Notts County F.C.
English football team.
Notts County Football Club is a professional football club based in Nottingham, England. The club, founded in 1862, holds the distinction of being the oldest professional association football club in the world. Known as "The Magpies" due to their iconic black and white striped shirts, Notts County currently compete in the National League, the fifth tier of English football.
The club's home ground is Meadow Lane, where they have played since 1910. With a capacity of 19,588, it remains one of the larger stadiums outside the English Football League. The move to Meadow Lane marked a significant milestone in the club's history, providing a permanent home after years of playing at various locations around Nottingham.
Notts County were one of the twelve founding members of the Football League in 1888, highlighting their importance in the early development of professional football in England. Throughout their history, they have experienced both highs and lows, with their most notable achievement coming in 1894 when they won the FA Cup, defeating Bolton Wanderers 4-1 in the final. This victory was particularly significant as Notts County became the first club outside the top division to win the prestigious trophy.
The club's highest league finish came in the 1890-91 season when they reached third place in the First Division, a feat they repeated in the 1900-01 season. However, Notts County have spent much of their history oscillating between the second, third, and fourth tiers of English football.
One of the most remarkable periods in the club's recent history came under the management of Jimmy Sirrel in the 1970s and early 1980s. Sirrel guided the team from the Fourth Division to the First Division, completing a remarkable transformation that saw Notts County return to the top flight in 1981 after an absence of 55 years.
Notts County have had their share of financial difficulties, particularly in the early 2000s, which led to a period of instability. Despite these challenges, the club has maintained a strong connection with its local community and continues to be an important part of Nottingham's sporting landscape.
The club's biggest rivals are Nottingham Forest, with whom they contest the Nottingham derby. In recent years, Notts County have faced significant challenges, including relegation from the Football League in 2019, ending their 157-year stay in the league system. However, they have since returned to the English football league.