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Former Notts County loanee Ryan Yates has revealed he "jumped" at the opportunity to join Scunthorpe United on loan and reiterated his desire to become a first-team player at Nottingham Forest. The 20-year-old was sensational for the Magpies in the first half of the season, making 29 appearances in all competitions and scoring six goals plus registering three assists. However, his time at Meadow Lane came to an end when he was recalled by Forest on January 10 and shipped out to Glanford Park a day later. Since then Yates has made just three appearances for the Iron, totalling 120 minutes of football, but he outlined his hopes of success both at the League One club and his employer. “As soon as I heard the genuine interest from Scunthorpe I jumped at it because I want to challenge myself and play as high as I can, and this is a great place for me to be,” he told the Scunthorpe Telegraph. “These boys want promotion and that’s the only aim. It’s all the players spoke about when I got it, the attitude is that we are getting promotion – I love that. “I want to keep learning every day. I am only 20 and I know I can learn a lot from these players. I want to keep learning, playing and enjoying myself, and I am enjoying myself a lot at this club. “We had that winning mentality at Notts County under Kevin Nolan and it is exactly the same here. "The manager is relentless all the time. Every day in training we are at it because we have big goals we want to achieve by the end of the season. “I want to prove myself at this level and show people that I have what it takes. "It’s going to be fantastic for my development, hopefully we have a successful season here and I’ll go back to Nottingham Forest a better player. “I am contracted to Nottingham Forest, have been there since I was eight years old, so it would be fantastic if I could break into the side. “It would mean everything to break into the first-team at Forest. They have some really top players there who have played at the highest level. “If I am going to get in, I know I will need to go back there in a really good condition with great experience.” 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 declared himself pleased with Notts County's business in the January transfer window. The Magpies bolstered their ranks with the acquisitions of Matty Virtue, Noor Husin, Ben Hall and Mason Bennett, while Liam Noble could finally be registered after joining late last year. In adding a centre-back and a forward, two areas which were in need of strengthening have now been duly reinforced, while Ryan Yates's untimely recall is now no longer a worry with three new midfielders able to turn out for Notts. "I'm delighted with the business we have done. A lot of it was done early and those lads have had a couple of weeks to settle in," Nolan told the official Notts site. "I feel we have come out of the window with a stronger squad because we have brought in a lot of youth to blend with the OAP squad, as people keep calling us! "To get the two lads we wanted on the final day, which went right to the wire, was great. We have different types of players in each position, which is going to give me a selection headache." Speaking about deadline day signing Hall, Nolan said: "We spoke to a lot of people who have worked with Ben and we're delighted to get him. He has had good experience in Scotland with Motherwell and he is a confident lad. We want him to push Duffy and Brisley to new heights." Bennett, meanwhile, was formally announced half an hour after the window closed, and the gaffer added: "Mason has turned down good opportunities to go elsewhere because we are the club he wanted to move forward with. I'm delighted he has chosen us and I hope we can progress his career. "You only have to look at him to see he's an athlete but we're not putting any extra pressure on him, we need to let him get on with his football and that is the most important thing. "He has got every attribute to be a top player with the way he glides past people and his running in behind and we have to try and nurture that and get it out of him. He's a real handful because of his pace but he is also very clever on the ball. He will bring a lot and we are excited to be 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.

