The Bees will be making the trip to Notts County on Friday 21st January (19:45 KO) in the Vanarama National League.

We’ve created this Away Guide full of all the information you need to know if you’re making the journey to Meadow Lane.

STADIUM

Meadow Lane, Nottingham, NG2 3HJ

NICKNAME

The Magpies

COLOURS

Black & White

KEY PERSONNEL

Leicester born Ian Burchnall is the current Head Coach at Meadow Lane. He joined the Magpies in March 2021 after managing Ostersund FK in Sweden and Viking FK in Norway.

The 38-year-old never played professional football and started his coaching career in the academies of Bradford City and Leeds United.

BRIEF DIRECTIONS BY ROAD

These directions are courtesy of Notts County. Leave the M1 at Junction 24 and follow signs to join the A453 towards Nottingham. After passing through Clifton, continue on the A453 following signs for football and cricket traffic.

Join the A52 eastbound towards Grantham and carry straight on at the Nottingham Knight Island and the Wheatcroft Island until you reach the Gamston Island. 

Take the first exit onto the A6011 (‘Radcliffe Road’). Continue along the A6011, following the road as it bends to the right and continue over Lady Bay Bridge.

CAR PARKING

Street parking in the immediate vicinity of the ground is restricted so it’s advisable to park at the Cattle Market (opposite the away end).

Parking is also available at the pay and display car parks which are five minutes walk away from the ground. They are clearly signposted and fully supervised.

GROUND DESCRIPTION

Meadow Lane has been upgraded since one of my first visits there in the 1980’s and is now a 20,229 all-seater stadium with great views. 

The Derek Pavis or Main Stand was built in 1994 and holds 7,000 while opposite is The Jimmy Sirrell Stand, which will house the Bees fans on Friday evening.

The Family Stand is to the left and boasts some wonderful facilities including some executive boxes and a bar built into the roof.

The massive Kop Stand completes the picture which can hold up to 5,500. The view from the top is superb.

EAT AND DRINK

The club recommends the Trent Navigation Inn which is only a couple of minutes walk away from the ground.

The ‘Reckless Recommendation’ is close to the train station where you will find the Olde Trip To Jerusalem’, which is claimed to be the oldest Inn in England. 

This historic pub dates back to the 12th century and serves real ale and food. It is about a five minute walk away from the train station. As you come out of the station, turn right. At the top of the road turn left and then take the second right into Castle Road.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS AND MEMORIES

The Bees secured a positive result at Meadow Lane in the Johnstone Paint Trophy when making the trip there in October 2006. Tresor Kandol scored for the Bees that evening.

The away fixture in Division Three in April 1998, where we were beaten 2-0 in front of over 6,000 fans, was one of those really memorable weekends for me personally. Why? Because the infamous Curry Club spent the weekend in a guest house owned by ex-QPR and Scotland midfielder Don Masson. I can’t remember much about the whole weekend except seeing two Lee Harrison’s during the game in the Barnet goal!

CELEBRITY WATCH

For those of you with culture in mind – the novelist DH Lawrence was born in these parts in 1885 as was William Booth, founder of the Salvation Army and 19th century Poet Lord Byron.

For those of you with no culture – why not pop down and see Torvill and Dean at the ice rink, Dale Winton at the supermarket, Leslie Crowther at the £1 shop, Su Pollard at the holiday camp or Richard Beckingsale in E wing.

CONNECTIONS

A selection of players connected with both clubs are Neil Bishop, David Regis, Paul Harding, Keith Alexander, Richard Brindley, Izale McLeod, Scott Loach, Peter Beadle and Ian Hendon.

Enjoy the match, Reckless