It’s a late afternoon on May 13th, 2023. Notts County striker Cedwyn Scott stands over the ball at the penalty spot, staring ahead, waiting for the referee’s whistle. It’s a high-pressure moment. If he scores, he sends Notts County and its fans into ecstasy — securing promotion back to the English Football League.
It’s also a moment of redemption for Scott, who missed a crucial penalty against league winners Wrexham that could have secured automatic promotion. Despite an astonishing 107 points — a tally that would win the league in almost any other season — Notts were forced into the hard route of the play-offs.
Now, after a gruelling play-off final against Chesterfield at Wembley Stadium, they’ve been taken to extra time and penalties. Chesterfield finished 23 points behind Notts County in the regular season, making this a nerve-wracking, frustrating test.
The referee blows the whistle. Scott strides forward confidently and slots the ball low and fast into the bottom right-hand corner, sending the Chesterfield goalkeeper the wrong way. He rips off his shirt and sprints towards the roaring County fans, chased by his jubilant teammates.
Notts County are promoted — back into the English Football League — and, in doing so, have reclaimed their place in history: as the oldest professional football club in the world.
Sounds confusing? Let’s dive into the story.
The Founding of Notts County
Notts County were founded in 1862 — a time before the Football League even existed. They were early competitors in the FA Cup and became one of the founding members of the Football League when it was established in 1888.
Throughout much of their existence, Notts County have been regarded as the oldest professional football club in the world.
However, it’s important to highlight the word professional.
While Sheffield FC, founded in 1857, is officially recognised by FIFA as the world’s oldest existing independent club, they are an amateur side, not a professional one.
(Sheffield FC shouldn't be confused with Sheffield United or Sheffield Wednesday, both professional clubs.)
Sheffield FC operate in the lower tiers of the English football pyramid, where players typically have day jobs and receive only modest pay, if any. In contrast, the top four divisions of English football (the Premier League and EFL) are fully professional.
Losing — and Regaining — the Title
In 2019, Notts County were relegated from League Two into the National League — dropping out of the professional English Football League system for the first time in their history. As a result, they were no longer considered a professional club.
The title of the oldest professional club passed to Stoke City, who were founded in 1863 and were playing in the Championship at the time.
For four years, Notts County fought to return to the EFL — and finally, on that unforgettable day at Wembley in 2023, they succeeded. With promotion, they regained their professional status, and along with it, the historic title of the oldest professional football club in the world.
Some Contention?
Over the years, there has been debate about other clubs like Crystal Palace and Fulham possibly having earlier foundations and playing professionally. However, these claims remain unrecognised officially.
Until proven otherwise — or unless Sheffield FC ever joins the professional ranks — Notts County proudly continue to hold their historic title.
Bonus Fact:
One of Notts County’s most famous influences is their black and white striped shirts — a design that helped inspire the iconic kit of Italian giants Juventus.
Read more in: How Juventus Got Its Stripes.