The Liverpool Game

After an indifferent start to the season (even by Notts' standards) a rare win against League Two side Fleetwood in the League Cup brought some much needed excitement – an away tie with Liverpool! Even better, Sky Sports decided to televise it! As with all big fixtures, there was the usual panic began regarding ticket allocation and sale which was only ended when Notts shifted the whole lot ! Nor were any of the travelling contingent short-changed. Despite going two down, the away side fought back in the second half, scoring twice and sending the tie into extra time. Of course, inevitably, it was not to be, even against ten men (an injury forced off defender Toure when they had used up all three subs). As with Man City, back on that fateful day of 9.11. in 2001 and indeed, Chelsea, a few seasons later, additional strength and fitness helped the higher league side triumph and the game ended, as the other two had; at 4-2 to the opposition. Nevertheless, players, staff and fans all left Anfield with heads held high; a side including the likes of Sturridge, Jones, Sterling, Agger and even England captain, Steven Gerrard had been taken the distance.     

Naturally enough, the club were not slow to see the fiscal opportunities of this big game. As with Man City in 2011, a televised match meant a special shirt with one-off sponsors - Ladbrokes, who were even allowed a red logo ! There were 38 of these beauties created with the names only of the squad members who were originally travelling. Each player was made two with the instruction to swop at half time and broadcasts of pre-match interviews clearly show both hanging on the players pegs before the game. The shirts from the first half were returned to the club but the players were allowed to keep their second half ones which most did, unless they swopped it with a Liverpool player; it was believed Mark Fotheringham was the lucky man to get Gerrard’s shirt! However, there were, of course, exceptions to this rule. Yoann Arquin and the other goalscorer Coombes, both of whom had achieved what Manchester United could not replicate the following weekend in beating the Reds defence, saw one of their shirts raffled off by the club. Later came the announcement that the remaining players kit would be sold for £100 each. There was plenty of interest and again, Notts fans queued up at Meadow Lane as they had for the tickets to get one of the shirts. Interestingly, a few names appeared in the shop which had not been in the playing squad that night. Zoko had two made up which were both on sale as he had since left the club and the injured Showumni’s was also there - it had been used for the media photoshoot beforehand. A shirt of youngster Balmy was available and the price tag was little deterrent as fans quickly took advantage of the one-offs. Those that were not sold immediately re-appeared at the end of the season for a reduced price of £75 but these were generally names that didn't actually appear on the night.Originally tagged by the club, these labels were quickly removed as this highlighted their lack of use. Obviously the likes of Zoko, Balmy and the subs would not have swopped their shirts at half time so their kit was still very much unworn. To check your shirt was match-worn then, your player needs to have been on in the first half. If it's not, it's just issue.For collectors out there, it is worth noting that not only were these shirts a one off, and thus never available in a replica form; as this was not a league match, no SkyBet epaulettes were attached either. Not hard to identify then, if you ever end up with one in your possession ! The club also announced that it would, in future, issue a COA with each player issue it let go....good stuff !

As with the 2011 Man City game, this one-off home shirt has proved a hit with the fans. Notts, quick to see the commercial possibilities, made two shirts for each player and sold one set.the shirts are in fact replica shirts taken out the stock just with a different main shirt sponsor. It's a big difference but it’s the only one. The slogans (banned on the player kit) are still on these shirts; ‘The Magpies’ on the sleeve and ‘The Oldest League Club in the World’ on the bottom of the back of the shirt. The money made from the Ladbrokes sponsorship would far outweigh any fine should the club get caught and authorities decide to issue punishment.So now you know !

Carling Cup 2nd Round : 27th August 2013

The back of the shirt stayed true to the comedy club sponsor - not since Vision Express had such a sponsor seemed so apt given Notts' poor start to the league campaign. Note, no eppaulettes on the sleeves though.

Only such a big game could hide the fact that Notts had allowed a sponsor with a RED log to adorn the front of their shirt.You really would have had to support your team to have bet a few quid on the visitors scoring twice at Anfield that night !