Jon Stead has spoken about Ryan Yates's recall from Notts County and also praised replacement loanee Matty Virtue. The Nottingham Forest youngster impressed on loan at Meadow Lane but was recalled before being sent out to Scunthorpe United in League One. It wouldn't be long before another highly-rated youngster arrived at the club, however, in the shape of Liverpool Under-23 captain Virtue. “We were not really surprised (about Yates's departure) because Ryan did fantastically well for us,” Stead told the Nottingham Post. “We just took it in our stride really because there are other lads vying for that position and ready to come and step in. “We wish him all the best and thank him because he was terrific for us. “He’s a great lad and a top, top professional. He’s a throwback to the old school professionals and I’ve no doubt he will go a long, long way in the game.” Speaking about Virtue, Stead added: “He did very well (in his debut against Lincoln).I think he was in the dressing room scratching his head a little bit. But he held his own very well and I think we will see a lot more of him throughout the games, especially at home. That’s when he will be able to get on the ball a little bit more. “His neck was probably a bit sore from watching it go over his head last weekend. But he was very combative and he dealt with the physical side of it very well.” 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 seeing Nottingham Forest send more players on loan at Notts County. The Magpies have made use of Jorge Grant and Ryan Yates this season and both have been a revelation for the club. Although Yates was recalled by the Reds, Grant is to stay at Meadow Lane until the end of the campaign. “We hope there will be a couple more coming from over the road,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post. “If they keep coming over, going back and winning new contracts that says we are doing something right. “I am delighted we are trying to build better relationships with the new owners and the new manager so we can work together. “Not only will it help Notts move forward, but help Forest’s players move forward as well. We’ll see what happens.”

Notts County say they have been given confirmation by Nottingham Forest that Jorge Grant will be able to stay on loan at Meadow Lane for the remainder of the season. Grant spent the second half of last season at Notts and returned this term alongside Ryan Yates, the duo instrumental in the club's rise to the upper echelons of the League Two table. Forest decided to recall Yates last week and ship him out on loan to Scunthorpe United, causing friction among the Notts fans plus anxiety regarding Grant's immediate future over the Trent. However, Alan Hardy has now stated that Forest - new manager and all - will let Grant stay put until the end of the campaign. “I would like to place on record my thanks to Forest for confirming that Jorge will be staying with us," Hardy said on the official Notts site. “He has been a pivotal figure for us, scoring 17 goals, and this confirmation comes as a huge boost as we look to take our excellent form into the latter part of the campaign. “We appreciate Forest trusting us with Jorge’s development and look forward to having him with us until May.” 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 is hoping that Notts County's impressive work with loan players will lead to more clubs sending their up-and-coming prospects over to Meadow Lane. Jorge Grant and Ryan Yates have been a revelation with the Magpies so far this term - the latter sadly no longer with the Magpies - while over the last few years, the likes of Marc Bola, Jack Grealish and Callum McGregor have also thrived at the club. “I am hoping people can see what we are doing with these loan players,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post. “The ones we have taken from Premier League clubs have all gone back better players and gone on to better clubs, or gone back and got new contracts. “For me, I am absolutely delighted with that. It’s crucial for us because if we keep doing well with these kids and they keep going back speaking about us in a positive light. “Football is a small world and word soon flies round. Players would know they would be coming to a club who will look after their welfare on and off the pitch. “That’s what we will continue to do hopefully making them better while they are with us and when they go back.” 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 Notts County "haven't heard anything" from Nottingham Forest regarding Jorge Grant, who also wants to remain where he currently is. Grant and Ryan Yates joined the Magpies on loan in the summer and have been impressive, only for the latter to be recalled by his parent club. This led to fears regarding Grant's stay at Meadow Lane but Nolan has suggested that the club's top goalscorer this term may stay put until the summer. “We haven’t heard anything from Forest,” the Notts boss told the Nottingham Post. “We want to keep Jorge and he has come out and told everyone that he wants to stay here. “He feels that is better for his development which is great on our behalf. “Hopefully Forest can see in the year we have had him how far he has come and what he has done. “He’s been fantastic and we want to keep developing him. “We want to send him back in four to five months’ time so that he has got an even better chance of breaking into their first team. “If not then hopefully we can lend him again next year.” 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.

