Notts County: Matchday Guide

HOW TO GET THERE

CAR

Quite straight forward this one in truth. Leave the M1 at Junction 26 and take the A610 towards Nottingham and then signs for Melton Mowbray. Turn left before the River Trent in to Meadow Lane.

PARKING

There is a car-park at the ground as well as the Cattle Market next to the stadium. These will cost, but be secure. Alternatively hunt around the general area where there are a lot of industrial units that may be ok or use street parking, which may mean a bit of a walk.

TRAIN

Nottingham Station is around a 10 minute walk from the ground and well served from many main stations. Services are likely to be reduced due to this being a Sunday game and late afternoon, so check the times for your journey back.

As you leave the station turn left heading across the car-park, then turn right at the traffic lights. You will eventually see the ground's floodlights.

PUBS/FOOD

Notts County`s ground is a short walk from the City Centre which has a host of excellent pubs and a renowned nightlife.

Apparently there are 56 gorgeous birds to every ugly bloke, so even Plug who stands at the back singing may find his luck changes On this trip. A lot of pubs closer to the River Trent are out of bounds for Forest games, but pose no threat for County games. Here is the most popular venue;

Hooters- This is the only one of this American chain in England and very popular on match-days with home and away fans. Although children are allowed, you may wish to leave them playing down on the river bank as the good ladies in here tend not to wear many clothes.

The clothes they do wear are designed to make best use of their natural (or otherwise) assets, meaning that there is little need to venture further for sightseeing. Remember you came here to watch the game, so try not to miss kick-off and also that 'it` can make you go blind. Oh and they serve food just too top things off.

If you have travelled with your Lass or hand-picked, beautiful girls wearing little more than a tight top covering only their breasts and a short skirt displaying a fine set of pins is not your thing, then head to one of the following;

Southbank- A large sports bar a short stroll from the ground. It has a couple of big screens and a load of smaller ones located around the bar. This place has a fantastic reputation for its atmosphere and friendly barmaids. It serves real ale to satisfy those with more active taste buds as well as a good range of food. It is not the cheapest place to drink, but it is definitely a top match-day venue.

The Globe- Yet another popular match-day pub that welcomes visiting fans and has a good reputation for its range of 5 ever-changing real ales. Children aren`t allowed which will appeal to those who have been thrown out of Hooters for breaching the 'no-touch' policy. They also serve food.

Larwood and Voce- A renovated gastro pub that has more of a family food than a lively feel. Children are welcome.

Vat and Fiddle- This pub is located opposite the station and has a fantastic reputation for its real-ales. They serve up to 10 at any one time and the pub is located next to the award winning Castle Rock Micro-Brewery.

Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem- BritAin`s oldest pub is very popular with tourists and can be very pricey. May be worth popping in for one pint just to say you have been there. Go before you head to Hooters though, otherwise you will never bring yourself away early to experience it.

There are many more that could easily be recommended but I would never stop. The City Centre is packed with pubs/bars and has a great feel about it, as well as being a real-ale haven.

You can also grab a beer in the ground, but anyone who gets there 2 hours early to enjoy the 'concourse experience` deserves to have every ground they visit picked up and dropped 10 miles from the pubs, station and town centre.

Basically that would be a division of Colchester United`s. Do yourself a favour and use the bar only for half-time refreshment and make the most of this excellent location.

MEADOW LANE- Capacity 20,300 (all seated)

This large ground was completely redeveloped in the 90`s into a ground that although quite modern, has retained its traditional features and a lively atmosphere, aided by covers on all stands. Away fans are housed along the side in part of the Jimmy Sirrel Stand, which is shared with home fans. This is a large single-tiered stand that is easy to make a good atmosphere in. 1,300 Poolies can be housed in here, which will be ample.

To the right-hand side of they away seats is the very impressive Kop. This is a huge stand that sits behind the goal and dominates the ground and houses the more vocal home supporters. This is very similar to the Kop at Tranmere and gives the Ground a great feel.

Opposite the Jimmy Sirrel Stand is the Derek Pavis stand. This is just a larger version of the stand, housing the more sensible home fans as well as the usual directors and posh seats.

Behind the left-hand goal is the Family Stand. This is the smallest in the ground and although it is very much the poor relation, it only adds to that charismatic feel the ground has. This stand also houses the executive boxes, which is unusual for a behind the goal stand.

SAFETY

County fans are well known for being friendly and welcoming. The city has a completely different feel to that experienced on Forest on home games. Expect to meet some knowledgeable supporters in some of the many pubs, although this may not be true of Hooters.

SOUTH EAST POOLIES

Due to the day and time of the game most members were unable to travel to this game. Instead a healthy number will be heading to The Red Lion Pub in Bromley to watch the game live on Sky.

SouthEastPoolies

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