's EFL Cup meeting with Scunthorpe United. The Magpies travel to Glanford Park this evening for the first-round tie hoping to get through and hopefully secure a glamour tie in the next round. Notts have enjoyed League Cup trips to Liverpool and Aston Villa in the last few years, giving their Premier League opponents a game and creating memorable nights for the Black and White Army. Sheridan told reporters: "Every game I play I want to win, but the league is the priority. I'd be stupid if I didn't say that. But with the cup there is always that attraction of getting a big team and going as far as you possibly can. "I will put a strong team out to try to win the game because it will be a difficult one. We have to put up a brave showing and try to get a good result if we can." Can Notts County get past Scunthorpe United this evening? Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County against Scunthorpe United is a relatively new fixture in English football - the first time these two faced off was on the 4th January 1969 in the old Division Four. On that day, goals by George Kerr and Nigel Cassidy gave the Iron a 2-1 victory (Richie Barker netted the consolation for the Magpies). Since then, the two sides have played 27 games, and the record is firmly in the Magpies' favour, winning 18, drawing 4 and losing just 5. Scunthorpe United were formed in 1899. In 1910 they merged with local rivals Lindsey United to become Scunthorpe & Lindsey United, and joined the Midland Football League in 1912. In 1950 the club was accepted into the Football League, ahead of Workington and Wigan Athletic, when the league structure was expanded, with the "Lindsey" part of the name being dropped shortly after. Ever since the club entered the league their nickname has been ‘The Iron’, a metal which has long played a role in the team’s nomenclature. Before 1950s Scunthorpe United were known as the Knuts. The origin is uncertain but it is generally accepted as being when they won one of the local charity cups. The vicar of Frodingham, the Rev Cryspant Rust, said “that indeed Scunthorpe and Lindsey United were a tough (k)nut to beat”. For a small club, the Iron have an impressive roll call of former players and managers. The most notable is Kevin Keegan, one of England's greatest ever footballers, who played for Scunny between 1966 and 1971. Other alumni, either in a playing or managing capacity, include Ray Clemence, cricketer Ian Botham, Ian Storey-Moore, Neil Warnock, Jermaine Beckford, Billy Sharp, Andy Keogh, and former Leicester City manager Nigel Adkins, who used to be the club's physiotherapist. --- Midfielder Sam Mantom is in contention to make his Scunthorpe United debut on Tuesday against Notts County, after his summer move to Glanford Park from League One rivals Walsall, while striker Paddy Madden remains sidelined with a calf strain. Notts County captain Michael O'Connor is unlikely to lead the Magpies for the first time as he is yet to prove his fitness after an injury-hit pre-season. Boss John Sheridan, however, is expected to make a number of changes following the 2-0 defeat by Yeovil Town. How will Notts fare at Scunthorpe United? Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

John Sheridan has expressed his disappointment at Notts County losing their opening game of the season at Yeovil Town to two "poor" goals. Kevin Dawson gave the Glovers the lead when he forced Adam Collin into a mistake amid claims the goalkeeper was fouled in the build up, before Otis Khan then made it 2-0 after Ryan Hedges' shot was parried away by Collin. "It is disappointing start because you want to hit the ground running as quickly as you can," Sheridan said. "The two goals have cost us the game. We started okay in the first five minutes and we were never in any danger, but they've had a good chance before they scored. "I don't actually think we played that bad, but you can't start playing when you are 2-0 down. "The opposition are going to sit back and try to consolidate the lead. But the goals we conceded were very poor. "You can't concede goals like that. It was an uphill battle although I thought we had a go in the second half. "We took the game to them, but I was disappointed because you want to get something from your first game." What do Notts need to do ahead of Tuesday's meeting with Scunthorpe? Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County manager John Sheridan says he will consider selecting different players away from home. The Magpies began their League Two season with a 2-0 defeat at Yeovil Town, prompting the veteran boss to consider which of his squad may be more effective on the road. "Hopefully there aren't one or two players in the comfort zone thinking they will play all the time because I just won't do that," Sheridan said. "We haven't got a best player at this club, they are all evenly matched. But I will pick a shape and a team that will suit us. I will look at away differently to how we play at home. "I've done it before when I had Jack Lester at Chesterfield. I never played him away from home and he was my best player. "These are decisions I have to make and I will be making them early. I won't be doing it after 10 to 15 games of the season. "I've got to sort it out and see which players will get us results away from home and those who will be effective at home. If I have to do that, then that's not a problem." Do you think Sheridan's idea will work at Notts? Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County began the 2016-17 League Two season with a defeat as they went down 2-0 at Yeovil Town. The Glovers dominated the first half at Huish Park and struck twice to give John Sheridan's men too much to do as Kevin Dawson scored his first goal for the club in two years. It proved to be a controversial strike as he appeared to impede goalkeeper Adam Collin before nudging the loose ball into the net in the 16th minute. Seven minutes later, it was Otis Khan's turn to get on the scoresheet as he netted on his debut, the former Barnsley winger reacting to a Ryan Hedges shot that Collin could only parry and slotting home. The Magpies improved as the match ticked on, with Jonathan Forte, Graham Burke and Carl Dickinson all weighing in with chances. Forte, in particular, was denied a goal by a fine save from Artur Krysiak after he had latched onto a great knockdown by Vadaine Oliver, but that was as close as Notts came to getting on the scoresheet as Yeovil saw the game out. How did you find the game? Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County and Yeovil Town have only met 13 times over the years. The first game took place at Meadow Lane on 4 November 1961, with the Magpies beating their opponents 4-2 in the FA Cup. That was the only meeting of the two pre-21st century - the 12 meetings following that game all took place between 2004 and 2016. Yeovil have the upper edge in the head-to-head with 6 wins, 5 defeats and 2 draws against Notts. Yeovil Football Club was founded in 1890, and shared their ground with the local rugby club for many years. Five years later they were renamed Yeovil Casuals and started playing home games at the Pen Mill Athletic Ground. In 1907 the name Yeovil Town was adopted, which on amalgamation with Petters United became Yeovil and Petters United. The name reverted to Yeovil Town prior to the 1946–47 season. The Somerset outfit have spent most of their existence in the lower leagues, though they briefly made a name for themselves in the 1948-49 season when they beat Sunderland 2-1 in the FA Cup fourth round. In the 1980s, Yeovil were founder members of the Football Conference, where they remained for the next two decades, save for a few relegations to the Isthmian League which usually resulted in an instant return to the above tier. Yeovil Town earned promotion to the Football League in the 2002-03 season, by winning the Football Conference by a record 17 points margin, accumulating 95 points and scoring 100 goals, remaining unbeaten at Huish Park. In their second ever season in the Football League, the Glovers went one better by achieving promotion to the third tier as champions of League Two, and in the following years even reached the League One playoffs, beating Nottingham Forest in the semi-finals in 2006-07 before losing to Blackpool in the final at Wembley. Six years later, however, Yeovil achieved what had been deemed unthinkable a decade earlier - they reached the second tier of English football after beating Brentford in the 2013 League One play-off final. Their stay in the Championship was brief, however, and they went on to suffer back-to-back relegations, leaving them in the bottom tier of the Football League. Yeovil is a pretty small town, home to just 40,000 people - two Meadow Lanes' worth of people could comfortably take in the entire population! --- Yeovil captain Darren Ward is a doubt for their opening League Two clash against Notts County on Saturday - he is still recovering from a knee injury. Alex Lawless could make his debut after securing a deal at Huish Park, following his release from Luton Town. Swansea loan duo Liam Shephard and Ryan Hedges should feature but frontman Francois Zoko, formerly of Notts, is set to miss out as he struggles for fitness. John Sheridan's first competitive match as Magpies boss will most likely see several players making their bows for the club. Striker Vadaine Oliver became the club's eighth signing of the summer when he joined on loan from York City earlier this week. Rob Milsom will not be available but should be able to play in a couple of weeks, while fellow midfielder Curtis Thompson remains sidelined by an ankle injury and new captain Michael O'Connor is also unavailable for the game. How will Notts fare against Yeovil? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Finally, the 2016-17 League Two campaign is almost upon us and whilst a large amount of Notts County fans I know appear optimistic about the season ahead, I still remain fairly quiet with regards to how we'll do. I was asked a few days ago, by a fellow fan if I was excited or nervous - my reply was ‘neither’. I think much of what we can expect will come after about seven or eight games have been played - the first few is always a case of teams sussing each other out and I’m only really excited about returning to Meadow Lane. However, a good result against Yeovil Town would add much needed fuel to the fire of optimism as Notts strive to be more consistent on the field. The openers are important but I wouldn’t overly worry myself if this didn’t go to plan at the start – I feel John Sheridan has the know-how on this division and he will no doubt be wanting a squad where the merits of team work will thrive. The Magpies shouldn’t struggle with a lack of creativity, plus we may be fine in terms of goals from our strikers. Jon Stead has the ability to be a key figure, but I am unsure if we can rely on him alone. That is where the depth of the current squad comes in – especially the returning Jonathan Forte. At the back, Notts look to have acquired a very good asset in goalkeeper Adam Collin and this signing should see a healthy rivalry form between him and Scott Loach for the starting spot. We also appear to have the strength and defensive mind-set, which was desperately lacking during the 2015-16 season. The Port Vale lads know what this league is about, and they shouldn’t be pushovers. I’m excited about seeing Stanley Aborah playing further up the centre of the park, a popular discussion between myself and three fans at half time – included how Aborah could be utilised better. This included allowing him to be the engine, the player who can pick up the passes to unleash the wingers and strikers. However, I wonder who will become the defensive midfielder in his absence? Could we see Curtis Thompson given that push? In prior seasons it’s been fairly easy to say where needs strengthening, what players should play and so on, but this term things look wisely better than we have known. I do feel Notts would have benefited from a stronger striker also joining the ranks, and I mean no disrespect to Vadaine Oliver, nor any of the existing squad but another firm addition to the squad would have bred more confidence, not just among the squad but the fans. And perhaps a centre-back? There’s always room for a solid, physical, no-nonsense defender. Yet I do feel the squad is well equipped, with options of different qualities and although we haven’t signed many League Two gems – the recruitment does seem to be spot on in terms of players who work hard, know the league and have a grasp of what should be expected. I also feel Notts have a good mix of lads and that should allow the squad to form chemistry – if the results come, things should be a lot more exciting. It’s been a slow out-of-season, with a quiet pre-season but thankfully this is almost over. Let’s make Meadow Lane somewhere we fans can be proud of, that the players who represent us – will want to repay our faith and more importantly lets ensure a togetherness regardless fractions. If last season taught me anything, it’s to listen to the views you may not necessarily agree with. Fingers crossed we can a good season! COME ON YOU PIES! Do you agree with the article? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

