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Alan Hardy has given Notts County goalkeeper Ross Fitzsimons a big vote of confidence, saying he will be "worth a large sum of money" in a few years' time. The 23-year-old has been offered a new contract by the Magpies and, should he sign it, is likely to become Adam Collin's successor after the former number one was released by the club. Fitzsimons did well in deputising for Collin last season but lost his place in January after lashing out at Crawley Town player Mark Connolly to earn a red card and give the opposition a penalty which was converted. “Ross was outstanding in the games he played,” Hardy told the Nottingham Post. “If it wasn’t for the sending off against Crawley when we played them at Meadow Lane, then he would have probably retained his place throughout the rest of the season. “Ross is a fantastic prospect for the future, and we believe in three years’ time, he will be worth a large sum of money. “He is a very talented young goalkeeper.” 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.

Whichever goalkeeper you prefer, there is no doubt that Notts County have two very capable players in contention for the number 1 jersey in Adam Collin and Ross Fitzsimons, the debate on who should start has valid points for both keepers. However, I aim to explain the difference between the two and who I feel should be the first choice keeper for the Magpies. The knee injury to Collin during the 2-1 win over Barnet within League Two saw Fitzsimons step into the main role and during a heavy spell of pressure, he made several outstanding saves which kept Notts in the game. This was the first time that I had seen Fitzsimons in action and I was genuinely impressed with his reactions, as the game was played largely on the back foot for Notts after Collin was substituted. If he'd been on the field for longer, I would easily have considered him as one of the key candidates for Man of the Match. And I thought if this was the standard he set, well I really couldn’t see how Collin could force his way back into Kevin Nolan’s squad at all. Yet I wanted to write about this subject, but only after having enough time to fairly judge what Fitzsimons brings to the table. Fans who feel that the two keepers are like-for-like are wrong in my opinion, I feel Collin’s experience and age makes him a more polished keeper at this level. However, I certainly see the potential within Fitzsimons and I think overall he’s the much better shot stopper. That said, I disagree that he is better currently and I feel he’s lacking the understanding with the back four that Collin has established over the course of this and last season. I can fully understand why Nolan prefers Collin in goal, but being an unpopular figure at Meadow lane I don’t expect many other fans to give him the credit he deserves. There’s still time however for Fitzsimons to establish himself further, all depending on when Collin returns to action. It is quite possible that we might not see him for a few more months - I believe he was expected to be out for a minimum of 8 weeks which has recently passed. And there is still little news coming out regarding how serious his knee ligament damage is. If Fitzsimons can work on his consistency - as the past few games I feel he’s been quite shaky and I would also say he has shined as much between the sticks as I assumed he would have done - there might be a chance he will retain the position even after Collin’s return to match selection, but I don’t think this is all that likely considering. Collin is more experienced, he’s switched on and alert. This season alone he seems a much different character than he was in his debut season and I think the weaknesses such as his communication have largely been worked on. He seems more confident which I imagine can be hard when the Notts defence switches off, but again we have two capable keepers and the prospect of Fitzsimons is one I feel will only grow in strength during the coming games. I would also like to point out that the position is the most scrutinized positon on the pitch, with fans perhaps being unforgiving of minor mistakes. Fitzsimons has a valuable learning experience and I do feel he will take it, it just may take some time for him to establish the position for his own. 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 spoken highly of Adam Collin's big throw, describing it as a "proper weapon", and hopes the goalkeeper can continue making use of it as Notts County seek a grandstand finish in League Two. The Magpies came from behind to beat Colchester United 3-1 away last weekend, with Collin setting off a number of quick counterattacks by launching the ball upfield. “I thought Adam was absolutely tremendous again,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post. “He has got an arm on him which means he can throw it over the halfway line quite easily. When he uses it, it’s a proper weapon. “I’ve probably taken it away from him a bit because when I came here, it was about controlling the game and making sure he slows it game down. “But when he launches it, it gives us a lift and sets a bit of a tempo for us. “We spoke about it at half-time at Colchester and said that Adam would get the ball and try to release it quickly as possible. “But you’ve also got to remember the saves he made in the first and second half to keep us in the game. “The lads then went up the other end and got the goals we 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.

