Don't dismiss non-league talent, says Notts County loan ace Kwesi Appiah.

From the bottom to the top: Having started out at non-league Maidstone United in 2007, just three years later Chris Smalling had signed for Manchester United. He's now an England regular.

 

ANYBODY who listened to Gordon Strachan's sarcastic assessment of non-league players last weekend was merely further proof about the stigma attached to them.

 

"They come in all shapes and sizes," was the Scotland manager's dismissive judgment as fans of Conference clubs went into a meltdown on a variety of social media platforms.

To write off non-league players as not fit for purpose seems a little bizarre given how Chris Smalling has become an England international having started out at Maidstone.

Kwesi Appiah is also proof that players can be found in the world of semi-professional football having joined Crystal Palace from Margate.

He too is of the belief that there are many gems waiting to be undiscovered outside of the 92 club.

"There are a lot of players in non-league who could easily make the step up into the Football League," he said.

"I spent three months on loan at Cambridge in the Conference and it just opened my eyes even more.

"I remember thinking 'wow' there are some serious players in this league.

"At some point I am sure they will get the opportunity and they just have to keep on doing what they are doing."

Even at the age of 23, Appiah has already enjoyed quite a nomadic career.

Full Article; Here.

Appiah seems a very confident young striker, he could have more of an impact if we could create him a clear chance. With a goal is confidence could be encouraging, however isn't is loan deal nearly half way through now? It was an emergency month loan, I wonder if Derry will try to extend or allow him to go back.

Certainly we need a striker.

PUBLISHED

08:00 2nd March 2014

Notts County Football Club can confirm that Joss Labadie has completed a switch to Torquay United on a free transfer.

Read more at http://www.nottscountyfc.co.uk/news/article/labadie-makes-torquay-switch-permanent-1330885.aspx#7JrukzRSiTLiG89L.99

Sat 8th 15:00 Sky Bet League 1 Notts Co vs Coventry. win

Sat 15th 15:00 Sky Bet League 1 Wolves vs Notts Co. lose

Sat 22nd 15:00 Sky Bet League 1 Notts Co vs Shrewsbury. Win

March 14

Sat 1st 15:00 Sky Bet League 1 Rotherham vs Notts Co. Lose

Sat 8th 15:00 Sky Bet League 1 Notts Co vs Leyton Or. lose

Tue 11th 19:45 Sky Bet League 1 Notts Co vs MK Dons .Draw

Sat 15th 15:00 Sky Bet League 1 Tranmere vs Notts Co draw

Sat 22nd 15:00 Sky Bet League 1 Notts Co vs Carlisle win

Tue 25th 19:45 Sky Bet League 1 Crewe vs Notts Co Draw

Sat 29th 15:00 Sky Bet League 1 Notts Co vs Colchester win

April 14

Sat 5th 15:00 Sky Bet League 1 Brentford vs Notts Co lose

Sat 12th 15:00 Sky Bet League 1 Notts Co vs Port Vale win

Sat 19th 15:00 Sky Bet League 1 Bristol C vs Notts Co draw

Mon 21st 15:00 Sky Bet League 1 Notts Co vs Crawley win

Sat 26th 15:00 Sky Bet League 1 Notts Co vs Swindon lose

May 14

Sat 3rd 15:00 Sky Bet League 1 Oldham vs Notts Co draw

What do you think?

Are we staying up?

'Mourinho is wrong - football was exciting in the 1800s'

For those who have read 'the 150 years of football' series of articles.This may help understand the development of soccer.

You couldn't make up Met Police's win, draw lose record...

I don't really expect anything from the game, however I do hope we can at least draw. I think this will be a bigger test than Shaun Derry knows, he needs to motivate the players into starting the game as they did against Peterborough. You can never write us off or know what to expect really, it's games like this we tend to see ourselves surprised! Either for good reasons or for one's we would rather forget. Preston are no fools though, I expect them to start lively.

Two games now into the 'view of our upcoming games'. Preston have ex Forest striker Joe Garner, along with some other useful players.

I hope we avoid dropping JCR, he needs to play and their fans need to get over what happened. It wasn't nice for their player, however he ended up accepting Jamal's apology and it should be put to rest now.

It's sad how their fans think it's acceptable to continue it!

My prediction is 2-2, however we desperately need the 3 points. Thoughts?

Ps. Let us know if you're making the away trip here.
 

Listened to Colin and hardly heard them mentioned, Not their day today by the sounds of it.

This can be quite the popular topic on other sites, I've been apart of gaming communities where responses reach 1,000. No it's not going to happen here! (least not anyway - one for the future)

Yet, It would be nice to see at least 10. I feel that's being fairly ambitious but you never know.

If you can add a screenshot feel free, the simple way is copy and paste. Just check your profile to find the answer to this and see how prolific you're.

Here's mine

I have a lot of making up to do (it's correct - reason behind it is due to moving from an older version back when PoN was NCFS)

So, how Prolific Are You?

