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WELCOME TO THE
NOTTS COUNTY FORMER PLAYERS' ASSOCIATION
OFFICIAL WEBSITE
This official website of the NCFPA is designed to keep you informed about regular activities and encourage you to get involved.
If you have made one or more League appearance for County, you automatically qualify as a member of the Association.
And as one of the distinguished band, we hope you will want to renew friendships with former colleagues on a regular basis by attending the annual dinner and golf competition.
Register your interest by contacting Jon Nixon at jonnixon@currantbun.com. Apart from your personal details – name, address, telephone number and email address – please supply brief information what you are doing now, so that we can add it alongside your career details in the Members Section of this site.
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NEXT MEETING - Please note that the next meeting of the Notts County Former Players' Association committee will be on Monday 27 July. We would welcome any input from former players. Please send any queries, comments or items to be included in the agenda to the secretary, Brian Bates, e-mail: bashandval@talktalk.net
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BEST WISHES T0 ALL OUR FORMER PLAYERS WITH JULY BIRTHDAYS
Amongst our former players celebrating birthdays in the month of July are:
July 1st ERIC WEAVER (66); 2nd STEVE SIMS (52); 4th MICHAEL JOHNSON (36); 9th JASON KEARTON (40); 10th Sir CHARLIE PALMER (46);11th DALE BELFORD (42);13th IAN BOLTON (56), IAN SCANLON (57); 14th MICHAEL EMENALO (44);16th COLIN FOSTER (45), PAUL REECE (41), BARRY WATLING (63); 20th RAY CHATHAM (85), EDDIE KAVANAGH (68) and FRANK LANE (61); 22nd MIKE ROSE (66); 23rd KEITH DOWNING (44); 27th GARRY BIRTLES (53); 28th ANDY LEGG (43); 29th ANDY WILLIAMS (47), mention of whom means that we’re 'Almost There' in August
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| STATUE PROPOSAL - AND A STATEMENT FROM NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE PETER TREMBLING All former Notts County players will no doubt welcome the news which was revealed at the recent fans’ forum held at Meadow Lane, to discuss the proposed takeover bid by Munto Finance Ltd. Fans were told that Trust Chairman, Glenn Rolley, has put forward to new director Peter Trembling the idea of building a statue of Jimmy Sirrel at Meadow Lane – and that both Trembling and Munto have been so encouraged by the idea that a sculptor has already been contacted with this in mind.It was added that the plan has been taken a step further with the proposal of a joint statue with Jack Wheeler. We await developments with interest.
July 2nd - New Notts County Chief Executive, Peter Trembling, has made a statement on behalf of the club’s prospective new owners, Munto Finance Ltd., expressing his delight that the bid has received the backing of the Supporters’ Trust members. An overwhelming majority voted in favour of the takeover, which will now hopefully go through within two weeks, as the fina; issues, including Football League sanction, are ironed out. Mr Trembling’s statement reads: “This was paramount to the consortium, which is prepared to invest in the club over the next few years in a structured and staged way, to achieve their initial objective of making the club an established Championship side within four to five years. “Munto is committed to the community and fans alike. The aim is to enable the club to steadily rise through the tables, eventually depending upon its own resources and to make sure that it has a stable and secure future. “Munto is wholly owned by QADBAK Investment Fund, which consists of a number of investors based in the Middle East. QADBAK understands the potential that Notts County FC has in terms of its brand, history and tradition and view this as a long-term business opportunity. “I look forward to unveiling more of our plans for the development of the club – both on and off the field – once the appropriate legal process has been completed.”
*** News items..........
July 3, 2009 - Former Notts favourite Andy Legg, has made a highly successful start to his time as player-manager of Principality Welsh Premier club, Llanelli AFC. Having seen his side reverse a 2-0 deficit to beat West End 5-2 and lift the West Wales Senior Cup at the weekend, Andy led his team into action away to Motherwell last night in the first leg of their opening tie in the inaugural Europa League.
Due to pitch problems at their Fir Park ground, Motherwell switched the first leg fixture Airdrie's Excelsior Stadium - the result an excellent shock 1-0 victory for Llanelli AFC, with the only goal of the game coming from a header courtesy of a corner by ........ you've guessed it - Andy Legg! The second leg takes place in Wales next Thursday.
