For lifelong Notts County fan James Belshaw, the pressure of guarding the net for his boyhood club is actually a relief compared to the agony of watching from the stands. The 35-year-old goalkeeper, who grew up attending matches at Meadow Lane with his season-ticket-holding father and even served as a matchday mascot as a kid, says playing is far less stressful than spectating.

Belshaw’s connection to the Magpies runs deep. He was in the stands at Wembley just three years ago to witness Notts’ dramatic penalty shootout win over Chesterfield, sealing promotion to League Two. But he’s also experienced the heartbreak from the opposite side—in 2020, he helped deny Notts promotion while playing for Harrogate Town in the same play-off final at the same iconic venue.

Now, as the club’s first-choice keeper since joining in January, Belshaw has a chance to write a different story. Notts County head into the final day of the season battling for automatic promotion to League One—a feat that would cap an emotional journey for the lifelong fan turned player.

“I’ve felt that elation, I’ve seen it in my dad and in so many family members,” Belshaw told BBC East Midlands Today. “To now be part of it is probably less nerve-racking than watching. I love this football club. If I can be part of history, I’ll give whatever I can. Everyone knows how desperately I want this for the club, the city, the fans, and my family. It won’t be through lack of effort.”

For fifth-placed Notts to snatch the final automatic promotion spot on Saturday, they need to beat Bristol Rovers and hope other results swing their way. After 11 years away from League One, a direct route back would be a “dream come true” for Belshaw—and for every Magpie who has cheered him on from the stands and now from the pitch.