Sad news today, as Tony Hateley passed away, ironically in Preston, at the age of 72. One of the greatest players in the history of Notts County and a man who won many plaudits from many fans of many other clubs. I wasn't lucky enough to see him play, but by all accounts he was a true great.

R.I.P Tony Hateley. Thoughts go out to his family and friends right now

Tony Hateley has died aged 72.

Gutted, can't say anymore.

Welcome to PoN @Mickypne.Glad to have another opposition fan join in.I hope we hear more of your balanced and unbiased views.

Leeds have issued a statement saying the Brian McDermott is still very much their manager. !!??

What's going off there?

Kevin Pilkington by a country mile. Some great saves

It looks like a tough game ...

Perhaps just as importantly though it is a cold reminder as to the dire mess that CCFC are in

This could happen to any club at any time, including Notts County. Can we all as footy fans unite and consider signing the e-petition below

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/59884

Thanks for anyone who takes the time to look at this

I would replace Boucard With Mullins. Boucard tries to be clever and then loses poessesion.

First month almost over, it's been a better start for us than the end of last year. PoN's almost on the date to decide it's member of the month, @super_pie is currently thinking about what he wants to write for his blog. I am considering doing my own - Though I'll probably find some form of article to draft up.

My days been painfully slow, lacking inspiration and rather tired.

Ellie on the other hand is very excited about finally recieving a school place, I won't start here but I'm just glad to see her happy. It's been very emotional for her and she's felt like the 'forgotten child'. With her uniform now all purchased, it's nice seeing her excited about wearing it and she keeps telling @cheeky~k8 that she wants to wear it every day until she goes to school. LOL

What have you been up to? If you read this, please do add a little about your day.

I have been a Notts supporter since they got promoted to the old 1st division. I had a season ticket for a few years. Then in 1985 I got the chance to work at Notts as a steward. And I have been doing this since{(hope you won't hold it against me) . I have been to all Wembley finals (5).

I live about 2 mins from Ice stadium so not to far from ground.

I work at Asda west bridgford, been there for 12 years.

Been married for 33 years.

Interests are Notts and football in general. Elvis and 60's music. Computing, reading(when I get chance). X Box.

Just recently came out of hospital, went to Benidorm, caught Influenza A Virus, when we came back I ended up 2 days in intensive care as my respiratory system was shutting down. Then a week on a normal ward.

Shall miss a few games while I get back to normal.

Welcome @kop666, it's nice to see you've made your way onto our site. You should find the mobile skin quite flexible but you can always use the full version, it's pretty nifty of tablet devices.

I hope to see your input around our community, glad you joined mate.

How's that for a pair of signings?!

Welcome to the community @DamoMarshall and @4everapie, nice to see you both take the dive and join us. I really think you both will be big assets for our promotion push here, no matter how often you visit. I hope you both enjoy the site and I look forward to seeing you around and discussing NCFC with you.

Why not tell us a little about yourselves? COYP!

Sorry but it not enough, a striker was needed.

I thought you might all like to have a read of this.

The amount of workers with ATOS who have left and spoken up on their policies grows weekly.  Yet still this company receives a vast amount of money by the government...with extensive bonuses for everyone they decide is fit for work.  How is this a fair assessment on who can and can't work, and how long before even more end up homeless or living well below the poverty line before something is done about their practices?

http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/scottish-news/nurse-makes-heartfelt-apology-after-1340838

The results in Div 1 went Notts way last night.Not only do Notts need to get results but at the moment they could do with teams around them in the table losing too.What are your thoughts?

1. Do we think we will bring anyone in today?

2. Who do you think will be the big movers and shakers in the Championship and below?
 

3. Big spenders in the PL?

For me, its 

1. No.
2. No idea - Sheff Utd, QPR, Leicester, maybe?
3. Man City.


Anyone heard any good gossip/rumours?



 

Anyone making the trip to Preston? I really want to go, mainly to support a friend and of course Notts but I don't think it's sensible really. It's a game I would have loved to have gone. I haven't been to Preston before, until last year I hadn't gone anywhere really. Hartlepool was my first away day.

Now's the time to cough up and let the PoN community know if you're going.

COYP!

Ps. Don't forget to add your thoughts here, especially if you do go - Match Thread.

Nothing as of yet's been confirmed with regards to Elliot Gibbons the Non League player who tweeted this.



Roberts, although he doesn't feel me with confidence - He did give a good interview, it's uncertain how he will fit into our squad and even he sounds to be a little unsure but he did say he's joined because of injuries and he's here to cover. His experience might help some of the youngsters we have, so there's that at least and if he was to help out as a coach, something he's denied it would also be an added bonus because we're short in this department. Poor Greg does do a lot of training/coaching!

Mullins, I am happy with but it was said we wouldn't be signing any more loan players and for me it strikes as a sign. I do feel that we are panicking a little but it's important we get signings.

How do you feel about these signings?