Notts County's 2-0 win over Stevenage was a very welcome three points to end a poor month on a bright note, and crucially for the Magpies it brought a second clean sheet in three games. Now, Adam Collin has been the subject of some flak, to put it mildly, in recent months, and his displacement of Ross Fitzsimons hasn't been exactly welcomed with open arms. There have been questions over Collin's distribution and his tendency to hang on to the ball for long periods of time - not to mention the occasional fumbled shot and hesitation in reclaiming to stop a potential rebound. This happened in the Stevenage game, with one effort from the edge of the box being spooned upwards by the keeper and the ensuing miscommunication with Richard Duffy - himself not exactly Mr Reliable at centre-back - almost led to the visitors scoring what would have been a farcical goal. However, fair play to Collin and the Notts defence for eventually getting to full time with a second clean sheet in three games - credit must go to Ben Hall for tightening the back line, and as such he was voted the PON Man of the Match by our fans. The clean sheet didn't exactly come about through a solid performance from Collin though, and him pointing his finger to the Notts camera and saying "shock... another clean sheet", though he may feel it was justified given the flak he's been receiving, smacks of arrogance and cockiness, as well as risking antagonising some of the fans. Goalkeepers need to be confident as part of their trade - lose confidence and it's a massive setback in a job where you're the lone, last line of defence between shipping a goal and keeping the ball out. So in that respect Collin does well to dismiss the criticism aimed his way, but he needs to be mindful of voicing his opinions publicly and making remarks that could be construed as petty or arrogant. Kevin Nolan made a point about not suffering "one big bite on the bum" when Notts were preparing to face Oxford City in the FA Cup and, on a similar note, Collin has now left himself open to such a scenario if, between now and the end of the season, he was to make a crucial mistake (touch wood he does not, hopefully he will be Mr Safe Hands from now until the end of the season as Notts rise up into League One). I think players are entitled to their opinion, especially in the wake of criticism, and I don't necessarily begrudge Collin for his little post-match comment, but he needs to be mindful of potentially opening himself up to criticism should the comment come back to bite him on the backside. 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.

Adam Collin is pleased with having secured another clean sheet and three points in Saturday's 2-0 victory over Stevenage. Notts County had to be patient in the League Two encounter at Meadow Lane, the first goal not coming until the 77th minute when substitute Jorge Grant rifled home. Shola Ameobi then added a second minutes later and, combined with Collin's second shutout in three games, went on to get three crucial points in the race for promotion. "That's our dream in the dressing room," the goalkeeper told the official Notts site. "The gaffer always asks for a clean sheet and three points. Everything clicked for us, especially in the second half, and we came away deserved winners. "Stevenage are a handy team so we showed them a bit of respect and they played well - but we handled it really well, like we have done for most of the season, and the clean sheet proves that. "Teams at the top end of the league are going to drop points and we have had a bit of a sticky spell but confidence hasn't been knocked too much. We're a tight bunch in the dressing room and the gaffer looks after us." 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.

Adam Collin has expressed his relief at being back in action after missing several months out through injury. The Notts County goalkeeper injured his knee in the 2-1 win over Barnet on October 14 and only returned to action in the 1-1 draw with Swansea City in the FA Cup just over a week ago. “I feel okay because it wasn’t planned for me to come straight back into the team against Swansea,” Collin told the Nottingham Post. “A couple of reserve games would have been nice, but I had to come back in and I was pleased to give a good account of myself. “It was really frustrating to get injured because up until the point I got injured, I was probably having the best season of my career. “I had six clean sheets out of 13 games and was on my way to keeping my seventh when I got injured against Barnet. “To miss out through my first injury as a professional footballer was frustrating. I am just glad to be back now, fit and playing.” 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.