*** June 24th, 2009 - An ex-Notts County player was recently able to celebrate a successful return to Wembley. Former Nigerian defender, Michael Emenalo, was substitute when Notts beat Ascoli 2-1 at Wembley in season 1994/95 to win the Anglo-Italian Cup. These days, he operates as Head Scout for FA Cup winners Chelsea after a spell in Arizona with the Tucson Soccer Academy.Michael made just seven league appearances for Notts in the 1994/95 season with no goals to his credit – a stark contrast to his later spell at Stockport County where he was used as a makeshift striker and scored 9 times in 12 matches! *** June 15th, 2009 - Possibly the most controversial and memorable figure in Notts County's long history - goalkeeper Albert Iremonger - was born on this very day in 1884. Signed from local junior side Notts Jardines, Albert made his debut against Sheffield Wednesday on April 1, 1905. In total he went on to make 564 appearances for the Magpies over 21 years, before joining Lincoln City. He would often leave his goalmouth to argue decisions made by match officials, sometimes chasing referees to the centre of the pitch. So obviously he would have fitted in perfectly with some of today's players! Albert also played county cricket for Nottinghamshire between 1906 and 1910. FORMER MAGPIES IN ACTION There will be the chance to see several former Notts County favourites in action again on Saturday 11 July, at the Screwfix Central Masters Cup tournament at the Trent FM Arena, Nottingham. Notts will be lining up against Nottingham Forest, Derby County and Leicester City. The Magpies squad for 2009 has just been announced, and is: Steve Cherry, Richard Dryden, Ian Baraclough, Alan Paris, Ian Richardson, Andy Legg, Shaun Murray, Gary Lund and Tommy Johnson. You can book through the 24-hour Ticket Hotline on 08444 124 624. A number of other former Notts players have been selected to play for clubs which they also served during their careers – and a couple have featured already.Brian Kilcline couldn’t prevent Newcastle United finishing bottom of their group in the Northern Masters Cup – which was won by Middlesbrough. Another former Notts player, Chris Billy, played for Carlisle United Masters in the same event. Also lined up to make appearances are: Gary Mills and Jason Lee for Nottingham Forest; Mark Draper and David Norton for Aston Villa; Paul Devlin and Paul Barnes for Birmingham City; Phil Robinson for Wolves; Craig Short is in the Everton squad; Nigel Jemson and David Reeves for Sheffield Wednesday and Duane Darby represents Hull City. The final is scheduled for the Echo Arena, Liverpool, on September 6. You can book through the 24-hour Ticket Hotline on 08444 124 624. Full details at: www.mastersfootball.com/index.htm *** TONY WORKING FOR MANCHESTER UNIVERSITYSo what on earth happened to the man who will probably remain Notts County’s most expensive ever signing? Tony Agana – or to give him his full name, Patrick Anthony Olozinka Agana – cost some £650,000 when he joined Notts from Sheffield United in 1991. After a productive spell with the Blades, Tony never really hit it off at Meadow Lane, scoring just 15 times in 145 league appearances. He went on to play for Leeds United (loan), Hereford United, Cliftonville, Leek Town, Guiseley – where he was player-manager - and AlfretonTown. Since retiring from football he studied computer visualisation at Sheffield Hallam University, graduating in 2004. Tony now works for the University of Manchester as a distance learning technology officer, as well as working for Sheffield United’s matchday hospitality team. *** GARY LUND AND COLLEAGUES SCOOP MAJOR AWARDS June 4th, 2009 - Congratulations to our former striker Gary Lund, and his West Bridgford estate agency Royston and Lund, who have scooped three top accolades at the prestigious Estate and Letting Agent Awards for 2009.Staff at Royston and Lund were delighted the company’s sales office was voted the best in the East Midlands, winning the gold award for the region. It also took bronze in the Best Letting Agent for the Central Region. The biggest accolade on the night for the Notts company was being voted the second best agent in the UK.
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| BRIAN STUBBS HONOURED AT NCFPA ANNUAL DINNER The 11th Annual Dinner of the Notts County Former Players' Association, held at Meadow Lane, was a huge success and there has been no more popular recipient over the years of the Achievement Award than long-serving, one-club man Brian Stubbs. Brian told around 150 guests that it had never occurred to him to think of playing for any other club but Notts. “Why would I want to go elsewhere? I’m a local lad, I was doing a job I loved and for a club that’s in my heart. That’s good enough for me.”
