Joe Jones

Port Vale captain Carl Dickinson is rumoured to be in talks with Notts County over a move to Meadow Lane. The defender, who is out of contract at Vale, has been offered a new deal by the Valiants but is one of a number of players asked to take a substantial pay cut following a cut to the club's player budget. According to both the Stoke Sentinel and BBC Radio Nottingham, Dickinson is weighing up a move to Notts as he admitted that, despite enjoying his time at Vale Park, the idea of a pay cut would lead to tough decisions about his future. Dickinson, formerly of Stoke City, has played 143 games in his three years with Port Vale and was the Supporters' Club's player of the season in the 2013-14 campaign. Would you like Carl Dickinson at Notts County? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Former Notts County midfielder Liam Noble has wished the Magpies all the best and urged them to get promotion next season. The ex-Carlisle United man was released at the end of the 2015-16 campaign but says he will continue to keep an eye on his former team whenever he gets the chance. Noble is quoted by the Nottingham Post as saying: "I had two years with the club and have a lot of love for the place and the people there," he said. "Two of my best mates, Adam Campbell and Elliott Hewitt, are still there and I will come back to watch whenever I get the chance. "The people who work behind the scenes – they are lovely people. "I had some great times and the fans were brilliant with me. I know I let them down a few times, but I had a good relationship with the supporters. "It is time to move on but I will be keeping a close eye on the results. John Sheridan is a great appointment and I don't see any reason why they can't go on and get promotion next season. "One of my favourite memories was the season when we defied expectations and went on that unbelievable run to the top of League One under Shaun (Derry) and Greg (Abbott). "To be honest though I had a lot of good times there and I wish them all the best for next season." Should we have kept Liam Noble or was it right for him to be released? Share your thoughts on the Pride of Nottingham forum and join the conversation.

Notts County manager John Sheridan has pinned his new side's success next season on the revamp of his backroom staff. The former Oldham boss has brought in ex-Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Mark Crossley as his assistant, while Alan Smith, Mike Edwards and Kevin Pilkington will work under them as both players and coaches. Speaking of Crossley, Sheridan said: "He's a friend but he knows what he is talking about. He's been around the top level and the lower level. "We won the league at Chesterfield so he knows what's required. He's a bit different to me. He'll be close to the players. "It's important to have something different. Alan Smith will be with me. He's learning the game and been a top player. "Mike Edwards will be with me too. Hopefully we can knit it together. "They know the club a lot better than me. They know what it's all about." How crucial will Notts County's backroom staff be next season? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Alan Smith has admitted that he is looking forward to proving a point at Notts County and cannot wait to put last season behind him, individually and as a team. The Magpies finished the 2015-16 campaign, littered with managerial changes, off-the-pitch issues and poor displays, in 17th place. Ahead of next season, John Sheridan has been installed as manager and Smith has been given a backroom position. The former Manchester United man said: "Everyone was in the same boat – disappointed that we didn't get any success. "Football's funny, because if you've had a good season you have to put it to the back of your mind and start again, and be prepared to try to produce again. "And if you've had a bad season, you can put it behind you and start again as well. "Everyone will be going away disappointed but wanting to come back with a point to prove and do a lot better than we did last year. "That's the good thing about football, one season has gone and another one comes around. "It's an opportunity for people to push to get in the team, for younger lads to develop themselves and look forward." Will Alan Smith make more of an impact this season? 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 called on his players to prove that they have a future at Meadow Lane. Fifteen players are still under contract, while the likes of Ronan Murray and Filip Valencic could potentially be given new deals despite being released last month. The former Newport County and Oldham Athletic boss insists that he will be bringing new players in, but the ones still on the books can redeem themselves following last year’s abysmal campaign. "Whoever is under contract has an opportunity to impress me. They struggled last season and they struggled for a reason," Sheridan said. "Obviously I'm going to add players. I know the leagues well and I know what type of player we need to improve on last season. "The players who are here have an opportunity. If a player doesn't want to be here he's not going to figure. I'm not looking at last season. I'm looking forward. "The players are the ones who will win games and get us out the division. I do feel I need to add. "I'm already working behind the scenes and talking to players. I'm trying to get the right ones in." Who should stay and who should go? Voice your opinions on the Pride of Nottingham website by signing up, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