Disappointment and football seem to go hand in hand when being a Notts County fan. Like most Magpies supporters, I am immensely gutted by the departure of Ryan Yates who has joined Scunthorpe United after being recalled by our neighbours Nottingham Forest. It’s sad enough that a parent club could force a move in spite of a player's wishes. Yet to remove their chances of helping aside secure promotion, either as champions of their respective division or as automatic hopefuls, just doesn’t make much sense at all. There’s no denying how beneficial the move had been for us, as Yates has proven himself as a major force within our midfield. The decision to recall him, only to loan him out to a side chasing promotion in League One seems quite bizarre on paper, as for me it undoes all the hard work that he put into the first part of the season by removing him from the opportunity to play within a very settled environment. People might suggested that Scunthorpe United may gain promotion themselves, however I feel this is unlikely – whereas there is a strong possibility that we could continue to fight for top spot in League Two. Happiness for any player is a big part of their game, as is togetherness – uprooting a player and expecting them to repeat their earlier performances within an unknown dressing room is such a huge risk in its own right. I do understand why Nottingham Forest would want to access his development, yet this just seems very rushed and somewhat mismanaged. Since their new manager, Aitor Karanka, has only arrived recently, it’s quite baffling as to whom made the decision. The one thing we as fans simply can’t get our heads around, but it has happened and our club now has to decide if or who should replace him. Honestly, I didn’t see this happening and I felt that the media reports merely attempted to create the headlines. Would it not make sense to allow Yates to continue his loan spell at Meadow Lane and then reassess his future/development? I do believe that he’s going to be a big player, yet I don’t think his level is quite polished even in League Two and the experience gained here seemed beyond just that. I would go as far as saying the whole vibe around the club has a dramatic effect on young players, if you believe in something and see that your contributions are helping – even appreciated, well it enables you to play at such a higher level of football. Along with the league and cup success, it really adds to the difficulty in understanding the situation and I don’t see Scunthorpe United as being candidates to repeat what magic Yates would have had here. I really can’t see them gaining promotion from League One, it’s very tough and there are far better teams around them which will have a more refined squad in terms of depth. As a fan I can’t complain about the season, and this situation is merely an unwanted distraction. I am certain Kevin Nolan will be accessing what areas need strengthening, yet this does create the situation of do we need extra cover? Personally, I think Michael O’Connor and Liam Noble can fill the position and do it well. I would also like to see another young player with a similar playing style as Yates come in, just as we might need extra depth and having that finer quality does make a huge difference. To summarise this, regardless of the ins and outs of the loan deal – I feel Forest haven’t done themselves any favours. I believe it doesn’t remotely help Yates, and I see this without wearing any tinted glasses. The quality of players around any player is enough to help shape and mould them, if we were talking about a Wigan or Blackburn – I might see things a little differently. It still wouldn’t make me feel any less different about if the decision was right or wrong, and if Notts had a ‘season long loan’ then I would steer clear of developing any of Forest players in the future. Why risk this situation happening again? I don’t believe it casts a good light on them as a football club. I would hope that this decision doesn’t have an adverseeffect on the club, as I do think the event may leave some distractions and unhappiness around the Magpies camp. However, the professional approach would be to focus as quickly as possible on adding the depth mentioned before the January transfer window closes. Hopefully it's business as usual, we will be able to patch the squad up and continue as we were. Good luck to Ryan Yates lastly, it has been a real pleasure to see him do very well in the Black & White shirt and just seeing his enthusiasm whilst playing seems a real honour for us. Share your thoughts about this feature article 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 spoken highly of new loan arrival Matty Virtue and admitted that Ryan Yates's untimely departure is part and parcel of football. Yates was on loan at Meadow Lane until Wednesday, when he was recalled by Nottingham Forest and sent out to League One side Scunthorpe United, also penning a new City Ground deal. The Magpies have moved quickly to bring in a replacement in the shape of Liverpool Under-23 captain Virtue. "We've had some fantastic recommendations from some really good players who have been in the