Next up in our look at the new opposition we will be taking on in the 2019/20 season, Notts County…
Fact File:Founded: 1862
Ground: Meadow Lane
Capacity: 19,841
Manager: Neal Hardly
Chairman: Alan Hardy
2018/19: 23rd (League Two)
Overview: Based in Nottingham, Notts County were relegated from League Two after finishing 23rd in the 2018-19 season.
Founded in 1862, they are the oldest professional football club in the world and predate The Football Association itself, becoming one of the 12 founding members of the Football League in 1888.
They are nicknamed the "Magpies" due to the black and white colour of their home strip, which inspired Italian giants Juventus to adopt the colours for their kit in 1903.
After playing at different home grounds during their first fifty years, including Trent Bridge, the 1894 FA Cup winners moved to Meadow Lane in 1910 and have remained there since.
Manager
A former right back/ midfielder, Neal Ardley took over as manager of Notts County on 23 November 2018 following six years at AFC Wimbledon. Ardley spent most of his career with Wimbledon, making his debut on 20th April 1991 at the age of 18 in a 2–1 away win over Aston Villa. He went on to make over 100 appearances for Watford before having spells at Cardiff City and Millwall in a distinguished career.
Key Players
Michael Doyle - A veteran of the game at 37 years old, Doyle has the experience The Magpies need for a quick return to the Football League. The midfielder started his career at Celtic before spending most of his career at Coventry City and Sheffield United. Doyle has been capped by the Republic of Ireland and could break the 800-game milestone this campaign if he can hold down a regular starting place.
Kane Hemmings - Having picked up 14 goals and three assists in 2018/19 after signing in June 2018, Hemmings was a shining light for County last season. Kane has previously played for Tamworth, Rangers, Cowdenbeath, Barnsley, Dundee and Oxford United, managing to pick up goals wherever he has been, including an impressive return of 21 goals in 37 appearances for Dundee. County fans will be hoping Hemmings is the man that fires Notts County back to the Football League at the first attempt.
One to Watch
Christian Oxlade-Chamberlain - At just 20 years old, the younger brother of England and Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and son of Mark Chamberlin has a big future ahead of him if family pedigree is anything to go by. After signing for The Magpies in August 2018, Christian found first team appearances hard to come by last term, but will be looking to kick on this season and make a name for himself at National League level.