Much like in politics, a week - or to be precise in this case, two - is a long time in football. When Notts County learned of their FA Cup fourth-round opponents, quite a lot of fans would have been happier to be up against Swansea City than against Wolverhampton Wanderers. After all, one is a team top of the Championship with momentum, players way too good for the division and shedloads of cash, while the other is a down-and-out team with morale the same as their position in the Premier League table - ie rock bottom - and couldn't score in a brothel. Notts, meanwhile, had enjoyed a decent enough festive period, began the year with victory over Port Vale to entrench their place in the top three of League Two, and had put in a superb performance to beat Championship Brentford on their own turn in the FA Cup third round. Then, over the following two weeks since the fourth-round draw, Swansea City have drawn against Newcastle and beaten Liverpool in the league, as well as overcoming Wolves in the cup, while Notts have drawn one and lost two in the league to put their automatic promotion hopes in jeopardy. Another transformation is that of Ross Fitzsimons. When he came along at the FA Cup fourth-round draw event at Meadow Lane, he could do no wrong. After Adam Collin suffered his long-term injury, a lot of people were worried about just how good the back-up keepers at Notts were. Fitzsimons was drafted in, a big ask for a 23-year-old who had virtually no experience of senior league football, but over the coming months put in impressive performance after impressive performance to leave fans wondering whether Collin was going to simply reclaim his first-team place. And then, came the moment when he went from "hero" to "zero" in the eyes of a lot of fans - Crawley Town, Meadow Lane, Tuesday 22 January 2018. Notts were level with their opponents in injury time but had just been reduced to 10 men and were hanging on, but they had possession as Fitzsimons claimed the ball from a corner and set himself up to lump it upfield while the outfield players made their respective ways forward up the pitch. And then came the glitch in the matrix - Fitzsimons, still in possession of the ball, kicked out at Mark Connolly, who then made the most ridiculous fall since the ref that was nudged by Paolo di Canio all those years ago, and by the rules of the game, red card and penalty. I admit I described the ending to the game as "shambolic", and it certainly was. You can understand to a degree how a footballer can get so riled up that they lash out at another, and you have to wonder whether Connolly had said something to Fitzsimons prior that made him lash out. But at the same time, as football mistakes go, it's pretty big - I'd compare it to an own goal scored by a player who decided to pull off some inexplicable stunt and, predictably, it backfires - Lee Dixon's own goal in Arsenal v Coventry is a prime example of it. Not deliberate, but so daft that it feels like it may as well have been. Predictably, heads were lost among the Black and White Army, many of whom wanted to see Fitzy dropped from the first team entirely or sacked outright for the incident. It all felt like a pitchfork-wielding mob. Yes, it was a bad mistake. Yes, it cost Notts a point and deprived them of yet another goalkeeper at a time when things are wobbly and ahead of a crucial cup tie against PL opposition. But Fitzsimons will know this. He will be absolutely mortified to have succumbed to his red mist and his confidence will undoubtedly have taken a hit, especially how he will now be powerless in the stands watching his team in action when they need him the most. And he will learn from it. Kevin Nolan has had his fair share of brain farts over the years as a player and, even though he probably gave Fitzsimons a rollocking behind closed doors, he's come out in support of his player and will be good guidance to helping him overcome this blip. In the meantime, there's a chance Collin could return to contention and, if not, Branislav Pindroch will be given his own chance to try and make the number 1 spot his own. So in conclusion, the best thing to do is to keep faith in Nolan and in the club, and I'm sure when Fitzsimons returns from his ban, he will be a much better, wiser player. 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 provided an injury update on several players ahead of Notts County's home game against Port Vale on New Year's Day. Jonathan Forte, Shola Ameobi and Richard Duffy will face late fitness tests, while Rob Milsom will have to see a specialist. The four players did not take part in Saturday's 1-0 loss at Swindon Town and, while Milsom is definitely out, it will be a case of taking it "day by day" with the other three. Nolan also provided updates on goalkeeper Adam Collin, who is now "a couple of weeks away" from a return, and captain Michael O'Connor, who is now back in training. “They are five lads who could start in the team,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post. “We’ve just got to play it day by day. It just shows that when I talk about how important the depth of the squad is because you can lose four or five in seven days because of this period. “Rob has to go and see a specialist, while Shola, Forte and Duffy are touch and go. “Adam Collin is still a couple of weeks away, while Occy returned to the training pitch this week which was lovely to see him running around the pitch. “But it wasn’t about the lads who were missing on Saturday. I thought the lads who played deserved to get a draw. “They did more than enough, but the defeat just came from sloppy defending on our part.” 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 assistant manager Richard Thomas has confirmed that goalkeeper Adam Collin has returned to full training. The 33-year-old has been sidelined for two months after suffering ligament damage in October's 2-1 win over Barnet. Collin limped off in the second half of the match after taking a blow to the knee and was replaced by Ross Fitzsimons, who has done an admirable job in between the sticks ever since. However, Notts have been boosted by their first-choice keeper's return to fitness, although Thomas suggested that he won't be rushed back into action just yet. “Adam is back to full training now,” Thomas told the Nottingham Post. “We are managing his load in the sessions when we are taking him out momentarily. We’ve just got to manage him back in now. “It’s aerobic fitness that’s important rather than the knee so much because fitness can fall off when you are out injured. “It’s just that side of it but he’s moving well. He looks like he’s never been away if I am honest. The lads are clearly pleased to have him back around the place so it’s all good.” 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.

