Club Profile
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Overview
Notts County Football Club is based in Nottingham, England. The team competes in EFL League Two, the fourth tier of English football. Established in 1862, the club is widely recognised as the oldest professional football club in the world. They were among the founding members of the Football League in 1888 and have experienced 14 promotions and 17 relegations across their history, competing in all of the top five tiers of English football.
History
The club traces its origins to informal matches played in Nottingham from 1862, before being formally organised in December 1864. Early fixtures were played under varying rules, and the club entered the FA Cup in 1877. Professionalism was adopted in 1885, and just three years later Notts County became one of the original Football League clubs. After an initial period of mixed results, they secured major success by winning the FA Cup in 1894, becoming the first team from outside the top division to do so.
In the early 20th century, the club spent extended periods in the First Division, although performances declined after World War I. A notable revival came in 1947 with the high-profile signing of England striker Tommy Lawton for a record £20,000 fee, attracting large attendances and helping the club win the Third Division South title in 1949–50. However, following his departure, the club entered a prolonged decline and fell to the Fourth Division by the late 1950s.
Under manager Jimmy Sirrel, appointed in 1969, Notts County experienced a resurgence, achieving multiple promotions and reaching the First Division again in 1981. Their stay at the top level was brief, and by the mid-1980s they had dropped down the divisions once more. Another revival occurred under Neil Warnock, who guided the club to successive promotions via Wembley play-offs, returning them to the top flight for the 1991–92 season.
The following decades were marked by instability, including relegations, financial difficulties, and periods in administration, notably between 2002 and 2003. A controversial takeover in 2009 collapsed, leaving the club in financial danger before a recovery saw them win the League Two title in 2009–10. After relegation from the Football League in 2019 for the first time in their history, Notts County spent four seasons in non-league football before earning promotion back to League Two in 2023 via the play-offs.
Competition Performance
Notts County’s most significant achievement remains their FA Cup victory in 1894, alongside a runner-up finish in 1891. Their strongest league performances came in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, finishing third in the top division in both 1890–91 and 1900–01.
The club has experienced fluctuating fortunes in league competition, frequently moving between divisions. They won the Second Division title in 1896–97 and again in 1913–14, and later secured the Third Division South title in 1949–50. In the modern era, they claimed the Third Division championship in 1997–98 under Sam Allardyce and the League Two title in 2009–10.
Notts County also achieved notable success in play-off competitions, securing back-to-back promotions under Neil Warnock in 1990 and 1991. Despite a record-breaking 107-point season in 2022–23, they finished second in the National League but ultimately gained promotion through the play-offs, winning the final on penalties at Wembley.
Stadium
The club has played its home matches at Meadow Lane since 1910. Prior to this, Notts County used several venues, including the Meadows Cricket Ground, Trent Bridge, and the Castle Ground. Their time at Trent Bridge from 1883 to 1910 included attendances of up to 25,000, although scheduling conflicts with cricket often forced the team to use alternative grounds.
Meadow Lane opened in September 1910 and has remained the club’s permanent home ever since. The ground suffered significant bomb damage during World War II and required rebuilding. Over time, it has undergone multiple developments, including the construction of new stands and facilities throughout the late 20th century.
Major redevelopment in the 1990s transformed Meadow Lane into an all-seater stadium. By 2019, it had a capacity of approximately 19,841 for football matches. Recent improvements have also included fan-focused developments such as a designated fanzone area adjacent to the stadium.
Identity
The club’s name derives from Nottinghamshire, often shortened to “Notts,” making them the only English club with an abbreviated county name in their official title. Over time, the team has been known by several nicknames, most notably “The Magpies,” inspired by their black and white striped kit introduced in 1890. Earlier nicknames included “The Lambs,” though this gradually fell out of use in the early 20th century.
The black and white colours became a defining feature of the club and even influenced Italian side Juventus, who adopted a similar kit in 1901. The club crest has evolved over time but has consistently featured the magpie symbol in various forms since the early 20th century.
Supporters play an active role in the club’s identity, notably through the Notts County Supporters’ Trust, which held a controlling stake at one point. Fans are known for singing the “Wheelbarrow Song,” a distinctive terrace chant. The club has also produced long-running fanzines such as “The Pie,” reflecting a strong supporter culture despite periods of financial instability.
Rivalries
Notts County’s main rivalry is with Nottingham Forest, with matches between the two known as the Nottingham derby. First contested in 1866, it is one of the oldest rivalries in football. Although historically significant, meetings between the clubs have become infrequent due to their differing league positions over time.
Another notable local rivalry exists with Mansfield Town, with fixtures between the two often carrying regional importance. While less historic than the Nottingham derby, these encounters remain competitive and relevant in recent seasons.