Notts County: Recruitment Plan @tomhwilliams23
Introduction and Overview Firstly, if you have taken the time to read this I just want to say a big thank you. What started as a bit of fun has become quite a stressful project, bound by time limitations and the pressure of releasing before any more announcements are made by the club. I’d also like to point out I am very new to data analytics, and much of my work is inspired by many others (too many to list here). From my feed and re tweets, I hope you are able to see where much of my inspiration has come from. What I have compiled over the following pages is a recruitment plan; I have analysed the current playing squad, identified the areas in which I believe it can be strengthened, and then suggested potential signings on this basis. These are just suggestions, and I am in now way affiliated with the club.
@tomhwilliams23
Analysing the current squad: depth and first xi First, I started by analysing the current squad depth (as seen to the right). Those in italics are yer to sign terms with the club. Here it became evident that there is a severe lack of depth in central defence, and a lack of first team quality in goal, left wing back, central midfield and centre forward. As shown from the XI to the right, there is a need for a Goalkeeper, Central Centre Back, Left Wing Back and a Central Midfielder; I have drawn up a shortlist for each over the following pages.
Cameron
LWB
LCB
Palmer
LW
Rodrigues
LCM
GK
CF
CB RCM
RCB
Brindley
Adebayo-Rowling RWB
Langstaff Roberts RW
The Owner’s Model Since arriving at Meadow Lane, the Danish Reedtz brothers have employed a strict transfer model, identifying most of their targets through their own system, Football Radar. I have tried to bare this in mind and have therefore considered the following factors when making my decisions: ● ● ● ●
Age Resale value Cost Wages
All of the above are taken into consideration when making my decisions
The Reedtz Brothers (Owners of Notts County)
Notts’ recruitment so far, and what we can learn from it Both Tobi Adebayo-Rowling and Macaulay Langstaff share many characteristics, most of which I have used to help shape my analysis and recommendations. Both enjoyed brilliant seasons in the 6th tier (one in the North and South respectively), both are 25 years old (so should be entering their prime) and both have brilliant stats to back them up. . I have therefore tried to follow this pattern of recruitment, considering targets both in the same age range, but also from the division below. The signings of Langstaff and Adebayo-Rowling are also more important than just two excellent signings; they provide an indication on how the club is being run. At the time of writing, the club is still without a head coach; it would appear, as discussed in the owner’s model section, the Reedtz brothers have a very strong influence over transfer dealings. We are also able to glean how we might set up next season; with wing backs. I have taken all of this into consideration when making my choices over the following pages.
Adebayo-Rowling topped the charts for accurate passes into the final third, with 81.82% of these passes being successful, whilst his crossing stats (3.47 per 90 with a 34.29% accuracy) are also very impressive.
Langstaff recorded 4.41 shots per 90 with an impressive 46.01% on target. He also completed a tidy 63.53% of his 1v1 dribbles, making him both a great finisher and dribbler.
Why Ed Francis may be the solution to Notts CB issue Whilst all Notts fans, including myself, have been clamouring for a new centre half, what if the answer to our issue (nobody who really fits the role of middle centre back in the back 3) is right in front of us? What if zed Francis, who was the subject of much criticism last season, is the man to slot perfectly into our defence? From a simple spectators point of view, it makes sense; at times, Francis appeared almost quite pedestrian in the midfield, lacking any real gusto or pace about his play. If he were to drop back into the defence, he would both have more time on the ball, but also not have the responsibility of running a 2 man midfield. Francis also has experience in this role; when he signed for the club, much was made of his versatility. Perhaps most importantly though, is his suitability through play style; Notts need a player comfortable on the ball, one who can step out of defence and distribute well. Much can be said about zed Francis, but his range of passing cannot be doubted; he’d be an almost perfect fit in my eyes, something akin to Eric Dier making the switch at a higher level.. The stats also serve as good supporting evidence for this suggestion. Aerially Francis is decent; he won 58.82% of aerial duels, a figure likely to improve if he was withdrawn. He also blocks 0.41 shots per 90, another solid defensive stat. He wins 61.74% of defensive duels, underlining his overall defensive game. It’s the passing where he most fits the role though; 10.81 progressive passes per 90 highlights his ability to distribute from deep, and a 79.9% accuracy in doing so highlights how good he is at this deep distribution. I believe the stats show we may have an excellent CB option already.
What do we need in a central defender?