Matt Tootle has praised Ross Fitzsimons following the goalkeeper's performance in the goalless draw with Grimsby Town on Saturday. The former Crystal Palace stopper has proved a great replacement since coming into the team for Adam Collin, who is currently sidelined with a knee injury. On Saturday, the Magpies kept their first clean sheet since late October and Tootle was full of praise for the 23-year-old after giving his assessment of the draw. "It keeps us on a run and they're a decent side," Tootle told the official Notts site. "They've won their last three games and are one of the form sides in the league so it's not a bad point. "They came here to frustrate us and made it hard for us. We've got to respect the point, which is something we didn't do last year. "They had a couple of chances but I don't think they really threatened or put any sustained pressure on us. We weren't quite at it in the final third - it just didn't happen for us today. Hopefully we can pick up a win next weekend and it will all be fine. "It's nice because we haven't had a clean sheet for a while. We defended well considering the threats they have - the wide players have been good for them this season so we worked on that during the week. "We thwarted them well so it's a good clean sheet for the defence and the goalkeeper, who has been terrific since he came in. "People forget how young Ross is and that he didn't play his first EFL game until he came on against Barnet. Adam Collin will have a battle on his hands to get back in the team when he is fully fit." 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 optimistic that Notts County duo Adam Collin and Michael O'Connor will come back to the “top of their game” after providing an update on their return from long-term injuries. O’Connor has been sidelined since April because of a serious knee injury, while Collin has been absent after suffering a knee injury of his own in last month’s win over Barnet. "Michael has been on an anti-gravity treadmill which has allowed him to run in straight lines," Nolan told the Nottingham Post. "Losing him was a massive blow to us and having him in the squad this year would have put us on another level because of his quality and what he brings to the team. "Adam's swelling has gone down and he's meeting with the specialist so we will have more news soon. “We're hopeful he will come out of the brace so he can start getting back to work sooner rather than later. "He has been fantastic since I walked through the door and he has taken his performances to another level this season after finishing last season strongly. "The most important thing is we get them back at the top of their game and we are not putting them under any stress to ensure there is no recurrence of their injuries. "They're two massive characters but it's brilliant to see how well the lads have coped without them." 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.

Ross Fitzsimons has expressed his gratitude towards Kevin Nolan and the rest of the Notts County setup for giving him a chance to play first-team football. The 23-year-old signed on a free transfer in the summer having left Chelmsford City and, prior to his current run of games, had seldom been given an extended run in a club's first team. However, the goalkeeper has become first-choice since Adam Collin picked up a knee injury against Barnet last month, playing in all but two of Notts' games since. "I've been close to it before at previous clubs but I have never had the initial break where someone has told me 'Go and play'," Fitzsimons told the official Notts site. "But straight away after Adam was injured the manager said 'I want you playing' and put his belief in me. "I owe so much to the manager and his staff - they could have brought in a goalkeeper on an emergency loan who has played 50 games or more. "But their backing has done my confidence the world of good. I'm getting belief in myself and I think this is one of the happiest times in my footballing career." 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.

