Saturday's Fixxtures:
Leeds United v Preston North End
Norwich City v Reading
Charlton Athletic v Southend United
Scunthorpe United v Bolton Wanderers
Barnet v Luton Town
Colchester United v Stevenage

Four wins on the trot for Notts County, a 13-point gap between themselves and 23rd-placed Newport County (who are themselves doing well in all fairness, having won their last two), 10 points behind the top seven with 15 points yet to play for...

I previously thought it would be too far-fetched to even think of a playoff tilt as much as a fortnight ago, but given how well Notts are playing, a little inkling in the back of my head is saying "well, stranger things have happened in football" (Leicester winning the title much)...

Granted, the following five fixtures are quite tricky. Crewe are below us in the table but it's an away game, then just three days later, a home game with Portsmouth, who are hoping to seal automatic promotion, then Luton (both away and tricky as they're harbouring outside hopes of third place), then a home game with Blackpool, who themselves are hoping to make the playoffs, and finally a resurgent Newport who may or may not be banking on a win for FL survival.

So not the best round of fixtures - the only team we would be eliminating in terms of hopeful playoff contenders is Blackpool, and they're all quite difficult, so I'm not going to get my hopes up too much - I'd be happy with a top-half finish, which is incredible considering the previous objective, from about 2-3 months ago, was "battle bravely against what appears to be certain relegation".

But what is football without a bit of hope and drama? I'm certainly going to be enjoying the next few weeks - it's nice to have a little positive anxiety/drama as a Notts fan for once!

Guy Branston has discussed his time at Notts in an interview with the Derbyshire Times.

Now the head of recruitment and development at Chesterfield, he described his time at Meadow Lane as "a learning curve".

He came under a fair bit of criticism during his time at Meadow Lane, but he said he wasn’t the man responsible for actually signing players, and even had some kind words of support for the club...

“I didn’t bring players in, I provided information for managers to bring players in,” he said.

“Fans perceive people as different from what happens behind the scenes.

“I provided information for managers and the football club brings in the players.

“It’s a fantastic football club, I’m so happy with the situation they are in at the moment.”

Thoughts on him and what he's had to say?

Carlisle United are a tough team to defeat on their turf, a few years back I watched Notts totally outplay them in every aspect and yet it was them who won. Can things be different under Kevin Nolan?

I think we'll have to match their direct approach and work rate, however it should be a very entertaining game.

Two teams who's midfields will be key to pulling the strings.

I'm going for a 2-2 prediction.

What a beauty! I felt very disappointed for Jon Stead to see this ruled out. It was classy finish!

Name: Adam Collin: "I want three points"
Category: Official Notts Videos
Date Added: 2017-04-08
Submitter: Chris

The Notts goalkeeper discusses his return to his former club in Sky Bet League Two.

Adam Collin: "I want three points"

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Who was your man of the match for Notts County at Carlisle United?

I would like to see what fans general opinions are of the following, so if you could kindly answer each of the questions - I'll see if JJ can work his magic and turn this into a feature after a few days.

Please do join in! #COYP

Q: How important will next seasons budget be for Notts and do you feel the announcement re-debt being cleared by 2022 will effect things?

Q: What would you say is Kevin Nolan's best attribute to management and why?

Q: Where do you see Notts County finishing next season and what is more important, a promotion push or stability? (if you had to choose one)

Q: Do you feel our own fans can make a further impact? If so, how? If no, why?

Q: Has the current form beaten you hopes and expectations, how did you think the season would end after Alan Hardy takeover and appointment of Kevin Nolan?

What social network do you prefer to use? I am on Facebook and Twitter, both I find bewildering.

Twitter is useful for looking up news and real time updates, compared to Facebook which seems more complexed and targeted towards youngsters. I am not the biggest user of either networks, when I come online I mostly browse news related websites.

There has been a lot of positives since the arrival of Kevin Nolan, so I thought I would list the things I have learned in the chance that other members here may share their own points.

