Joe Jones

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.

Notts County manager Jamie Fullarton has admitted he is hoping to make further additions to his squad this week. The former Nottingham Forest Under-21 coach signed defender Andrew Boyce last week on a loan deal until the end of the season from Scunthorpe United. With Notts without a win in six, Fullarton says he is looking for players who can strengthen a front line that has gone four games without a goal. "We are working tirelessly as I mentioned to revamp and add competition to the squad," he said. -"There are one or two possibilities, but nothing as yet. They have got to contribute and make us better. It's important, and I touched on it when Andrew Boyce signed, that they want to come and play for us. If they are going to make us better and want to come here, that's a combination which brings success. "Recruitment is one of the most important aspects whether it be mid-season or close season. It's all about doing your due diligence about the person you are bringing in. "It's important that whoever we do bring in has a positive effect on the dynamic of the group. I am looking at the whole team, but it's important you try to evolve. "We want to get better and try to add players who will help us improve performances and results. "It's a constant cycle of hard work, but it's based on due diligence and trying to get the right people in. It's a constant process." Who would you like to see Fullarton bring in? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the community, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County manager Jamie Fullarton has admitted that his side "weren't good enough" in their 1-0 defeat at Yeovil Town on Saturday. Former Magpies striker Francois Zoko struck early in the second half to condemn his old club to a fifth defeat in five games, while the Notts front line failed to score for a fourth consecutive game. "We weren't good enough in both boxes as a group as opposed to individuals," said Fullarton. "When opportunities present themselves you've got to take them. But we didn't merit, with our performance, much out of the game. "We are creating chances, but it's that final decision or that final pass which is lacking. When you stop creating chances as opposed to not converting them, then that's a real concern. "In this division it's fine margins but we must do better, and we can do better, if we are to move forward. "As for the goal we conceded, any goal you let in is disappointing, and that's something we have got to correct. "We have got to take on board what we are working towards and try to do better in those situations otherwise we put ourselves up against it. "We all want the same which is when we go out on that pitch we want to apply ourselves. We want to show intent and do what everybody at the football club wants which is to get three points with a performance." How can Fullarton fix Notts? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County loanee Andrew Boyce has criticised his side’s performance in Saturday's 1-0 League Two defeat at Yeovil Town, admitting that only goalkeeper Scott Loach could emerge with any credit. The towering centre-back made his debut at Huish Park, having arrived from Scunthorpe United on loan, but was unable to prevent the Magpies slipping to defeat as former striker Francois Zoko struck in the second half to give his side all three points. Loach, enjoying an extended run in the first team, kept the scoreline respectable with a series of top class saves, including one to keep out Leroy Lita's penalty. "It wasn't a great performance and the only player who can come away with any credit was Scott Loach," Boyce said. "He kept us in the game at 1-0, but obviously we couldn't get a decent enough chance to equalise. "It was an even game and at half-time all the manager said to us was don't concede in the first 10 minutes. He reminded us don't do anything silly, but that's exactly what we did. "It was a good header by Zoko and it was just disappointing. And what is even more disappointing is that we have not pushed hard to get back into the game. "The manager wasn't happy, but you can imagine what he said. I will leave what he said in the dressing room. He's not pleased. “I was frustrated myself because it was my first game for the club and was disappointed in the timing of my headers. But it was just good to get back playing football again." What do you make of Boyce’s comments? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Another matchday, another defeat for Notts, this time away to a resurgent Yeovil Town side who claimed a 1-0 win over the freefalling Magpies on Saturday. The visitors enjoyed a bright start to the game at Huish Park, with Curtis Thompson firing just wide of the left hand post in the seventh minute. Moments later, Liam Noble's well-worked low corner found skipper Jon Stead, but his shot was blocked on the line before being scrambled clear. Yeovil then piled forward and forced a save from Scott Loach in the 10th minute before Mark Laird blasted wide three minutes later. A lull then took place with both sides battling in midfield, but in the 27th minute Adam Campbell's pass to Stead was fired towards goal but blocked on the six-yard line. The Magpies ended the half strongly, with Stead once again pushing forward and threatening with a shot four minutes from the break, but ultimately neither side could break the deadlock come the referee's whistle. This all changed three minutes after the restart, as former Notts striker Francois Zoko connected onto Ryan Dickson's cross to head the ball past Loach and into the net to put the Glovers a goal ahead. Jamie Fullarton had his goalkeeper to thank for keeping the scoreline down with a succession of brilliant saves, including to thwart Leroy Lita's 76th-minute penalty following an alleged handball in the Magpies box. Notts pressed on a number of occasions and came close through Stead, Noble and Campbell, but Yeovil were clearly the better side and, were it not for Loach's saves and some lacklustre finishing, would have finished the game multiple goals to the good. Six games played. Five defeats and one draw (to a struggling Dagenham & Redbridge side). Two goals scored in those six games. None scored in the last four. Just how bad are Notts at the moment? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