Kyle Cameron
As shown earlier in the plan, the board are clearly planning on continuing with the 3 central defender system which brought varying degrees of success last season. As both the left and right sided centre backs are covered, it becomes clear that a defender to play in the centre of the back 3 is needed.
Whilst Connell Rawlinson is a very competent defender, I am of the belief that a defender with a bit more finesse is needed. Should we not choose to operate Ed Francis (covered earlier in the recruitment plan), we will need a confident ball carrier, preferably one with experience of a back 3. Another strength I believe is necessary for the role is aerial proficiency; Notts struggled greatly to deal with set pieces last season, and as such metrics such as success of aerial duels will also become an important consideration. Even if the new coach considers Rawlinson a starter, we are very short on central defenders; we must sign one.
Played: 28 Goals: 4 🟨: 6 🟥: 0
I think many Notts fans would agree that Cameron is the benchmark for central defenders at the club. .
Aerial Duels - 6.24 per 90 61.27% success rate Defensive Duels - 5.05 per 90 60% success rate Progressive Passes - 11.86 per 90 72.64% success rate From the stats, it’s clear Notts should be aiming for a defender who is both strong in the air, but also proficient in progressing the play with the ball at his feet. Cameron only played 28 times last season; we need a CB who can guarantee minutes.
First on the shortlist is Bromley’s 29 year old central defender Chris Bush.
Chris Bush
Age: 29 Club: Bromley FC Position: CB Nationality: English Preferred Foot: Left
Played: 41 Goals: 3 🟨: 4 🟥: 0
KEY STATS: 2nd in NL in Progressive Passes (581. Matty Palmer - 511) 1st in NL for Progressive Passes per 90 (14.13. Kyle Cameron - 11.86) Only 74.7% of these are accurate (not in top 100)
5th in Ball Progression (metre per minute) - the top 4 play for Notts or Stockport 67.37% successful aerial duels (Alex Lacey - 68%) Own box aerial duel success rate drops to 58.33% (Alex Lacey - 66.67%)
Strengths: ● Used to playing in a back 3 ● Extremely impressive progressive passing numbers (very close to Cameron’s) ● What the stats don’t show is Bush would add a bit of grit and guile we lacked at times Weaknesses: ● 29 years old; offers no real resale value ● May be expensive (Bromley aren’t likely to want to sell) ● Almost too similar to Kyle Cameron (best in that LCB role) Overall, Bush offers an intriguing option at centre back; he is experienced and has impressive underlying stats, but his age may count against him.
Geraldo Bajrami Age: 22 Club: Kidderminster Harriers Position: CB Nationality: Albanian Played: 36 Goals: 1 🟨: 5 🟥: 1 Preferred Foot: Right Height: 6ft2 Competed in 287 aerial duels KEY STATS: last term - won 59.23% (59th) Progressive Passes 21/22 - 350 Kyle Cameron - 61.27% (33rd in NL N/S) - 70% accuracy 4.13 ball progression (metres per minute) - 27th in NL N/S
This drops only slightly to 55.81% in his own area - fairly consistent across the pitch
Made 194 interceptions last year (44th in NL N/S) Kyle Cameron - 135
Plays at LCB in a back 4; not used to playing in a back 3 but may be suited to the central role
Next on the shortlist is a man Notts are highly linked with, Geraldo Bajrami
Strengths: ● His age means he represents good resale value ● Impressive progressive passing numbers ● Cheap; would only cost compensation ● Has room to improve Weaknesses: ● Unproven at this level ● Not particularly great in the air ● Not used to playing in a back 3 Overall, Bajrami is a very interesting proposition. He is young, comes with rave reviews from Kidderminster fans, and he fits the current trend of Notts signings; highly probable.
The third option at centre back is recently released Swindon Town captain, Dion Conroy
Dion Conroy Age: 26 Club: Unattached (Swindon Town) Position: CB Nationality: English Played: 37 Goals: 1 🟨: 6🟥: 1 Preferred Foot: Right Height: 6ft2
KEY STATS:
Involved in 4.98 aerial duels per Made 8.67 progressive passes 90 (Cameron - 6.24). Successful per 90 last season - Cameron in 61.27% (Cameron also 61.27%) recorded 11.86 per game 0.59 blocks per 90 - 53rd in L2 (Cameron - 0.36)
Of these, 76.06% were successful (Cameron -72.64%)
Made 4.81 interceptions per 90 (Cameron - 4.87)
Was captain of Swindon before his release - a proven leader
Strengths: ● Has a wealth of experience in the EFL ● Strong defensive numbers ● Proven leader (Notts lack this) ● Decent passing stats Weaknesses: ● May ask for big wages due to his reputation ● May attract interest from EFL clubs; therefore may be hard to attract to Meadow Lane Conroy would be an excellent choice, if we are able to tempt him to Meadow Lane. If we are being honest though, this would be a very difficult task.
