Football Season Guide

Notts County’s non-league nightmare is finally over after returning to the Football League following a four-year absence. The Magpies were embroiled in one of the most ridiculous title chases ever. They finished with 107 points from 46 matches but came second to Wrexham, who were crowned with 111 points. They were then seconds away from being beaten in a play-off semi-final by Boreham Wood before beating Chesterfield in the final at Wembley. The man who has guided them back into the big time is Luke Williams, whose only previous managerial experience ended with relegation at Swindon Town. He was appointed as successor to Ian Burchnall, who left last summer to take over at Forest Green Rovers. He has done a remarkable job, building an exciting, attacking side that looks ready to make its’ mark on League Two. The two stars of the team were creative midfielder Ruben Rodrigues, who has decided to make the move to League One side Oxford United. He is the only significant departure and will certainly be missed. Striker Macaulay Longstaff remains at Meadow Lane however having scored an incredible 42 goals in 47 games last season. The Magpies faithful can’t wait to watch him being unleashed on League Two defences. They will play a big part too with an average attendance expected to top 10,000. The club has stability under the ownership of Danish businessmen Alexander and Christoffer Reedtz and Williams has certainly enhanced his managerial reputation in his first year in charge. Expectations are high in the City and they certainly aren’t here just to make up the numbers.