New Notts County manager John Sheridan has outlined his ideal transfer targets going into next season, with players who have proven themselves in League Two or higher top of his agenda. The Magpies will reportedly come out of a transfer embargo by the start of next week at the latest, giving the former Oldham Athletic boss a chance to recruit his own players and possibly ship others out. When asked what kind of players he would be after, Sheridan said: "Players who know this league. Possibly players who've been in play-offs and been in division one (League One) and done well. "Possibly there's an age limit but I'm not frightened of young players at all. Most important is to get a balance to the team. "When I won the league with Chesterfield we scored lots of goals. We were fortunate to have very good players. "We were very attack minded. I went out with the attitude we'll score more than the opposition. "At the same time, we went to Plymouth and had 22 clean sheets. As you gain experience as a manager it's important you are organised. "The pitch is a big one here (at Meadow Lane) so you need pace on it. They're the things I'm looking at." What names would you like to see at Notts County this coming season? Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

New Notts County manager John Sheridan has described Jon Stead as "one of my best players" and has vowed to do all he can to keep him at Meadow Lane. The former Sunderland and Blackburn Rovers striker has been linked with a move to Scotland despite being under contract with the Magpies for next season. Sheridan, however, said of the forward: "He's a good player. He'll be heavily involved while I'm manager. I wouldn't want him to go. He's one of my best players." The former Newport and Oldham boss also outlined his plans for next season, including the purchase of more players and the recruitment of a new chief scout. He continued: "I've been assured (the embargo) will be done by the end of the week or the beginning of next week. That's not a problem to me. "I've been told it will all be sorted in the next few days. I've not spoken to them about the takeover. I try not to let it bother me. "If it worried me I'd have been worried about coming here. It will take care of itself. I'll just try to bring a few players in and then you can see where we want to go. "Ray Trew has given a deadline for the sale. I concentrate on bringing players in... I'll bring a chief scout in. "I know these leagues and I know the types of players I need. A lot of it will be down to me more or less. "I will be bringing my own people in. I don't think you need more than a chief scout and a couple of scouts." Are you excited for what next season will bring for Notts County under John Sheridan? Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

John Sheridan has promised to get Notts County "back where they belong" after his “instincts” told him not to turn the job down. The former Sheffield Wednesday and Republic of Ireland midfielder, who has put pen to paper on a three-year deal at Meadow Lane, has set his sights on immediate promotion out of League Two and into League One. At his first press conference at the helm of Notts, Sheridan told reporters: "I've played here and managed here. They've been in the top leagues. "It's just the size of the club really. I don't know if I'm getting a reputation of coming in and getting clubs out of the dire situation they're in. "I think it's a really attractive proposition for me to come and try to do what I've done of late, to try and get the club back to where they belong. "First of all get them out the second division (League Two) and get them into the first. It's my instincts that feel I can come in and do well for them. It's a really big club to get going again. "It was very hard to leave Oldham. Everyone knows my affection for them. I was there as a player and a manager… I'm just going with my instincts. They're telling me to come here. "I went to Oldham in difficult circumstances. I feel as though I've done a really good job to keep them in the league. "That was my main objective. I had a contract there and was looking forward to next season. "This offer came along and it was one I felt I couldn't turn down." Do you believe John Sheridan can lead Notts County out of League Two next season? Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County striker Jon Stead is courting interest from clubs in Scotland, according to reports. The former Sunderland and Blackburn Rovers forward, 33, was the Magpies' top scorer with 14 goals last season. As Stead is under contract for another year at Meadow Lane, the club would be able to command a fee for the player they signed from Bradford City on a free last summer. It remains to be seen whether the reports are true and, if so, what new manager John Sheridan has in store for the club's latest Player of the Season. Would you like to see Jon Stead remain 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 owner Ray Trew has set a deadline of late June to sell the club, after which he will take it off the market if he doesn't find a buyer. The Magpies have been up for sale since February and, according to a recent statement from the club's chief executive Jason Turner, talks remain ongoing. Local businessman Alan Hardy has so far been the only bidder to make his interest public, while a number of other parties from as far afield as the United States and China have allegedly been in the running. Trew has told the Nottingham Post that he will return to his post of club chairman and concentrate on preparing them for next season in the bottom tier. "I've set a deadline for the end of June for the club's sale," he said. "While there are still interested parties, if a deal isn't concluded by then, I will take it off the market and we will push on." Do you think Notts County will be sold come the end of June? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County have revealed that Oldham Athletic boss John Sheridan has put pen to paper on a three-year contract to manage Notts County. The 51-year-old helped the Latics to 17th place in League One last season having taken over in January with the team in 22nd position and five points from safety. Prior to that, Sheridan managed Newport County, who were bottom of League Two having gained five points from the first ten matches, and they too were transformed within a short space of time, which helped them avoid relegation. Mark Crossley also joins the club as assistant manager, having previously worked alongside Sheridan at Chesterfield. Alan Smith, Mike Edwards and Kevin Pilkington, meanwhile, complete the Magpies backroom setup whilst remaining available as squad players. Sheridan told the Notts County official website: “I’m delighted to be joining Notts County and relishing the opportunity to get the club challenging for promotion to League One. “The decision to leave Oldham was not an easy one and I will always retain my affection for the club and its fans. “Notts County is a big club - far bigger than its current league position suggests and having taken Chesterfield to the League Two title, I know what is required to succeed and get the club back to a higher level.” “As both an opposition player and manager over the years, the tremendous home support has always made it a tough place come – this passion can make a real difference and give us a huge advantage in our endeavours next season.” The club also confirmed that Richard Dryden has left Meadow Lane with immediate effect. Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts on this appointment and the other news, such as Alan Smith's backroom promotion and Richard Dryden's departure, by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Former Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Mark Crossley is to become John Sheridan’s assistant manager at Notts County, according to reports, while Alan Smith is also said to be under consideration for a backroom position. The Magpies are rumoured to be getting ready to announce Sheridan as their new boss today on a three-year deal after a compensation deal was agreed with Oldham Athletic. Welshman Crossley worked alongside Sheridan at Chesterfield where the pair led the Spireites to promotion from League Two and a Johnstone's Paint Trophy win. Former Manchester United forward Smith, meanwhile, has impressed behind the scenes at Meadow Lane, and the board is eager to reward him with a new deal that incorporates a coaching role. Craig Westcarr, who spent time at Notts and also played under Sheridan at Chesterfield, had nothing but praise for the ex-Republic of Ireland midfielder, insisting the Magpies will have an excellent manager in the dugout. "Should they announce him then it's a terrific appointment because he is a good manager without shadow of a doubt," he said. "We had a lot of respect for each other and I've no doubt if he is given the time and stability, then he can make them challenge for promotion without a doubt. "I enjoyed playing under him. He likes his teams to get the ball down and play in the right areas. And more importantly than that he is a winner, no matter what it takes. "He knows League One and Two inside out. He's a strong personality, which is what a club like Notts need. Do you agree with Mark Crossley and Alan Smith working under John Sheridan at Nots County? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

