Notts County Football Club

Chris Kiwomya’s squad will face European giants Galatasaray, La Liga side Rayo Vallecano and former European Cup Champions Steaua Bucharest in an exciting build-up to the new season. 

The first of two home friendlies here at Meadow Lane sees Notts take on former Uefa Cup Champions, reigning Turkish Champions and last season’s Champions League quarter finalists, Galatasaray, on Tuesday 16 July.

Featuring a host of world-class players, such as Didier Drogba, Wesley Sneijder and Felipe Melo amongst their ranks, Galatasaray are one of the most high profile clubs in Europe.

Seven days later, Spanish side Rayo Vallecano, who finished 8th in La Liga this season, come to town to complete the double header of top European talent at Meadow Lane this summer.

These two showpiece fixtures form a large part of the preparations for the 2013.14 season, which includes a 10-day training camp in Finland and a third friendly, against Romanian Champions Steaua Bucharest, which will be held at the St George’s Park training complex in Burton on Tuesday 2 July, behind closed doors, at the request of the opposition.

The club also hope to confirm another home friendly at Meadow Lane on Saturday, July 27, ahead of the beginning of the Football League campaign. 

All three friendly opponents boast incredible European pedigree, having won the European Cup, Cup Winners Cup and Uefa Cup between them and Chairman Ray Trew was delighted to have arranged the hat-trick of fixtures.

“A tremendous amount of hard work has gone on here at Meadow Lane to secure top class opposition for our pre-season schedule this summer and I couldn’t be happier with the schedule that has been arranged,” said the Notts County Chairman.

“You only have to look at the players in Galatasaray’s squad to see how big a draw that game is for any football supporter and followed less than a week later by the visit of one of Spain’s top teams in Rayo Vallecano is a real coup for this club.

“Whilst the game against Steaua Bucharest will be held behind closed doors, being able to secure a game against such prestigious opposition as part of their pre-season plans is testament to the high regard that Notts County Football Club is held in throughout Europe.”

Tickets for the games against Galatasaray and Rayo Vallecano will go on sale from Friday 21 June from 9am, with reduced price tickets available to supporters who have purchased their season ticket for the 2013.14 season.

Tuesday 25 June Players return for pre-season training

Tuesday 2 July (16.00pm kick-off)Steaua Bucharest (St George’s Park – Behind Closed Doors)

Wednesday 3 July         Finland Tour

July 4 (18.30 kick-off*)         Palloseura Kemi Kings (in Kemi)

July 7th  (15.00 kick-off*) Tervarit Dream Team (in Oulu)

July 10th (18.30 kick-off*) JJK (in Jyväskylä)

July 12th         Return to England

*Kick-off times abroad are local time.