The return of Notts County's Centre of Excellence was confirmed at a Board meeting at Meadow Lane in December 2007 - the perfect Christmas gift for Magpies supporters.

The Centre of Excellence and Youth set-ups were axed in May 2006 ago as part of a major cost-cutting exercise, to the huge disappointment of Magpies fans after many years of producing top footballing talent such as Jermaine Pennant, Michael Johnson and Mark Draper who all went on to grace the Premier League.

But a proposal to re-introduce the programme at all age groups from 9-16 from the start of next season was accepted at the Board meeting on 21 December 2007.

It was also agreed to re-introduce a scholarship programme for 16-19 year-olds to form the basis of a Notts County youth team in 2009.

Said Chairman John Armstrong-Holmes at the time: "The youth scheme has always been the lifeblood of Notts County and the Supporters Trust Board were extremely disappointed when it was disbanded.

"Supporters like me have grown up on the likes of Tommy Johnson, Mark Draper, Dean Yates and Michael Johnson emerging from the ranks to serve the club well before moving on for substantial transfer fees.

"Even in the past couple of years we have had significant financial benefit from the successes of Leon Best, David McGoldrick and a youngster called Ewan Clarke, who signed for Watford. But over the next few years, we will miss out on that vital source of income.

"Since becoming chairman, the re-introduction of a Centre of Excellence and a focus on youth has been at the forefront of my thinking. Some concern was expressed about the fact that re-introducing the youth scheme is bound to involve a financial commitment from the Football Club but the directors are in agreement that it has to be done.

"Developing young players has always been the lifeblood of this club and the sooner we get back to doing that, the better it will be."

Former goalkeeper Mick Leonard, who made 254 appearances in Notts colours between 1979 and 1989, was appointed as Centre of Excellence Director in June 2008 and he quickly set about the task of appointing coaches for all age groups - which included ex-Notts forward Jason Lee and current defender Michael Johnson.

Trials were held over the summer of 2008 in order for the squads to be put together in time for the season's big kick-off on 7 September - while Medoc were confirmed as Centre of Excellence sponsors in July 2008.

Upon the sponsorship announcement, Medoc's Managing Director Lyn Done said: "We have developed a very good relationship with County and after two years as their main sponsor we felt we had achieved everything we wanted and the club would benefit from a change of shirt sponsor.

"However, we were keen to stay involved in some way and when it was suggested that we might like to sponsor the Centre of Excellence, we jumped at the chance. The community aspect is very appealing to us and we like the idea that we could be playing a key role in County's long-term future."