game," Nolan told the official Notts site. "He trained with us today for the first time and you can see he's a real fox in the box and that he times his runs really well. He's a very good technician and passer of the ball. "I think you'll see the better Matty Virtue in a couple of weeks' time. It's always tough when you come into a new environment but you can already see he's more than capable. "We're hoping when he crosses that white line it suits him and we start taking him on an upward curve. "He's going to be given a great opportunity to excel here and go back to Liverpool a better player. We'll help him as much as we can." When asked by the Nottingham Post about Yates's departure, Nolan replied:“I’m obviously disappointed to lose Ryan because he’s been a major part of our squad in the last six months. He’s done really well for us. “It’s brilliant for him that’s he’s earned a contract over the road on the back of what he’s done here. I’m absolutely delighted for him, and wish him well going forward. “It come as a surprise because we wanted him for the year, but that’s football. He was given a decision to make, and he’s made his decision, so all we do is wish him the best.” 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 the loan signing of Liverpool Under-23s captain Matty Virtue on a deal until the end of the season. The Magpies were left reeling following Ryan Yates's recall from parent club Nottingham Forest but have moved quickly to bring in a replacement in the middle of the park. Virtue is highly rated at Anfield and has been singled out for praise by academy manager Neil Critchey, who says he has been outstanding this season for the Under-23s and is also a great role model for his teammates. "It's a massive opportunity for me," Virtue told the Notts site. "It's my first loan move - I've needed to come out and get games and this is the perfect place with the gaffer and the experienced players in the squad. "Coming here to work with Kevin Nolan was a huge pull. I want to be a goalscoring midfielder and I think I can learn and progress a lot under him. "He has seen me play and knows what I can bring to the team. He has shown faith in me by bringing me to the club. "I think I've been playing strongly at under-23 level and shown what I can do, which has helped me get this move. Playing against senior professionals is the next step in my career and I'm here to learn. "I'm a box-to-box midfielder who likes to get up and down the pitch and chip in with a few goals. I want to work hard and bring energy to the team. "I spoke to Jordan Williams yesterday about his experience here a few seasons ago; he was full of praise and told me to come here and enjoy 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.

Alan Hardy has revealed that Notts County launched a bid to sign Ryan Yates on a permanent deal from Nottingham Forest but were turned down. The 20-year-old is heavily rumoured to be on the verge of being recalled by the Reds and shipped out on loan to Scunthorpe United. Speaking to Team Talk on Notts TV, Hardy said: “I made a bid which got turned down. "They want to keep him and in fairness to Ryan Yates, he’s been at Forest since he was nine. “His ambition is, I want to play alongside Joe Worrall against Arsenal in the FA Cup – that’s where Ryan Yates’ head is and we will try and help him on his journey. “He’s on a journey to play for Forest because that’s where his heart really is.” 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 Ryan Yates has been recalled from his loan at Meadow Lane by parent club Nottingham Forest. The 20-year-old made 29 appearances for the Magpies in a fruitful loan spell which saw the team rise to second in League Two and reach the fourth round of the FA Cup. On Wednesday, speculation arose linking Yates with a loan move to Scunthorpe United as well as a new contract by the City Ground outfit. Notts have now confirmed that Yates has returned over the Trent, and the player had kind words to say about the club and fans. “I can’t begin to describe how much I have enjoyed my five months at Meadow Lane," he told the official Notts site. “I can’t thank the chairman, manager, staff, my team-mates and supporters enough for helping me settle in and develop as a player. “Notts will always have a place in my heart and I wish everyone connected with the club well for the rest of the season and beyond.” 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 we are in 2018. January, to be precise. A month where everyone's skint after a month of splurging on presents, food and general excesses, and a month where everyone promises themselves that they're going to carry through some resolutions, only to fail two weeks in at the first sign of winter malaise. In the world of football, however, it's pedal to the metal as not only are there plenty of fixtures to get through, but the transfer window reopens, cue players changing clubs and journalists working overtime to churn out all the latest rumours, about 90% of which are complete bovine doo-doo. Over at Meadow Lane, however, there is legitimate cause for concern over the status of two players, namely Ryan Yates and Jorge Grant. As you all