Williams: Big crowd can be ‘extra’ special for Notts
MORE THAN 16,000 FANS EXPECTED AS HIGH-FLYING MAGPIES TAKE ON GLOVERS AT MEADOW LANE
HEAD Coach Luke Williams is hoping the big backing his Notts County players receive today will give them something “extra” against Yeovil Town.
The Glovers visit Meadow Lane for a National League clash (3pm) and more than 16,000 fans will be in attendance.
It is set to be the club’s biggest home crowd since their 4-1 League Two play-off defeat against Coventry City in 2018, when 17,615 watched Kevin Nolan’s side fall short of a trip to Wembley.
The Magpies are top of the National League and looking to strengthen their position.
“We don’t need to see this occasion as a threat to us or that we need to try and do anything differently,” said Williams.
“We have tried to prepare in the same way but of course it will be silly to not mention that the atmosphere is going to feel very different.
“I don’t think we would be able to hide that from the players anyway because I am sure they all understand there has been a big uptake in ticket sales.
“But at the same time, we need to try and get the players to understand that this a great thing for us.
“More support and more willingness to make a great performance. That is how we are going to try and treat the atmosphere, like it’s an extra, rather than a threat in anyway.”
Notts County Foundation say almost 400 tickets were donated to the charity ahead of the Magpies’ “Football for a Fiver” fixture today.
There has been a huge demand for tickets after the Magpies announced fans would be able to buy a ticket for someone less fortunate.
Players and staff from the club got the ball rolling by donating 50 tickets to the foundation, with more than 300 tickets also gifted by fans. Tickets sold out four days earlier than anticipated.
Williams says the success of the scheme highlights the mutual respect between the fans and Magpies owners Christoffer and Alexander Reedtz.
“It’s an amazing thing and I think it shows that there are people here that are heavily invested in the club and want the club to do well,” Williams added.
“We have seen over the years fans that have become disgruntled with the ownership and almost get to the point that they want the club to fail so that something can change.
“We are not in that situation, we are in a situation where there is mutual respect between the owners and the people that work here day in, day out, and the fans.
“There is a mutual respect and that’s the reason we are seeing this type of gesture.
“The playing staff and the backroom staff donated 50 tickets which is again a way of showing our gratitude and respect for the fans.
“It is really nice thing for it all to come together.”