Winning football games is never the easiest thing to achieve. However, when you do manage to pull it off, it restores a sense of pride, not just within the club and its players but it spreads within the fan community. The momentum it builds can be a very powerful psychological tool, which I believe is a part of why Notts County have managed to assert themselves strongly after the opening day defeat to Coventry City. It’s been a long time since the club has felt like it’s moving in the right direction, and I believe we should continue to aim high. Another aspect which only deserves praise is the fact that key players have upped their game – something which started from day one after Kevin Nolan arrived at Meadow Lane. It would be unfair to suggest that the form which turned the club around during the 2016-17 season lies anywhere else and I feel strongly that the majority of the squad have continued this within their own right into 2017-18. It’s this kind of form and focus which I would like the club to work towards now. However, I don’t suggest this isn’t the case – I do feel the focus has been lost somewhat. Adam Collin has been a different keeper this term, he’s really impressed me and I still feel right now he doesn’t get the praise he deserves. For the most part Richard Duffy has been solid, although admittedly I am not his biggest fan – I do feel he offers something which contributes to the success we are seeing on the field. Dan Jones as a new signing has been paramount and has given the club a lot more pace at the back – after the shaky start he really has found his form prior to the recent injury. At right back, Matt Tootle has been probably the most consistent player, something which I noticed myself last season. He just seemed a different character on and off the pitch, and I am pleased to see that he feels open enough to talk about depression – something which I myself suffer from. That’s the thing about the 2017-18 season, every player has largely been working towards the same goal and the added competition really has helped people thrive – perhaps not Tootle as much as Nolan has suggested recently but it certainly has for players such as Collin, Jonathan Forte and Carl Dickinson. Whilst Nicky Hunt is a good character to have around, and someone capable for players to learn from, he really hasn’t done anything to push Tootle for his position. I know it won’t be a popular opinion, however I would rather see Elliott Hewitt push Tootle because all Elliott requires is time to learn and gain experience. However, it is still a positive note just how much widely across the pitch we have improved and there is depth within the squad when you take games seriously. Whilst again, people suggest that Notts are unable to maintain their current form, if targets are a part of what got us here, ambition and desire should be more than enough to help us on our way with a return to form. This is exactly why I feel the club should continue to aim high, we need to dig deep and believe – reverting back to the basics will help (as will keeping the ball on the ground). And I really don’t believe in the curse of the Manager of the Month, if you remain grounded and focused on your tasks at hand, this is nothing more than praise for a job well done. The majority of fans know that have leaders on the pitch, perhaps not captain material but we have a squad which cares – so let’s keep Notts flying high. 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 confirmed that Adam Collin has suffered ligament damage and is likely to be out for between two and three months. The 32-year-old limped off in the second half of the 2-1 win over Barnet earlier this month after injuring his knee. Scans have since revealed the extent of the damage and while Collin will not require surgery, he is set to be out for a minimum of eight weeks. “We are not talking about a long-term injury, we are talking about a medium one,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post. “It could be eight weeks or it could be 12 so he’s not going to be back any time soon. “We will do what is right by the lad. It’s a blow, but it’s an opportunity for Ross (Fitzsimons) or Bran (Pindroch) to stake a claim to be number one. “That’s why we have recruited them two because we knew if something like this was to happen, we had two great understudies who can step into his boots.” 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 confirmed that Adam Collin will miss Notts County's trip to Crewe Alexandra on Tuesday and will be sent for a scan a knee injury. The Magpies goalkeeper suffered a blow in the first half of the 2-1 win over Barnet and despite toughing it out for a while, ended up having to be taken off. Ross Fitzsimons came on in Collin's place at Meadow Lane on Saturday and is likely to line up between the sticks at Gresty Road, though Branislav Pindroch could also be considered. “Unfortunately Adam won’t make the game against Crewe because he has had a nasty bang on his knee,” Nolan told the Nottingham Post. "We are just hoping that it is a bit of bone bruising and that he will be available for the weekend, but Tuesday has just come too soon. “He is going for a scan, which will give us a bit more knowledge of what is going on in his knee. “But we have two understudies who have been pushing him to the limit, which is why I think you’ve seen Adam in the form he is in. “He’s been fantastic for us, but now it’s up to one of the other two to come in and claim his spot and keep his spot.” 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 insisted that Notts County can cope if goalkeeper Adam Collin is ruled out through injury. The Magpies number 1 took a knock in a first-half collision with a Barnet player on Saturday and though he toughed it out for a while, eventually he had to be taken off at Meadow Lane. Notts brought on Ross Fitzsimons in Collin's place and the 23-year-old gave a good account of himself as the hosts held out for a 2-1 victory which saw them edge back to the top of League Two. "Adam took a bang on the knee so we're hoping it's more of a contact injury rather than a pull or a strain," Nolan told the official club site. "But we brought two goalkeepers in during the summer (Fitzsimons and Branislav Pindroch) and they've pushed Adam to new levels. "Ross came on and made some important saves and catches. I'm totally confident we have more than enough quality in the squad if Adam has to sit out for a couple of games." 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.

