The biggest game in Notts County history?

Here's a question: What do you think is the biggest football match that has taken place since the restart?

Was it when West Brom got promoted? When Forest missed out on the play offs on goal difference? Or Leicester City failing to beat Manchester United and missing out on Champions League football? I'd argue none of these.

Instead I'd suggest that Sunday's National League Play Off final between Notts County and Harrogate Town is the biggest by far and it all comes back to what the world has been dealing with in 2020.

Covid-19 has killed thousands and left many jobless. It has affected all areas of society and sport is no different. In football, Lower League and Non League clubs have been hit hard. Unlike the top two divisions, TV money is sparse and the majority of income comes from supporters who turn up week in, week out. Along with safety and resources, this was one reason why League One and below did not resume when the Championship and Premier League did. These clubs depend on fans coming to watch and finances are affected without them. 

There's reports that tens of clubs are on the financial brink, making the gulf between Non League football and League Two (the traditional last rung of the ladder in the professional game), looking like a giant, increasing chasm. 

In April, Premier League clubs voted to provide £125million to Football League and National League teams to help with their cash flow problems caused by the pandemic. It may seem a lot, but that has to be shared amongst a lot of teams, and last. Traditionally relegation from League Two to the National League has always been seen as disappearing into a void of obscurity. It is something that all clubs and supporters fear. Those feelings have been heightened by the onset of a financial football crisis brought about by Covid. 

As such, a win on Sunday for Notts County at Wembley represents more than just an immediate return for what was once the oldest Football League club in the world. With it brings financial rewards not given to those in Leagues below.

So from a money point of view and keeping in mind the threat to Lower League and Non League football right now, there is simply no bigger game.

When you throw in the history of Notts County too, it merely adds to the romance and drama of this one off game. A founding father of the Football League, playing at the home of football, to secure a place back in the big time- the plot writes itself! But as Notts County historian Mick Chappell told me, no club has a divine right to be anywhere and promotion must be earned. 

The Magpies didn't start the season too well but picked up and by the start of the Covid crisis were in very good form. There were fears the season would be voided completely- a terrifying prospect for the reasons explained above. But the play offs did commence and after seeing off Barnet, Notts have THE chance to write some new and positive football history after years of false dawns and uncertainty that ultimately led to their relegation over a year ago.

It was once unthinkable to think of Notts County as anything but a Football League side, but their opponents on Sunday, Harrogate Town, have never been one or even been to Wembley in their 106 year history. County were at the old Wembley five times in the 90s, twice getting promoted in play off finals. Town also play on an artificial pitch and although their home form is excellent with this, a clear advantage, on grass away from home, they are much less consistent. Could this help The Magpies on Wembley's lush, large surface? Speaking to Defender Ben Turner, he certainly hoped so.

Of course, unfortunately for the thousands who would have made the trip, the game is behind closed doors. But that does not make it any less significant. Clubs who have failed to bounce back into the Football League have found it hard- sometimes slipping further down, sometimes going out of existence altogether. Mick Chappell fears for the club financially should they not do the job on Sunday and also fears that the National League may even struggle to exist past this year. Whilst that remains a very distant prospect, the reality is, Notts County must win.

Promotion to the Premier League is said to be worth £170 million, the prize at stake for the Magpies isn't as much, but arguably it is more valuable.