The big defender chalked up 426 League appearances, plus 21 in the FA Cup and 23 in the League Cup between 1968 and 1980 and figured in the teams that gained promotion as Fourth Division champions in 1971 and from the Third Division in 1973. He admitted to just one disappointment – “I never played for Notts at the top flight.”
Those who paid tribute to him included other stars from those days, goalkeeper Roy Brown (who travelled from the south of England to be present), Don Masson and Les Bradd.
And there could have been no other choice to hand over the Achievement trophy than Brian’s long-time central defensive partner, David Needham, whose later career took in Queen’s Park Rangers and Nottingham Forest but who, in a glowing reference, said “I never played with a better partner than Brian.”
Brian was also thrilled to receive a Magpies’ shirt, with his name and the number five on the back. This was presented to him, on behalf of the club, by the former long-time vice-chairman John Mounteney. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| NATIONAL AWARD FOR NEW PRESIDENT COLIN SLATER MBE Association secretary, Brian Bates, took the opportunity at the start of the Annual Dinner to formally introduce Colin Slater MBE as the new NCFPA President in succession to the late Jack Wheeler. Brian explained that the invitation to serve in this capacity had been offered to Colin on the unanimous wish of the Association's committee.
Colin has been reporting on Notts since 1959, first on the city’s newspapers and, from 1968, on BBC Radio Nottingham for whom his total of League and Cup games at the end of the 2008/09 season stands at 2,082. A few days after the Association dinner, his services to radio were recognised nationally by the presentation of a Gold Award by the Sony Radio Academy, the “Oscars” of radio. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Colin won the local and regional lifetime achievement award at the annual event - the judges said that he deserved the award for his unstinting commitment to radio’s role within the sporting community of his home city. Colin says that he had no idea he was going to receive the award. “The overwhelming feeling is one of absolute total surprise. I sat there absolutely amazed with some pleasure and a little bit of pride.” Former Notts and Forest star, Martin O’Neill made the presentation to a man who has reported and commentated on over 2,000 football matches dating back to 1968, and for a while, worked alongside Colin as a summariser Sheila Gibson, widow of our fondly-remembered former captain, Alex, is amongst many people to post a message on the BBC Radio Nottingham website. “I would like to send my congratulations to Colin for this milestone. At one time I suffered and rejoiced on many occasions along with him. I doubt if Notts County would still have been here today without him. I hope he is there for many more years.” And so say all of us! Well done Mr President!
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| MAGPIES LEGEND JACKIE SEWELL IS SUBJECT OF FORTHCOMING BOOK Notts County legend Jackie Sewell is to be the subject of a new book due out later this year. And it will go into detail about all aspects of his career aside of the wonderful partnership he struck up with Tommy Lawton. Having notched 97 league goals for Notts in 179 matches, Jackie became the most expensive signing in English football when he joined Sheffield Wednesday for £34,500 in 1951. He then moved to Aston Villa, with whom he won an FA Cup winner's medal. Jackie was capped six times by England, netting three times - including a goal in the famous 6-3 defeat at Wembley in 1953 by Hungary. For the record, Stan Mortensen and Alf Ramsey scored the other England goals that day. A bond was struck between the two sets of players and there have been several reunions over the years - with a sadly dwindling number of former stars. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| DARREN POWELL PROVING A BIG SUCCESS IN THE UNITED STATES
A former YTS player at Notts County has been in touch from America, where he is making a reputation for himself as a coach. Darren Powell, who played alongside such people as Michael Johnson in his first spell at Meadow Lane, goalkeeper James Walker and current Eastwood Town manager, Paul Cox, was with the Magpies from 1988 to 1991. When he left Meadow Lane in the summer of 1991 he headed for the USA and has been over there ever since. “Having left Notts and become involved in the college game in the USA, I found a mixture of similarities and several challenges,” he recalls. "We had a great team spirit at Notts County mainly through always being around each other. The college system here mirrors that concept, as the players all live together, go to classes together and then train together. It gives you a sense of achieving together. “The American game has developed a lot over the past 15 years. When I was playing at college level and later, at professional level, I found there were a lot of athletic players who were physically quick and technically sound, but not tactically quick. I think this allowed a slower player like myself to be able to compete. Soccer in the USA is evolving well thanks to the MLS, the college system and now the new Academy league for Under 16s and Under 18s. It is responsible for developing better players who are hard-working, physically strong and fast – enabling all levels to be more competitive.” Darren, who is now head coach at Elon University in North Carolina where the team has just won its first league title, is eagerly looking ahead to next season already. “We start back in August and we are excited to have everyone returning from last year’s team – plus a few new players.” If he has one regret, it is that he didn’t stay in better touch with his former Meadow Lane colleagues. “Initially I used to come back every year and would get together with some of the lads, but as time goes by you tend to lose contact. “My father, Trevor, who is the Notts FA’s Women’s and Girls’ Football Development Officer, sees several of my old colleagues from time to time and keeps me up to date with how they are doing, which is always good to hear.” | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| LATEST BOOK BY DAVID McVAY David McVay, one of Notts County’s local heroes from the 1970s has long since made a name for himself in the world of journalism and specialist writing. His latest book might be about the exploits of our old rivals from across the Trent exactly 50 years ago - but it was such a special occasion and it is a very special read. David has been telling us more about it: “When Nottingham Forest and Luton Town emerged as FA Cup finalists in 1959, the experts predicted a laborious, plodding game awaited fans and neutrals alike. Confirming how some things never change, the pundits were wrong as events unfolded on that memorable May day half a century ago.
