Neil Warnock was installed as the new manager at Notts County in 1988, Warnock's magic wasn't done there though, 1990-91 is considered by many County fans to be one of the club's greatest seasons. A heroic 1-0 victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup booked them a place in the quarter final where they lost to eventual winners Tottenham Hotspur. Notts also enjoyed their second successive visit to Wembley and their second successive promotion. The Magpies beat Brighton & Hove Albion 3-1 in front of 60,000 spectators, 25,000 of them Notts County fans.

The following year was a disappointing one. Notts County were demoted from the top flight at the end of the season. A game against also-doomed Luton Town is still their most recent top division game. Warnock left in January 1993 and was succeeded by Mick Walker. Walker successfully averted a second successive demotion.