John Sheridan is expected to be appointed as Notts County's new manager sooner rather than later after reports emerged of a compensation deal being agreed between the Magpies and Oldham Athletic, his current club. The 51-year-old was in charge of two teams during the 2015-16 season, guiding League Two Newport County out of relegation trouble before joining the League One Latics, who were also struggling at the time, and winning nine of his 22 games in charge. Oldham want to retain Sheridan's services, but the former Republic of Ireland midfielder is understood to be tempted by the challenge at Notts. In addition, the Magpies are reportedly confident that they will be out of their transfer embargo next week, giving Sheridan the chance to strengthen the team in the close season. Bookmakers have suspended all betting on Sheridan being appointed Mark Cooper's successor. Do you want to see John Sheridan at Notts County? Share your thoughts by signing up to the Pride of Nottingham website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Oldham Athletic manager John Sheridan has been installed as the odds-on favourite to take the job at Notts County. The 51-year-old is currently under contract at the League One club, but has been touted as a contender for the Leeds United job. Sheridan has held three different managerial jobs in the past three seasons. In addition to Oldham, he has spent time at Newport County and ended his two year stint at Plymouth Argyle prior to that, before returning to Boundary Park in January for a second spell. He was odds-on favourite to claim the job at Leeds but was then overtaken by MK Dons manager Karl Robinson – although he is understood to have turned down the Yorkshire club's offer. Should Notts make a move for Sheridan, they will be required to pay compensation for his services, with the former Sheffield Wednesday, Leeds and Nottingham Forest alumnus currently under contract. Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts on John Sheridan's possible appointment at Notts County by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County midfielder Alan Smith has revealed he wants to sign a new contract at Meadow Lane. The 35-year-old, formerly of Manchester United, is one of three players offered fresh deals by the Magpies – along with Haydn Hollis and Wes Atkinson. "I would imagine that I will be (putting pen to paper) in the not too distant future," he told the Nottingham Post. "This is where I want to stay. I've no qualms about that. I see it as a good club to develop my coaching side, but also, it's a good family club. "I've had a few options to go to other clubs, over to play in India and a couple of clubs in America. "But I've made no bones about it, I want to stay and play here, and be involved in this club.” Would you be happy with Alan Smith staying at Notts County? Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County defender Mike Edwards has described the club as a “second home” as his testimonial year celebrations got underway with a Legends derby between the Magpies and Nottingham Forest. On Sunday, Meadow Lane hosted a Legends Community Match Day, with the game itself taking place alongside a number of family friendly activities. Steady Eddy was given a guard of honour by both sets of teams before the game got underway, and the first half went the way of Notts, as Jamal Campbell-Ryce gave his side the lead. The second half saw Forest get back into it, as Luke Thomas bagged a brace and Chris Freestone added a third to give his side the win. Edwards, however, gave an amusing reason why his side collapsed in the second half. He said: "Our players who were coming on were just getting a little bit older and older, and theirs were getting younger and younger! "The last 20 minutes I knew we were going to die a bit!" Edwards also paid tribute to Notts, the club where he has clocked up more than a decade over two innings. "When I signed, I loved it here," he said. "It grows on you, definitely. "Ppeople said that, 'that we'll have ups and downs but we'll get under your skin'. That's definitely happened to me. "I'm a Yorkshireman, I'm from Hull originally, but this is a second home for me." How important has Mike Edwards been to the club over his spells at the club? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Guy Branston, Notts County's head of recruitment, has left the club after 15 months on the same day as the retained players' list was released. The 37-year-old joined as chief scout in February 2015 and has played a role in recruiting players for the struggling League Two outfit. In terms of playing staff, the key departures include Northern Ireland international goalkeeper Roy Carroll, midfielder Liam Noble and defender Blair Adams. The full retained list is as follows: Out of contract, offered new contract: Wes Atkinson, Haydn Hollis, Alan Smith Option to extend contract taken up by the club: Jordan Richards Out of contract, released: Jordan Aghatise, Blair Adams, Jason Banton, Colby Bishop, Roy Carroll, Will Hayhurst, Taylor McKenzie, Ronan Murray, Liam Noble, Lartey Sarpong, Filip Valencic Loans expired: Andrew Boyce Under contract: Stanley Aborah, Mawouna Amevor, Thierry Audel, Scot Bennett, Graham Burke, Adam Campbell, Kyle De Silva, Elliott Hewitt, Scott Loach, Izale McLeod, Rob Milsom, Rhys Sharpe, Genaro Snijders, Jon Stead, Curtis Thompson Apprentices offered professional contract: Montel Gibson, Jack McMillan, Luther Wildin Apprentices released: Paolos Beraki, Kieran Blaney, Benjamin Browne, Kenan Layton, Monty Parkes, Jake Payling Do you agree with the departures and retentions? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Grimsby Town manager Paul Hurst has ruled out a move to Notts County by pledging his future to the Blundell Park outfit. The 41-year-old was second-favourite among the bookies to take on the reins at Meadow Lane behind ex-Magpies boss Martin Allen. Following Hurst's criticism of some Mariners supporters after their National League play-off final win over Forest Green Rovers, it was thought that he would be departing Humberside sooner rather than later. The latest development, however, saw him pledge his future to Grimsby. "I genuinely haven't got any other offers to be a consideration," he said. "There's nothing to tempt me. My plan now is to look to next season with Grimsby Town and building a squad that we can be proud of." That leaves Allen as clear favourite to become Notts boss with the current Barnet manager now 1/1 to return to Meadow Lane. Do you want Mad Dog back at the Lane? Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Dutch Notts County duo Stanley Aborah and Mawouna Amevor could depart the club and return to the Netherlands, according to reports. It is understood that former Magpies boss Ricardo Moniz is considering a swoop for his compatriots after being appointed manager of Dutch second division side FC Eindhoven earlier this month. The 51-year-old he is believed to have targeted moves for Amevor and Aborah, two players he was instrumental in signing for the League Two club last summer. Both players are still under contract for another year at Meadow Lane, but it is thought that Notts, currently in a transfer embargo, would be willing to let them leave. Would you be happy to see one or either of them go? Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County are reportedly still hoping to appoint Paul Hurst as their new manager after the Grimsby Town boss criticised a number of his side's supporters following their play-off final victory. The Mariners overcame Mark Cooper's Forest Green Rovers at Wembley, their 3-1 victory seeing them return to the Football League after a six-year absence. Hurst has come under fire from some supporters this season, which included a "Hurst Out" banner being hung over a flyover after their play-off semi-final first leg defeat to Braintree Town. And even after winning promotion, the Grimsby boss took the opportunity to criticise those fans, insisting "there were some here (at Wembley) who have been out of order throughout the season". Should Notts move for Hurst ahead of current favourite Martin Allen, they would be required to pay compensation to the Mariners for his services. Should Paul Hurst be appointed as Notts County's new manager? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County defender Blair Adams has claimed that the turmoil behind the scenes at Meadow Lane contributed to the players' poor showing in the league this season. The Magpies, one of the favourites for promotion back to League One at the start of the campaign, were candidates for relegation out of the Football League by the last few weeks of 2015-16. Adams identified issues behind the scenes, including a succession of managers, fan unrest and a protracted sale that is yet to go through at the time of writing as factors in the club's implosion and bottom-half finish. He wrote in the Nottingham Post: "Uncertainty around the club crept into our performances and teams came to Meadow Lane and sensed fragility. "We had three managers during the season and each gaffer brought their own tactics and management styles that, inevitably, took time to adapt to. "Under Jamie Fullarton, we were consistently defended in the media for below-par performances, whereas Cooper chose to openly criticise. "Both manager reactions should have triggered an immediate response from the players, either to repay the faith or prove them wrong. But as each game was ticked off, the same problems materialised. "Unfortunately, now, we as players can't say "we'll put it right in the next game". The season is done and the league table reveals a bitterly disappointing position." To read the whole column, click here (redirects to the Nottingham Post website). Is Blair Adams right or do you feel it's all excuses? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County have been hit with a transfer embargo following their failure to pay for £20,000 worth of match tickets they sold for the recent local derby against Mansfield Town at the One Call Stadium, according to Stags chairman John Radford. The Mansfield Chad has reporter that the Stags have asked the Football League to step in and ensure the money is paid, and have subsequently had the embargo placed on the Magpies until the matter is sorted, meaning they will not be able to sign players. Mansfield, who won the game 5-0, were already reeling from a number of matchday incidents, including damage to toilets in the Nort Stand, but Radford said the failure to pay for the advance tickets was the last straw. “They are not paying for anything at the moment,” he told supporters at the club’s weekly ‘An Evening With’. “They sold their tickets for the game here, over £20,000 worth, and they’ve not paid us for that – or for the damage caused. “We’ve got an embargo on them. I think they have about 12 days left