What do we need in a ‘Sweeper’ keeper? The skill set required for a Notts keeper in the current system, and the skill set of current number 1 Sam Slocombe, really couldn’t be much different. Slocombe is a traditional English keeper, whilst the role of a Notts keeper needs to be progressive. Not only must their distribution be good, it is almost more important than the other aspects of their gamw. Having a keeper who can distribute changes the way in which the whole team sets up; we saw last season that the side played 5-10 yards higher up with Jaros in goal. Notts have also been terrible in defending set pieces; a keeper who is commanding, organised and aerially dominant should be a priority. This unique skill set is scare to find at this level; this is why Notts have turned to the loan market in recent times, with varying degrees of success. I have tried to reflect as such in my choices. .
Sam Slocombe
93.1% pass success (1st) 4.49 progressive passes per 90 (77.88%) 2.76 saves per 90 48.44% reflex save accuracy Leaves line 1.86 per 90 0.78 conceded per 90 From the stats above, and from watching him in person, it’s clear that Slocombe is anything but comfortable with the ball at his feet. He often plays it safe, hence his high pass completion rate but low progressive passing numbers. He is however, a competent shot stopper, and an overall ‘safe pair of hands’. Notts need to be more ambitious than this; it’s my belief that we need a good distributor, one whom can start the attacks. Hopefully, my choices have reflected as such
Frenchman Andre is a young, improving keeper, who impressed in his relatively short stint in the NL.
Alexis Andre Age: 25 Club: Dover Athletic Position: GK Nationality: French Preferred Foot: Right Height: 6ft2
KEY STATS:
1st in NL for Saves per 90 (5.4) Slocombe - 2.76 Also faced most shots per 90 (7.33). Slocombe - 3.54 Despite facing the most shots he only conceded 5th most per 90 (1.93) Jaros - 1.51
Played: 12 Conceded: 25 Reflex save % - 61.43% (8th in NL). Slocombe - 48.44% Conceded same amount as Jaros last season (25) First in NL for leaving his line (2.7) Patterson - 2.66 8.95 progressive passes per 90. Joe McDonnell - 9.85 Slocombe - 4.49
Strengths: ● Extremely strong shot stopping numbers ● Good long distribution numbers ● Low cost, as Dover relegated last season ● Age; fits the model Weaknesses: ● Played in a relegation side last season; may not be suited to Notts ● Distribution is quite basic Andre would be an intriguing option for Notts this summer. A keeper with a lot of upside, and clearly an excellent shot stopper, I do still have my reservations over whether he has the necessary quality for a title winning keeper.
Shaun MacDonald Age: 25 Club: Torquay United Position: GK Nationality: English Preferred Foot: Right Height: 6ft1
KEY STATS:
11ty in NL for Saves per 90 (3.1) Slocombe - 2.76 Faced 4 shots per 90 Slocombe - 3.54 Conceded 0.9 per 90 Slocombe - 0.78
Played: 37 Conceded: 37 CS: 14 Reflex save % - 61.29% (9th in NL). Slocombe - 48.44% 76.64% overall passing accuracy Dominant in his box; wins 92.59% of aerial duels (2nd in NL) 7.94 progressive passes per 90. Joe McDonnell - 9.85 Slocombe - 4.49
Torquay’s number 1 is available on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract this summer.
Strengths: ● Aerially dominant ● Strong distributor ● Free transfer (low cost) ● Age; fits the model Weaknesses: ● Wages may be costly MacDonald seems like a real no brainer; he already knows some of the squad, he is extremely good in the air, addressing Notts key needs, and is on a free transfer. In terms of permanent moves for keepers, MacDonald would be my first choice.
At first glance, Alfreton’s George Willis seemed to be a good option for Notts. However, after closer inspection, he proved not to be (please see my thread for more detail.)
