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Notts County will take on Doncaster Rovers and Grimsby Town in the group stage of the EFL Trophy. The Magpies have been placed in Group G of the competition’s Northern section, and will also play one academy side. The 48 EFL clubs have been placed into pre-determined groups, with consideration given to ensure travel time is minimised for supporters and recovery time is maximised for players. Players from EFL clubs who are out on loan in the National League and below are now eligible to feature in the competition. Meanwhile, invited teams have been restricted to fielding two players over the age of 21 and more than 40 first-team appearances. Lincoln City are currently the holders of the trophy after beating Shrewsbury Town at Wembley last season. Group G Doncaster Rovers Grimsby Town Notts County Invited Club Invited Clubs 1. Everton U21 2. Leicester City U21 3. Manchester City U21 4. Middlesbrough U21 5. Newcastle United U21 6. Stoke City U21 7. West Bromwich Albion U21 8. Wolverhampton Wanderers U21 The EFL Trophy gets underway commencing the 3rd of September. 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.

Even though we're in the off-season at present, we've still had plenty of football action to go by over the last few weeks. First of all the World Cup, which has been an absolute spectacle from start to near-finish, not to mention England doing so well to get to the semi-finals and indeed continuing their participation with the third-place playoff. At Meadow Lane, meanwhile, we're very much in the full swing of pre-season, with players coming in and friendlies being played out. It's effectively been a seamless transition from international football back to club football, and by the time the World Cup ends, it'll only be a few weeks until the season is back underway! Pride of Nottingham was at Greenwich Avenue for Notts County's 3-1 friendly win over Basford United and was also at club shop on Monday to meet new signings Enzio Boldewijn, David Vaughan and Nathan Thomas. Our photographers took snaps of the action and of the Black & White Army, so why not check out our Faces of PON galleries if you were at the events to see if you're among the papped peeps? Share your thoughts 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 and Jon Stead have both praised Notts County first-year scholar Dongda He for his performance against Basford United. The Chinese midfielder shone in the first half of the 3-1 victory against the Evo-Stik Premier Division side and scored the goal of the game with a terrific effort before half-time. “We’ve got a lot of good players in that position, but he is someone who we can’t quickly thrust into the limelight,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post. “We’ve got to be patient with him, but he did really well. “He was around good players on Tuesday, but he’s shown he can handle it. “What we can’t do is get carried away. What we must do is manage him like we have done with a number of these boys. “Over the next few weeks you will be seeing him and he will be getting exposed to a lot of first-team training sessions. “And hopefully we will try to get him on the field, but we have do right by us and them (young lads).” Stead added: “He was brilliant and a real livewire. “Dongda wants to be on the ball and wants to try things. That is key because sometimes young players can play within themselves and be a little shy. “But he wanted to impress and that’s only to be admired. There are a couple of things where you thought 'just calm down a little bit'. “But you want that exuberance. He might put two or three over the bar, but then come up with a terrific strike.” 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.

Lewis Alessandra has stated that Notts County want to “go one better” next season in achieving promotion from League Two. The Magpies were in the promotion hunt virtually all season but were defeated by eventual playoff winners Coventry City in the semi-finals. Since then Notts have made several high-profile signings, including Enzio Boldewijn, Kane Hemmings, Kristian Dennis and David Vaughan. “We want to go one better, that’s the way all the lads feel in the dressing room,” Alessandra told the Nottingham Post. “I think the signings have shown real intent and personally I would be very disappointed if we don’t better what we did last season. “I am looking forward to it, we’ve made some good additions which has really increased the competition for places.” 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.