September 2017 is now over, but as foundations go, Notts County have laid some great ones over the month, with a huge six wins from their seven games. So who have been the standout Magpies players in September and how do they line up? Pride of Nottingham, alongside a selection of Notts County fans, have come together and, following much deliberations, drawn up a September starting XI. So to all those picked, well done and keep up the good work going into October and for the rest of the season! Goalkeeper: Adam Collin Left-back: Dan Jones Centre-back: Shaun Brisley Right-back: Matt Tootle Left wing: Lewis Alessandra Left midfield: Rob Milsom Centre midfield: Jorge Grant Right midfield: Ryan Yates Right wing: Terry Hawkridge Striker: Jonathan Forte Share your thoughts about our picks for team of the month 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.

August is over and done with, Notts County's first month of the season is now just a memory, and we move on to September's fixtures with the Magpies nicely nestled in seventh place in League Two. However, much like any other job where its employees are routinely recognised and rewarded, it's worth recognising the players who have impressed in the black and white in August. Jorge Grant has already been named the player of the month by Notts County, the fans picking him head and shoulders over everyone else (64.8 percent compared to second-placed Terry Hawkridge with 20.1 percent). But here at Pride of Nottingham we have decided to name the standout players for each position in August - so to all those picked, well done and keep up the good work going into September and for the rest of the season! Goalkeeper: Adam Collin Left-back: Dan Jones Centre-back: Shaun Brisley Centre-back: Richard Duffy Right-back: Matt Tootle Left wing: Jorge Grant Centre-mid: Ryan Yates Centre-mid: Elliott Hewitt Right wing: Terry Hawkridge Striker: Jonathan Forte Striker: Shola Ameobi Share your thoughts about our picks for team of the month 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 believes that Adam Collin has come in for too much criticism over his time at Notts County, admitting that he is "delighted" with the goalkeeper. The 32-year-old joined the Magpies after leaving Rotherham United and has been first choice at Meadow Lane virtually ever since, though whether he should remain as such has been open to a lot of discussion among fans. However, the Notts boss has praised his stopper, noting how he pulled off a save in injury time against Accrington Stanley to ensure a share of the spoils for the hosts in a 2-2 draw at Meadow Lane. Nolan told the Nottingham Post: "We nearly lost the game after being so in control and playing so well. We’ve nearly had the fans going home saying ‘3-2, what a waste that was’. “We’ve gifted two goals and we’ve relied on a moment of brilliance from our keeper again to get us a point. “Adam has been fantastic since I came in in January. He’s a bit harshly treated sometimes I feel. He takes ownership and responsibility. He commands his area. I’m delighted with what he’s doing.” 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.