• Notts County can turn poor form into something outstanding, when effort is matched throughout the squad.
• Goal ratios and age mean little, if the player applies themselves and the team performs - it can/should work.
• A rookie manager isn't something to fear if the chairman supports them and allows him full control of building his staff.
• Team spirit can breed into the stands even when fears of relegation are looming.
• Meadow Lane is a fantastic venue that enhances match days.
• Takeovers can heal issues if all those involved try to repair the damages (rather than papering over cracks).
• Honesty is the best policy, thank god the club now has this.

I could have added others, along with some more common views but I'll leave it to this.

What about you?

Having watched the game vs Colchester, couldn't help but notice how uninterested, lost and lazy AC was. Didn't want to try and win the ball back. Every other player in the team was spot on and did their job immensely.

He has flashes of quality here and there but it really is a rarity. He's been nothing but inconsistent for us and my patience has ran thin on him, he doesn't score or create enough, he puts the effort in and shows glimpses of quality but then let's himself go missing.. AC is great at getting into goal scoring positions but fluffs the easy 'sitters'. 

My question to you guys is: Am I being harsh on AC? Would you give him a new deal once his expires at the end of the season? 

With Scott Loach out on loan at York City, Notts County have turned to Joe Searson as their second-choice goalkeeper.

The 18-year-old has been on the bench over the last few games, and he has received praise from first-choice custodian Adam Collin.

Collin told the Nottingham Post: "Joe has done really well. Since the manager came in and Norm (Mark Crossley) became goalkeeping coach, they have wanted three goalkeepers in training every day.

"Joe has been involved with myself and Scott Loach on a full-time basis. He is progressing really well, he's a good young pro and I am sure he has got a bright future ahead of him."

Anybody seen Searson in training or in youth games? What is he like? Do you reckon the opportunity of first-team football is warranted at this stage, or should he be given more time to develop in the academy?

Game 40 - The U's (H)

Team: Colchester United

Date: 01/04/17

Where: Meadow Lane

What line-up should Kevin Nolan opt for? What will be the key areas for the Magpies to get a victory? What do you think the final score will be?

Have your say below, join in with the Pride of Nottingham match discussion.

i went into the broken wheelbarrow on saturday with my dad [forest fan] but he was impressed by the pricing and drinks that was on offer. does anyone here use it?

i know quite a few use the navi and embankment but curious to see what others think.

I am sure they can complain considering that they are the people who fund much of the clubs budget, so I guess my question should be are you bothered that Alan Hardy has lowered the attendance fee? The objectives are quite important as the club does need the support but it is good to see the offers coming out from the club.

Its a difficult debate that only season ticket holders concerned can really explain the other side.

Where do you stand on this situation? Alan's done the right thing by offering discount next season, its a fair compromise for me.

Name: Shola Ameobi at the double
Category: Official Notts Videos
Date Added: 2017-04-02
Submitter: Chris

Shola Ameobi fires in a brace to help Notts County beat Colchester United 3-1 at Meadow Lane.

Shola Ameobi at the double

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"Experimental 3-6-1", a football analysis blog which focuses on the EFL, has looked at all the permutations in League Two and established that the division is ridiculously open.

Obviously our main focus will be on Notts County, which could theoretically finish as high as fourth. With 18 points left to play for and the playoffs 13 points away, it is a remote but still plausible possibility.

(On the flip side, they "could" also finish as low as 24th, but let's not focus on that shall we?)

Doncaster are guaranteed a chance of promotion at the very least as they cannot finish lower than fifth, but fellow automatic promotion slot-fillers Plymouth and Portsmouth could both find themselves in mid-table should things go wrong for them.