Born in Hayle, Cornwall, on 8 July 1896, Donald Cock learned the footballing ropes with youth club Camborne Boys Brigade and then played for the football team of Gwynne's Foundry, a London engineering business. The centre-forward hailed from a footballing family, being the younger brother of England international Jack Cock, while his other brother Herbert was also a footballer. As a man born in the late 1800s, Cock was unfortunate to come of age when the Great War broke out, and so his footballing career - which began at Brentford - also saw him called up for duty. According to Ancestry, Cock was a Sergeant in the 2nd Battalion Middlesex Regiment, no. 13804. The document reads: "He joined in August 1914, served on the Western Front at Arras, Neuve Chapelle, the Somme, Givenchy, Amiens, Armentieres, Ypres and Bullecourt, and was wounded three times. He was demobilised in 1919, and holds the 1914-15 Star, General Service and Victory Medals". In 1919, Cock moved to Fulham and, in three seasons with the Second Division club, he averaged a goal every other game, and was the club's leading goalscorer in 1919–20 and 1920–21. Cock then joined Notts County in October 1922 and played nearly 100 games in three seasons at Meadow Lane. Although he is seldom mentioned in the club's annals, he was the club's top scorer in 1922–23 and 1923–24, and helped the Magpies win the Second Division title in the former. Cock's exploits with Notts - 32 goals in 85 games - saw Arsenal express an interest in the played, and he was signed by Leslie Knighton in March 1925, making his debut for the Gunners against Bolton Wanderers on 7 March 1925. Unfortunately, in his next match, ironically against Notts County at Meadow Lane, his leg was broken by a strong tackle. He was out of action for five months and could not find favour under new manager Herbert Chapman. Cock played just one more game for Arsenal before being sold to Clapton Orient for £1,500 in October 1925. Cock regained his form at Orient, becoming top scorer for the Second Division side in 1925–26 and 1926–27 before finishing his career with brief stints at Wolves and Newport County in 1927. He retired from professional football, aged 31, soon after, and died in 1974, aged 78, in Wolverhampton. Cock's exploits with Notts County during the 1920s, top-scoring two seasons in a row and helping the Maggies to promotion, earn him a place in Pride of Nottingham's Notts Alumni hall of fame. Share your thoughts about this Notts Alumni piece 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.

Legendary Notts County goalkeeper Steve Cherry has announced that he is currently in the process of writing his autobiography and has asked fans to send in pictures of him in action on the pitch. The 57-year-old, who played for the Magpies between 1988 and 1995, made more than 500 professional appearances during an illustrious career which spanned four decades. Cherry was part of the Notts team which rose from the Third Division to the First in just three years and starred in both successful playoffs to get there, as well as the superb FA Cup win over Manchester City. Speaking exclusively to Pride of Nottingham, Cherry confirmed that the title of the book will be Cherry Picking: Life between the Sticks. Cherry, who will be writing the book alongside writer Jonathan Nicholas, said: "I've had my thoughts on writing a book for years. "I've had ups and down and travelled the world - too many memories not to share. There are things in my career that people don't know about and might shock a few!" To contribute your action photos of Cherry which could feature in his autobiography, estimated to be released in August, please send them to [email protected] - we will liaise directly with him. Find out more about Steve Cherry's formative years and footballing career with Pride of Nottingham's Notts Alumni feature! 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 signed midfielder Enzio Boldewijn from fellow League Two side Crawley Town. The Magpies have paid a "significant six-figure sum" to land the Dutchman, and it is believed to be their biggest outlay since signing Kasper Schmeichel from Manchester City in 2009. The 25-year-old scored 16 goals in 101 appearances during a three-year stay in West Sussex and has agreed a three-year contract with the Magpies. “When I walked in here I was very impressed," Boldewijn told the official website. "Everything is professional and I can’t wait to be here every day. “The manager wants to make me a better player and I’m looking forward to working with him. "The big crowds, the history and the plans to build a strong squad are what got me here. “I’m very pleased and I can’t wait to get started." Notts boss Kevin Nolan added: “It’s unbelievable that we’ve been able to get him. “There’s been a lot of interest from people above us in the leagues but once Enzio had seen our genuine interest and vision for how he can help us progress as a club, that became a major factor. “He’s going to be one who will definitely excite. He’s a good ball-carrier, very pacey – something we lacked last year. He brings something different to what we already have. “He’ll get people on the edge of their seats and he’ll give us that extra little bit of quality in the final third. “We want to make sure we improve him and help him pick up where he left off last season.” Let Pride of Nottingham know your thoughts about this signing by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.

