Features

Notts County has made an exciting decision by bringing Stuart Maynard on board as their new head coach.  At 43 years old, Maynard is joining us from Wealdstone, where he made a name for himself with his accomplishments and unique style of play in the National League. As a fellow fan, I couldn't be happier with this appointment, and here's why. Firstly, Maynard has proven that he can do extraordinary things with limited resources. He took the reins at Wealdstone in March 2021 and guided

Over the forty years I've been following the Magpies, the club have had some good, some bad and some indifferent loan players, and to be honest I wasn't bothered about it at first. However, over the years there have been some loan players who have pulled on a Notts Shirt and have stood out for me, namely, Jack Grealish, Callum McGregor from 2013 and Jorge Grant and Ryan Yates from 2017. I remember Grealish's home League debut, I believe it was against Tranmere Rovers (I stand to be correcte

Five thousand, thanks. It’s been a few years in the making, but this weekend Notts County finally play their 5,000th Football League match away to Gillingham. It will be our 888th fourth division match. We’ve spent the largest share of our Football League existence in the third division (1528 matches), with 1516 matches played in the second division (now the Championship) and 1068 in the top flight, albeit mostly before the war. We are the eighth club to reach the landmark, after Prest

Jodi Jones extending his contract with Notts County is a massive win, not only for the club but also for the fans.  Jones has become such an integral part of the team, and his decision to commit to staying at Meadow Lane until 2027 sends a clear message. Both the player and the club are aiming high for the future. What strikes me most about Jones is his passion for Notts County. You don’t often see players who speak so openly about how much a club means to them. When Jones said he was

The rumour mill has been in overdrive recently, with speculation linking Notts County's head coach, Luke Williams, with a move to Oxford United.  However, it seems that the gifted coach is set to buck the trend and stay put at Meadow Lane, much to the delight of the Magpies' faithful. In the age of rampant player movements and footballing commercialism, loyalty is a virtue often overlooked. In Williams, Notts County has not just a supremely talented coach, but also a loyal servant to t

During four years in the National League, we finished third, fifth and fifth again. Each time we made the playoffs before losing. Then this amazing season came along. However, there was always the concern that missing out on top spot would mean disaster. Even the Wrexham owners felt for us. No doubt still hurting from the previous season when they finished second only to suffer playoff disappointment. The script seemed to be written. Finish top and go up. Finish second and lose out in the p

As Notts County fans, anticipation for the new football season is always high, and this year is no exception. Fans eagerly await the release of the fixtures, planning their weekends and away trips to support their beloved team. The Magpies will kick off their campaign with an away game against Sutton United, followed by a local derby at home against Grimsby Town.  The next three games will see Notts County face Morecambe, Doncaster Rovers, and Tranmere Rovers. Each game presents its own cha

Notts County, a name that echoes with fervour, commitment, and an unwavering love for football. Yet, behind every triumphant team is a legion of devoted supporters, the fans. Their role in the team's success is often understated, but as Notts County's captain Kyle Cameron and head coach Luke Williams have highlighted, they are the lifeblood of the club. The fans' impact is tangible, from the electrifying atmosphere they generate at matches to their steadfast support throughout the season. C

In a recent Fans' Forum event, Notts County's top brass opened up about the heart and soul of the club – its fans. Led by Chief Executive Joe Palmer and Head Coach Luke Williams, the discussion delved into the strategies, challenges, and the unfiltered pulse of the passionate fanbase. The Game-Changing Surge in Fan Support Joe Palmer kicked off the forum by tipping his hat to the devoted fans, acknowledging the remarkable swell in attendance over recent seasons. For Notts County, it's

Notts County had a busy summer transfer window, bringing in several new players to further strengthen an already strong squad. As the season starts, it's clear that these acquisitions have been part of a well-thought-out strategy, not just to fill gaps but to build a team capable of meeting the demands of League Two. Integrating the new signings into the existing 3-4-2-1 formation has been a smooth process, with early performances on the pitch showing promise. Alex Bass, signed from Sunderl

There are some interesting statistics when looking at the previous teams who have won the National League playoffs since they were introduced for the 2002-03 season. Those 21 finals have seen 8 of them go to extra time (and beyond) while only one of them has been won by more than a 2 goal margin. Exeter, Grimsby, Forest Green and Tranmere all won after losing the previous year’s final while Luton followed consecutive losing finals by winning the league! Almost all losing finalists