know, they're currently on loan at Notts County from Nottingham Forest, and as far as everyone was concerned, the Reds had agreed to let the duo remain over the Trent for the duration of the season. But with Forest sacking Mark Warburton, it presents a possible dilemma as a new manager may decide to recall the two players either to give a go in the team - after all, they're hardly setting the division alight, and eight points above the bottom three in the form they're in is hardly reassuring - or potentially sell on. In a fan forum late last year, Hardy said: "Both players are on loan until the end of the season and, while recall clauses are in place, we are confident they will stay with us for the season." Indeed, the rumour mill has begun turning, with League One side Scunthorpe United believed to be interested in Yates and Championship Norwich City reportedly keeping tabs on Grant, cue nervousness from the Notts faithful. However, even in the worst case scenario where both Grant and Yates are taken off of County's hands this January, there is still solace in the return of two midfielders - one a re-signing, the other having been out for so long that he will feel like a new signing. I am, of course, talking about Liam Noble and Michael O'Connor. Now, obviously Noble and Occy are not like-for-like replacements for Grant and Yates - each player has different styles and characteristics, so let's take a look at how each of them play, as individuals and in the team. Grant is a skilful flair player who likes to take on people, while Yates is a classic box-to-box midfielder who is far better at going forward, and also distributes the ball well. Yates benefits from having experience by his side, it takes the pressure off his play and usually results in more confidence on his part. Both are vastly different going forward, Grant likes to force play, whereas Yates builds carefully and allows for the ball to be passed around. O'Connor is a natural leader, we have missed him in midfield despite the good start and although we are blessed in an offensive mindset, his experience will be a blessing. In games where we struggle to create chances, he will be that player needed to think outside of the box. Defensively he assists also, a massive part of his game which is underappreciated in my opinion. Noble is very similar to O'Connor, yet he's more self-minded - selfish almost - and will end up seeing the headlines before they are written, plus he's great at drifting into space. I feel because Noble is more an attacking minded midfielder who likes to run at players and show his directness, I think it cancels out a potential pairing with O'Connor. If Grant and Yates leave, Noble and Rob Milsom should be paired in midfield, they are more a balance between the lines - both can get forward but Milsom can do the defensive duties. Milsom has a good understanding when it comes to defensive positioning and I feel he links up well when trying to come out of our own half. O'Connor, meanwhile, can be utilised from the bench, or started as an attacking midfielder should Grant and Yates not be around at the Lane any more. Whatever January brings, Notts are very well equipped in midfield and it should remain one of the strongest areas in the squad, with or without Grant and Yates. Share your thoughts about this feature article 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 suggested that Notts County would be in a strong position to sign Jorge Grant and Ryan Yates should Nottingham Forest put the duo up for sale. The two youngsters are on loan at Meadow Lane, having moved over the Trent with Mark Warburton's blessing, and have been instrumental in helping the Magpies surge up the League Two table over the last few months. However, Forest's decision to sack Warburton has led to concerns of a new manager at the City Ground potentially wanting to make use of Grant and Yates, thus recalling them from their loan stints, or even sell them. Nolan expressed his hopes of being able to hang on to the pair and, if they are put on the transfer list, claimed that Notts may have an advantage over other teams due to having been a great place for them to prosper. “(Grant and Yates) are thriving and that’s the main thing,” he told the Nottingham Post. “They will go back to Forest in the summer with lots of confidence which is why you go out on loan. “You go back to your parent club a different player and you then hope the management team sees that. “If it’s not meant to be over there then I am hoping we are the club they choose to come to. “I feel we are in a strong position in that sense but that will be down to Nottingham Forest to make the decision. “We can’t force that issue. All we can do is have a duty of care for these boys and to Nottingham Forest to make sure we are doing everything we can to look after them. “Hopefully they can see that because we have a lot of respect for them over the road. “We want to build a relationship because in a year’s time, who knows, we could be talking about other players thriving in this environment.” 