Notts County and the Mercure re-create historic partnership

Now for those of you who don’t know me personally, I am a lifelong Notts County supporter. It is a family love that was passed to me from my Dad. I still remember the first game I ever went to when I was very young as if it were yesterday. So when we heard that the Mercure Hotel and Notts County were organising a meet and greet to celebrate the historic link that the two share, as well as their newly-established partnership, naturally I jumped at the opportunity to attend and witness a little bit of history for my boyhood team and the Mercure. The link between the hotel and the club dates back to 1862 when Notts County were formed. In 1862, the building wasn’t the Mercure; it was instead called the George Hotel and it was in what is now Suite 102 that members of the club first met to discuss the foundation of Notts County FC. For me to be able to walk into the room where it all began for the team I have supported for the best part of 23 years was a spine tingling experience. And to think that today Notts County is the oldest football league club in the world and that all this history stems from a solitary meeting in Suite 102, gives me an overwhelming sense of emotion. Once the players and manager arrived, a signed shirt was presented to the hotel in recognition of the working partnership between the club and the Mercure. As you can see from the images, we visited Suite 102 for some background information behind the occasion before heading downstairs to the lobby for the official presentation. It was great to see the current first team manager Chris Kiwomya along with first team players Gary Liddle and Mark Fotheringham. They were in attendance to present the shirt to the hotel in recognition of the past history as well as the future history the two organisations are seeking to make through their new partnership. Young fans were in attendance to meet the players and grab the odd photo or signature and naturally the club staff were only too happy to oblige. Through this new partnership, supporters will be given the opportunity to win prizes by voting for their player of the month throughout the current 2013/14 season. The club and the hotel are trying to bring supporters closer to the club and involve them in a part of history. The signed shirt presented to the hotel will go on display for all to enjoy and symbolises the efforts of these two Nottingham businesses to bring people together and raise the profile of the club, the hotel and Nottingham as a city. All in all it was a great experience and one that I hope brings continued success for all parties involved. Suite 102 is one of 76 individually designed rooms at the Mercure Hotel. Definitely worth a visit.