Four times since 1952, a defeated Cup Final team had been debilitated through injury, a handicap that could not be rectified in the days before substitutes and the ‘Wembley Hoodoo’ as it was known then, visited the stadium once more. Only this time, the 10 men of Forest would not be bowed....
And the ref was called Clough is a special publication that is tribute not only to that FA Cup winning team of 1959 but also their club chairman at that time Harold Alcock. His arrival at the City Ground shortly after the Second World War was critical to the club’s progress and his tenure coincided with their rise to the First Division and that splendid Cup triumph that is still recalled by thousands of football fans on Trentside and beyond.
His daughter Gillian has kindly donated scores of hitherto unseen photographs recording Forest’s FA Cup run, rare snapshots of the players and their wives in celebration of the Wembley triumph and dozens of action images from every round.
The hard-back book captures a bygone era of the beautiful game and is on general sale for £17.99. However, readers of Back Pass magazine (www.backpassmagazine.co.uk) can save £3 on that cover price by buying directly from the publisher. The price of £14.99 also includes first class post and package.
If you would like a copy of this limited edition, please send a cheque or postal order for £14.99 to: Reid Publishing, 53 Churchgate, Loughborough, LE11 1UE. You can e-mail orders to reidpublishing@fsmail.net or ring 07974 304022 for any queries or go to reidpublishing.co.uk.”
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| BLACK AND WHITE STRIPES - AND SO MUCH MORE... Ever wondered about the number of different kits Notts County have worn over the years? There's a historical kits website which illustrates the vast number of strips Notts have played in dating right back to 1872. From yellow and black hoops to chocolate and blue - they're all there if you click on: www.historicalkits.co.uk/Notts_County/Notts_County.htm | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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PLANS IN HAND FOR CLUB'S 150th YEAR Founded in 1862 and the oldest Football League club in the world, Notts County will be celebrating their 150th year in 2012. The Former Players' Association committee has been invited to consider being represented on a small working party already considering a programme of events to mark this great achievement. We know that some of our members will recall the club's centenary in 1962 - the highlight of which was a game on May 2nd against an England X1. Of the Notts players that night, Bob Forrest and Alex Gibson are, sadly, no longer with us, but it's a nice thought that the others could all be joining the celebrations in 2012: Peter Butler, Dick Edwards, Peter and Tony Bircumshaw, John Sheridan, Gerry Carver, Keith Fry, Roy Horobin and Tony Hateley.
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| SUPPORT NOTTS - SUPPORT LIFELINE . PLEASE SEE FULL DETAILS AT BOTTOM OF WEBSITE. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| QUICKFIRE BARRIE JONES IN OUR THOUGHTS AT THIS TIME All former team mates and friends of Barrie Jones would like to send our former centre forward all the very best wishes as he battles with the after-effects of a severe stroke. Barrie, who joined Notts from Barnsley, made his County debut in 1962 in a 3-0 defeat at Shrewsbury Town. However, four days later he wrote his name into the Meadow Lane history books by scoring within six seconds of his first home appearance in a 2-0 victory over Torquay United. In 42 league games he scored 15 times. Close friend and former colleague Dick Edwards, has been in touch to wish Barrie and wife Angela well. A sentiment echoed by everybody who knows him.