George Willis Age: 26 Club: Alfreton Town Position: GK Nationality: English Preferred Foot: Right Height: 5ft11
Played: 42 Conceded: 57 CS: 10
KEY STATS:
3rd in NL N/S for Saves - 133 This equates to 3.09 saves per 90 (20th in NL N/S)
2nd in Progressuve Passes 485 total (11.25 per 90) Over double Slocombe (4.49)
Conceded 1.32 goals per 90 8 of these were penalties
1st in Progessive Passes accuracy - completes 91.96%
1st in leaving the line - 107 This equates to 2.48 per 90
His overall passing accuracy is 80.64%
Strengths: ● Local and wouldn’t cost much ● Strong distribution stats Weaknesses: ● Unproven at this level ● Watching clips showed me he was not suitable ● His height really counts against him Willis is not a keeper I will be recommending; not only are his stats deceiving, a goalkeeper of 5ft11 really isn’t appropriate for Notts’ needs.
Another keeper we could consider a move for, in the form of a loan, is Villa’s Marschall, who spent the latter half of last season on loan at Gateshead
Filip Marschall Age: 19 Club: Aston Villa Position: GK Nationality: English Preferred Foot: Right Height: 6ft4
KEY STATS:
Made 1.43 saves per 90 Slocombe - 2.76 0.88 goals conceded per 90 in NL North 7.81 Progressive Passes per 90 66.2% of these were accurate
Played: 19 Conceded: 20 CS: 6 Overall pass completion rate is 80.5% This shows he is comfortable on the ball, and his short distribution is particularly strong Title winning goalkeeper with Gateshead last year
Strengths: ● Winning experience (title win last season) ● Strong distributor ● Loan move; low cost and risk Weaknesses: ● Unproven at this level ● Very young; responsibility of being number 1 at Meadow Lane may be too much for him Marschall is a keeper with a lot of upside; should we make a loan move for him it could represent very shrewd business.
Another keeper we could consider a loan move for, Rushworth spent last season on loan at Walsall in League 2
Carl Rushworth Age: 20 Club: Brighton Position: GK Nationality: English Preferred Foot: Left Height: 6ft2
KEY STATS:
Made 2.57 saves per 90 Slocombe - 2.76 1.18 goals conceded per 90 in League 2 7.58 Progressive Passes per 90 78.53% of these were accurate
Played: 43 Conceded: 56 CS: 11 Overall pass completion rate is 82.12% Leaves his line 2.18 times per 90 60% reflex save accuracy Slocombe - 48.44%
Strengths: ● EFL experience (whole campaign behind him) ● Strong distributor ● Loan move; low cost and risk Weaknesses: ● Perhaps more likely to get a higher up EFL move next season; both the player and the club might see Notts as a step down If Notts were able to lure Rushworth to it would be somewhat of a coup; he would be a fantastic addition.
What do we need in a Target Man? Whilst it may seem hard for many Notts fans to come to terms with, it is extremely unlikely we will be able to find a like for like Wootton replacement. I am not naive enough to suggest he was an out and our target man, however these qualities are the ones which we now most glaringly lack; hence the need to replace them. I would suggest we need a forward who can hold the ball up, bring others into play, but also be dominant in the air. Too often last season we had no real ‘Plan B’; whilst I am not suggesting we change our system, having the option to be dangerous in the air would be useful. I have looked at aerial dominance (success rate in the air combined with amount of aerial duels) and also the finishing ability of the strikers too (they do need to score goals after all). I have also compared these to Wootton; to find such a striker is a very difficult task.
Kyle Wootton (and why he’s such a unique striker )
50.72% aerial duel success rate 2.16 shots per 90 43.56% of shots on target 19 goals 4 assists 0.39 key passes per 90 0.43 smart passes per 90 As the stats show, Wootton is more than the typical target man. He scores but also creates for his team mates, leading the line and linking play together. Notts won’t be able to find a like for like replacement straight away; I have chosen instead to focus on replacing his hood up play and height.
Swiss forward Omotayo is a forward who is no stranger to scoring at Meadow Lane.
