JOHN Thompson, the current Notts County captain, knows he follows in illustrious footsteps playing at Meadow Lane.

The Magpies' home has been graced by some of the all-time greats of the English game in the past 100 years, like Jackie Sewell, Don Masson and, of course, former England centre-forward Tommy Lawton, who famously joined the club for a British record transfer fee of £20,000 in November 1947 and went on to scored 103 goals.

Sewell and Masson, and many of the club's other legendary players, will be guests of the world's oldest League club tomorrow when it celebrates a century at Meadow Lane.

Thompson said the current players, who will wear a special all-white centenary kit, feel a responsibility to make sure the anniversary is marked appropriately, with victory in League One against Yeovil Town.

Thompson is proud he will captain Notts on such a significant occasion in its history. He said: "Notts County has always been a great club and everyone knows all about its rich history.

"For us to be playing in the game to mark the club's 100 years at Meadow Lane is a great privilege for all of us. We're all very proud.

"We all know there have been some brilliant players who have played here over the years, and we'll be hoping to do them justice.

"It's going to be a great occasion for the club and the fans, to celebrate all of the great times at Meadow Lane over the years.

"We're just hoping we can put on a good show and get three points to give everyone more to celebrate.

"A win would be the perfect way to mark the occasion."

Thompson made his debut for Notts at Meadow Lane in a 1-1 draw with Macclesfield Town in League Two in October 2008.

His own finest moment at Meadow Lane is entirely unsurprising. Only four months ago, as club captain, he lifted the League Two title after the Magpies' final home game of last season, to add the latest chapter of success in the club's history.

"Hopefully, in another 100 years time, we might be talked about by fans for what we achieved last season," he said.

"For everyone involved last season, we are very proud of what we have achieved, winning the League Two title. The fact I lifted the trophy was the best day of my career and something that will always be with me. It was a very special day."

Notts lost only one home league game last season, and Thompson added: "It was so satisfying to give the fans something to cheer about because they have endured some rough times supporting this club.

"More fans are starting to come to see us, and hopefully there will be a big crowd tomorrow."

Thompson insists the occasion does not put the players under any greater pressure to beat the Glovers.

He knows their unexpectedly poor start to the season has ensured victory is the only acceptable outcome.

While the Magpies have reached the third round of the Carling Cup by beating Plymouth Argyle and Watford, they have won just one of their opening four league games, against Dagenham in their last game at Meadow Lane.

They have suffered 3-0 defeats to Huddersfield Town and Oldham Athletic, and only rescued a point in a 3-3 draw at Bournemouth in their last game with two goals in injury time. With four points, they are a lowly 18th in the table.

"We have put ourselves under pressure because of our performances," said Thompson.

"We know we have been a bit up and down so far this season and we need to start performing a lot better. We particularly have to start games a lot better than we have done.

"Of course, we want the day to be remembered for being a great occasion, and for us getting three points, but once the whistle goes and the game starts, we will be thinking only about the game, nothing else.

"We view a home game against Yeovil this early in the season as a game we should win and we'll be giving everything to make sure we do that.

"We all know we are good enough to play in this league but we haven't shown it so far.

"We did so well last season and put in a lot of hard work to get into League One, so it's important that we put in some good performances and try to get up the table, and finish a lot higher than where we are at the moment.

"We need a good game. We need a 90 minutes where we play our passing football and get everyone back onside. We know we are capable of doing it.

"I think the Huddersfield game on the opening day set us back and knocked some of the confidence out of us.

"I think we're slowly getting it back with each game.

"We're starting to show, in glimpses, we can get back to where we were. Hopefully, it will all fall into place tomorrow."

It would, indeed, be a fitting moment for the Magpies to return to their best.