The Notts County Former Players' Association has been in touch with Martin Buchan at the PFA who swiftly replied to say that in the past they have been able to help out with the cost of special beds or conversions - so they are going to try to offer some financial help for Barrie and Angela. We sincerely thank the PFA again for their swift and generous support. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| FORMER DEFENDER JOHN BUTLER MAKING GOOD PROGRESS There's a famous old photograph capturing the day when Notts fielded two pairs of brothers in their line-up. They players concerned were Peter and Tony Bircumshaw, and John and Peter Butler. John Butler, who made 109 appearances in defence for Notts between 1958 and 1961, before moving to Chester, made contact with the NCFPA a few months ago regarding a knee operation. The PFA kindly offered some financial assistance - and John has been in touch to say that he's delighted with how things are going so far. "I've had an arthroscopic operation on my right knee (a good clean out!) and things look promising. I've just had my final assessment from the consultant however, and he feels that I will require a complete replacement in the future. "At present, the knee is giving me no problems and until that moment arrives I think I will leave well alone! I'd like to thank the PFA and the NCFPA for their kind help." The Association is grateful for the exceptional assistance given to several former Notts players, such as John Butler, by the Professional Footballers' Association.Martin Buchan - who found time to attend the Association's Golf Day - has been exceptional in the prompt response he has given to requests for assistance made by a number of former Notts players, and we thank him most sincerely. If any former Notts County player requires assistance in covering the cost of an operation or in dealing with an illness or incapacity, please first of all telephone Brian Tansley on 0115 969 4600 during office hours, or email: brian.tansley@themediagroup.tv | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| NEW CAREER FOR RECORD MARKSMAN LES Notts County's all-time record goalscorer is enjoying life in a totally new career.Gone are the days of the trainer running on with smelling salts and the faithful old sponge and bucket of cold water - as Les Bradd knows only too well as he helps to educate local sportsmen and sportswomen with the very latest in medical supplies. Les, who left the Magpies last year after completing 42 years in football, has moved into the healthcare industry with a Newark-based company called Hillside Medical Supplies. “I got to know Joy Sharpe, the managing director, quite well during my time with Notts when she sponsored the club’s medical and consumable requirements, as well as supporting many of their commercial activities,” he says. “Joy invited me to work for the company in a new position of developing the business in the sporting sector. “I am now looking to meet with representatives of sports organisations to discuss our products and offer services to meet their requirements. The company supplies products from small plasters to the complete installation of a medical suite and are a one-stop business in supplying servicing and PAT testing for customers. “While our service is something which all local football clubs can benefit from, Hillside Medical Supplies have also recently entered into a three-year sponsorship arrangement to supply medical equipment, bandages, strappings and supports etc with Nottingham Rugby Club.” For further information to benefit your club, please either telephone Les Bradd on 01636 707079 or email: les@hillsidemedical.co.uk | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| OLD FRIENDS REMEMBER JACK A memorial service to the Association's President, Jack Wheeler, took place at St Mary's Church in Nottingham on Thursday 19 March, 2009. More than 200 people attended the service, with tributes from Colin Slater, Richie Barker, Don Masson, Howard Wilkinson and John Mounteney. Many former Notts players were in attendance, including Les Bradd, Mick Vinter, Dean Thomas, Paul Hooks, Brian Stubbs, David McVay, Don Roby, Gerry Carver, John Sheridan, Ian McParland and Mick Leonard, along with Jack's wife of 66 years, Olga, and members of his immediate family. Notts County footballer turned sports reporter David McVay gives his personal tribute to Magpies legend Jack Wheeler - by kind permission of the Nottingham Evening Post. In the lull between morning and afternoon sessions, everything stopped for tea in Jack Wheeler's treatment room – and the infrequent popular music from a bygone age. The Notts County injury list seldom mounted to anything approaching a string quartet in the days when the pain threshold of footballers was measured by a bloated ankle rather than a bloated wallet. For the few of us who fell victim to the sort of tangled mess that was beyond the healing powers of even cortisone injections, the tender mercies of Jack beckoned. And what a joyful deliverance it was. For if Jimmy Sirrel, the infamously idiosyncratic manager, was the burning desire behind County's rise through the Football League during the 1970s, Jack Wheeler was the warming glow that emanated from the club and its kernel in the home team dressing room. A morning of jogging, walking or limping up and down