The relationship between a great player and the football clubs he plays for is one of the most diverse aspects of football. Some players spend most or all of their career at one club - Jamie Carragher, Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville come to mind. Some players will transfer between clubs multiple times, like Zlatan Ibrahimovic or Nicolas Anelka. And some are in between, who have played for just a few clubs but made enough of an impact at each of them to be loved by each set of fans. Michael Johnson is one such player. Born in Nottingham in 1973, Johnson played for the well-known Clifton All-Whites, a regional youth team whose alumni include Jermaine Jenas and Garry Birtles. In 1991, he made his debut for Notts County, away at Arsenal. It proved a baptism of fire for the then 18-year old, as a tough Gunners team containing stars such as Ian Wright and Tony Adams triumphed 2-0. Johnson also played against Coventry, Norwich, Sheffield United and Manchester City that season. Sadly, it was to be his only season with Notts in the top flight, as the Magpies were relegated that year. The 92/93 season, in the newly rebranded Division One, saw Johnson becoming a first-team regular, playing 37 league games as the Magpies finished 17th in a very tight league, just three points above the relegation zone. Despite being only nineteen, Johnson played with maturity and composure beyond his years, and never gave less than 100%. 93/94 saw Notts perform admirably and finish in seventh, just three points shy of the playoffs. Johnson was once again a permanent fixture in defence, playing 33 league games. The Magpies also made it all the way to the final of the Anglo-Italian Cup, where Johnson faced up to the mighty Gheorghe Hagi, the Romanian who would go on to lead his team to the quarter finals of the World Cup just a few months later. Sadly, the 17,185 inside Wembley saw Brescia lift the Cup after outplaying Notts and winning 1-0. 94/95 was a devastating season for Notts, as Mick Walker was sacked early on, and a succession of managers and unsettling off-pitch turmoil led to poor results on the pitch. Johnson played 27 league games but couldn't stop the team finishing rock bottom, though he did at least get his hands on some silverware by helping Notts win the Anglo-Italian Cup against Ascoli in March. The summer saw Johnson move to newly promoted Birmingham City for around £300,000, and his powerful, swift and committed defending saw the Blues consolidate their position in the First Division. From that first season, the team went from strength to strength each year, finishing higher and higher, as Johnson developed more as a player and added goalscoring to his repertoire. By 98/99, he was indispensable, having played in every league game that season and scoring five times as they made the playoffs, where they lost to eventual winners Watford. This year would also see Johnson earn the first of his twelve caps for Jamaica, coming on as a sub against Sweden in a friendly played in Stockholm on the 27th May. Johnson would experience play-off heartache twice more in successive years, before his team finally nailed it at the fourth time of asking by beating Norwich to finally reach the Premier League. Throughout that long, arduous and often deflating journey, Johnson was always a first team regular. Heartache of a different kind came as the second-tier team made it all the way to the League Cup final, playing in Cardiff against Liverpool. They took the Reds, who would finish the season with three trophies, all the way to penalties, where they sadly lost out in the most erratic and agonising of ways. In a bid to survive their first season back in the top flight, a spate of signings were made at Birmingham, which saw Johnson lose his first-team place. After playing just six games all season, he was allowed to leave, and, remaining local, he signed for Derby County. It didn't take long for him to win a place in the Rams' first team and the fans' hearts, as he played 39 games and scored once, helping Derby survive a tumultous season where they narrowly avoided relegation. Unlike his time at Birmingham, where each season was consistently good and saw the team finish in the top six, Derby were challenging for the play-offs one year and fighting relegation the next. Nevertheless, Johnson was consistently solid and reliable, becoming club captain in 2005/06. The following season, under new ownership and under the tutelage of Billy Davies, Derby cemented themselves into the promotion positions, leading for most of the season before a late drop in form saw them fall into the play-off zone. Johnson was in the first-team picture playing 29 times, although injury problems saw him miss the end of the season, including the winning play-off games which confirmed Derby's place into the Premier League. Another promotion, another set of hearts won over. Because of a change of management and new signings being made in the close season, Johnson found himself out of the first team. Anxious to find the right club at this late stage in his career, the then 34-year old opted for Sheffield Wednesday, joining the club on an initial one month loan in September. He instantly made an impact as he helped the Owls pick up the first points of the season against Hull on 22nd September. Such was his professionalism, class and commitment that his stay was extended to three months, the maximum possible term for emergency loans. Back at Derby, Johnson, in a bit of a limbo, nevertheless showed immense professionalism to do his best for the club, and when he came on for the Rams in a cup tie against Sheffield Wednesday, that rarest of occurrences took place: both teams cheered his appearance and were chanting his name and praising him, a testament to a great professional and great man. Sadly, despite improving the squad and winning the fans' hearts in just thirteen games, a permanent contract at Sheffield Wednesday wasn't to be, as the Owls opted to sign a young Mark Beevers instead. The Owls' loss was the Magpies' gain, and on 29th February 2008, Notts saw the prodigal son return to Meadow Lane. Initially on loan, Johnson slotted straight into the back four and played twelve times, scoring the winner against Rochdale and helping the team narrowly avoid relegation. His final season as a player was with his hometown club, as Notts signed the player on a permanent one year deal. Another tricky season for the club saw Johnson play 29 times, his experience helping the club survive another year in the Football League. His final game came against Dagenham and Redbridge on 25th April 2009. Earlier on in the year, he was offered the chance to become youth team manager the following season, which he duly took up. During the enigma that was the 09/10 season, he temporarily took over the first team reins with Dave Kevan, and during his two matches in charge, he won one and drew one. Sadly - and how many times have I found myself saying the word in this article - things didn't work out at Notts, he was dismissed when Paul Ince was relieved of his duties and replaced by Under 12s coach Brett Adams. Not one to be affected by setbacks, Johnson carried on studying for his coaching qualifications, and in June 2012, he qualified for the prestigious UEFA Pro Licence. In October, he rejoined Birmingham, taking charge of the Under-16s squad in the academy. A campaigner for equality in sport, he demonstrated his coaching techniques in a FA-funded scheme aimed at promoting coaches and managers from minority ethnic backgrounds in August 2012, and in November, he spoke to the BBC about the lack of opportunities for black and Asian coaches, drawing from his own experiences in the field. Johnson has also involved himself in several ambassadorial roles, which include Help Harry Help Others, a charity raising awareness of brain cancer, Birmingham Children's Hospital, and Real United Football Club, a Nottingham-based team set up to reduce substance misuse and related criminal activity amongst young people in Nottingham. In the last two years, Johnson has been an ambassador at Derby, where he carries out a wide variety of roles including coaching, mentoring, assisting corporate clients and media for in-house station Rams TV, as well as a board member at the League Managers Association and a founder member of On Board and Sports People's Think Tank, and his latest role - manager of Guyana. A tireless, inspirational man throughout his whole career in every venture he's been involved in, few players are as cherished and revered by so many different clubs, fans and people as Michael Johnson. What did you think of Michael Johnson when he was at Notts? Do you have any stand-out memories of him? Let Pride of Nottingham know by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.

