US bounty hunter flies in for Magpies Wembley final

A Notts County supporter who describes himself as the club's "biggest fan" is flying from the US to the UK to watch his team in the League Two play-off final at Wembley.

Chris Bowman lives in North Carolina and runs a bail bonds agency but originally hails from Nottingham and has been following the Magpies since he was six.

The 59-year-old continues to watch almost every game from the US, despite the five-hour time difference, and has a room in his home dedicated to the team.

He said he had no hesitation in booking tickets to the UK to be there in person to watch his side play Salford City for a place in League One on Monday.

He said: "I'm the biggest County fan there is. I've been to Wembley three teams with Notts County.

"I missed the last time they were in the play-offs and I was gutted. I told my wife I'm going definitely going this year because I'm going to see them promoted.

"Seeing them playing at Wembley... seeing them get promoted [will be] the highlight of my life."

Chris moved to North Carolina 12 years ago and now runs a bail bonds agency.

This means he covers the cost of bail for criminal suspects and if they do not show up to their trial, he and his agents track them down and bring them in.

He said his US friends and neighbours were aware of teams like Manchester United but no-one has ever heard of Notts County – although he is trying to convert them into fans.

Chris, who sponsors players from afar and owns about 40 Notts County shirts, is also planning to visit family while in the UK but admits he booked the trip around seeing the game.

Notts County made sure of their place in the final with a goalless draw in the second leg of their semi-final against Chesterfield, a match Chris watched from the US but "wishes" he had seen seen in person.

The Magpies are recognised as the world's oldest football league club, but they have had a turbulent few years including losing their place in the football league.

Chris has high hopes for his side, despite the fact they lost 2-1 when he last watched them in person three years ago.

"They've always been the underdogs," he said. "At least we've made Wembley this year.

"They need to get into the Premier League eventually and be like all these little teams that went up, like Brighton.

"I know it's all about the money but hopefully we can do it."

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