Notts County Football Club: Introduction

Notts County Football Club, based in Nottingham, England, is one of the most historically significant football clubs in the world. Established in 1862, Notts County is recognized as the oldest professional football club still in existence.

This long-standing legacy has earned the club a special place in football history, even though its journey has seen many ups and downs across different leagues.

Notts County currently plays in English League Two. The staff at the Fanbase wish the club and supporters all the best and a quick return to where they belong. So, here’s our overview of the club:

Before we continue, here’s a link to the club’s official website.

Early History and Formation

• Founded: 1862 by a group of players who were dissatisfied with the available sports at the time, Notts County initially played a variation of the game that combined elements of both rugby and football. Over time, as the rules of modern football became more standardized, the club adapted and eventually focused entirely on the game of football.
• The club became one of the founding members of the Football League in 1888, further solidifying its importance in the history of English football.

Notts County Football Club: Nickname: “The Magpies”

• Notts County’s nickname, The Magpies, is inspired by their traditional black and white striped kits, which resemble the plumage of the magpie bird.
• Interestingly, the club’s colours influenced Juventus, one of Italy’s most famous football teams. Juventus, seeking a new kit design, adopted the black and white stripes from Notts County in the early 1900s and have worn them ever since.
• The club also has the nicknames of County and Notts. Not too exciting, but they do get the message over!

Home Ground: Meadow Lane

• Stadium: Meadow Lane, which has been the home of Notts County since 1910, is located just across the River Trent from the city’s other football club, Nottingham Forest. This proximity adds to the rivalry between the two clubs.
• Capacity: The stadium currently holds around 19,800 spectators.

Notts County Football Club: Historical Achievements

Notts County enjoyed various successes in its early history:

• FA Cup Victory: The club’s most prestigious achievement came in 1894, when Notts County won the FA Cup, beating Bolton Wanderers 4-1 in the final at Goodison Park. They were the first team from the Second Division to win the trophy.
• Over the years, the club has spent time across various levels of English football, ranging from the top tier (now known as the Premier League) to the lower leagues. Notts County has seen multiple promotions and relegations throughout its long history.

Although Notts County is an old football team, they never won the top-tier league in English football. However, they have won the lower leagues. Moreover, Notts County has won the FA Cup in 1894 and the Anglo-Italian Cup in 1995.

Generally speaking, Notts County has won many minor honours. So the trophy cabinet is the envy of many teams in the lower leagues.

Decline and Relegation from the Football League

The modern history of Notts County has been more turbulent. Financial struggles, ownership changes, and inconsistent performances have affected the club’s fortunes. A major low point came in 2019, when the club was relegated from the English Football League (EFL) for the first time in its history, dropping to the National League (the fifth tier of English football). This was a dramatic fall for the oldest professional club in the world.

Notts County Football Club: Recent Revival

• Despite the setback, Notts County has been rebuilding in recent years. After the relegation, the club found stability and began competing well in the National League, with a strong following from their loyal fan base.
• In 2023, the club achieved promotion back to the Football League (League Two) by winning the National League Playoff Final against Chesterfield. This marked an emotional return to the EFL after a four-year absence.

Notts County Football Club: Rivalries

• Nottingham Forest: The main rivals of Notts County are Nottingham Forest, though the two clubs have not met competitively for some time due to Forest playing in the higher leagues. The rivalry, often referred to as the “Nottingham Derby,” remains an important part of both clubs’ history.
• Mansfield Town: Another local rival, especially when both clubs were in the lower leagues.
• Other Rivalry: The fans also have a degree of rivalry with the following clubs: Leicester City, Derby County, Chesterfield, and Lincoln City.

Ownership and Management

• In 2009, the club became briefly infamous for a proposed takeover by Munto Finance, which promised significant investment and led to the appointment of high-profile figures like former England manager Sven-Göran Eriksson as director of football. However, the deal fell apart amid financial irregularities, causing serious instability.
• As of now, the club is owned by Christoffer and Alexander Reedtz, who purchased the club in 2019 and have worked to stabilize its finances and return it to competitive form.

Notable Players

Throughout its history, Notts County has seen several notable players don the black and white stripes, including:

• Tommy Lawton: One of England’s greatest-ever strikers, who played for the club in the 1940s and 1950s.
• Lee Hughes: A prolific scorer in the lower leagues for County in the late 2000s.
• Jimmy Sirrel: Legendary manager, whose influence in the 1970s and 1980s led the club to a successful period that saw them rise back into the top divisions of English football.

Modern Day

As of now, Notts County is competing in League Two (the fourth tier of English football) after their recent promotion from the National League. The club remains a fan favourite due to its deep history and long-standing tradition in the footballing world.

Notts County Football Club: Fun Facts

• Notts County holds the distinction of being the world’s oldest professional football club.
• The team’s black and white stripes were the inspiration for Juventus, one of the most successful football clubs in the world.

In Conclusion

Notts County’s story is one of resilience and tradition. From their early days as football pioneers to their modern-day struggles and resurgence, they embody the spirit of English football. With passionate supporters and a proud history, Notts County remains an iconic football institution.

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**Information updated on September 7, 2024.