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Notts County had been promoted to play in the top flight of the English League, the old First Division, shortly before the start of World War One.

The Football Association (FA), unlike its cricketing counter-parts, resisted pressure to abandon its games and instead continued with a full programme of matches, at least until the summer of 1915. It meant Notts was able to play for a full season, winning matches against opponents like Manchester United (4-2), Liverpool (3-1) and Chelsea (2-1) in front of home crowds of more than twelve thousand.

From September 1915, the FA introduced regional competitions and Notts figured in the Midland section. It meant the team were not required to travel further than Hull or Bradford in the North. The crowds declined at the ground on Meadow Lane, partly on account of the war and partly because there was a lack of real competition, with no promotion or relegation. Clubs could use guest players as well as those of their own players who were still available.

When conscription was introduced in 1916 a number of the Notts County players were called up. Two were killed; including the popular centre half, Arthur Clamp. He was seriously wounded within days of arriving in the trenches in France and died two months before the Armistice. Thousands turned out to watch the funeral procession from his home in Sneinton to a service at St Stephens Church.

The League finally resumed again in August 1919, less happily for Notts County who were relegated to the Second Division at the end of the Season.

Location: Meadow Lane Stadium, Meadow Lane, Nottingham NG2 3HJ
Image: Notts County squad 1913/14, courtesy of Notts County FC

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