The League Two promotion race is one of the most exciting across all three divisions, with several clubs locked in a battle for the four play off spots.

At one point, Notts County looked almost certain to take an automatic promotion spot.

Instead, they're fighting with local rivals Lincoln City and Mansfield Town for a play-off spot, possibly setting up a mouth-watering double header local derby in the semi-finals.

It is just reward for a good season at Meadow Lane, one in which fans have been kept entertained by the free-flowing football on offer. The Magpies have one of the biggest grounds in the division and there appears to be real harmony between the fans and players.

It can't be easy having European Champions a simply throw-in away from your club but attracting fans never seems to be an issue for Kevin Nolan's side. They're right in the mix still and will be competing until mid-March and maybe even beyond.

Having finished in the bottom half last season, it's been one to savour for fans and players alike, but there's three important things we at FLW believe we've learned from Notts County this season.

Big time players don't always make good lower league managers, just look at Chris Sutton, Steve Nicol, Mark Wright, Jan Molby and a host of other failed former players.

Kevin Nolan has proven otherwise though, he's adapted well to the fourth tier and produced a side that plays nice football and wins games too. They've had their dips in form but he's always found a way to pull them back around and the early signs are he is going to be a very successful manager.

It can be a burden having such a successful club just feet away from your front door, but this season County have benefitted from their illustrious neighbours generosity. Ryan Yates was superb in the early part of the season, although he was recalled in January.

Jorge Grant has been exceptional all season though, he's a quality footballer and one who has undoubtedly contributed more than most to their success.

Jon Stead, Shola Ameobi and Alan Smith have all played a part in County's promotion charge, rolling back the years to produce some very exciting moments for fans.

Often, former top-flight players drop into the basement division for a pay day, but these guys have worked incredibly hard to sustain the play off push and deserve recognition for doing so.