Life was never dull playing for Notts County, recalls Northern Ireland manager Ian Baraclough.
In a special 90 minute Magpie Circle podcast interview, Baraclough looks back with fond affection during his 250 appearances and two stints with the Magpies either side of the Millennium.
“I spent the best part of seven seasons at Notts and there was something always going on.” said Baraclough.
“It was either a Championship or promotion-winning season, or we were battling against relegation.
“There never seemed to be any middle ground – we were either flying, or really struggling.
“I was the PFA rep during the time of the club’s record period under Administration too.
“I had been sold a dream of the club recreating past glories but sadly it all went wrong very quickly.
“Notts, though, will always hold a special memory in my heart. It’s a great club and I made many friendships there.”
There’s a strong Notts County connection with the current Northern Ireland set-up.
As well as Baraclough, Magpies favourite Tommy Johnson is a coach, former Notts CEO Patrick Nelson is CEO at the Irish FA, and ex-Magpie Roy Carroll was recently appointed into the coaching set-up.
Baraclough played under former England boss Sam Allardyce at Meadow Lane as he recalls.
“You could always tell that Sam was destined to go on become a very successful manager operating at the highest level.
“You always knew where you stood with him and he was very direct.
“I remember several meetings in his office where he would lean back in his big chair, put his feet on the table and smoke a cigar.
“He was certainly a larger than life character.”
Thursday 25th February 2021
- Ian Baraclough – Meadow Lane To Windsor Park
*Main image @BelTel_Sport Baraclough is now Northern Ireland Manager.
