By PON_News
After 1,471 days, Notts County has finally secured their return to the English Football League. A penalty shoot-out win at the end of an extraordinary National League promotion final against Chesterfield at Wembley on Saturday changed all that, as they secured their return to the English Football League after a four-year absence.
Their relegation to non-league football for the first time in 2019 meant 161-year-old Notts, a founding member of the Football League in 1888, lost their mantle as the 'world's oldest football league club'. Signs proclaiming Notts' place in the annals of the game, which were all around their home ground, were either taken down or covered over with black tape.
For the Magpies, the years of non-league exile were dark days. Cedwyn Scott finally ended the years of purgatory with the decisive penalty in their 4-3 shoot-out win against the Spireites after Notts twice battled back to draw 2-2 at the end of extra time.
As Notts County prepares for their return to the Football League, fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming season. Paul Linley, a long-time supporter of the club, is one of many who have purchased season tickets for the upcoming season. "After watching the best footballing team we've had in 34 years and my son getting the NCFC bug, I just couldn't resist!!! It's just a pure pleasure to watch," he said.
Linley's son Evan is also excited about the upcoming season. When asked about his favourite player on the team, he said, "McGoldrick, as he came for love over money." Evan is also looking forward to seeing Notts County compete as favourites to win the league.
Kimbo Walster, another long-time season ticket holder, has been supporting Notts County since 1990. She has many fond memories of supporting the club, including their recent victory at Wembley. "Very much the memory of supporting Notts, Juventus, away at Wembley this season winning League 2 after being 14 points behind," she said.
Walster also spoke about how the club has impacted her life. "I lost my mum who was a massive County fan and even though it's hard going to games without her, without Notts I wouldn't be here today," she said. "I've never felt so close and connected to this football club for a very long time. We're going in the right direction and only going up, up and up, getting higher up the divisions."
Gareth Jones is another fan who has purchased a season ticket for the upcoming season. He is looking forward to seeing Notts County compete against better teams and is optimistic about their chances. "Personally, I would be happy with a top-half finish but following the bookies, they are tipping us for back-to-back promotions," he said.
Jones also praised the current state of the club under the Reedz brothers' ownership. "The Reedz brothers are something else," he said. "Obviously we all know the problems we had under the last ownership, but these boys have really steadied the ship and funded the necessary signings like McGoldrick to really make a push next year!!"
As Notts County prepares for their return to the Football League, fans like Paul and Evan Linley, Kimbo Walster and Gareth Jones are eagerly anticipating what promises to be an exciting season.
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