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Kevin Nolan has revealed that Richard Duffy will be Notts County's captain in Saturday's League Two opener against Colchester United. The defender held the armband for most of last season as Michael O'Connor was sidelined through a long-term injury. Now that O'Connor has left, Nolan has stated that Duffy will continue as skipper "for the foreseeable future" but says it's not a permanent appointment. “Richard Duffy will lead the team out on Saturday,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post. “I haven’t made my mind up who is going to be the club captain yet. “Richard stepped in so well last year for Ocky (during Michael O’Connor’s injury) that he will continue to do it for the foreseeable future until I actually pinpoint one. “It’s probably been the last thing I’ve been thinking of this week although people keep pushing me on it. “I expect him to do the job that he’s done since I came into the club, he’s been absolutely fantastic doing that.” Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Kevin Nolan has spoken about Notts County duo Lewis Alessandra and Will Patching, praising the former and providing an update on the latter. The 29-year-old attacker scored against Basford and Leicester City and is pushing for a start in the League Two opener against Colchester United. Manchester City academy product Patching, meanwhile, made his debut for the Magpies at the weekend when he came on as a substitute in the 2-0 defeat at Luton Town. “Lewi is just a quality player, a quality lad and a good kid,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post. “He is lovely to be around and is great on the training ground. “The lads we have brought in have taken him to new levels which is good.” As for Patching, he said: “It’s going to take him a while to get up to speed. He is way behind the lads, but he is training fully now with the boys. “He got 15 to 20 minutes on Saturday and he will now be playing in a game on Tuesday to get his minutes up. “But I think we will be seeing him in the League Cup game when we can get him extra minutes and get him in a proper competitive game.” Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Kevin Nolan has admitted that Notts County were punished for making “strange and sloppy” decisions in their 2-0 loss at Luton Town on Saturday. The Hatters secured a 2-0 win at Kenilworth Road through former Magpies loanee Jorge Grant and Elliott Lee. The latter scored from close range after Ross Fitzsimons failed to collect a header on the goal line following a corner. “I was a bit disappointed really in what we’ve been trying to do and what we’ve been about in pre-season,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post. “I thought we were second best certainly in the second half. “In the first we contained them and I think they only had one shot on target. But in the second half we made some strange and sloppy decisions and we were punished for it.” Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County manager Kevin Nolan has stressed that each of his players will have a chance this weekend to earn a starting XI spot in their League Two opener against Colchester United. The first team travel to Luton Town on Saturday, while some senior players are also expected to feature at Carlton Town on Saturday in their final pre-season matches. The Magpies will open their campaign against the U's at Meadow Lane on August 4 and Nolan wants all of his charges to be "selfish" in their pursuit of a first-team berth. “There’s still plenty to play for,” Nolan told the official club website. “I don’t know what’s going to happen between now and next week. “Football changes minute-by-minute, hour-by-hour. This will be a massive 90 minutes for them. “I’ve told everyone to be selfish to make sure they’re ready come Saturday week because they never know, they could get that call.” Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Kevin Nolan has spoken highly of Notts County academy product Dongda He and is confident of the club bringing through youngsters of high pedigree in the coming years. The Magpies have experienced a drought in talented academy players coming through the ranks to establish themselves in the senior team, with only Curtis Thompson and Haydn Hollis having made the breakthrough recently. However, with He looking like a real talent and the likes of Remaye Campbell, Pierce Bird, Alex Howes and new recruits Tom Crawford and Will Patching, the future is looking bright for those in black and white. "It's fantastic. It's been a while coming,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post. "With Dongda, we only just got his visa a few weeks ago, but we've got high hopes for him. "There's a number of young lads in our system who we feel can make an impact. Tom Crawford, who we got from Chester, you can see he's got a brilliant attitude. Alex Howes, young Spike, has been great. "We've got high hopes for a few of them. We'll see them in and around the first team more this season because the squad is a lot younger than last season. They'll get chances during the season.” Focusing on He, Nolan added: "Dongda did really well. It took him a little bit of time to get used to the game, but we expected that as he's only been training with us for a week or two,” he said. "He's got real ability and we'd like to release that at some point. He's under no pressure though. None at all. We want to create an environment where he can thrive here." Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County manager Kevin Nolan has thanked club owner Alan Hardy for his backing in the transfer market although he has not shut the door on another recruit should the opportunity arise. The Magpies have enjoyed a superb summer in terms of transfers, bringing in several high profile signings including Kane Hemmings, Kristian Dennis, Enzio Boldewijn, David Vaughan and Andy Kellett. Speaking after the loss to Leicester City, Nolan said he is delighted with the business made so far but, echoing prior comments made by Hardy, added that he will keep his eyes open for particularly exceptional additions. "You never say never. There's life left in us, but if this is the squad in August I'll be very pleased," he told the Nottingham Post. "I'm looking forward to working with them. If there's someone who whets the appetite then I'll speak the boss and we'll see what we can do. "He's done great business for me though, getting the lads we've got and getting the lads in early so we can work with them. "I won't be banging his door down. He's done great for us, but if that one special one pops up then we'd have a discussion." Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County boss Kevin Nolan has claimed that his players will learn a lot from their second 4-1 loss in a row in Saturday's pre-season friendly loss to Leicester City. Lewis Alessandra gave the Magpies the lead but, despite putting in a much improved performance to the game against Derby County last week, the Foxes struck back through Wes Morgan, Hamza Choudhury, Demarai Gray and Islam Slimani. "There was lots of good stuff to come out of it," Nolan told the Nottingham Post. "We played some really good stuff at times. "We expected the quality they brought. I've just said to the lads, that's what happens when you play top opposition. "They're Premier League players and they'll do what they've done today. They've capitalised on mistakes. "They've scored from a corner and then two minutes later we've given the ball away (and Leicester scored). They'll punish you. "That's what it's all about. They've shown some lovely finishes, but we'll learn from that." Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Kevin Nolan has admitted that Notts County were like "rabbits in the headlights" when they had possession against Derby County and wants more confidence from them ahead of the Leicester City friendly. The Magpies lost 4-1 against the Rams last week and Nolan gave a scathing assessment of his players, and although he admitted that they've been put through their paces this week, he wants a better performance on Saturday. “I am looking for them to be tighter and that they don’t switch off as much,” he told the Nottingham Post. “But they’ve had a tough week and they will be playing with tired minds. “I want us to relax when we get the ball back and try to keep it in certain areas. “I thought we turned the ball over quite cheaply at times on Saturday. “But when we did keep it, we actually did some good stuff with it. “I want them to believe in themselves because it looked like they were rabbits in the headlights when they got possession back. “We have tried a few things to drill into them so they can learn from it and hopefully it bodes well for Saturday.” Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County manager Kevin Nolan has revealed that Kristian Dennis is in line for his first pre-season appearance this weekend. The forward, who scored 21 goals for Chesterfield last season, missed the Magpies' opening three friendlies due to injury. However, Dennis is now back to fitness and Nolan says he will be involved against Leicester City on Saturday at Meadow Lane. "He's back," Nolan told the official club website. "We were gutted when we realised he wasn't going to be with us for the last week or two but he's come back and really had a good go. "He's settled in well with the lads and I'm really looking forward to seeing him play at the weekend. "He comes alive in the box. What we've got to do is make sure we're ready to supply him with lots of touches in that area. I'm sure he'll get his rewards. "But it's the same with the others. Jon Stead is at the front in all the running at the minute. You wouldn't have thought he's 35 - it's unbelievable. He's come back absolutely flying. "Kane Hemmings looked really sharp when he came on last week, too. It's competition for places - it's what we want." Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Kevin Nolan has expressed his delight in seeing Frank Lampard enter the world of management ahead of Saturday's friendly between Notts County and Derby County. The former Chelsea and England midfielder took the reins at Pride Park in May, 15 months after calling time on an illustrious career for club and country. Both Lampard and Nolan were accomplished midfielders and both have entered the world of management at a fairly young age, and the Magpies boss was eager to dispense some advice and information. "He's going to have a lot more sleepless nights," Nolan told the Nottingham Post. "Even kids don't keep you up as much, but he will prosper. "He is a determined character and you could see that in the quality he had as a player. "He will attack management just the same. What he's got to do is appoint a good backroom staff which he seems to have got together quite quickly. "Frank has to trust them and, as long as they are all on the same hymn sheet, I am sure he will be fine. "When you see Frank taking this job, it is a massive risk because he could be sat behind a desk talking about it and being a pundit. "But hats off to him. I am delighted we have got one of the most decorated midfielders managing in English football. "He has taken the plunge and I wish him success in everything he does. If there is anything I can help him with then that's great, but I am sure he will be fine." Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Kevin Nolan has admitted that some people at Manchester City were surprised to see Will Patching get released. The former England youth international is now at Notts County, who had seen off numerous clubs for his signature. Luckily for the Magpies, Patching shares the same agent as Tom Crawford, who is also at Meadow Lane having joined from Chester FC. “When we spoke to a couple of people at Man City they were surprised Will had been released,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post. “They thought he would be given another year and he also had a few offers to go to higher clubs as did Tom Crawford. “But it was quite funny because Tom’s agent is the same as Will’s. “He thought Notts could be the right fit for Will because it’s men’s football. “I am really looking forward to working with him.” Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Kevin Nolan has spoken of how he wanted to keep the bulk of Notts County's back line from last season together to go into the 2018-19 campaign. The Magpies had the fourth best defensive record in League Two last term, which was crucial in the team's run to the playoffs. Right-back Matt Tootle, left-back Dan Jones and centre-back Richard Duffy have all since extended their spells at Notts, while Ben Hall has rejoined on loan from Brighton. “I wanted to keep the defence together because they were building relationships and we still feel we can make them better,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post. “With the confidence they will have in each other going into the season, and us keep working with them in the summer, we can get the goals against column down further. “We had the fourth best defensive record in the league last season when compared to the previous one before that, we had conceded 78. “There’s been a massive turnaround and that’s a testament to the boys who were there.” Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Kevin Nolan has stated that Notts County want a winger who can “produce something special” for next season. The Magpies boss is specifically looking for a player who can pick up the ball in his own half and go on a run all the way up the pitch, something he feels was lacking last season. Although Nolan admits such players will come with a big price tag, he will nonetheless keep looking for someone who fits all the criteria in terms of finances and skill. "The one thing we were probably lacking last year was that we wanted someone, who, when you are stuck in your own half, can get hold of the ball and just run you all the way up the field and maybe produce something special,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post. “You’ve got to spend a lot of money to get those kinds of players, but what we are trying to find is that one who can be in and around our price range. “We are working tirelessly and we will see one or two come in and that will excite the fans even more.” Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Kevin Nolan has admitted he would love to have Mason Bennett back at Notts County, but he has to wait on what new Derby County manager Frank Lampard has in plan for the forward. The Magpies have been continuously linked with re-signing the 21-year-old, whose loan spell at Meadow Lane in January was cut short because of a hamstring injury. “If Frank likes him and wants to keep him around the squad then we won’t have a chance,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post. “I know he was really looking forward to having some time here and that hasn’t changed. “If we get the opportunity and everything is right, then I would be delighted to have him back. “He would push the lads and having him along with Jon Stead, Kristian Dennis and Kane Hemmings would give us four quality strikers.” Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Kevin Nolan has revealed that Alan Smith left Notts County because he wanted a break from football. The former Leeds United and Manchester United man spent four years at Meadow Lane as a player, coach and even caretaker manager, before being released at the end of last season. Nolan also stated that Smith is looking to make a return to the game in several months and could hopefully assist on coaching and scouting duties. “We had Smudger who was a fantastic servant to this football club and wanted to walk away,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post. “He will always love the game but sometimes you need to take a break. “And he said when he is back in a couple of months, hopefully he can come in and help us. “He can help the forwards and pass on that experience. He will go out and watch games for us and help in anyway he can.” Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Kevin Nolan has admitted that Notts County’s FA Cup run ended up having an adverse effect on the team's league campaign last season. The Magpies made it all the way to the fourth round and held Swansea City to a draw at Meadow Lane in the first game, before losing 8-1 to the then Premier League side at the Liberty Stadium. County's form stuttered around that time and Nolan says he will address the issues of tiredness for the upcoming season. “I thought the FA Cup played a major factor in that we took our focus off the league for a bit,” he told the Nottingham Post. “It got relentless because the lads were not having many days off. “The lads went into a deep tiredness without really showing it, but we got out of that and started to build momentum going into the back end of the season. “What we’ve got to do when we get into January and February is make sure that the lads are fresh and ready to go.” Speaking about the league campaign, Nolan added: “It’s going to be another tough season and when you get out of this league, you thoroughly deserve it. “A year on and hopefully I will be able to handle it a lot better in certain parts.” Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County boss Kevin Nolan has admitted that he wants to sign an experienced midfielder to replace the departed Michael O'Connor. The former Magpies captain left Meadow Lane earlier this week to join Lincoln City, and now there are just three over-30s in the current squad. Nolan was saddened by O'Connor's exit but said it was largely due to personal reasons. “Now we’ve lost Michael to Lincoln we’ve got to look at that position,” he told the Nottingham Post. “We’ve got to look at building something that is going to help all the young lads that are in there now. We would like somebody who has been there and done it. “Everybody forgets that Elliott Hewitt, who was unbelievable last year, is only 24, Noor Husin is 21, Liam Noble is 27 and they are relatively young boys for this profession. We have only three players over 30 and sometimes you need that old head in the middle. “It doesn’t mean he is going to play every week but someone who people look at and say he’s had a fantastic career because he’s done everything right. He can help push the lads to other levels and limits. "For personal reasons (O'Connor) decided Lincoln was the best place for him because he lives a few minutes away from the training ground and the stadium. Sometimes it does make it easier for players. We move on.” Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Kevin Nolan has spoken of how Notts County want to make the playing squad younger and turn the team's youth players into assets. The Magpies signed several highly rated young players this summer, with the likes of Tom Crawford and Will Patching joining from Chester FC and Manchester City respectively. Nolan also says he wants up to six or seven Under-19s training with the first team by this time next year. He admits he is excited about the prospect of working with talented youngsters that could go on to spearhead the club and potentially be worth millions of pounds in the future. The Notts boss was speaking at the club's fixture release breakfast - here is a video of the full interview. Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County have confirmed they will be hosting a breakfast event at Meadow Lane to find out the release of the 2018-19 League Two fixtures. The event (and the draw) will take place on Thursday 21 June, with doors opening at 8am, and costs £10. Notts chairman Alan Hardy, manager Kevin Nolan and director Darren Fletcher will be present as the club finds out their fate in terms of who they'll play in the league and when. To book, email [email protected] or call 0115 955 7222. In addition, the EFL has confirmed that the draw for the first round of the EFL Cup - or Carabao Cup in corporate terms - takes place on Friday 15 June at 10:45am BST, with Notts being allocated ball number 23. Seventy EFL clubs will feature in the new-look draw, which will see teams drawn into Northern and Southern sections, but with no seeding for higher ranked sides as in previous seasons. Matches are scheduled to take place in the week commencing 13 August. Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Notts County have confirmed that goalkeeper Branislav Pindroch has signed a new two-year deal at Meadow Lane. The 26-year-old, who became the first Slovakian to play for the Magpies when he joined the club last summer, made four appearances last season and was third choice behind Adam Collin and Ross Fitzsimons. “I have really enjoyed my first season at the club,” he told the official website. “Learning from the likes of Mark Crossley and the manager has been an amazing experience for me and I’m so happy it’s going to continue. “I’m really looking forward to pre-season and challenging for my place in the team.” Notts manager Kevin Nolan added: “Bran impressed us so much in his first season with us. “He showed massive improvement towards the end of the campaign and we definitely see a future for him in English football. “He has worked very hard to conquer the language barrier and now speaks perfectly good English. “He’s the first man in the gym and the last out. He’s a great example of a first-class pro and he thoroughly deserves his contract. “It will be a really good battle between him and Ross next season. There is no number one – it’s up to them both to claim the shirt.” Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

