Having faced major disappointment at the end of last season after losing in the playoffs to Coventry City under controversial circumstances, Notts have regrouped and are ready to do it all again come August. During the off-season the Magpies have been on a major recruitment drive of which most teams would be envious. Kevin Nolan has started reshaping his squad with a blend of both youth and experience; Will Patching (Manchester City), Tom Crawford (Chester) and Nathan Thomas (Derby County, loan) bringing youth while David Vaughan and Kristian Dennis arrive from Nottingham Forest and Chesterfield and bring plenty of experience. Dennis brings goals too having scored 21 goals in 48 games for a relegated Chesterfield side and he’ll be complemented up top by Kane Hemmings who joins from local rivals Mansfield Town.
As well as the many players Notts have signed, thanks mainly to owner Alan Hardy’s serious investment, the Magpies have a number of promising youngsters who are expected to feature at points during the upcoming campaign. These include both Sam Osborne and Alex Howes who were around the first team last season, while there will be opportunities for others including striker Remaye Campbell who received rave reviews during last season for his form in the under-18 games. Also looking for some game time this season is Chinese prospect Dongda He who plays in an advanced midfield role. This year may be too early to establish a foothold within the first team, but he is someone who could be hugely beneficial to the club both on and off the field, given the growth of football in China. His presence could develop a new fanbase and grow Notts brand value massively in Asia. In addition to young prospects from the youth team Notts do have young players within the first team, many of whom will play a pivotal role in the season. These include Elliot Hewitt who has improved year upon year, more so last year under Kevin Nolan’ guidance. Another is occasional midfield partner Noor Husin who arrived from Crystal Palace in January and quickly established himself amongst the Notts faithful with his strike in the 4-1 home win against Crewe. The buzz around the club in pre-season has been unlike anything in recent years. You probably have to go back to the 09/10 League Two winning season for anything mirroring this, which obviously bodes well for this season. The investment by the owner has been key to the optimism surrounding the club as many fans can see the legacy that he is trying to build. The club has been prepared to invest money securing Kristian Dennis, Tom Crawford and Dutch playmaker Enzo Boldewijn. This kind of financial commitment underlines Notts ambitions of gaining promotion this season. Notts have also lost a number of players but have managed to keep the core group together and by doing so they will be able to learn from last season’s disappointment of just missing out on promotion and come back stronger as a result.
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