Derby County will begin their pre-season campign against Notts County at Meadow Lane on Saturday 14th July. It is the first chance for Derby fans to watch Frank Lampard’s squad in action.
Ahead of the contest, dcfc.co.uk has taken a look back over Notts County’s decorated history to provide an in-depth profile of the Rams’ pre-season opponents.
A Moment In History…
Holding the title as the oldest professional league club in the world, Notts County has a rich history dating back to their formation in 1862.
In the 1980/81 season, the Magpies returned to the top-flight for the first time in 55 years. The appointment of Jimmy Sirrel as manager in 1969 earmarked a remarkable rise for the club he inherited that was struggling in the fourth division and on the brink of financial ruin.
In their first match back in the top division, the Magpies stunned reigning league champions Aston Villa in a 1-0 victory. They remained in the league for two seasons.
What Happened Last Season…
Following survival in a relegation battle the season prior, the Magpies enjoyed a season in the top-half of League Two in the 2017/18 season, including seven weeks at the top and over half of the season in an automatic promotion spot.
They ended the campaign in fifth, earning a place in the play-off semi-final where the met Coventry City over two-legs.
Their turn-around season ultimately ended in heartbreak when Notts County were defeated 4-1 at Meadow Lane in the second leg after a 1-1 draw with the Sky Blues in the opening leg.
Where Do They Play…
Meadow Lane has been the home of the Magpies since 1910 and has a capacity of 19,841.
Who’s The Boss...
Kevin Nolan has been player-manager of Notts County since January 2017.
In his second stint in the double role, following four months as a player-manager at Leyton Orient, Nolan lead the Magpies to avoid relegation from League Two after inheriting the team one point above the line.
The midfielder spent the first decade of his career at Bolton Wanderers where he scored 40 goals in 296 appearances. He then went on to captain Newcastle United and West Ham United and was integral in promotion to the Premier League with both clubs.
Who To Look Out For…
New signing Kristian Dennis will play for the first time as Notts County player at Meadow Lane against the Rams after signing from Chesterfield in May for a club-record fee.
Last season, Dennis garnered a formidable reputation in front of goal after scoring 21 times in an impressive individual campaign despite his side’s relegation.
He is joined by Kane Hemmings who arrived from Oxford United in June to help bolster the Magpies’ attacking options. Hemmings scored 15 goals in all competitions last season while on loan at Mansfield Town.
Did You Know?...
The famous black-and-white stripes of Italian club Juventus are derived from the kit the Magpies have played in since 1890.