The League Two clash between Yeovil Town and Notts County remains goalless at half time, despite a number of threatening efforts from Jamie Fullarton's side. The Magpies enjoyed a bright start to the game at Huish Park, with Curtis Thompson firing just wide of the left hand post in the seventh minute. Moments later, Liam Noble's well-worked low corner found skipper Jon Stead, but his shot was blocked on the line before being scrambled clear. Yeovil then piled forward and forced a save from Scott Loach in the 10th minute before Mark Laird blasted wide three minutes later. A lull then took place with both sides battling in midfield, but in the 27th minute Adam Campbell's pass to Stead was fired towards goal but blocked on the six-yard line. The Magpies ended the half strongly, with Stead once again pushing forward and threatening with a shot four minutes from the break, but ultimately neither side could break the deadlock come the referee's whistle. What did you make of County's first half performance? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Notts County and Yeovil Town have only met 12 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 11 meetings following that game all took place between 2004 and 2015. The last game took place earlier this season on 17 October 2015, with Ricardo Moniz's side triumphing 2-0 at Meadow Lane. The record stands evenly poised for both sides at 5 wins, 5 defeats and 2 draws. 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 could comfortably take in the entire population! In the 21st century, Yeovil became the first town in Britain to institute a system of biometric fingerprint scanning in nightclubs, and the first English council to ban the children's craze Heelys (those trainers with wheels that popped out from the heels). --- Yeovil host Notts at Huish Park on the back of three wins and an unbeaten run that stretches to five games, with four clean sheets along the way for good measure. The Magpies, in contrast, have not won in five and have also lost four of those. On-loan Scunthorpe United defender Andrew Boyce is expected to go straight into the squad for Saturday's trip to Yeovil, after his loan move was finally completed midweek. His arrival should allow Elliott Hewitt to move back to right-back. The only long-term Magpies absentee is Will Hayhurst, who is on the mend from a cruciate ligament injury. Darren Way has no new injury concerns going into the game with long-term absentees Wes Fogden, Jordan Gibbons and Omar Sowunmi the only ones out. Meanwhile Jack Compton and Liam Walsh have been back in training this week and could well make the squad. Leroy Lita is also in line for his debut after signing on a free transfer until the end of the season last week. How do you think this game will pan out? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Businessman and Notts County fan Alan Hardy has given fellow supporters possible hints that his planned takeover of the club has not come to fruition. Hardy, the chief executive of the Paragon Group, is understood to be one of several businessmen or groups interested in the club, which was put up for sale by Ray Trew last month. Taking to Twitter last night, and responding to a fan who used Notts County's Twitter handle saying "sort it out", Hardy said: "I wouldn't hold your breath". When another supporter tweeted "oh no", Hardy continued: "Sorry, I did my best. But sometimes you just have to accept that your best just isn't good enough." Hardy is the only potential buyer who had made public his intention to take control of Notts, but he reportedly hit a stumbling block over the club's asking price. 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.

Notts County have confirmed the loan signing of Scunthorpe United defender Andrew Boyce until the end of the season. The 26-year-old former Lincoln City centre-back has joined in training with his new team-mates and could make his debut at Yeovil Town on Saturday. Current Magpies manager Jamie Fullarton has claimed that Boyce's leadership skills and physical presence will be a welcome addition to his side. "Boyce brings physicality and he has a hugely strong presence. He's a leader and I am happy he has chosen to sign for Notts County," Fullarton said. "There was definitely a lot of interest out there, locally and from further afield across the divisions. But I spoke to Andrew and he's decided he wanted to come here. "He wants to play for this club, which is a huge factor when looking to bring players into the football club." Boyce made nine appearances for previous loan side Hartlepool United this season, in addition to a solitary showing for his parent club. What do you think of this signing? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

Scunthorpe United defender Andrew Boyce will join Notts County on loan on Friday, according to reports. The former Lincoln City centre-back, who has managed only one substitute appearance for the Iron this term, will spend the rest of the campaign with a club in League Two rumoured to be the Magpies. "Andrew Boyce will be going to a club in League Two on Wednesday to sign a loan deal that runs until the end of the season," manager Brian Laws told the Scunthorpe Telegraph after his side's 2-0 success over Doncaster Rovers last night. "It's a great opportunity for him. In many ways he's going to a club of a really good standing within League Two and I'm sure he'll enjoy his time there. He needs to play games, like a few of our players that are not involved." The deal for 26-year-old Boyce was meant to be completed on Thursday, but journalist Mike White tweeted: "Andrew Boyce to Notts Co still expected to happen but no official word from them or Scunny. Hearing it won't go through until tomorrow now." What do you think about this deal? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.