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 praised the fitness levels of his players, insisting that the last-gasp 2-1 win over Colchester United is testament of that. The Magpies did not let their heads drop after conceding an 89th-minute equaliser to the U's on Saturday and persevered right until the end, when Ryan Yates struck the winner. "I'm delighted with what they're doing at the minute and I'm sure all the fans are going home proud of them for what they have achieved so far," Nolan told the Nottingham Post. "These lads have played three games in a week and you can see how fit they are and how strongly they are finishing games. "Wherever I have been successful in my career we have never given up and we have always run ourselves into the ground - today was another example of that. "It shows the character of the team and that's what has impressed me most again. I witness it day in, day out. "They have shown over the course of the season so far that they have togetherness, a willingness not to be beaten and they don't stop." 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 "buzzing" Ryan Yates hailed Notts County's last-gasp 2-1 win over Colchester United on Saturday and believes the team's strength in attack and mentality was crucial in the final stages of the game to forge more chances. Shola Ameobi gave the Magpies the lead in the second half via a penalty before Ross Fitzsimons kept out a U's spot kick of their own, but the visitors struck in the 89th minute to seemingly give them a share of the points. Yates, however, rattled home a header in the 94th minute to claim victory and keep Notts hot on the heels of Luton Town, both teams on the same amount of points but the Hatters' goal difference keeping them top. "I'm absolutely buzzing," Yates told the Nottingham Post. "We dominated the second half and got sucker-punched on the counter for their goal. But to come back and win shows the spirit of the team. "They were a good side. They did both sides of the game really well. They were winning more second balls, putting it in behind us and making things difficult. "We came in disappointed at half-time but had some firm words from the gaffer and put in a better performance in the second half. "I know the quality in the squad - our attacking players are unbelievable - so there was always going to be another chance. It fell for me and thankfully I've put it in. "All credit has to go to the boys. Lewis Alessandra has flicked it on and I was in the right place at the right time. "Seven points from nine is a good return from the week. With the mentality we have, we're gutted not to have the full nine." 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 dramatic late winner from Ryan Yates kept Notts County level on points with Luton Town at the top of League Two thanks to a 2-1 win over Colchester United at Meadow Lane. The hosts had gone in front in the 68th minute when Shola Ameobi clinically converted a penalty kick after Mikael Mandron was adjudged to have pulled back Yates inside the area. Mandron had the chance to make amends for his earlier mistake when Ryan Jackson was fouled by Jorge Grant, but saw his penalty superbly saved by Magpies goalkeeper Ross Fitzsimons. However, the U's did manage to draw level in the 89th minute when Mandron picked out the run of Sanmi Odelusi who kept his composure to slot into the bottom corner of the net. Notts did not let their heads drop and were rewarded in added time when Yates headed in at the back post from Grant's corner to send Meadow Lane barmy. Pride of Nottingham has shared the official match highlights off the Notts YouTube channel so you can relive the key moments from the last-gasp win! 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 hailed Notts County's "fantastic win" against Colchester United and said his players are showing the right character to be towards the top of the league. Shola Ameobi's penalty had given the Magpies the lead but substitute Sanmi Odelusi looked to have salvaged a point for the U's with his 89th-minute strike. However, there was time for more drama as Ryan Yates glanced home a header to claim all three points for Notts for a 2-1 win and keep them level on points with top-placed League Two side Luton Town. “This is a fantastic win for us because Colchester are a good outfit,” Nolan told the official Notts site. “It’s a seven-point week for us and I am absolutely delighted with it. “They played us really well in the first half and we couldn’t get any momentum or creativity going. “But I thought we dominated the second and I thought we had some really good chances. “I thought we were well worthy of the win, but it just shows you the character that we kept going after conceding such a late equaliser. “I’ve spoken about this team’s character and what they have showed me is they have it in abundance and togetherness. “They have a willingness not to get beat and you have seen that consistently throughout the season. “They are embracing being at the top end of the league. They are sticking together when we are not playing so well and that is a great trait to have as a team.” Share your thoughts about this news story on Football Manics by signing up for FREE to the website, visiting the forum and joining the chat with fellow football fans.

