Life throws curveballs, however. Ian's wife Wendy, a pillar of support who once cheerfully chauffeured him across the country to cheer on the Magpies, can no longer drive due to a brain tumour. "Football doesn't seem as important any more when things like that happen," reflects Ian poignantly. Yet, the spirit of the game, the shared experience with his daughter Paige at matches, these remain a constant. "She's not that into football," he admits with a smile, "but she loves the atmosphere and the quality time together."
Memories flood back for Ian when he talks about Notts County. He recounts his days as a junior Magpie with a childlike enthusiasm, a time filled with playing on the hallowed turf of Meadow Lane and even enjoying a stint as the club mascot. Victories over fierce rivals Nottingham Forest and the unforgettable promotion-clinching day against Cheltenham Town are etched in his mind like treasured photographs.
There have been lows too, of course. The crushing defeat at Swindon in 2019 is a moment Ian describes with a grimace as "the most horrid, awful feeling." But even the recent years in the National League have offered glimmers of light. A chance encounter with a fellow commentator on the airwaves led Ian to fulfil a lifelong dream: commentating on Notts County, albeit at a Wembley eerily devoid of fans due to Covid restrictions.
Another unforgettable moment came in the 22-23 National League season, in the press box overflow for the Wrexham away game, rubbing shoulders with international journalists for a game in the fifth tier of English football. The absurdity of the situation isn't lost on Ian. He shakes his head and chuckles; "surreal" is the word he uses.
Ian's passion for Notts County extends beyond the terraces. His background in sports journalism finds a natural outlet in his volunteer work with Nottingham Hospitals Radio. Here, he has commentated on a wide range of sports, but the opportunity to call a Notts County game, even in the unusual circumstances of the empty Wembley stadium, holds a special place in his heart. "Despite the result and performance," he says, "this was still me, commentating on Notts, at Wembley, and that's a day I will never forget."
Ian Marsden's story is a testament to the enduring power of football fandom, a love that transcends results and circumstance. It's a love passed down through generations, a love forever bound to the black and white stripes of Notts County. His journey reflects the dedication of countless supporters who weave the threads of their lives into the fabric of their clubs. Ian, the junior Magpie turned commentator, turned family man, embodies the unwavering spirit that keeps the beautiful game alive, one supporter, one memory, one game at a time.
Ian's dedication extends far beyond the club's recent struggles in the National League. He remembers with fondness the camaraderie of away trips with Reg's tours, the thrill of scoring a goal for the junior Magpies on the hallowed turf of Meadow Lane. These experiences paint a vivid picture of a lifelong supporter, a man whose love for the club is as much about the shared experiences and the community spirit as it is about results on the pitch.
The experience of Notts County has been undeniably transformed by Ian's family life. Gone are the days of Wendy chauffeuring him across the country for away games, but the essence of his fandom remains. He finds joy in sharing his passion with his daughter Paige, creating new memories on match days. Through the highs and lows, Ian's love for Notts County has endured. It's a love story etched in black and white, a testament to the enduring power of football and the unwavering spirit of its fans.
Following the promotion from the National League in 22-23, Ian Marsden went on to write a book called "Putting on a Show." This book tells the story of Notts County's record-breaking 22/23 promotion. It's a must-read for any fan and can be purchased from the Notts County store in person, or via contacting Ian Marsden on Facebook. You can also drop the Pride of Nottingham an email at [email protected], and we'll pass over the details. It's a great book!
Maddi Collins has organised a fundraiser to help support the Marsden family via Go Fund Me - the money raised helps Wendy who's been diagnosed with a stage 4 brain tumour tick off items from her bucket list.
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