We've made a lot of signings this week. Six, to be precise. And now Notts have stepped up their recruitment drive, the question on everyone's lips is, how are we going to line up against Coventry City at the Ricoh Arena on Saturday? There may be some difference in opinions in the formation that we use throughout the season, but I'm going to stick with 4-4-2 as we used that nearly all of the time last season when Nolan took over. Starting in goal. Adam Collin seems like the obvious choice and whilst most of our fans don't like him much, it's hard to see Fitzsimons or Pindroch replacing him just yet. Matt Tootle has the right-back spot sewn up sweetly. If he avoids the injury problems he had last season he could play every league game. I don't expect Jordon Richards or Nicky Hunt to start much at all this season. The left-back spot is easy. Dan Jones will easily displace Carl Dickinson. The ex-Stoke man was very error-prone last season, especially when he consistently allowed opposition players into the box unchallenged. It was obvious we needed a new left-back and he needed to have pace, something Jones has and Dickinson doesn't. Centre-back has plagued us for a few seasons now. The last two especially where we conceded 83 in 15-16 and 76 in 16-17. For me Shaun Brisley has to start. He played in the Peterborough team that reached the League One playoffs a few years ago and we're crying out for stability at centre-half. Richard Duffy has been a lot better since Kevin Nolan came in. For me he beats Hollis to that first team spot alongside Brisley. Duffy, for me, was better under Nolan in the second the half of last season than Hollis was and is just a better player in my opinion. I would like to see Pierce Bird play a few games this season. He seems like a good prospect and someone who I think definitely has potential. Onto the wingers and for me it has to be Jorge Grant and Lewis Alessandra. Grant showed last season he is a quality player, especially for this level and has an abundance of creativity. He could very easily hit 10-15 goals for the 2017-18 season. Alessandra has much needed pace which Notts have been begging for, for a few seasons now. I think Nolan can get the best out of the former Hartlepool man. This pushes Terry Hawkridge to the bench but I still see him playing a key role in creating chances for the Magpies. There is also the option of playing these three together behind a lone striker. I don't see Elliot Hodge featuring regularly unless key players pick up injuries. Sam Osborne has great potential but isn't ready yet and a loan spell out to gain first team football is what he needs. Moving into the centre of the park, there are several options to choose from. Rob Milsom, Elliott Hewitt, Liam Walker, Curtis Thompson and Ryan Yates. It's obvious we will miss Michael O'Connor. As captain he led by example and played a massive part in Notts climbing the table. He formed a great partnership with Milsom and in my opinion, Milsom should keep his place in the starting eleven. He is good at pressing teams and is a neat and tidy passer and very calm in possession of the ball. In my opinion, Liam Walker should start alongside him. Walker is more of an attackive minded midfielder and his long shots and set pieces will be a danger to opposition teams. Elliott Hewitt is getting better by the day. He looks at home in the centre of midfield and moving him there from his right back slot could prove a solid decision. Ryan Yates is more of a box to box midfielder and when played, could be very useful in linking defence to attack. I don't see Curtis Thompson playing many games this season and his persistent injury problems haven't helped him at all. Alex Howes is a another player who I see getting loaned out to gain more first team experience. I don't expect a permanent central midfield pairing. I think Milsom, Hewitt, Walker and Yates will all have their turn in the starting XI. Finally, we move into the final third. Jon Stead and Shola Ameobi signed new contracts in the summer and unless we sign a striker before opening day then it will be them two starting up front. As a strike partnership, they have shown they can be effective but not spectacular. Ameobi is a very good player for holding the ball up and this can help bring other players into the game such as Grant and Alessandra as well as Stead. Despite being 6'3, Stead likes the ball more to his feet and Nolan is the first manager, since the ex-Huddersfield man joined Notts, to realise he isn't a target man. He has done very well to score 25 goals in the last two seasons but he is 34 and Ameobi is 35 and it's clear we need someone younger up front who can take us further up the table than my current prediction of 10th. For me we still need a striker if we're going to break into the play-off places. Jonathan Forte can be an asset but breaking into the first team next season will be difficult for him especially if we sign another striker. I prefer him as a striker to a winger but was utilised more as the latter last season but still managed 10 goals. Whilst he only scored 2 in 23 at Crewe, Callum Saunders looks like one for the future. I've heard that his movement is very good but he needs to work on his finishing. My starting XI for Coventry: Collin, Tootle, Duffy, Brisley, Jones, Grant, Milsom, Walker, Alessandra, Stead, Ameobi Squad GK - Adam Collin, Ross Fitzsimons, Branislav Pindroch, Joe Searson-Smithard RB - Matt Tootle, Jordon Richards, Nicky Hunt LB - Dan Jones, Carl Dickinson CB - Shaun Brisley, Richard Duffy, Haydn Hollis, Pierce Bird W - Jorge Grant (RM), Lewis Alessandra (LM,RM), Terry Hawkridge (RM,LM), Elliot Hodge (RM), Sam Osborne (RM) CM - Rob Milsom, Elliott Hewitt, Liam Walker, Curtis Thompson, Ryan Yates, Michael O'Connor (INJ), Alex Howes ST - Jon Stead, Shola Ameobi, Jonathan Forte, Callum Saunders 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. We at Pride of Nottingham want you to enjoy all our content for free. If you fancy helping us provide even better content, however, please consider contributing to PON by clicking here!

