Ian Burchnall left big boots to fill when he left Notts County to join Forest Green Rovers last summer – but the 40-year-old was barely missed as successor Luke Williams took the Magpies to incredible new heights.
Paul Cook called him a student of football who lives for the game. Thomas Tuchel lauded his energy and passion. Fleetwood and Huddersfield both asked him to be their manager.
MAY 4, 2019. Listening to Radio Nottingham’s commentary of Notts County’s trip to Swindon Town, I was left speechless as a 3-1 defeat confirmed the unthinkable – after 157 years the world’s oldest League club were officially Non-League.
High up in the Wembley stands, a huge banner of Notts County’s late CEO Jason Turner was spread over several rows of seats looking down on Luke Williams’ side.
Manchester City’s 1-1 draw with Real Madrid at the Bernabeu was intriguing, but never exciting. First legs rarely are. Like the opening round of a boxing match, there are jabs and feints and the odd stiff right to raise a cheer.