Incessant rain failed to dampen supporters’ enthusiasm as crowds flocked to the Notts County Community Open Day on Sunday 15th July. Eager to make the most of the opportunity to venture behind the scenes and meet the players and the manager ahead of the new season, around 2,000 fans passed through the Meadow Lane gates.
The Community Open Day was once again organised by the Supporters Trust in partnership with the Club and after a years’ absence the event proved hugely popular, attracting visitors of all ages to look around areas of the stadium usually reserved solely for the staff and players (and in the case of the Kop, away supporters). Our heartfelt thanks go to the Club staff and all those who volunteered to spend their Sunday to act as stewards and pitch guarders – without whom, the day would not have been such a success. Special mentions should probably go to Radio Nottingham’s Colin Slater who from his usual vantage point of the commentary box drew a steady stream of interested visitors, and Bink Marshall who kindly invited supporters to browse through his impressive collection of Notts memorabilia, which included old team photographs, programmes and newspaper reports.
All of the current players and management were present at the event, including the latest acquisition Richard Butcher, signing autographs, and having their photographs taken, courtesy of the Club’s official photographer John Sumpter. The friendliness of the players, all of whom seemed to be more than happy to give up their time to chat to fans, was a striking feature of the day - epitomised by the manager who appeared to be more interested in spending time with supporters than watching the squad train.
The highlight of the day for many was indeed was the unique prospect of seeing assistant manager John Gannon put the squad through their paces in a specially arranged training session, just hours before departing for Cornwall to continue their pre-season preparations. For others it was the chance to meet players from yesteryear – including Don Masson, Iain McCulloch, Brian Stubbs, Brian Bates as well as current staff members Steve Cherry and Les Bradd.
This is not to belittle the other attractions on offer, of which there were many. As well as seasoned favourites such as a fiendish treasure hunt, face painting, and the Football in the Community target inflatable, there was a screening of old Notts County matches so that fans could relive Sir Charlie Palmer Day, the trip to Stamford Bridge in the League Cup, and the play-off victories. The 1991 Final against Brighton and Hove Albion was avidly watched by none other than Steve Cherry.
The new 2007/08 away strip – a fetching royal blue affair – was on show for the first time in the Club Shop, which appeared to be doing a roaring trade. Meanwhile next door in the Meadow Club fans could take part in a special Pro Evo football challenge, pitting their wits against some of the current squad - several of whom are keen players. The Magpie Brewery stand also seemed to be attracting a fair bit of interest - evidence if any is needed, that real ale would be a welcome addition to the Meadow Club bar.
In the Main Stand, the suites were utilised to accomodate a range of stalls from local community groups and organisations including the Meadows Partnership Trust, Notts County Unison, and the Signpost to Polish Success. Event organisers, Notts County Supporters Trust were also present with a display and membership stall alongside Notts County Supporters Club. In addition, there was a special exhibition in the Masson Suite on the history of black footballers, telling the story of black and Asian players’ contribution to the game in Britain from the beginnings of the professional game to the present day. Our thanks go to FURD (Fans United, Racism Divides) for organising the display.
All in all, the Community Open Day was a great success. Sadly the weather was once again awful but this didn't stop fans turning out in force and help create a real buzz around the ground. If this event was anything to go by, there are a lot of reasons to be positive at Meadow Lane.
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