So here it is folks, the biggest game of Notts County's season so far and hopefully the penultimate game of our campaign is upon us. Coventry City come to Meadow Lane for the second leg of our League Two playoff semi-final on level terms, though it shouldn't be the case. The Sky Blues won a completely undeserved penalty late on in the first leg at the Ricoh Arena which they converted for a 1-1 scoreline. But as much as it's totally justified, there's no point crying over spilled milk - this is a cup final for us and we best buckle up and get on with it. In this article, Pride of Nottingham looks at some of the pre-match quotes from both camps as well as having a look at the provisional team news. Kevin Nolan on the game “I’m just going to enjoy it. There’s no pressure on us. We weren’t expected to be here. “The only pressure we’ll be feeling is what we put on ourselves because, like Coventry, now we’re here we want to get to Wembley. “We know Coventry – we’ve played them three times now this season and every game’s been tough. “It’s going to be difficult again on Friday night but I’m looking forward to locking horns with Mark Robins once again and hopefully getting over the line. “The lads are in good spirits and looking forward to what will hopefully be another good encounter.” Kevin Nolan on the potential of a Meadow Lane sellout “It’s absolutely amazing. It just shows the hard work we’ve put in has all been worth it. “We urge the people of Nottingham to buy the last few tickets because we’re going to need them – they can influence a lot that happens on the field and drive us to victory. “We want them with us every step of the way because when they are with us, incredible things can happen - as I’ve seen during my tenure here.” Dan Jones on potentially playing in the final at Wembley “Playing at Wembley would be a dream for me personally. It’s an incentive you can’t even put into words. “You’ve got to enjoy these games - everything that surrounds them and what’s at stake. “It’s about rising to it, doing as well as you can and making Nottingham proud.” Dan Jones on the first leg “Lots of things from many individuals were brilliant. Forte’s flick for the goal was amazing – it was a good bit of instinctive play. “Bris and Duffs won a lot of great headers, both wingers and the centre mids put in a lot of work and the work-rate of Steady helped us deliver what we were working on throughout the week. “We go into the game with a lot of confidence from the other night – especially considering the conditions we had to deal with. “They threw a lot at us – they’re very direct – and I felt we defended brilliantly.” Former Nottingham Forest player Garry Birtles "I am not the first to say it, but it cannot go unsaid – Notts County fell victim to one of the worst refereeing decisions the game can ever have seen, at Coventry last week. "What referee Gavin Ward saw to make him think he had to point to the spot mystifies me. "Matt Tootle did not slide into the challenge, he did not take out Tom Bayliss with his trailing leg, he made clear, obvious contact with the ball, which changed direction massively, as a result. "None of the Coventry players appealed for anything. Probably because it was a perfect, clean tackle. He won the ball and made little contact with his opponent in the process. "It wasn’t a foul, it did not look like a foul and I will never understand how the referee has come to the conclusion that it was. "If Notts miss out on a place in the play-off final because of that decision, it will be a travesty, in a football sense. "But I am very much hoping that they will not. Playing the second leg at home, where they have been so strong this season, in front of a packed Meadow Lane crowd – I fancy them to get the job done." Coventry City boss Mark Robins “We need to send our supporters home happy. “It will be a good game and it might even go all the way. We need to be prepared for that. “There is plenty of enthusiasm. Ever since the game finished on Saturday we have been looking forward to tomorrow. “We have had a mixture of rest, recovery and training this week. “We played really well in the first leg and only made one or two mistakes, but sadly that cost us a goal. “There is going to be a full stadium, and that is what we look forward to. The prize at the end of it is great and we have to make sure we get the process of getting to that right. “The supporters should be excited and they should be in full voice and right behind the players. We could do with making their fans quiet.” Opta stats This is the fourth time in succession that Notts County have drawn the first leg of their play-off semi-final away from home, with the Magpies reaching the final on each of three previous occasions. Coventry haven't won any of their last eight away games against Notts County in all competitions (D2 L6), since a 3-0 victory in August 1963. The Magpies are unbeaten in their last nine home games in all competitions, winning five and drawing four. The Sky Blues have lost just one of their last seven away games in all competitions (W4 D2), though that defeat did come at Meadow Lane in April (1-2). Coventry haven't been promoted from any division since