The pre-season is a crucial time for any football team, and for Notts County, it was no different. With a line-up of challenging games against teams like Stoke City and Nottingham Forest, manager Luke Williams had his work cut out for him. But with each game, he gained valuable insights into his squad and their capabilities. One of the key takeaways from the pre-season was how well new recruits Dan Crowley and David McGoldrick fit into Williams' system. The squad showed their adaptability b

For any football fan who's seen their team get relegated, one positive once you've got over the initial shock is to think about all the new grounds you can visit. And with Notts having previously never dropped down to non-league in their 157-year history, all these non-league grounds seemed like an exotic novelty to a Notts fan who travels home and away each week. So having completed half a season in the non-league wilderness, let's take a look back on the highs and lows of a non league away day

It feels like the end of an era with the departure of Macaulay Langstaff. When he arrived, many fans were unsure of what to expect - myself included. Bringing in two players from Gateshead who had scored over 40 goals between them, it seemed like a dream come true. Eagerly awaiting a glimpse of the new duo, I remember feeling impressed by them in the friendly against Alfreton Town. Who would have known that Langstaff would go on to score over 42 goals, grabbing headlines alongside Erli

Notts have made no secret of their ambition to improve on last season’s mid-table finish and push for promotion this season. Finishing in the play-offs seems a very realistic target. However, it’s not going to be easy. Several clubs have similar aims and have recruited well in the hope of securing a place in League 1 come the end of the 2024/25 season. This isn’t a prediction as such but rather an analysis of the teams that have recruited well and will be hoping to push for promotion this coming

Matt Palmer is an exceptional midfield player for Notts County. He's robust, thoughtful, and reads the game well. His ability to complete passes while driving the team forward is outstanding. He's a calming influence in the centre of midfield, a complete footballer in the mould of Neal Bishop's work rate mixed with the ability of Phil Turner. Since arriving at Notts County, Palmer has been paramount to the club's success. Simply put, if you remove him from the line-up, the formation and ins

I was thrilled to hear that Jim O’Brien has extended his stay at the club. Since arriving in 2019, O’Brien has been an influential player both on and off the pitch. With his Scottish determination and uncanny toughness, he has made a significant impact on the club. O’Brien joined Notts County at a low point in the club’s history, but his arrival gave us fans hope that things would improve. And improve they did - under the guidance of Luke Williams and the ownership of the Reedtz brothers, t

In a detailed and engaging Fan Forum, Notts County’s leadership team, including CEO Joe Palmer, owners Chris and Alex Reedtz, board member Rich Montague, and head coach Stuart Maynard, shed light on pressing issues affecting the club and its passionate supporters. Here are the key takeaways from the evening, offering insights into the challenges and aspirations shaping the future of Notts County.   Supporter Conduct and Stadium Safety   The forum opened with a stark reminder about th

Notts County have returned to the English Football League after a four-year absence, thanks to a thrilling penalty shoot-out victory over Chesterfield in the National League promotion final at Wembley. The Magpies came from behind twice in a 2-2 draw, with John Bostock and Ruben Rodrigues scoring late equalisers in normal time and extra time respectively. Substitute goalkeeper Archie Mair then proved to be the hero, saving two penalties in the shoot-out to seal Notts County's promotion. The

This is purely a personal view and no doubt every reader will disagree with my choice and want to replace at least half of this list! There’s no logic to some of it, and there are no old scores to settle – I’ve chosen these on days I expect (hope?) to enjoy, which is why I’ve left some out on the basis that unless we’re 4-0 up in the first 10 minutes, I probably won’t enjoy them… Sutton United – the first game back. Yes, I want to win and will be disappointed if we don’t, but it’s lovely to

So, Notts County have been drawn away to Brentford in the third round of the FA Cup. Whilst the draw might not be all that glamourous for either side, both teams must surely be fancying their chances in progressing to the fourth round. Personally I think the tie is quite ideal for that reason, and I would hope that we can forge some sort of run that might perhaps see us replicate what Jon Stead did at Bradford City and of course Terry Hawkridge at Lincoln City. It perhaps would ha