Notts County rounded off a memorable season in the English fifth tier with a thrilling promotion at Wembley

Notts County had to sweat a bit, but they ended the season with their objective fulfilled: they gained access to the fifth division of the English Premier League. This means that the historic club founded in 1862, the oldest among professional associations around the world, will regain its place in the Football League after four years of absence. The alvinegros had had an excellent campaign in the classification phase, which surpassed 100 points. However, as only the champion won direct access, the Magpies watched Wrexham’s success from afar. Notts County had to face the accession playoffs and only then achieved promotion to the fourth division. There were two very tough games, until the party sealed with the victory on penalties over Chesterfield, after the 2-2 draw in front of 38 thousand fans at Wembley.

Founders of the Premier League and the world’s oldest club to embrace professionalism, Notts County were a fixture in the top flight until the 1920s. with a quick appearance of three seasons in the elite during the 1980s. Already in this century, the alvinegros were limited to the third and fourth division, until the most recent defeat. There were two relegations in a four-year span before a drop to the fifth tier became inescapable in 2018/19. After 131 years, the Nottingham club ceased to feature in the Football League structures.

Since joining the National League, Notts County has always fought for promotion. And it always fell in the playoffs. The Magpies came within six points of direct access in 2019/20 with their playoff-decisive defeat by Harrogate Town at Wembley. In 2020/21, the team was 14 points away from direct access and stopped in the playoff semifinals, against Torquay United – after eliminating Chesterfield in the previous phase. Finally, in 2021/22, the alvinegros were 12 points away from direct access and lost in the playoff quarterfinals, against Grimsby Town. They would have to row it all over again in 2022/23.

Notts County’s current campaign has been the club’s best in its four-year run in Division Five. With the 107 points conquered in 46 rounds, the Magpies would rise with leftovers in previous seasons. The problem was competition from Wrexham, who added four points more. The victory of the Welsh in the direct confrontation, with four rounds to go, led to the title and direct access. Notts County lost 3-2 in a game in which they missed a penalty in stoppage time in the second half. Even with the best attack and the best defense, in addition to the measly three defeats suffered, the alvinegros would have to face the playoffs again.

Notts County’s past traumas seemed to be repeating themselves. The team had to sweat blood to prevail in the duel against Boreham Wood, in the semifinals. In a single game held in Nottingham, the Magpies conceded in a 3-2 triumph at Meadow Lane. Boreham opened two goals ahead in the first half and won until the 51st of the final stage, when Aden Baldwin forced extra time for Notts County. Already in the burst of the second extra time, Jodi Jones scored the winning goal, which confirmed the alvinegros in the final at Wembley.

Chesterfield were a traditional opponent in the playoffs final, also with their dramas in the previous phase. Either way, Notts County were favourites. The alvinegro fans present at Wembley, however, had their new dose of drama. Andrew Dallas opened the scoring for Chesterfield with five minutes and only at 42 of the second half did the Magpies equalize, thanks to John Bostock, in a free kick that goalkeeper Ross Fitzsimons accepted. Chesterfield returned to the lead in overtime, with Armando Dobra’s goal, but Rúben Rodríguez returned to equalize for the alvinegros at the beginning of the second extra time, from a chewed kick that cried to enter. The 2-2 tie prevailed at the end of the 120 minutes.

Already on penalties, Notts County promoted a change of goalkeepers. Sam Slocombe gave way to Archie Mair at the decisive moment. The substitute loomed large in the goal, when he saved the second and also the fourth charge of Chesterfield, from Darren Oldaker and Jeff King. On the other hand, John Bostock even lost when he could confirm Notts County’s access, by stamping the dash in a dig. In any case, the promotion came out when Cedwyn Scott converted the last kick and closed the victory at 4 to 3.

The Notts County manager deserves attention: Luke Williams is just 42 years old and in his first season at the club after working as an assistant to Russell Marin at Swansea. Already on the field, John Bostock is the best known name, with a career rounded by different leagues and also by the youth teams. The veteran ended up serving as a reference, but the highlight was Macaulay Langstaff. Author of an absurd 42 goals, the 26-year-old striker finished as the league’s top scorer and was also named the best player. Notts County featured no less than five names in the championship selection: defender Kyle Cameron, winger Adam Chicksen, midfielder Matt Palmer, winger Rúben Rodrigues and center forward Macaulay Langstaff.

Other prominent names behind the scenes of Notts County are the brothers Alexander and Christoffer Reedtz. Danish businessmen became the owners of the Magpies from the fall to the fifth division. They were important in settling the accounts of the club in crisis, while applying a more analytical model in the transfer market and in the management of the squad. Both also own Football Radar, a company that applies statistical analysis to sport.

It is a memorable edition of the fifth division of the English Premier League. Wrexham and Notts County delivered a regular season at a very high level, while the playoffs were full of emotions. In addition, they are two historic teams and among the oldest in activity in the world. By its owners, naturally the Wrexham gets more spotlight. Despite that, Notts County deserve credit for what they’ve done and what they stand for. It also generates expectations about what they will be able to look for in the next editions of League Two.