It's definitely been a bittersweet day today at Meadow Lane. The club has unveiled its new kits for the 2018/19 season, and the home shirt will go on sale tomorrow. In addition, it's the first day of pre-season, so now it's collision course for the friendlies and just over a month away until the league starts again! Alas, we've had to bid farewell to Mike Edwards, the very definition of "stalwart" and a man who is thoroughly loved among the Black and White Army. The talented defender enjoyed two spells at Meadow Lane, making over 300 appearances, and also took the captain's armband, as well as spending the last few years as a coach. To pay tribute to Steady Eddy, we at Pride of Nottingham have shared your photos alongside him! Feel free to send over your pics with Edwards and we'll add them to the gallery! Share your thoughts about Mike Edwards 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.

Notts County have announced that Liam Noble's contract at Meadow Lane has been terminated. The 27-year-old left Forest Green Rovers last autumn to rejoin the Magpies, becoming eligible to play as of January this year. However, Notts have revealed that Noble wanted to return to the north-east of England, where he hails from. As such, his contract has been ended by mutual consent and he has now joined Hartlepool United. Notts owner and chairman Alan Hardy told the official website: “Liam has had a very open and honest discussion with us and we were not going to stand in his way. “We wish him the best of luck and will be continuing to pursue a number of transfer targets as we look to ensure the squad is ready come 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 unveiled their new kits for the 2018/19 season. The Magpies released teasers of the new Puma shirts throughout Friday before the full unveiling in the evening. The home kit retains the vertical black-and-white stripes that Notts are famous for and "pays homage to the very popular kits of the 1990s by incorporating yellow into the design". The away kit, meanwhile, "sees the Magpies continue with their cool combination of blue and white – with a pinstripe twist". Alan Hardy told the official website: “We’re absolutely delighted with the designs of our new kits and are confident supporters will feel the same. “This is always an exciting part of the build-up to the new season and we’re really pleased to deliver our home shirts to supporters earlier than in previous years. “Following on from last season’s immensely successful sales, we can’t wait to see all our fans sporting the new designs.” County's home shirt and shorts, along with goalkeeper kit and selected training wear items, will be available to purchase online and in store from 9am tomorrow, while the away kit will be out in the coming weeks. 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 announced that coach, former captain and much-loved stalwart Mike Edwards is leaving the club. Steady Eddy, a player with legendary status among the Black and White Army, enjoyed two spells at Meadow Lane, making over 300 appearances. The 38-year-old, part of Steve Cotterill’s side that lifted the League Two title in 2009-10, paid tribute to the supporters for their backing throughout his career at the club. “This place will always have a special place in my heart and the supporters are one of the main reasons for that,” he told the official website. “I’ve got too many special memories to mention but I have absolutely loved my time at Meadow Lane. “The time has come for me to move on but I wish the gaffer, the lads and everyone connected with the club all the best for the upcoming season.” Notts owner and chairman Alan Hardy added: “Mike is a legendary figure in these parts and we are very sorry to see him go. “He has represented the club with consummate professionalism both as a player and staff member and leaves with everyone’s utmost respect. “Mike will always be welcome at the Lane and I wish him all the very best in his future endeavours.” 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.