Have a look for yourself at all the permutations - here is the link.

https://experimental361.com/2017/04/02/whats-still-possible-league-2-2-apr-2017/

Collin 6.5 – no chance with their goal, didn’t have a save of note to make but generally looked assured.
Tootle 7 – defended well, got forward well. The best right back we have on the books.
Hollis 7 – strong in the challenge, didn’t do a lot wrong.
Duffy 7 – see Hollis.
Dickinson 7 – solid throughout. Another player who could be transformed by Nolan?
Campbell 6 – was ok today and can’t fault his effort, but still looks a squad player at best.
Milsom 7 – the hardworking, influential performance that is becoming the norm.
Hewitt 6.5 – did a good job in the O’Connor role, another who looks better under Nolan.
Grant 7 – could have done better with a couple of decent chances, but this bloke has a touch of class.
Stead 7 – some great link up play, shame his one good finish was ruled out for offside.
Ameobi 8* - I must admit that when we signed him I was concerned he was just another former big name coming for a final pay cheque, but he soon put my mind at rest. It’s obvious that he has played at a higher level as some of his touches are pure class, but he really works for the team and produced two excellent finishes. Stead is a better player with him alongside, I hope we can keep him next season.

Subs - none on long enough to merit a rating, but a good move to give Howes a taste of the big time.

Nolan 10 – the transformation since he arrived has been nothing short of incredible. We now play with passion, which is all I really demanded. He has made Meadow Lane a happy place to be rather than somewhere to visit out of a sense of loyalty. The only worry is that he is doing a bit too well, and other clubs will be taking note!

Saturday's Fixtures:
Brighton & Hove Abion v Blackburn Rovers
Preston North End v Nottingham Forest
Millwall v Scunthorpe United
Southend United v Oldham Athletic
Luton Town v Blackpool
Stevenage v Barnet

Please do take a few minutes to scan through these pictures, if you like the gallery or any individual picture please be sure to give 'em a like! Many thanks for taking a look.

Direct Link to Faces of PON: Here

PS. This was on the best games, even before half time - as many fans was simply up for it. Great game!

Name: Meet the Fans 16/17 - Colchester United (01/04/2017)
Category: Meet the Fans
Date Added: 2017-04-02
Submitter: Chris

Notts County fans before the game against Colchester United on Saturday 4th April 2017.

Be sure to let PON know your thoughts on 'Meet the Fans' below, the best comments will be published on our popular social media and of course our thriving web site.

Our questions include Are Notts safe now or would you rather wait till its mathematically assured, Who has improved the most under Kevin Nolan, Which players should Notts retain and why, and of course the score prediction.

If you would like to feature, get in touch! Feel free to submit potential questions below and we will look into asking them.

Be sure to subscribe, share, like and comment - Your support is greatly appreciated.

Visit us on:
Website: http://prideofnottingham.co.uk/
Community: http://prideofnottingham.co.uk/community/

Don't forget to register on our site, look out for us on social media and at live games. COYP!

Meet the Fans 16/17 - Colchester United (01/04/2017)

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Relegation AND the play offs!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Who was your man of the match for Notts County against Colchester United?

This might be my only post. I joined just to post this.

As a fan the only publicly-owned American Football club, The Green Bay Packers in Wisconsin, who have sold out every match since 1960, average 73,000 attendance per game in a town of just 200,000 and have a wait list for season tickets of 60 years on average, I am so happy to hear of your new owner and hopefully, a fresh start.

I am a more recent fan of English football (last 2 years) and I am not the only new football fan here in America. Several of us know of the dilemma of Notts County out here and we have talked about how the "original" football club deserves better. Packers fans like myself are naturally drawn to underdogs from smaller cities like you. So we are all happy to hear of this step in the right direction.

Lifetime Green Bay Packers fans can relate to you, for many reasons. There are many of us who are quietly rooting for you. You are not alone. Good luck!!

Name: Kevin Nolan: "It's about building the future"
Category: Official Notts Videos
Date Added: 2017-04-02
Submitter: Chris

The manager speaks about handing Alex Howes his first team debut and building a future with the club's academy.

Kevin Nolan: "It's about building the future"

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