Whitehead, whose victory in the Olympic Stadium was one of the highlights of London 2012, was invited in the dressing room before the match by Notts County manager Keith Curle, a former England international. 

It obviously worked as County, the world's oldest professional club, crushed Portsmouth to move to second place in the league table.

Whitehead, 36, set a world record when winning his gold medal.

Whitehead, who was born without lower legs, also holds the world records for the marathon.

After giving the pre-match talk, Whitehead was introduced to the spectators and received a rapturous reception.

"He is a very inspirational character and I know he's used to speaking to groups of people as well," said Curle.

"He brought a motivational atmosphere in the changing room before we went out.

"We're lucky that we've only got to go out there and play football.

"At the end of the day it's a game of football."

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