Football Season Guide

Notts County begin their second season back in the Football League with a creeping sense of trepidation. That feeling is hardly surprising following the departure of talismanic manager Luke Williams, who will forever be feted after guiding the Magpies back into the EFL in 2023. Any predecessor would have found it a hard act to follow that was certainly true for Stuart Maynard, who made the brave decision to leave Wealdstone and take the job. Maynard hasn’t been embraced by County fans, having failed to deal with disappointing defensive performances that had already started under Williams. Captain Kyle Cameron became the fans scapegoat following some poor performances and he will spend next season on loan at St Johnstone. It shows Maynard isn’t afraid to act and has made several defensive signings this season, including centre-backs Jacob Bedeau, Matty Platt and Rod McDonald. He has also addressed the goalkeeping problem with Alex Bass signing on a permanent deal from Sunderland having performed well whilst on loan with AFC Wimbledon last season. Nicholas Tsaroulla impressed in the left-wing back role at Crawley Town but his arrival has caused some alarm bells with one of last season’s standout performers Jodi Jones linked with a possible move away from Meadow Lane. That would represent a hat-trick of mortal blows for the Magpies faithful, which began with Williams’ departure. The second one was almost as painful as they were unable to keep hold of striker and leading goalscorer Macaulay Longstaff. He was even made Club Captain in June in an attempt to persuade him to stay but the offer of £700,000 saw him switch to Championship side Millwall in July.