Notts chairman: Sirrel was 'football genius'

NOTTS County chairman John Armstrong-Holmes has described Jimmy Sirrel as a "football genius".

The club will, he says, hold a minute's silence before Saturday's League Two game against Aldershot at Meadow Lane.

The club flag on the top of the Jimmy Sirrel Stand at Meadow Lane is also flying at half-mast as a mark of respect for the club's legendary manager.

Armstrong-Holmes said: "What can I say about him? There are so many things you can say about Jimmy Sirrel.

"I think he was a football genius and a magical character. He will always live long in the hearts of Notts County football club and its supporters."

Sirrel guided the Magpies into the top-flight of English Football in 1981. It was during his second spell as manager at Meadow Lane.

"He showed what could be done without money, but [with] passion," added Armstrong-Holmes. "It was a remarkable achievement taking this club into the top-flight and it is something that I think will never be achieved ever again by a single manager."

The Supporters' Trust held a special tribute evening in the 1862 Suite at Meadow Lane in January, when a portrait of Sirrel was unveiled.

It now hangs in the main reception at the ground.

"I am so pleased, looking back, that we held a tribute night for him," added Armstrong-Holmes.

"If one man in the history of Notts County deserved that, it was Jimmy.

"I know he was very proud of the portrait we commissioned and that will be a lasting memory of him for everyone that walks into the club."

Armstrong-Holmes wants Notts fans to flock to Meadow Lane in their thousands on Saturday to make it a memorable occasion.

He said: "The biggest tribute the fans can pay to Jimmy is to come to Saturday's game, and sing his name from the terraces.

"I am sure he would have loved that."