Connell relishing the ‘buzz’ at packed Meadow Lane
DEFENDER LOOKING FORWARD TO ‘FOOTBALL FOR A FIVER’ FIXTURE
NOTTS County defender Connell Rawlison says Saturday’s “Football for a Fiver” fixture against Yeovil Town at Meadow Lane is a great chance to bring the community together.
Ahead of Saturday’s National League fixture (3pm), the Magpies confirmed that fans would be able to donate a ticket to someone less fortunate, which has seen ticket sales rocket.
It proved to be a record-breaking day last time it took place, with 12,843 packed inside Meadow Lane to watch Notts’ 2-0 win over Solihull Moors last season.
Having played in that fixture last year, Rawlinson stressed how much the atmosphere inside the stadium helped the players during the match.
“Just going back to the Southend game the other night, you could tell that their fans were giving them that extra buzz when they were winning tackles and headers, it was a real incentive,” he said.
“But when we get to fill our stadium, you feel the atmosphere. In the tunnel before the game, there are people walking on the streets outside, it feels like a Premier League game. I have been to games in the Premier League and you are walking around the streets before the game and you feel that buzz.
“It’s a chance to bring the community together. I was part of the squad last season for the game against Solihull Moors and it was a great attendance, and we broke the National League attendance that day.
“When the fans come and watch us, anything over 10,000 you feel that atmosphere and connection with the fans.”
The importance of having that bond with the community was not lost on the Notts number five.
Having signed for the club in 2019 from Port Vale, the 31-year-old has formed a great relationship with the Magpies fans and the local community.
“Any big football team in their city is almost the corner post of their community, it brings families and people together,” he added.
“To be able to sell tickets for a fiver during hard times at the minute with everything that is going on off the pitch, it’s a price that can be afforded by everyone.
“I think it’s a great incentive and it brings people together. You might have people come down who are not necessarily Notts fans but want to be part of the day.
“Hopefully, we can go and break our own record on the day but the incentive is there to get everyone down to enjoy the day and hopefully we can deliver a good performance for the fans.”
For the first time since its introduction, the “Football for a Fiver” incentive allows fans of the club to donate tickets to people who are unable to attend matches regularly which has seen a huge uptake from the Magpies faithful.
Luke Williams’ staff and the Magpies players instantly got the ball rolling, donating 50 tickets when the announcement was made.
It comes as no surprise to Rawlinson, who explained the positive impact the incentive will have on the local community, adding that the football club has always been a “fans’ club” with owners Christoffer and Alexander Reedtz emphasising the importance of the supporters.
“It speaks volumes for the club itself,” said Rawlinson.
“Since I joined Notts we have been a big advocate of bringing people in and giving people less fortunate to come and watch football.
“We are all footballing people, and the passion it provides and the love and drama, you don’t get that same feeling anywhere else.
“To be able to give back to the community, you have to understand there is a huge fan base at Notts and they come week in, week out, so for the club to be able to give back to them in this type of way, it speaks volumes on how the club is run at the minute.
“To be able to do something like this is fantastic.”