Clashes lead Notts to fixture changes
NOTTS County chief executive Jason Turner has been explaining the reasoning behind rescheduled dates for two of the club’s upcoming fixtures.
The home National League match against Barnet was due to be played on Saturday, January 22, but has now been moved to Friday, January 21 (7.45pm) as Nottingham Forest are at home to Derby County in the Championship on January 22.
Notts’ FA Trophy third round tie against Altrincham will now be played at 7.30pm on Saturday, December 18, because of another clash with neighbours Forest, who will take on Hull City at the City Ground.
In an update on the Magpies’ website, Turner told fans: “I wanted to bring you up to speed on what’s been going on behind the scenes at Meadow Lane, beginning with a couple of recent fixture changes.
“Firstly, our Vanarama National League home match against Barnet has been moved due to Nottingham Forest hosting Derby County in a televised match on the same day. With a full midweek programme to follow, moving this fixture to the Friday was the best option.
“We had hoped to play our Buildbase FA Trophy third round match against Altrincham on Friday December 17 due to another clash with Forest but, as our opponents’ players are part-time and because we have an important trip to Chesterfield on the following Tuesday, a Saturday 7.30pm kick-off proved to be the best solution.
“Our thanks to Nottinghamshire Police for their assistance. We’re in conversation with Altrincham regarding providing a stream for those unable to attend.”
There could be another rearrangement on the horizon.
“We’re aware that we have a further clash with Forest when we’re due to host Grimsby Town on Saturday February 5 and initial discussions have taken place between the clubs regarding this,” Turner added.
“Neither Sky Sports nor BT Sport have announced their broadcast schedules for that weekend yet and we’re unable to set anything in stone until they’ve done so. We will provide an update as soon as we can.”
Turner also went on to update supporters on developments at Meadow Lane.
Televisions will be installed with Sky Sports and BT Sport in HD for fans to enjoy the full matchday experience.
“These improvements have already been made in our hospitality lounges and come as part of our continued efforts to provide the best possible matchday experience for our fans,” said Turner.
“Further to this, the central heating system in the Broken Wheelbarrow, which has been in place since 1979, is being replaced and work continues on the full refurbishment of Lawton’s Bar - a project which is on course for completion in January.
“A huge thank you to the Lifeline committee for releasing funds not only to support these much-needed improvements but to also help us acquire a range of camera equipment which will take our media output to the next level.”
The Magpies are next in action on Saturday against Southend United at Meadow Lane (3pm).