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Nottingham Forest will take the title of the oldest Football League club if Notts County are relegated, according to a football historian.

The Magpies, who were founded in 1862, are currently battling for survival in League Two, sitting bottom of the table with just five matches left to play this season.

They have won four points from their last two matches, but their status is still under serious threat - and football historian Mark Metcalf says Notts would be replaced by Forest as the oldest Football League club should they suffer relegation to the National League, which would only add insult to injury for Magpies' fans.

It was thought Stoke City would take on the mantle, with their crest carrying a formation date of 1863, but evidence suggests they were actually formed five years later, and so are younger than Forest, who were formed in 1865.

"There is no evidence to suggest that Stoke City were formed in 1863," said Metcalf.

(Image: Getty)

"Official records show that a club known as Stoke Ramblers was formed in October 1868 when they played their first game.

"That club later merged with Stoke Victoria Cricket Club and eventually became Stoke City.

(Image: Dan Westwell)

"That club then suffered financial problems in the early 20th century, went into liquidation, and resigned from the Football League.

"A year later, local businessmen, the clergy and supporters came together to purchase the old club's assets.

"Basically, it means that Nottingham Forest are the second-oldest club in the top four divisions and will become the oldest if Notts County are relegated."