John Sheridan has said he will not stand in Izale McLeod's way if he wants to leave Notts County, adding that he cannot guarantee the former Crawley man any first-team football. The striker's future at Meadow Lane has been under the spotlight this summer, with rumours of a potential move to Stevenage surfacing in the press. Sheridan has a glut of forwards at his disposal aside from McLeod including Adam Campbell, Jonathan Forte, Jon Stead and loanee Vadaine Oliver. "Izale's an experienced player and has been a very good player over the years," Sheridan told the Nottingham Post. "I don't want to patronise or be clever with anyone, I think Izale needs to be playing football. "I've spoken to him. It's important he gets a regular place somewhere and I can't offer him that here. "I've explained that situation to him and if a club comes in then I wouldn't stand in his way." Should Izale McLeod leave Notts County? Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Adam Campbell has claimed that Notts County "can't go wrong" this season given the recruitment of players who know the Football League well and the confidence within the squad. The Magpies endured a season of turmoil in 2015-16, ending up in relegation trouble despite being expected to bounce back into League One at the first attempt. When asked if the current squad is stronger than last season's team, the striker said: "It's pretty much similar to last year when we had a whole new squad. "But last year was more the foreign lads coming in who really hadn't played in this league before and now we've got all lads who know what they are doing, who have been here for years in and around these leagues. "We can only go in full of confidence and we're looking to go up, that's got to be the aim. We can't go wrong with the lads we've got." Notts begin their season away at Yeovil Town this weekend. Can Notts County challenge for promotion this season? Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

New Notts County goalkeeper Adam Collin has the belief that the Magpies will be in the upper reaches of League Two this coming season. The 31-year-old is one of several summer signings at Meadow Lane as John Sheridan moulds the squad in his image in a bid to challenge for promotion. Collin, who has joined the club on a two-year deal, said: "The squad's really good, it's got a good mix of experience and youth in there. And the manager says he wants to bring a couple more in still, which will only strengthen us. I'm sure we're going to be very capable and up at the top end of League Two. "We've had a good pre-season of fitness and ball work and now you can see on the pitch the lads are well drilled and know what they're meant to do. "The season has come around quickly, but we're ready for it. It's a long trip to Yeovil, but we're looking forward to a good, positive season. "There's always a new buzz going into every season. There's a bit more for me personally, coming to a new club, and the manager has brought quite a lot of new signings in. "There's a lot going on at the club and we just want to start with a positive result at Yeovil and carry on our positive work from pre-season." Who will be the number one choice for Notts in goal this season? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

New Notts County loan signing Vadaine Oliver has expressed his eagerness to fire the club up the table and avoid the relegation stress he encountered last year with parent club York City. The Minstermen dropped out of the Football League despite the 24-year-old's 10 goals, which saw him finish the season at the club's top scorer. Oliver told the official site: “I’m happy to be here – it’s a massive club and a great opportunity for me. “When you’re in a relegation side it’s a struggle every day – the morale is so low. But now I have a great opportunity to kick on from last year. “I was top goalscorer last year and I’m looking forward to scoring goals here.” How involved will Oliver be for the Magpies this coming season? Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County have secured the signing of York City striker Vadaine Oliver on a six-month loan deal. The 24-year-old scored 10 goals in 42 appearances last season as the Minstermen were relegated from League Two. Oliver, a former Sheffield Wednesday trainee, will remain at Meadow Lane until January 7, a fixture away at Morecambe. He has previously had spells at Lincoln City, Crewe Alexandra and Mansfield Town, and has been allocated the number 9 shirt. Oliver is set to compete with the likes of Jon Stead and Izale McLeod for a starting slot as Notts begin their season this Saturday away at Yeovil Town. Share your thoughts on the loan signing of Vadaine Oliver by signing up to the Pride of Nottingham website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County could yet make more signings before the end of the summer transfer window, according to assistant manager Mark Crossley. The club has already bought seven players as they bid to bounce back from a horrendous 2015-16 season, but should the board ratify more purchases, then Crossley and John Sheridan will make the most of the opportunity. "There's still this week to go and I think the manager would like an extra couple of bodies, there's no doubt about that," Crossley told reporters. "We're always looking, we're always on the hunt and if we get the green light where we can bring somebody in that is going to make us better then we'll try to do it. Otherwise we will go with what we have got, which we're pleased with anyway. "If we can strengthen we will be strengthening, but the manager, the owner and the chief exec will decide on that." How many more players should Notts County look to sign? Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.