There were tears of joy as Magpies fans gathered at the Meadow Lane stadium to welcome Notts County's promotion winners back from the capital on Sunday, May 14. It comes after a spectacular win for the club which has retained its status as the 'world's oldest professional football club', following promotion back to the EFL.
Notts had to twice battle back from a goal down to beat Chesterfield on penalties at Wembley in a remarkable National League play-off final that saw the Magpies return to the English Football League after a four-year exile. In doing so they reclaimed their status as the world's oldest football league club.
The team had a heroes' reception in Nottingham as hundreds of proud of supporters were waiting for them in the car park. Hayden Whitehead, from Wilford, said he "could not be prouder" of the team.
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The 39-year-old added: "I feel elated. It is incredible - I could not be prouder of the boys.
"I was there when they were renegaded and I cried then. And now they made me cry again.
"And I was able to take my 10-year-old lad as well. It is a happy day."
Kate Shorter is among the ones who felt emotional seeing Notts returning to the Football League after four years and three play-off attempts. The 36-year-old said she also cried tears of joy.
The nurse, from Colwick, who attended the game at Wembley, added: "I feel like I am still in dreamland. I am absolutely in dreamland.
"I am so, so happy. They are making history again.
"My heart absolutely shattered when they were renegaded. We are back where we should be."
She tried to hold back tears of joy and added: "I feel like I am going emotional now."
Dave Shorter, 76, added: "I am hoping we are starting a new era. And I am hoping we have got a good time now."
Ian Gill, aged 66, from Wollaton, added: "I am feeling absolutely drained. It is nice to come on the top of the games like that.
"We always felt shattered on many occasions. Once that sinks in we will feel elated."
He praised the atmosphere at the club, adding: "What we are seeing now it is a reconnection. It is the fans, the team, the manager, the owners all coming together.
"We are a family. And it feels like that."
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