Pierce Bird has thanked fellow defenders Richard Duffy and Shaun Brisley for aiding his development at Notts County. The young centre-back, who joined the Magpies last year, is hoping to break into the first team at Meadow Lane this season after signing a two-year deal earlier this month. “They’ve been great with me and I could not have asked them to do a better job,” he told the Nottingham Post. “They help me when I need it and they tell me when I’ve done something wrong. They couldn’t have done any more. “Speaking to Duffs and Bris, they told me that talking is so important because it helps you organise. “I didn’t really have that when I first came here but as the season went on, I’ve grown in confidence and I would say talking is where I’ve majorly improved.” 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.

The 2018/19 League Two fixture list has been published, and Notts County will begin next season with a home clash against Colchester United. The U's, who finished lucky 13th in the table last season, will travel to Meadow Lane for their opener on Saturday 5 August. It is the first time Notts have opened the season at home in eight years when they faced Huddersfield Town. The Magpies will then travel to Cambridge United a week later before rounding off the month with games against Yeovil Town, a midweek trip to Newport County and a foray to Lincoln City. Saturday 8 December brings the derby against Mansfield Town at the One Call Stadium, with the reverse fixture taking place on Saturday 16 Feburary. Boxing Day sees Kevin Nolan's men welcome newly-promoted Macclesfield to Meadow Lane before they see in the new year with a trip to Oldham. Good Friday will see Milton Keynes Dons visit the Lane a fortnight before Notts round off their regular season at Swindon on Saturday 4 May. Full fixture list: 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.

A plaque commemorating the foundation of Notts County has been unveiled at Nottingham's Mercure Hotel. Previously known as the George Hotel, the location was where "Notts Foot Ball Club" became official following a committee meeting within its walls in December 1864. Colin Slater, who has reported on the club for more than 50 years as part of BBC Radio Nottingham, revealed the tribute outside the hotel in George Street on Sunday. "The fact the plaque is here and the meeting took place here is of huge significance," Slater told the BBC website. "Officers were elected, everything agreed to get the club running in a professional way. For the two years before it had been a bit hit and miss." The Nottingham Civic Society and Notts fan Andy Black commissioned the black and white plaque at the entrance to the hotel. Black said: "I think it will mean the world to most Notts fans that we can come into the city centre and see this. "The Forest fans have the Brian Clough statue down the road and we will have this now." 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.

A plaque commemorating the foundation of Notts County was unveiled at Nottingham's Mercure Hotel last weekend. Previously known as the George Hotel, the location - just off the city centre en route to Hockley and the Lace Market - was where "Notts Foot Ball Club" became official following a committee meeting within its walls in December 1864. Colin Slater, who has reported on the club for more than 50 years as part of BBC Radio Nottingham, revealed the tribute outside the hotel in George Street on Sunday. The Nottingham Civic Society and Notts fan Andy Black commissioned the black and white plaque at the entrance to the hotel. Staunch Notts fan Deryck Flowers was at the occasion and took pictures as the plaque was unveiled. Feel free to look through the pictures and let us know what you think about them and also the occasion! Share your thoughts about this 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.