James Belshaw reflects on Notts County's journey to play-off final
Lifelong Notts County supporter and goalkeeper James Belshaw describes the upcoming play-off final as a special moment for the club.
Photo: bbc.sport
Notts County goalkeeper James Belshaw, a lifelong supporter, says reaching the League Two play-off final is a moment to savour. For a club that endured a decade of financial turmoil and dropped out of the English Football League in 2019, the return to Wembley represents a significant turnaround.
Belshaw, who joined his boyhood club in January, spoke openly about the years of uncertainty. "There were times when you didn't know whether you would have a football club to follow because of financial difficulties," he explained. The stability provided by owners Christoffer and Alexander Reedtz has since helped the club regain its footing and secure promotion back to the league in 2023.
Ahead of the final, Belshaw has received advice from club legends, including his childhood hero Darren Ward and Steve Cherry, who played in the club's successful play-off campaigns in the early 90s. For Belshaw, representing the team his family has followed for decades is a surreal experience.
I'd like to leave a legacy at this football club, to give something back to the club that's given so much joy, particularly to my dad over his 60 years. James Belshaw