crumbling terraces and around the nooks and crannies of a deserted Meadow Lane, echoing to the sounds of choking Cortinas and doomed bovines along Cattle Market Road, was part of Jack’s required therapy. Hot and cold baths, a Wheeler favourite to diminish a recently expanded bruised joint, followed the exercise before the first team and reserves returned from another full-scale practice match, this a Sirrel favourite, adjacent to Wilford Tip. After the fit and able departed ‘up town’ for a game of snooker, pint of Home Ales or bacon buttie at the nearby greasy spoon cafe, a spot of relaxation for the infirm was followed by either therapy dispensed via a heat lamp, once housed in a rocket ship flown by Ming the Merciless, or some painful but essential manipulation by Jack's hands deep into inflated ankles. The menu included lashings of sweet tea prepared in a giant silver pot that looked as if it had stopped a few German bullets on the Somme in the line of duty, brewed by Albert the Mashman and served up by apprentices grateful to delay mopping out chores in the toilets and communal baths and polishing the senior players' footwear in a boot room that lent palatial status to Anne Frank's attic space. The serenity was sublime in comparison to the frenetic world of professional football. Jack's talent was to rehabilitate the sick and wounded, easing them back to the front line with a cocktail of homespun philosophy, marvellous stories from his own distinguished playing career as one of England's finest goalkeepers, cemented by his own expert knowledge of physiotherapy. And, of course, the ukulele, lured out of hiding somewhere in Jack's secret cupboards, often at the behest of the apprentices bidding for more skiving time - something Jack knew but never indulged. Never was George Formby more reincarnated than when Jack, to hushed silence, rendered his impression of the Lancashire lad in the bowels beneath the old wooden stand. Even the most dedicated pros would swear they could feel a recurring tweak of a muscle or ligament having been given the green light to resume normal routine.Could you blame them their phantom twitch just to suspend reality midst the liniment and cotton wool cocoon that was Jack's domain? Stories about Jack, the nicest and gentlest man I ever met in football or any walk of life, are too many to recall. During Sirrel's obsession with practice matches, Jack was still turning out in goal into his late 50s when either Roy Brown or Eric McManus and a young Rob Sprigg were injured, his reflexes blunted by age but not his sense of angles as he stood up to the blunderbusts that exploded from Brian Stubbs' right boot or Les Bradd's head. "When you're out in the week David, if you fancy a beer, ask for it in a half glass. You're having a quiet drink with friends then. But stand with a pint in your hand, and you're on the town getting drunk." A drop of common sense from the man who never touched alcohol. But did I heed his advice? Of course not. Do I miss him and those lazy days of rehab? Without doubt. Even now, just the memory of dear Jack and his wonderful tales from a rich and varied life, evokes a warm glow. One that lingers far longer than even the most spurious of hamstring strains.We all miss him . . . | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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COLLECTABLE NOTTS COUNTY PROGRAMMES AVAILABLE 20th Century Books Ltd., have a good stock of collectable football programmes and ephemera for sale – including many Notts County items featuring our former players. If you have any Notts County programmes for sale or are searching for any, please email: how@20thcenturybooks.co.uk with the details for a no obligation offer. For full details please click on: http://20thcenturybooks.co.uk/football/NottsCounty/
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| COUNTY'S STILL THE TEAM FOR PETE QUILTY AND JIMMY WILLAN Although not a former Notts County player as such, somebody who will be well known to many ex-Magpies has been in touch from his home in Tenerife – Pete Quilty.Pete actually managed the Meadow Club for a short time when Larry Lloyd was in charge at Meadow Lane, but he’ll possibly be best remembered for teaming up with musician Jimmy Willan and several keen fans in 1981 to make that never-to-be-forgotten single, ‘County’s the Team For Me’ and ‘Tie Them in Notts’ – which sold over 3,000 copies (which would probably guarantee a top ten place these days!). “I have lived in Tenerife for some 12 years now,” Pete says. “I’m a radio presenter with powerfmradio.com here on the island. “I had a studio guest a few months ago who coached at Notts. His name was Steve and he came to Tenerife to start a football coaching award, but he is now back in the UK coaching the kids at Manchester United. “I’ve had a look at the former players’ website and was so sad to hear of the passing of Jimmy and Jack. Great guys.” Pete adds that he keeps in touch with former Notts midfielder David Smith, who runs the Duke of Cornwall Inn at Ivybridge, Devon. The address is 3,Keaton Road, Devon, PL21 9DH if anybody is in that area during the summer holidays, ring 01752 892 867 and ask for David – he’s bound to make you more than welcome. Pete (above, left) pictured with Jimmy Willan in the era when they recorded ‘County’s the Team For Me.’
