Joe Jones

New Notts County manager Mark Cooper has called on his players to "put things straight" beginning in their League Two clash at Portsmouth. The Magpies haven't won in seven games and currently sit 19th in the fourth tier, prompting bookies to make Pompey clear favourites to win the game at Fratton Park on Friday. Cooper used this as a rallying call, telling the press: "I really am looking forward to it and I hope the players can deliver a good performance. "There have been a lot of questions about them and a lot of things have been labelled at them. I said to them it's time to put one or two things straight. Answer a few questions and prove that you are not as bad as your league form suggests." Can Notts defeat Portsmouth? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

When Jamie Fullarton was relieved of his duties, the vast, vast majority of Notts County fans breathed a huge sigh of relief. It wasn’t just the fact he was not deemed adequate for the job by probably 99% of supporters (no experience, no prior connection to the club like Shaun Derry or Chris Kiwomya, former Nottingham Forest man), or that he presided over a run of games that saw Notts drop from potential playoff long-shots to possible relegation candidates. It was also how Stanley Aborah, arguably our finest player this season, was frozen out of the squad and put through a humiliating gauntlet by the thankfully-now-ex-manager and the club. Football fans over the age of 25 may remember a similar spat at Newcastle United in the late 1990s between Ruud Gullit and Alan Shearer. Let’s just say the manager came off second best. Alienating your best player is a PR disaster in front of your fans, and if you’re not getting the results without that player, then you’re pretty much doomed. Fullarton even had a third strike to his name – the fact virtually nobody wanted him at Meadow Lane in the first place. Aborah was not only schooled at the prestigious Ajax academy, but was the youth team’s captain. He’s clearly a talented, hardworking player and is just the midfield engine Notts needs to compete in the league and get results. His career has been stop-start throughout because of injuries and other things outside his control – he played for a season in Kuwait after leaving Ferencvaros but had a dispute with the club and then couldn't play for a year before joining Notts – so you cannot blame him for being overly cautious about the situation at whatever club he plays for. If he said he wanted to leave the club after Moniz’s sacking, it would have been the “red alert” going off in his head. Rather than being reassured about his future at the club, however, he was hung out to dry. Notts seemed to cope well enough following Aborah’s last game, against Oxford at the start of 2016, beating Crawley, Luton and Hartlepool, but then things tailed off considerably. Fullarton should have swallowed his pride and brought him back into contention, but instead he stuck to his guns – and now he’s out of a job. Mark Cooper’s appointment has reassured fans not only because he’s a tried and tested manager with success in the lower leagues, but because he’s pledged to bring Aborah back into contention. Already he has won brownie points with the long-suffering Notts faithful, and if the club manages to pick up a decent haul of points in the next few games with Aborah running the midfield, then it will be testament to his indispensability to the cause. Do you agree with JJ? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

New Notts County manager Mark Cooper has confirmed that Stanley Aborah will be involved against Portsmouth in Friday's League Two clash at Fratton Park. The Ghanaian has not played for the Magpies since the 4-2 defeat at home to Oxford United at the beginning of January. He fell out of favour with Ricardo Moniz's successor Jamie Fullarton and subsequently appeared set to leave the club following a public spat. Cooper, however, told reporters at a press conference: "Stan will play the game. He's a good footballer. People who know what my teams are about have a lot of good footballers in them. I am sure he will add something to the team." Do you agree with Mark Cooper? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County and Portsmouth have met a total of 27 times over the years, the first meeting coming on the 20th November 1926, which the Magpies lost 3-2 at Meadow Lane. We have beaten Portsmouth 12 times and played out six draws, with the South Coast side winning on nine occasions. The last meeting, at Meadow Lane on 31 October 2015, was won 2-1 by Notts - making it four consecutive wins over Pompey between September 2012 and October 2015, two in League One, one in League Two, and one in the FA Cup. Between December 1992 and December 1994 the two teams played each other six times, with Notts failing to get a win in a run that saw three draws and three defeats. Portsmouth have been champions of England twice, in 1949 and 1950. The club has also won the FA Cup on two occasions, firstly in 1939 and most recently in 2008, and also reached the final of the competition in 2010. Portsmouth were moderately successful in the first decade of the 21st century, especially during the 2007–08 Premier League season, when they won the FA Cup, beating Cardiff City 1-0 in the final. They subsequently qualified for the 2008–09 UEFA Cup competing