to pay us and we’ll have to see what we act on next. But at the moment Notts County are not paying anything. “They are in a bit of a state to be honest with you since Ray Trew’s left them. He doesn’t want to put his hand in his pocket any more. So we’ll see what happens. “But I am assured we should be able to get our money back from them. “They can’t sign any players or anything like that. The thing about the embargo we’ve put on them is that, I believe, when they get the money paid from the League next month, we’ll have first shout on that money before it gets paid into Notts County’s bank account. “So we should get our money back before the League pays them any money for next season. “It annoys me because their directors came and had drinks in our board room and smiled. And we always give a free bar to away directors when they come and see us. “It was nice that we thrashed them, but they’ve not paid us their bills.” A Notts County spokesman said: “As with any other business in the course of a potential sale, it is not unusual for creditor payments to be extended whilst discussions are ongoing with potential investors. “Football League rules state that clubs failing to meet football creditor debts on time are automatically temporarily embargoed until such time as these payments are settled. “We are currently in the process of scheduling due payments, including the monies owed to Mansfield Town relating to ticket sales, to ensure that the club can re-engage with out of contract players and enhance the squad when the new manager is appointed.” A Football League spokesman said they do not disclose information about embargoes or private matters between clubs. What do you think about the supposed latest piece of bad news from Meadow Lane? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County are not interested in either former Crawley Town manager Mark Yates or Braintree Town boss Danny Cowley, according to reports. There had been speculation in previous days that the Magpies were considering making a move for the above managers. The Nottingham Post, however, says Notts are searching for an experienced manager to take the job, in the hope of reviving the club's fortunes. This would rule out Cowley, with Braintree chairman Lee Harding saying he had received no approach from the Magpies. In addition, Notts are thought not to consider Yates a suitable candidate to take over from Mark Cooper. Grimsby Town boss Paul Hurst remains the bookmakers' choice to become Notts’ next manager, with Sky Bet offering odds of 1/4 on him being in charge of the club next season. Who do you think should be Notts County's manager? Share your thoughts on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

The rumour mill has gone into overdrive at managerless Notts County as a wide array of names have been tipped to take over the reins at Meadow Lane. Notts, who have had three managers in the hotseat during the past 12 months, find themselves without a boss once again after Mark Cooper left the club right after the last game of the season - a 5-0 thrashing at the hands of Carlisle United - to join Forest Green Rovers. The Lincolnshire Echo claims that Braintree Town manager Danny Cowley is the subject of a tug-of-war between the Magpies and local rivals Lincoln City. Cowley has been sensational for the part-time Essex club this season, guiding them to the National League playoffs despite having a day job as a PE teacher. Former Crawley Town boss Mark Yates, meanwhile, is being interviewed for the vacant managerial position at Notts, according to Sky Sports. The 46-year-old, who was reportedly in the running to become the Forest Green manager before Cooper was hired instead, has been out of work since leaving the Red Devils last month. Former Notts title-winning manager Steve Cotterill is also not tied to a club at the moment and, despite no reports of the 51-year-old being in talks with the Magpies, he has been named as the man most Notts fans want to see back at the club's helm, according to the Nottingham Post. Who would you like to see manage Notts in the upcoming season? Share your thoughts by signing up to the Pride of Nottingham website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Mark Cooper has been unveiled as the new manager of Forest Green Rovers, just two days after leaving Notts County. The former Swindon Town boss will be the National League club's manager "for the 2016-17 season", according to a statement on the FGR website. Forest Green's statement added: "He hit his points target and was offered the (Notts) role permanently, however he declined the post in favour of joining Forest Green." Mark Cooper said of his appointment: "I'm excited to be joining a club with a clear aim and strategy on where it wants to go and how it wants to get there. "There are not many opportunities to join a club that has that foresight – a lot of clubs are run day to day and don't plan for the future. "These clubs may be bigger clubs in stature, but this is a big club in the way it is looking forward." What do you think of Forest Green Rovers' appointment and of Mark Cooper's comments? Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.