Notts County

The world's oldest professional football club.

Notts County Football Club is a professional football club in Nottingham, England, who compete in EFL League Two following promotion via the playoffs. Founded in 1862, Notts County are the oldest professional football club in the world. They first competed in the FA Cup in 1877 and in 1888 became one of the 12 founding members of the Football League. The club have been promoted 15 times, relegated 17 times and have played in each of the top four divisions of English football, as well as spending four years as a non-League club.

Quick Facts

Forest founded: 1865

Lore & Background

Notts County won the FA Cup in 1894. The club's highest league finishes were third in the top division in 1890–91 and 1900–01. In 1947, they signed England international Tommy Lawton, whose presence attracted large crowds, but the club fell into decline after his departure and were in the Fourth Division by the 1960s. Under Jimmy Sirrel's management, the club won three promotions in the 1970s and 1980s, to reach the First Division again in 1981. Notts County's most recent season in the top-flight was 1991–92 under Neil Warnock. By the early part of 21st century, the club were affected by a series of serious off-field problems, culminating in relegation to non-League football in 2019. They spent four years as a non-League club before returning to the Football League in 2023.

Reader's Guide

The team has played their home games at Meadow Lane since 1910, having earlier played at a number of venues including Trent Bridge. The club colours of black and white were first adopted in 1890, inspiring their nickname of the 'Magpies', and at the end of 1901, Notts lent their colours to Juventus. Notts County first played their neighbours Nottingham Forest in 1866, making the Nottingham derby one of football's oldest fixtures. The club's record appearance holder is goalkeeper Albert Iremonger, who played 601 games in a 22-year spell with the team, and their record goal scorer is Les Bradd with 137 goals.

Did You Know?

Harry Cursham's 49 FA Cup goals for Notts County remains the competition record.
Tommy Lawton was signed in 1947 for a British record transfer fee of £20,000.