against European heavyweights such as seven-times European Cup winners A.C. Milan. During this period, Portsmouth were recognised to have a large number of international footballers, including England players Glen Johnson and Jermain Defoe, as well as Peter Crouch, David James and Sol Campbell. However, financial problems soon set in and Portsmouth were relegated to the Football League Championship in 2010. In 2012 they were again relegated, to League One, and again, in 2013, to League Two. They began the 2013–14 season in the fourth tier of the English football league system for the first time since the late 1970s. Portsmouth became the largest fan-owned football club in England, after the Pompey Supporters Trust (PST) successfully gained possession of Fratton Park in April 2013. --- Portsmouth amnager Paul Cook will choose between teenager Alex Bass or the recalled Paul Jones to start in goal when the South Coast outfit welcomes Notts County on Good Friday. First-choice keeper Ryan Fulton has been called up to the Scotland Under-21 squad and Brian Murphy is out with a calf injury. New signing Conor Wilkinson will not be available for either of the Easter games after joining on loan from Bolton Wanderers until the end of the season. The striker is currently away on international duty with the Republic of Ireland's Under-21 side but will join training with Pompey next week. New Notts boss Mark Cooper is to offer Stanley Aborah a fresh start after he confirmed the midfielder will feature at Fratton Park. The 28-year-old appeared to be on his way out of County after the club stated he had requested to leave on two occasions, but Cooper is set to hand him his first outing since 2 January. Blair Adams will miss Cooper's first game in charge after sustaining a foot injury in the 4-1 defeat at home to Exeter City last weekend. The only other absentee is winger Will Hayhurst, who has not played this season because of a cruciate knee ligament injury and is not expected to be fit again until the summer. Will Notts win, draw or lose against Portsmouth? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County Ladies defender Laura Bassett has admitted her side are ‘raring to go’ ahead of the new FA Women’s Super League season. Last year the Lady Pies made headlines by reaching both the FA Women’s Cup final and the Continental Cup final. Ahead of Wednesday's game at Manchester City, Bassett told The Offside Rule: “Every season it has to be about getting more points and finishing higher in the league. We gained so much momentum early in the season getting ourselves to the FA Cup final and then because we didn’t deliver we lost our way a little in the league. Then the Continental Cup came around and we decided to focus on that and we managed to get to the final again. “As a club we’re very resilient, we’re very focused and when we put our minds to it, we’ll get what we want but we know in finals anything can happen – that’s football! This season we want to focus on getting some silverware on the table, we have to be determined and we have to finally prove to ourselves that we’ve got that potential and that we’re hard to beat at Notts County. We also want to thank our fans and all those people who work so tirelessly every year too. “Everyone at Notts is so raring to go. You speak to anyone in the team who hasn’t been away on international duty and you can tell they’re all raring to go and that the first game just needs to come around quicker, so yeah definitely we’re all ready to go.” What will this season have in store for Notts County Ladies? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Former Notts County striker Craig Westcarr has described Mark Cooper’s new role at Meadow Lane as one of the most daunting challenges of his managerial career. The 31-year-old, now plying his trade at Mansfield Town, was part of Cooper’s Kettering side which won the Conference North title in 2008 before they embarked on a memorable FA Cup run to the fourth round. Cooper’s first game in charge of the Magpies is on Good Friday against Portsmouth at Fratton Park, a game Westcarr says is a "free shot" given Notts' current form. Westcarr said: "It's a tough challenge for him without a doubt, given the results of the team have not been great in the last few weeks. "But he'll have a right go at it and knowing him as I do, I'm sure it's a task he will be determined to beat. "He's a good man manager, he's laid back and not as intense as some other managers out there. "I really enjoyed playing under him and I am sure the players at Notts will do too. "He has a way of playing that really caught the eye at Swindon, but the problem is he's going to have to hit the ground running. "He's going to have to figure out his best team very quickly and it might not be until the fourth or fifth game when he does. "The fact he only has 10 games of the season left makes it even tougher, but he has proven he's a good manager and I'm hoping he does well because the one thing Notts need is stability." Cooper’s contract initially runs until the end of the season, but an extension will be triggered if he meets a pre-determined points target. Where can Notts finish in League Two under Cooper? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