winning the second tier in 1966-67. Four of Coventry's five goals against Notts County this season have been scored in the 80th minute or later. Jonathan Forte has scored all three of Notts County's goals against Coventry in all competitions this season. Coventry scored with their only shot on target in the first leg - Marc McNulty's 87th minute penalty. Team news Notts County could be unchanged, with Jonathan Forte expected to be fit. However, Coventry's Tom Davies is suspended having been handed a retrospective three-game ban by the FA for his stamp on Richard Duffy. Share your thoughts about the game on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Kevin Nolan has provided an update on Jonathan Forte, who limped off in Notts County's playoff draw at Coventry City. The striker opened the scoring at the Ricoh Arena, only for the Magpies to be pegged back through a ludicrous penalty. “Forte is okay, he was just tired and had given a lot on a heavy pitch as all the players did,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post. “They were weary. They had a day off on Sunday and I told them to relax and recuperate. “Then it was back to work on Monday and hopefully getting the game plan ready to beat Coventry. “We’ve got 90 minutes or possibly 120 to play. That’s all that’s separating us from Wembley and I am looking forward to it.” Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Kevin Nolan has expressed his hopes of getting Mason Bennett back on loan next season but confirmed that he would not be fit for the Magpies' playoff campaign. The striker joined the Magpies from Derby County on the last day of the January transfer window and netted his first goal in his debut against Crewe Alexandra after coming on as a second-half substitute However, he was forced to return to Pride Park after rupturing his hamstring on his first start for the club against Barnet. “He’s back on the grass but it’s way too early for him,” Nolan told the official website. “There’s not enough game time or training minutes, even if we got to the final. “But we’re going to keep in contact with Derby and Mason himself to ensure that if there’s a possibility of getting him next year, we’re at the front of the queue. “We were so impressed with what we saw from Mason – not only on the field, but by the way he conducted himself and his eagerness to play for Notts County. “I’m hoping we can renew that at the beginning of next season but, first and foremost, we hope he gets back to full fitness as comfortably as possible because it was a nasty injury. “I’m sure, because of his professionalism, he’ll come back better and stronger.” Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Kevin Nolan has claimed that Matt Tootle is well worthy of winning the Notts County Fans' Player of the Year award and reiterated his wholehearted support for the full-back. Tootle has enjoyed a superb season in the black and white stripes thanks to his displays which combined dynamism with consistency. The 27-year-old is also a fan favourite thanks to his eccentric, loveable personality, as shown by his quirky "slug" goal celebration which he has used several times this season after chipping in with a few strikes. Off the pitch, Tootle has also raised awareness of mental health issues, having faced and overcome his own battles, which has inspired and helped out many people within the football sphere. “The award was well deserved,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post. “We’ve had some outstanding performances and players all season long and Toots comes into that category. “I am absolutely delighted he has taken a weight off his shoulders in respect of talking about mental health and what he’s been through. "He’s now raising awareness of how easily your mental health can come into the game and how hard it is. “I am behind him 110 per cent behind him and he knows that. I feel that we’ve got a special bond which will go on past Notts when he moves higher up. I’ll always be there for him to call me if needed." Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

Kevin Nolan has urged Notts County's players to keep their feet on the ground and concentrate on the task ahead in the playoffs, stressing that they "can't really dream about anything". The Magpies finished fifth in League Two this season to get a shot at promotion, with Coventry City their semi-final opponents. Notts will make the trip to the Ricoh Arena on Saturday before playing the second leg at Meadow Lane on Friday, May 18, and should they be successful, Wembley beckons. “I have great belief in these lads and what we’ve done all season long,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post. “I am sure if you asked Mark Robins he would say the same about his Coventry team. “He’s a great fella, Mark, and I am looking forward to pitting my wits against him. “Hopefully I am the one who succeeds, but no matter what we will have a beer afterwards. “And I hope it’s me who is getting the congratulations and we are going to Wembley. “But there is so much work to be done before then that we can’t really dream about anything. “We’ve got to concentrate on Coventry now, and while the lads can enjoy what they’ve done over 46 games, it’s back to work (this week). “We will look at what we need to do to ensure we get to Wembley.” Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.