Observant supporters who saw the Notts County team arrive at Adams Park for last Saturday's game with Wycombe Wanderers may have spotted an unfamiliar face on the coach.
That's because Paul Smith was invited to travel with the squad as his prize for winning Magpie Manager, the fantasy football competition which runs throughout the season in the club's Matchday Magazine.
After staying at the hotel of County legend Don Masson overnight Smith, who lives in Lancashire, travelled south on the coach and had the opportunity to chat at length with Ian McParland and his backroom staff, as well as getting an insight into pre-match preparations.
During the game Paul sat in the Directors Box alongside Chairman John Armstrong-Holmes, and enjoyed the Chairboys' excellent hospitality while watching Notts claim a thoroughly deserved 2-1 victory.
Paul was then able to sit back and enjoy the two-and-a-half hour journey home on a very happy team coach and reflect on the game, and the season, with the County staff.
He said: "It was the perfect end to the season … a great result with some terrific individual displays.
"It was the perfect day as well. It was a once in a lifetime experience and I'm just so honoured to get the opportunity to travel with the team and speak at length to the management.
"I've really enjoyed Magpie Manager and it has been a constant source of conversation at Meadow Lane during the season and every time a goal is scored or someone was booked during the season I'm always conscious of what it would mean for my team.
"I would like to thank everyone for making my day so special and rest assured I'll be signing up again next season."
Paul is the third Magpie Manager winner to have travel on the team coach since season-long competition was introduced back in 2006.
Remember supporters have up until 30 May to take advantage of the early-purchase discount on Season Tickets for the 2009/10 season. Tickets are once again on sale for Magpies fans the Kop Stand, with Adult tickets working out at JUST £10.87 per game! Under 12s again go free in all stands & Under 16s in the Haydn Green Family Stand! Season Tickets are on sale now! Click here for more information.