Notts County remain level on points with League Two leaders Luton Town and sit five points above the playoff places thanks to a last-gasp 2-1 win over Colchester United. Neither side was able to open the scoring by the break, although the U's were the better side in the opening stages, but Kevin Nolan's charges soon got into gear and weighed in with several dangerous chances. In the second half, however, the Magpies stepped up a gear and should have had a penalty on the hour mark. Matt Tootle's pass found its way to Lewis Alessandra and the winger fired an effort towards goal, only for Frankie Kent to block the shot with his hand, but nothing was given by the referee. Notts came close again two minutes later when goalkeeper Sam Walker made a smart low save to keep Carl Dickinson’s drive after Jorge Grant’s effort was blocked. Colchester's resistance was finally broken midway through the second half when Ryan Yates was hacked down by Mikael Mandron in the area for a penalty which Shola Ameobi rattled home. The U's were then given a golden opportunity to equalise from the spot themselves ten minutes later when Ryan Jackson was fouled in the area by Grant, but Ross Fitzsimons pulled off a great save down low to deny Mandron. It looked as though the points would be shared when Terry Hawkridge gave the ball away in a dangerous position and the visitors got forward, with Sanmi Odelusi clinically slotting past the Notts keeper in the 89th minute. However, the hosts found a winner four minutes into injury time as Yates headed in at the back post after Grant's corner was flicked on to send Meadow Lane barmy. Share your thoughts about the match 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.

Sid Nelson faces disciplinary action if he is found guilty of violent conduct after being sent off in the closing stages of Yeovil Town’s 1-1 draw with Notts County, manager Darren Way has confirmed. The defender, on loan from Millwall, was shown a straight red card for an elbow on Ryan Yates in the Magpies box, and could be hit with a three-match suspension. With Yeovil now having seen four players sent off in their last four matches, Way has warned Nelson that he faces a heavy punishment unless he is cleared of foul play. Way told Somerset Live after Tuesday night's game at Huish Park: “To be honest, I haven’t seen it. “He’s denying it but I’m sure if he’s proven guilty there’s got to be a maximum fine on this one, but I warned the players that. I said if a player gets caught again, they’ll be disciplined. “I think two of [the red cards] I would be worried about, [Bevis] Mugabi and Sid’s, if it proves to be the case. “When you’re coming up against the opposition, they’re clever enough to instigate that, but at the same time you’ve got to be clever enough not to react. “I’m disappointed with that, very disappointed, but I’ll make sure behind the scenes that he will be heavily fined.” 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.

Ryan Yates has stressed that his main role for Notts County is as midfield enforcer, although he wouldn't mind to reach double figures in terms of goals. The on-loan Nottingham Forest teenager has scored five times so far, making him second-top scorer behind Jorge Grant on 11. Yates recently hit four goals in five games, including two in the 4-2 victory over Bristol Rovers in the first round of the FA Cup at Meadow Lane. Despite his purple patch, he remains committed to his role in midfield, breaking up play. “My dad told me to get 10 goals this year and I was like ‘woah’,” Yates told the Nottingham Post. “I would love to get double figures because that for a midfielder is unbelievable. “I know Jorge has already got that, but that would be fantastic for me also. “But first and foremost my role is to break up the play, but if I can chip in with a few goals then great. “I’ve had a few chances that I didn’t take and I was a bit gutted not to, so I can’t see why I can’t score 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.