New Notts County chief executive officer Jason Turner has claimed that his priority is to instil some stability at the club and lay the foundations for promotion to League One. The 43-year-old, whose appointment was confirmed today, has worked at Cardiff City, Plymouth Argyle and Newport County. Turner, who replaces Julian Winter, will start at Meadow Lane on 4 April and will be responsible for overseeing the day to day running of the Magpies. "It's a privilege to be named as CEO of Notts County Football Club and I am absolutely delighted to be joining a club steeped in such tradition and history," Turner said. "Having worked in football for many years, I already know some of the people here, and when I was offered the opportunity to join it was a chance I just couldn't pass up. "The number one priority has to be to get some stability and move the club back up the table and into League One as soon as possible. "That's the shared vision of everyone here and, in my opinion, everybody has their part to play." Are you happy with the appointment? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Alan Hardy has released a statement where he heavily hints at having pulled out of a takeover bid for Notts County. The chief executive of the Paragon Group last week submitted a 'substantial' written offer, which is understood to have fallen short of owner Ray Trew's valuation. With Trew said to have completed a deal in principle with an American group, Hardy said he is prepared to step aside as 'an alternative buyer, who can provide a better future for the club' closes in. He explained: "The one thing Ray Trew and I have firmly in common is that we both want the best for Notts County Football Club. "Together with an executive team, I've been working hard to try and get a mutually beneficial deal agreed so that we can see the club move forward in a positive manner. "At the same time I've been developing a plan to deal with the short, medium and long-term future of the club, ensuring that the loyal supporters can focus on activities on the pitch, confident that matters off it are being effectively managed in a responsible, sustainable manner. "I've been overwhelmed by the encouragement that I've received from the supporters of the club during the last few months. "My passion for the club and the desire to see it succeed remains as strong as ever. "I am however a realist and a successful businessman and only make decisions based upon sound, rational judgement. "I've already said publicly on one occasion that if Mr Trew has an alternative buyer, who can provide a better future for the club and the supporters, then I will do the right thing and end my interest in the club. "It appears that we are rapidly reaching that point and on that basis I wish the club and everyone involved with it the very best of luck. "I have a burning desire to be involved in professional football and will shortly be discussing other opportunities that have been identified to me." Trew reportedly also met with a Chinese consortium on Tuesday for talks over taking over the club. Who would you like to see take over Notts County? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

New Notts County manager Mark Cooper has called for unity at Meadow Lane and has said out-of-favour midfielder Stanley Aborah has a future at the club. In addition the former Swindon Town boss has pledged to get his new side playing entertaining, attacking football in a bid to get Magpie fans loving their side again. Cooper gave his first press conference as Notts manager on Monday following a fast-moving 24 hours at the club, which saw Jamie Fullarton sacked after 70 days on Saturday and Cooper brought in on the Sunday. The 47-year-old told reporters: "I'm just going to try to bring a bit of stability, a bit of unity to the place and try to put a few smiles on faces. "The first thing is we try to take the reins off the players a little bit, we try and attack, try and entertain people, get people off their seats. "If you can get players playing with a smile on their face, I'm a big believer it gives you more of a chance. "I certainly like to play entertaining football and score goals and have a go at the opposition rather than setting up not to get beat. "That's the preferred way of playing (like Swindon), but you have to find a way that is suitable to the players at your disposal. "If I had my choice that's the way I want to play, but we have to do what's best to get results. "If we can do it that way, then great. It takes a lot of work, but that's certainly what we are aiming for in the long run. "From what I saw in the two games I've seen them, there are some very good players in the forward areas, but it's a little bit shaky defensively. "That doesn't mean we put all men behind the ball, it can mean we can put more men forward but have some control. "But there is some talent here for certain. If we get everybody singing from the same hymn sheet we will be fine." Moving onto team selection, namely the inclusion of Stanley Aborah, whose public fallout with Fullarton and the club further alienated Notts fans, Cooper added: "We need everybody behind the club and the players to make sure it is a really good end to the season. "I have had a chat with Stan. On both parts maybe the situation could have been dealt with differently. But I want to put as many good players as I can in the team. "Stan comes into the reckoning as much as anybody. He is a good footballer and if he can help then he will play." Cooper's first game in charge of Notts takes place on Good Friday, a League Two clash away at Portsmouth. How do you think Cooper will get on at the helm of the Magpies? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County are set to announce a new chief executive, with Jason Turner reportedly coming in to take on the role at Meadow Lane. Julian Winter resigned as CEO of the Magpies earlier this month after less than six months at the club, subsequently linking up with Championship side Huddersfield Town. According to the Nottingham Post, Turner - who stepped down as chief executive of Newport County in January - will take his place. Turner has been involved in football for more than 20 years at a variety of clubs including Bath City, Cardiff City, Plymouth Argyle and Newport. What do you think of the idea of Jason Turner as Notts County CEO? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County have appointed former Swindon Town manager Mark Cooper as the club’s new boss on an incentivised deal until the end of the season. The 47-year-old takes over from Jamie Fullarton, who was sacked shortly after Saturday’s 4-1 defeat at home to Exeter City after less than three months in the job. Cooper will oversee matters until the end of the current campaign, but if he reaches an agreed points total, it has been agreed that it would trigger a permanent contract for him to remain at Meadow Lane. Announcing the deal, owner Ray Trew said: “I said on Saturday that what we need now, as a club, is stability, as we look to resolve the change of ownership and that is why I have turned to Mark to bring his experience and knowledge to the club to help turn things around on the pitch. “To be fair to Mark and to reward him, should he manage to get things moving in the right direction, I have agreed a points total with him, which will remain confidential, at which point his deal will become permanent. “I think what we all want is for Notts to be successful and if Mark can bring that then it is only right that he is given the role full-time, which I think any new owner would agree with. “The challenge has been set and I look forward to seeing what he can bring to the role.” Cooper will meet up with his new squad on Monday and immediately set about preparing for his first game in charge, away to Portsmouth in League Two next weekend. Mark Cooper Managerial Factfile Team From To Record P W D L Win % Tamworth 28 April 2004 24 January 2007 138 41 35 62 29.71 Kettering Town 16 May 2007 14 November 2009 128 73 30 25 57.03 Peterborough Utd 14 November 2009 1 February 2010 13 1 4 8 7.69 Darlington 29 June 2010 24 October 2011 86 36 26 24 41.86 Kettering Town 4 January 2012 18 January 2012 1 0 0 1 0.00 AFC Telford Utd 31 January 2013 1 March 2013 5 0 1 4 0.00 Swindon Town 13 July 2013 17 October 2015 125 52 27 46 41.60 Total 496 203 123 170 40.93 Are you happy with the decision? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Steve Cotterill is one of the bookies' favourites to become the next Notts County manager after the sacking of Jamie Fullarton, who left the League Two side after just 69 days in charge on Saturday. The 51-year-old was dismissed as Bristol City manager in January after a poor run of results in the Championship and is now 10/1 to become the new Magpies boss. Also deemed to be in the running for the Meadow Lane hotseat is Graham Alexander, who guided Fleetwood Town to promotion in 2013–14 by winning the League Two play-offs, but was sacked in September 2015 after a poor start to the 2015–16 League One season. The 44-year-old, who clocked up over 150 appearances for Scunthorpe United, Luton Town, Preston North End and Burnley, as well as winning 40 caps for Scotland, is 7/1 to take the reins at Notts. Top of the bookies' pile is Mark Cooper, formerly of Swindon Town, at 2/1. Who should become the next manager of Notts County? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County midfielder Alan Smith has bemoaned his side’s performance in their 4-1 defeat against Exeter City, saying the squad let now-departed manager Jamie Fullarton down. The Magpies were level with the Grecians at half time, but soon collapsed in the second half at Meadow Lane as the Devon side left the East Midlands with all three points. Speaking before Fullarton’s sacking was confirmed, Smith said: "The manager puts us out there to perform and we've let him down. "He is bearing all the brunt of the frustration and a lot of that is our responsibility. We need to make sure we go away and look at ourselves because we've got to start doing more. "The fans have stuck with the players but it's down to us to help the manager. There is no other way to change that other than to get results. "We've got to stay positive and keep believing that what we are doing in training because we can't keep doing it sporadically in matches. "The manager is bearing up well, but that's the type of person he is. He is not letting affect him and he is not letting it affect us. "But maybe as a group of players we've actually let it affect us. We've got to start giving the manager a bit back, because he has taken the brunt of the frustration. Analysing the Exeter game, the former Manchester United man said: "The first half reflected what we had worked on during the week. Everybody knew their jobs, and everybody knew Exeter's strengths and weaknesses. "We