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 | FORMER PLAYERS ATTEND 40th ANNIVERSARY LUNCHEON Several former Notts County players supported a luncheon marking the 40th Anniversary of local journalist - and NCFPA Committee member - Brian Tansley's first broadcast on local radio. "I reported for BBC Radio Nottingham on a Gillette Cup cricket match between Notts and Gloucestershire at Trent Bridge," he recalls. "Even though Gary Sobers was playing Notts still managed to lose! "Everybody I invited to the luncheon has played some part in my career, and I would like to thank all former Notts players for their assistance and friendship over the years." Amongst those pictured with other guests, are Dick Edwards, David McVay, Jon Nixon, Mick Vinter, Brian Bates, Bobby Tait, Ron Fenton and Jackie Sewell - proudly wearing his England blazer. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 | SON OF NOTTS COUNTY GREAT MARKS LOCAL ANNIVERSARY The 80-year-old son of a former Notts County great has been celebrating a significant anniversary recently. Arthur ‘Tex’ Kemp, is the son of Haydn Kemp who made 286 league appearances for Notts between 1920 and 1930 in a defence which boasted the legendary goalkeeper Albert Iremonger. Tex (pictured centre with football) is President of Bassingfield Football Club who play in the Midland Amateur Alliance - and recently held a luncheon to mark the 50th anniversary of him captaining them to victory over local rivals Lady Bay to win the MAA Senior Cup for the first time. Sadly Tex’s father, Haydn Kemp, passed away in 1982. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 | PERFECT TIME TO SUPPORT LIFELINE - PLEA TO FORMER PLAYERS TO BECOME INVOLVED Lots of former Notts County players still support the club by becoming members of Lifeline. This was launched as the result of a meeting on September 15, 1986, when more than 1,500 supporters packed into the Astoria Ballroom to hear of the financial crisis that threatened the future of the club. Since then, Lifeline has been exactly that, raising in excess of £1million for Notts and providing a social and sporting organisation for all its members. With the problems facing the club since administration, membership of Lifeline has dropped from a capacity of 2,500 to somewhere around the 1,500 mark. It means that this is the perfect time for former players to consider joining for just £2 per week to help ensure the future of the club. For further information on Notts County Lifeline, please contact Lynn Lawson on 0115 9557200/205 during the week (except Mondays) or pop into the club shop to find out more.
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NOTTS COUNTY FC - RECORDS Highest Attendance 47,310 vs York City, FA Cup 6th Round, 1955-03-12 Highest Gate Receipts £124,539 vs Manchester City, FA Cup 6th Round, 1991-02-16 Record League Victory 11-1 vs Newport County, Division Three South, 1949-01-15 Record Cup Victory 15-0 vs Rotherham Town, FA Cup 1st Round, 1885-10-24 Most League Points (2 for a win) 69, Division Four 1970–71 Most League Points (3 for a win) 99, Division Three 1997–98 Most League Goals 107, Division Four 1959–60 Highest Scorer in One Season Tom Keetley, 39, Division Three South1930–31 All Time Top Scorer (League) Les Bradd, 124, 1967–78 All Time Most Appearances (League) Albert Iremonger, 564, 1904–26 Youngest player (League) Tony Bircumshaw, 16 years and 54 days, April 3 1961Most appearances
Most goals
Notable former players
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 | THANKS TO TMG FOR SUPPORT The Notts County Former Players’ Association would like to thank The Media Group (TMG) for their support with this website. TMG was established as a limited company in 2001 by former television presenter and journalist Keith Daniell and his wife Alison Daniell. Whatever message you want to get across, TMG is there to help. Complete communications from The Media Group. www.themediagroup.tv If you have any items for the website or any queries, please email: brian.tansley@themediagroup.tv
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