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Notts County Fans Eager for Return to Football League

By PON_News

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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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    • Like 22

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    liampie

    Members

    i cant wait, either. i think the back of the promotion at wembley and the recruitment again has played a big part in why i am looking forward to the season. i generally do, even when we have had bad seasons and poor owners, with those antics thankfully seeming like a thing of the past.

    gareth jones comment about the reedtz rings home, i am very thankful for their leadership.

    • Like 21
    Legend

    allardyces tash

    Members

    You can't help but feel a sense of euphoria over Notts County's triumphant return to the Football League. The team's determination and the support of the fans led to the end of their four-year absence from tier football. This is more than just a welcome return; it's a metaphorical rebirth.

    • Like 18
    Hall of Fame

    upthepies

    Members

    If there's one thing this return to the EFL demonstrates, it's the indomitable spirit of Notts as a formidable football club. Being able to overcome years of adversity and reclaim their spot is genuinely commendable. This achievement is undoubtedly a collective result of commitment, hard work, and fearlessness.

    • Like 14
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    Fan of Big Tone

    Global Moderators

    I’m also really looking forward to the new season, every new season brings new hope and optimism but this season is special because we are back where we belong and with stable ownership and management who knows where it will take us.

    • Like 8
    Hall of Fame

    TheSkipper

    Media

    It’s good to read the thoughts of the fans. I think we are right to be excited about the return, and if we work hard enough this season, we might have a real chance at achieving back-to-back promotions.

    The signing of David McGoldrick adds a bit of a fairytale element to our story, along with our promotion last season and all the well-wishes from fans of other clubs who are happy to have us back. It’s also good to see Alice Kellett mentioned; she is someone the club can’t replace and is missed. I am looking forward to the season and seeing how it pans out, but first, we have pre-season to enjoy.

    • Like 18
    Hall of Fame

    CliftonMagpie

    Global Moderators

    This is a great read, with all good comments from the four fans who took part. I like Evan’s take on things; he’s right to point out David McGoldrick, and I hope all four of them enjoy the season. We are in for a ride, for sure!

    • Like 16
    Mentor

    Wilfordpie

    Members

    It's brilliant to hear such stories of dedication and loyalty from fans like Paul and Evan Linley. Their passion for the game and their club is infectious; it's wonderful to see how football has a positive impact on families' bonding experiences.

    • Like 11
    Legend

    Joshua

    Members

    This is such an emotional moment for our fans. Having seen Notts County's ups and downs of the last few years have been brutal. Our incredible supporters, players, and the Reedz brothers' leadership have all contributed to us finally achieving our goal of returning to the Football League! It's not just a promotion; it's a testament to our collective spirit and resilience. 

    • Like 11
    Experienced

    eighteensixtytwo

    Members

    The entire Notts County community has done a fantastic job bouncing back and fighting for what they deserve, a rightful place at the English Football League!

    • Like 12
    Experienced

    NottsLoyal

    Members

    I deeply appreciate the team's resilience. I'm really looking forward to the upcoming season and hopefully outdoing the bookies!

    • Like 4
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    B&Wstripes

    Members

    This is just great; it’s nice to see fans looking forward to a new season. I hope Paul and Evan have a great time watching Notts, and as for Kimbo, her mother will be with her. I agree with the mention of Alice; she was a good egg within the club. It’s a shame she left.

    • Like 3
    Mentor

    NottsCountyKev

    Members

    Good comments and insight from the fans, excellently written. I am also looking forward to the new season!

    • Like 2

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