managed to keep that strength to a minimum, and even for the first 15 minutes of the second half, we did okay. Then we got hit by a sucker punch in the middle of the park and the lad finished it well. "That's the way it has been going recently. Confidence is low and we didn't respond to going 2-1 down. "That surprised me really because the attitude of the whole club was positive. But to be fair we have got to look at ourselves now. "I've had spells in my career where I've had everything go against me and for the young lads, this is a learning curve. "But this is minimum compared to some other clubs you might play for in terms of expectation. "You've just got to make sure that even if you get beat, make sure you get beat the right way. What happened against Exeter was the wrong way." Should Smith step up to a coaching or managerial role for the remainder of the season? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Former Swindon Town manager Mark Cooper is reportedly set to become the favourite to replace Jamie Fullarton as Notts County manager. The 47-year-old is said to have narrowly missed out on the job in January when the board opted to hire Fullarton, who in turn was sacked after the 4-1 home defeat to Exeter City on Saturday. Cooper, who guided the Robins to the League One play-off final last season, has also been linked with a job at Stevenage but is understood to be keeping his options open as to his next destination. He has also managed Peterborough United and Kettering Town, where he made his name by leading them to the Conference North title and to the fourth round of the FA Cup in 2009. Who would you like to see at the helm of Notts County? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Former Notts County manager Jamie Fullarton reportedly locked his side’s dressing room door following their 4-1 defeat against Exeter City, before subjecting his players to a furious debriefing over their performance. The Nottingham Post claims Fullarton challenged his players over their second half collapse against the Grecians, which fell well short of the standards he had demanded since his appointment. Two of the senior professionals were said to have spoken out, one of whom reportedly said he did not want to see the manager lose his job. It proved too little too late as outgoing owner Ray Trew had already made his mind up in dismissing the former Nottingham Forest youth coach after 69 days at the helm of the club. Fullarton’s final words to the press as Notts manager "I understand the fans' frustrations, but they have the right to express their views in whichever way they feel. If they think that's correct, then that's up to them. "I live my life by my standards and every individual has a different way of looking at it. "While I understand their frustration and share their disappointment, everybody reacts differently. "I am always focused on the game and the players, so if there are banners behind me telling me they want me out, then I wouldn't see them. "I am only focused on what goes on the pitch. It's not about if it gets to you, or affecting me, it's my job to try not to let it affect the players." What happens now at Meadow Lane? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conservation.

Notts County have sacked manager Jamie Fullarton after just 70 days as manager at Meadow Lane. The 41-year-old's 12-game spell in charge was brought to an end following Saturday's 4-1 home loss to Exeter, which left Notts 19th in the table. The former Bolton and Nottingham Forest Under-21 coach's departure from his first managerial job came just hours after fans held protests calling for his sacking. Notts have taken just one point from a possible 15 at home and won three games since Fullarton replaced Ricardo Moniz. Owner Ray Trew said: "While it is well known that my position at the club has changed in recent weeks, I still have a responsibility to do what I feel is best for Notts County and that means acting when things aren't going right on the pitch. "I have to thank Jamie for his efforts over the past few weeks because he has had to face an incredibly difficult atmosphere, somewhat unfairly I feel, but has maintained an exceptional level of professionalism throughout and should be applauded for how he has conducted himself. "There is no doubt in my mind that Jamie still has a very bright future in the game, but I acknowledge that what was already a tough challenge for him here at Meadow Lane was made all the more difficult through a number of factors that were beyond his control. "We understand fans fears and frustrations, and the most important thing for Notts County is that this season does not dissolve into a disaster and a level of stability can be brought in to ensure that there is a strong platform to build from for the new owners, once a deal is completed to sell the club." Notts are thought to be appointing a successor as early as Sunday. Who would you like to see replace Fullarton as Notts manager? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County's season continues to go from bad to worse as Exeter City came to Meadow Lane and left with a 4-1 win, the Magpies defence being torn apart time and time again. The Grecians took the lead after just seven minutes when a cross was floated expertly into the path of Jayden Stockley, who nodded past Scott Loach to make it 1-0. Groans came from the Notts faithful as it appeared to be more of the same, but the Magpies worked their way back into the game as Liam Noble came close twice 25 minutes in. County’s scoring duck was finally broken 35 minutes in, when Jon Stead’s cross was smashed home by Izale McLeod at the second attempt to pull his side level. The hosts began the second half well enough, with Stead rattling the bar with a 20-yard shot, but by the midway point of the second half Exeter were in front again, with substitue Jake Taylor racing clear and slotting under Loach. Jamie Fullarton's side collapsed thereafter, as Christian Ribeiro added a third and nearly scored again a minute after kickoff, and the rout was confirmed with a fourth Grecian goal from Ollie Watkins. Are Notts County facing a relegation battle? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County have come from behind to make it 1-1 against Exeter City at the halfway point of Saturday’s League Two game at Meadow Lane. The Grecians took the lead after just seven minutes when a cross was floated expertly into the path of Jayden Stockley, who nodded past Scott Loach to make it 1-0. Groans came from the Notts faithful as it appeared to be more of the same, but the Magpies worked their way back into the game as Liam Noble came close twice 25 minutes in. County’s scoring duck was finally broken 35 minutes in, when Jon Stead’s cross was smashed home by Izale McLeod at the second attempt to pull his side level. What do you make of the game so far? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County goalkeeper Scott Loach has expressed his delight at having an extended run in the first team after former manager Ricardo Moniz described him as “too soft”. The ex-England Under-21 international was brought in by the Dutchman last summer, but made just two appearances for in between the Magpie sticks before Moniz was sacked in December. Loach has now played three consecutive games, displacing the veteran Roy Carroll, and has been lauded as one of the few bright lights in an otherwise beleaguered team. He said: “I went to see (Moniz) and he said I was too soft. "I'm not criticising him as a person, because I've been with managers before that did not play me and everyone's entitled to their own opinion. "At Ipswich, Mick McCarthy said: “Look, you're just not for me, go and find yourself another club”. And Ricardo came in and said I was too soft. "Don't get me wrong, I'm no cage fighter. It's just one of them, it's his opinion. I don't know how he meant it, and it's laughable now, but it's in the past. "I guess that made me more strong and determined to prove him wrong. "As a man, I'm not knocking him whatsoever. He brought me to this club and he gave me the chance to be captain against Mansfield. "I'd never been a captain before, so that was one of the best moments in my career." Do you want Loach to continue his run in the Notts first team? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County Ladies have secured a trio of high profile signings on transfer deadline day ahead of the start of the new Women’s Super League season. First confirmed to join the Lady Pies on a busy day was Australia international Aivi Luik, who has just won the W-League title with Melbourne City in her native country. The 31-year-old defender, who has also played with Brisbane Roar, Perth Glory and Danish side Brondby, has signed for a year. Next up was former Birmingham City and Doncaster Rovers full-back Chelsea Weston, 26, whose contract length has not been disclosed. Last but by no means least was the signing of Arsenal Ladies legend Rachel Yankey, who joins the Lady Pies on an initial 66-day loan. The England international started her career at the Gunners before re-joining them in 2005, remaining at the London club for the past eleven years, and has also made 129 appearances for the Lionesses. All three players will be available for Sunday’s SSE Women’s FA Cup 5th round encounter against Durham Women at Meadow Lane (KO 2pm). What do you think of the trio of signings? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County owner Ray Trew has agreed a deal to sell the club to an American company, according to reports. BBC Radio Nottingham claims Trew will also meet another potential buyer, who flies in from China on Tuesday. Local businessman Alan Hardy had made a formal written offer to buy the Magpies, but the agreement with the US company has seemingly scuppered his chances. Trew announced last month that he was looking to sell the League Two club after his family were subjected to "foul and mindless abuse". But he is understood to consider Hardy's bid - said to be between £8m and £10m - way short of his valuation. HM Revenue & Customs has issued a winding-up petition against the club, with the case adjourned until 25 April. What do you think to this latest development at Notts? