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Former Notts County loanee and Aston Villa star Jack Grealish has spoken of how playing under so many managers has impacted on his development and feels that only three managers have trusted him. The 22-year-old burst onto the scene on loan at Meadow Lane during the 2013-14 season, his performances in tandem with fellow loanee Callum McGregor delighting the Black and White Army during an otherwise poor campaign. Grealish then returned to Villa and took his form from his Notts loan spell into the then Premier League club's first team, but injuries, lack of form, minor off-field issues blown out of proportion by the gutter press, upheaval in the dugout and all-round malaise at the club, which culminated in relegation, set the talented youngster back. A freak kidney injury ahead of the 2017-18 season then risked compromising Grealish's career but he has bounced back in true style, establishing himself as one of Villa's standout performers under Steve Bruce and helping the club to the upper spots in the Championship table. During an interview with the Telegraph, Grealish said: “I feel I’m definitely in the best form of my career. I’ll be honest, in my career I feel like I haven’t been given enough runs of games. I’d play one decent game and then chucked out the team. “I’ve also had eight managers in four years, if you include [England under-21s head coach] Aidy Boothroyd and Shaun Derry during my loan at Notts County. That’s ridiculous really. It’s not an excuse but it does affect you. “I think only three managers have trusted me, [Tim] Sherwood, [Roberto] Di Matteo and Bruce. “It’s been my best season and I’ve been the most consistent. People think I’m a No.10 but my favourite position is playing on the left of a three.” Bruce recently compared Grealish to Paul Gascoigne and labelled the Solihull-born winger ‘the best player in the Championship’. “That was great to hear but I didn’t feel any pressure with it at all,” added Grealish. “It gives me a lift and I know the manager is a truthful guy and wouldn’t have just said it. To be mentioned in the same sentence as Gazza was unbelievable in itself, though I know I’m nowhere near that level yet. “The gaffer said in pre-season he wanted to build the team around me and that’s what you like to hear. To have that belief and trust is massive. I want to repay him by getting Villa promoted.” 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.

So we've had a quite interesting transfer saga at Notts County this summer. No, not that one. The one of Jorge Grant. After an impressive loan spell at Meadow Lane that year, would he join Notts permanently? Would he pen a new contract at Nottingham Forest? Or would he join another club (permanently or on loan) altogether? As it turned out, it was the second best option on the plate - a new contract at the City Ground, but a one-year loan at the Lane. As we look forward to a full season with the dynamic midfielder, Pride of Nottingham has gone over some other players who have impressed on loan at Notts. Louis Laing (2014) Tightened the back four up during his first loan spell, he looked solid in the air and unbeatable on the ground. His awareness was on point, and his presence in defence greatly helped the club. His initial one-month emergency loan was extended after he helped Notts keep four clean sheets in seven matches, such was his initial impact. Where is he now? At Hartlepool United, which he joined this summer from Inverness Caledonian Thistle. Jack Grealish (2013-14) Jack was one of those players that drifted in and out of games, yet he was always a joy to watch on the ball. He loved to take on players and offered Notts a lot of pace and a direct approach which was unlike what we had. He commonly tried using skills and for this reason some clubs tended to target him heavily, even fouling him repeatedly, but he still managed to come away smiling. Where is he now? Still with Aston Villa and universally loved by their fans, though his appearances in the first team have been somewhat sporadic of late. Callum McGregor (2013-14) Much like Grealish, McGregor was a very direct player who loved to run with the ball. He was much better at being in a free role position rather than a specific position. When he had to fall in line and be more of a team member he arguably didn't shine as much, hence why he started to feature less when we struggled, but reverting back to allowing him to be direct gave us more edge. He was a joy to watch and looked very promising for a player so young. Where is he now? Still at Celtic, having become a fully fledged member of the first team, and has already got five trophies to his name - three Scottish Premierships, one Scottish League Cup and one Scottish Cup. Lloyd Sam (2012) Lloyd had pace to burn and the physical presence which meant we would lose possession all that easily. He chipped in with several important goals and his performances were a joy to watch. I wouldn't class him as overly skilful, yet his ability on the ball was a step above what we had at the time. Where is he now? In the United States, playing in the MLS with DC United, having joined in 2016 from New York Red Bulls. Matt Ritchie (2009-10) Matt was also a drifter, yet always gave 100 percent. He had the ability to take set pieces and generally create something special from them. He was more an holding playmarker, as his distribution was top notch and his abilty to score from long distance was always obvious even when he first came on loan. Where is he now? Newcastle United, having helped the other Magpies get promoted to the Championship after signing for them in 2016. Prior to that he had done the same with Bournemouth. He is also a 14-times capped Scotland international with three goals to his name. 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!