Notts County loanee Ryan Yates has claimed that scoring four goals in his last five games has been beyond his wildest expectations and is hoping to weigh in with more contributions. The 19-year-old's brace was crucial in the FA Cup first-round turnaround against Bristol Rovers and also chipped in with goals against Barnet and Carlisle United in November. "Since the start of the season I've been telling Mark Crossley, who organises our set-pieces, to get me in the box!" Yates, speaking to the Notts official site, joked. "My role is about keeping things simple but I'm still young, raw and learning. I would like to add goals to my game and keep chipping in with them. "To get four goals in five games has been beyond my wildest expectations but I just have to keep having the knack of being in the right place at the right time. "I have to give credit to the balls being put into the box. They're unbelievable. I've never known a team to be so good at set-pieces - we've scored so many goals from them already this season. "When Carl Dickinson is standing over a free-kick I know it's going to be worrying for the goalkeeper but there are six or seven of the lads who put them in the top corner on a regular basis in training. It's unbelievable." Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up for FREE to the website, visiting the forum and joining the chat with 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 are in the hat for the second round of the FA Cup after coming from two goals down to clinch a stunning 4-2 win over Bristol Rovers in Friday night's first-round clash at Meadow Lane. The game was frantic from the off, with Rory Gaffney rifling just wide in the second minute and, at the other end, Jorge Grant's free kick was hooked over the bar by Terry Hawkridge four minutes later. In the eighth minute, some dire Magpies defending helped Rovers edge into the lead as Joe Partington's cross from the right fell into the path of the unmarked Liam Sercombe, who nodded home from close range. And four minutes later, more substandard work from the Notts backline meant that a corner from Chris Lines found Stuart Sinclair unmarked in the six-yard box to plant a header beyond the reach of Ross Fitzsimons. Credit to the hosts, they quickly found gear after the double setback and, just before the half-hour mark, halved the deficit through Ryan Yates, who made the most of some lacklustre Rovers defending to nod Carl Dickinson's free kick into the back of the net. Just two minutes later, the Black and White Army at Meadow Lane was sent into a frenzy as Yates struck again, turning home another great Dickinson set piece delivery against the League One side. Rovers were lucky to get to half time level as Kevin Nolan's side looked threatening every time they went forward. On 39 minutes Jon Stead was bundled to the ground but nothing way given by the referee, while a Shola Ameobi backheel into the path of Hawkridge was drilled wide. Both sides gave as good as they got early in the second half as Tom Nichols and Gaffney tested Fitzsimons, while Grant curled an effort just over the bar, but by this point Notts were getting in an even higher gear. Just before the hour, the tie was turned around in County's favour thanks to a clipped pass from Dickinson finding Grant, who crossed into the box where Stead was on hand to sidefoot the ball beyond Adam Smith. The action came thick and fast as Notts continued to put in a superb team performance, with Rovers keeper Smith being tested on several more occasions, but Grant added the cherry on top in injury time for the hosts as he went clear through on goal after latching onto Hawkridge's headed flick on, before slotting underneath Smith to send Meadow Lane barmy. Share your thoughts about this match report 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.

Ryan Yates has claimed that Liam Noble's return to Notts County will make him work harder to improve as a player. Noble departed Forest Green Rovers by mutual consent citing a need to be closer to his family in the North East and has now linked up with his former club. The 26-year-old will not be able to play for his new club until January, given his registration was with FGR at the closure of the transfer window. Yates, however, believes that Noble will be an asset to Notts once he becomes available and will give the youngster more impetus to prosper as a footballer, both on loan at Meadow Lane and back at parent club Nottingham Forest. “Liam is a great player,” Yates told the Nottingham Post. “I’ve heard about him and watched him before. “I watched him play against Swindon for Forest Green on television a couple of weeks ago. “He is going to add to the squad and there’s so much healthy competition for places. “I love it because he’s only going to push me to become a better player for when I go back to Forest and hopefully prove myself.” 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.