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, bisiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County and Exeter City have met a total of 41 times over their history, the first meeting coming at St James’ Park in Division Three (South) which finished as a 3-3 draw. The Magpies have an excellent record against the Grecians; out of those 40 games, Notts claimed a result in 33, with 16 wins and 18 draws. Exeter was formed in 1901 as St. Sidwell's United and played in the Southern League from 1908 until 1920, when that league's top division was absorbed into The Football League as its new Division Three. The club was the first ever team to play the Brazilian national team in 1914, a match which was commemorated in a 2014 friendly game against Fluminense. City took 60 years to achieve their first ever promotion, finishing fourth in Division Four in the 1963–64 season. Since then, the club have mostly oscillated between the third and fourth divisions, spending five years in the Conference between 2003 and 2008; having been promoted a further four times (in 1976–77, 1989–90, 2007–08 and 2008–09) and relegated five times (in 1965–66,1983–84, 1993–94, 2002–03 and 2011–12). Famous fans include Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, Adrian Edmondson, Mark Nicol and Noel Edmonds. Singer Joss Stone signed up as a member of the Supporters' Trust, being introduced to fans on the pitch as a new member during a League Cup match against Liverpool. In 2002 pop singer Michael Jackson was made honorary director of Exeter City. He visited St James Park with celebrity friend Uri Geller, who was also a director. The crew of the HMS Defender also adopted Exeter City as their home team and use their strip if playing games whilst on tour. --- Notts County boss Jamie Fullarton has an almost fully fit squad to choose from as his search for a first home win continues against Exeter City at Meadow Lane. Will Hayhurst remains the club's only long-term absentee, having not played this season because of a cruciate knee ligament injury, and is not expected to be fit again until the summer. Defender Andrew Boyce, on loan from Scunthorpe United, is set to make his home debut on Saturday after playing in the away defeat at Yeovil Town. Exeter manager Paul Tisdale, meanwhile, is set to name the same XI for a third straight game. Forward Alex Nicholls is still missing as the club await specialist advice before a mask can be fitted to protect his fractured eye socket. Ollie Watkins will continue to deputise, having scored twice in three games since moving into the starting line-up. The Grecians are unbeaten in four league games, including away wins over Stevenage and Cambridge United. How do you think Notts will get on against Exeter? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Aileen Trew very kindly took some time out to visit the Pride of Nottingham forum and answer questions put to her by our community. Here is some of the discussion: Q) Are you and Ray hoping the clubs sale is sorted before the end of the season? What is the current stage at? A) Yes, he's hoping to get it sorted ASAP. I can't say any more than that. Q) I have noticed comments on social media Ray's car has been vandalised, is this true and was it done on the day of the protests? A) I'm not aware of his car being vandalised, though apparently, a couple of protesters sat on it. Luckily, another couple of supporters took it upon themselves to keep an eye out, so no harm done! Q) Do you think this will be it in terms of football for you and Ray, do you feel bitter about some fans at all? A) It won't be the end of football for either of us, no. I for one am a Notts supporter, and health allowing, will be coming to games. I feel no bitterness at all. Frustrations with those that lie, abuse and troublemaker at times, but that’s more to do with people rather than the club they support. Life's way too short to waste time on such negative emotion. Q) What are your personal proudest moments from your term at Notts? A) It's been an honour to be involved with Notts and there have been some great times. I've been proud of staff and players, performances, resilience in hard times, great atmospheres at games, promoting football friendships with our Italian Magpies. Mocked by some, but the 150 year of activity, with the civic reception, legends day (thanks Les!) the stamp issue, the inflatable screen on the pitch for Notts County - The Movie, the community day, the Gala banquet (those who went will know it wasn't about posh nosh in a tent!) The birthday party, it was just great to see everyone working together and making it happen. Generally, though, just proud to be part of the support. Like most of us at various times. Will you still keep in touch with friends and people you have gotten to know? A) I'll certainly keep in touch with the friends I've made through Notts. There's plenty of genuine, lovely families out there and we've got to know each other so well. Friends for life, certainly. To see more questions and answers between Aileen and the Pride of Nottingham community, please visit the relevant topic on the forum here or below.

Notts County are expected to be sold within the next four weeks, according to reports. The Nottingham Post claims that current owner Ray Trew is concluding a deal for the club, who are reportedly also the subject of a winding up petition by HMRC. The case is said to have been adjourned until 25 April, to allow time for the sale to go through, but sources close to the club have reportedly claimed the debt will be settled should it fall through. Details of the alleged new buyer are unknown – the only individual to make his interest public is local businessman Alan Hardy, chief executive of the Paragon Group. What do you think of these supposed developments at Meadow Lane? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.