Book Review: One Flew Over the Magpie's Nest

Nostalgia is a powerful emotion. Who, at some point in their life, hasn't thought about certain aspects of the past and harked back to the "good old days"? Of course, when the present day is considered bleak, it makes delving into yesterday even more common and generates even stronger feelings.

Being a supporter of Notts County is very bleak business at the present day, with a sizeable amount of fans disappointed to the point of numbness about the today and worrying about tomorrow. Because of this, reminiscing about the past is something which can bring joy, laughter and memories.

However, nostalgia is not the only reason why One Flew Over the Magpie's Nest is such a great read. Sure, it's great to look back at a time when the Magpies were setting the Football League on fire under the great Jimmy Sirrel and Jack Wheeler, and when much-loved players like Lee Hughes were scoring goals for fun.

What makes Paul Mace's 650-page book so riveting is that it's so detailed, so in-depth and so anecdotal that it really feels like you're in conversation yourself with the interviewees, which include Sven-Goran Eriksson, Neil Warnock and Hughsey himself.

The book, which is out now, gives a fly-on-the-wall perspective of Notts County's last 50 years of history. As we all know, few clubs across England have had as eventful a history as the Magpies, so reliving this in almost documentary-style detail from the perspective of those who were involved makes for an entertaining and unforgetting read.

You know when you're down the pub, having a few pints with your mates and the stories just flow out like draught beer from a tap? That's basically what reading this book is like. It's difficult to put down once you've started reading, because you just want to know more and more.

Already a number of stories have been published in the Nottingham Post about Roberto Mancini being on the verge of becoming Notts boss, or Martin Allen jumping in the Trent to motivate his players ahead of the League Cup game against Forest, and believe me, there are hundreds of stories like that across the book.

From Mad Dog making his players sing nursery rhymes before a game and forcing an overweight steward to perform 50 press-ups, to Lee Hughes telling a current England international to "behave himself" after the two went to a nightclub in "the back streets of Manchester", there is much to shock, entertain and think about.

And if you wanted to know the full story about what the hell happened with Munto Finance, there is a whole chapter dedicated to the whole sordid affair.

One Flew Over the Magpie's Nest is the kind of book that any Notts County fan needs to have in their collection as soon as possible. With Christmas round the corner, it would make for a fantastic gift. And even for those who aren't necessarily Magpies fans, it's still so rich in entertainment and insight that it would be great for anyone who loves football.

One Flew Over The Magpies Nest, by Paul Mace, is available now at www.nottscounty1862.co.uk/order/ - alternatively, it is on sale at the NCFC Club Shop at Meadow Lane, while stocks last.

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