 By the mid-1930s, his appearances in the United first team had become few and far between and the decision was taken to allow McLenahan to move to Notts County in December 1937.McLenahan played for Notts County for almost two seasons, becoming an established name in the Notts County team, but his career was halted by the outbreak of the Second World War in September 1939.By the time the war ended in 1945, McLenahan was 36 years old, and too old to continue playing football.