Notts County record with regret the passing of Jimmy Linton, a real Notts stalwart in some of the darkest days in the club’s history. He would have been 88 at the beginning of next month.
Notts suffered successive relegations in 1958, from the Second Division, and 1959 when dropping into the Fourth Division for the first time. They were both heavy blows but Linton remained one of the Magpies’ most reliable players.
In the two campaigns he completed a total of 64 first-team appearances and these comprise part of his 120 league and cup appearances after establishing himself as first choice goalkeeper in 1955-56.
He had made his debut at Huddersfield Town in November 1962, when the home side’s goalkeeper was Jack Wheeler, fondly remembered after serving for 26 years as County’s physio and coach.
Notts recruited Linton from a minor club in Scotland and he signed professional forms in 1951.
After leaving Meadow Lane he moved first to Watford and later played for four non-league English clubs before retiring from the game.
We extend sincere condolences to his family and friends in their sad loss.
Words by Colin Slater, MBE