Notts County manager Kevin Nolan has claimed that new goalkeeper Ross Fitzsimons "can push Adam Collin for the number one spot". The 23-year-old, who came through the ranks at Crystal Palace and also counts Bolton Wanderers among his former clubs, penned a deal at Meadow Lane on Thursday. Nolan told the official club site: "Ross has a lot of great attributes and we think we can work with him to make him even better. "He had a good season with Chelmsford last year and getting back into the EFL is a huge boost for him. We believe he can push Adam Collin for the number one spot. "We wanted competition for places and Ross ticks all of the boxes. He has settled into the group well. "Mark Crossley has had a number of goalkeepers in on trial during the summer and Ross has been one of the standout candidates. "I trust Mark with everything when it comes to goalkeepers because his knowledge is second to none." 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. We at Pride of Nottingham want you to enjoy all our content for free. If you fancy helping us provide even better content, however, please consider contributing to PON by clicking here!

Notts County boss Kevin Nolan has singled out goalkeeper Adam Collin and midfielder Michael O'Connor for praise following their respective displays in the 2-1 win over Carlisle United. Collin made up for failing to save Jabo Ibehre's shot for the hosts' opening goal with a great save from the striker one-on-one, while O'Connor impressed after coming off the bench for the last 25 minutes. "I think Adam will be disappointed and he has already held his hand up about the first goal," Nolan told the Nottingham Post. "But you have seen a reaction from him because he then saves a one on one with Ibehre later on in the game. "Adam has been absolutely first class since I came in and the problem with playing goalkeeper is that if you make an error you are often punished for it. But when you look at it, he has saved us the three points. "Although the first goal went in, the save from the one on one was absolutely fabulous. He won't be getting any gripes from me, but he'll probably beating himself up more than I will be having a go at him. "Michael O'Connor was a real positive coming on for us. It would have summed up a fantastic afternoon for him if he had scored. He definitely made an impact on the game and it was a massive one." 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.

Kevin Nolan says Scott Loach's loan move to York City will enable him to keep tabs of the goalkeeper in first-team action and make a decision on him at the end of the season. The 28-year-old former England Under-21 international, who has made just seven appearances for the Magpies this season, sealed the switch to Bootham Crescent on Wednesday. Nolan admits that Loach, whose deal at Meadow Lane is up at the end of the season, was desperate to play first-team football, but has been "first class" in biding his time as Adam Collin's deputy. "Loachie was desperate to play and be number one somewhere so he could get some games under his belt," Nolan told the Nottingham Post. "After York rang us yesterday (Wednesday) we just thought it would be an opportunity for him to go and do that. "We can have a look at Joe Searson as well and then we can make a decision on them come the end of the season. "I must admit Loachie has been first class since I came in. There's not been one whimper. All he's wanted to do is play games. "But with Adam's form he's found that difficult. When York came along, I just thought it would be best for us and for him to go and play. "It gives me a chance of getting a few tapes of him playing week in, week out, and then we can make a decision on 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.

The Alan Hardy and Kevin Nolan renaissance continues as Notts County put in a gutsy performance at Leyton Orient and, despite being pegged back, persevered and claimed a 3-2 win at Brisbane Road to gain further ground from the League Two relegation zone. Orient were already without Liam Kelly, who was banned for six games after pushing a Plymouth Argyle ballboy earlier in the week, and suffered a further setback when defender Tom Parkes was stretchered off with only eight minutes on the clock. The Magpies broke the deadlock in the 35th minute when Teddy Mezague failed to deal with a long goal kick from Adam Collin and Jorge Grant poked the ball past Sam Sargeant. Notts then went 2-0 up within three minutes of the beginning of the second half after Jon Stead beat Sargeant in the box and his touch went in off the bar. The O's, however, reduced the deficit within a minute when McCallum headed home after Nigel Atangana's header had struck the crossbar. Danny Webb's charges were back then on level terms when Mezague unleashed a powerful volley into the net from outside the penalty area with 10 minutes left. It was Notts who had the final word when, with six minutes left in the game, Marc Bola sent in a cross from the left and Stead drove the ball into the net to seal all three points. Share your thoughts about the game on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.