Gold Omotayo Age: 28 Club: King’s Lynn Position: ST Nationality: Swiss Preferred Foot: Height: 6ft4
Played: 38 Goals: 10 Assists: 3
KEY STATS:
xg of 10.3 is very close to his return of 10 goals; promising 1st in NL for Aerial Duels, with 893; 2nd is M.Cheek with 606 Caught offside 10 times last season (Kyle Wootton - 17) Involved in 27.5% of KL’s goals
Won 47.7% of Aerial duels (426 total duels won). Wootton - 50.72% (176 total) Took 57 shots last season; means he scores every 5.7 shots (41st most in NL) 49.12% of his shots were on target last season (6th highest in NL). Kyle Wootton - 43.56%
Strengths: ● Aerially superb (statistically best in the division) ● Strong hold up play ● Impressive goal return for a relegated striker Weaknesses: ● Age; approaching 30 so doesn’t really fit the model ● Lacks some finesse in his ball playing ability ● KL likely to want to keep him, as he is a key man for them Omotayo would be a shrewd piece of business in my opinion. Knows the division well, has a decent return for a poor side. My opinion doesn’t seem to be the consensus however.
A strong striker, who is on a real hot streak of form right now, Notts could do worse than consider Dieseruvwe
Mani Dieseruvwe
Age: 27 Club: Unattached (Tranmere Rovers) Position: ST Nationality: English Preferred Foot: Right Played: 15 Goals: 7 Height: 6ft5
KEY STATS:
xg of 5.39 is below his return of 7 goals; might just be a purple patch
Won 52.56% of Aerial duels. Wootton - 50.72%
Scored a goal every 65 mins for Grimsby this season
Competed in 78 aerial duels; relatively small sample size
Scores goals in bunches scored in 5 separate games, 10 games he didn’t score in
42.85% of his goals came from the bench last season
Strengths: ● Aerially superb ● Ridiculous goal to minute ratio ● Available on a free Weaknesses: ● Age; approaching 30 so doesn’t really fit the model ● Likely to stay at Grimsby now they’ve been promoted ● Concerned this is a purple patch ● Impact better from the bench An unlikely deal due to Grimsby’s promotion, he would however be a good signing should he remain available. He knows where the back of the net is that’s for sure.
A forward who scored 17 for a relatively average side, Umerah would provide a physical striker
Josh Umerah Age: 25 Club: Wealdstone Position: ST Nationality: English Preferred Foot: Right Height: 6ft1
KEY STATS:
Played: 43 Goals: 17 Assists: 1
xg of 17.79 is very close to his actual return of 17; this is ideal
Won 25.1% of Aerial duels. Wootton - 50.72%
Takes 2.82 shots per 90 Tshimanga - 2.23
Completed 54.62% of 1v1 dribbles Wootton - 47.46%
Only 36.84% of these are on target Tshimanga - 60%
Scored 7 with his head and 0 penalties (Wootton - 4 head 2 pens)
Strengths: ● Age; fits the model well ● Very impressive goal return ● Impressive amount of headed goals Weaknesses: ● Aerial duels won is a concern ● Likely to cost a bit as he is Wealdstone’s star asset ● Only 6ft1 An alternative to the regular names mentioned, Umerah has had a very impressive campaign with Wealdstone. He’s one I wouldn’t rule out, especially due to his run of form at the back end of last season.
What do we need in a central midfielder ?
Matty Palmer
Whilst Notts have a wealth of central midfield options, there are few with real steel and guile; a player with an edge or a perceived nasty side. As such, Notts should be looking to add a midfielder who is both a capable athlete, so he is able to play effectively in a midfield 2, but also a midfielder with superb defensive stats. Notts could also look to add goals from midfield, another area in which they lacked last season. Any potential midfielder would have to be a good athletes; being able to get up and down the pitch in order to contribute goals. Most importantly, they need to be able to compliment midfield general Matty Palmer. Palmer is the first name on the team sheet, so it is essential that his midfield partner’s skills blend well with his own. As such, I will be using defensive duel success rate, passing accuracy, amount of smart or key passes made per 90 and interceptions, amongst other metrics, to determine suitable suggestions for the midfield role.
4356 minutes played 61.16 passes per 90 88.68% pass accuracy 66.54% defensive duel success rate 2960 passes (1st in NL) Palmer made the most passes of any player last season in the National League, and is about as well rounded as any player can get. This is reinforced by his stats, showing no real weak areas, and that he in fact excels in many. Perhaps the only area improvement could be slightly made is interceptions; Palmer can’t carry a midfield on his own, and with a midfield partner capable of doing the dirty work, Palmer could flourish even further.
Elijah Dixon-Bonner Age: 21 Club: Unattached (Liverpool) Position: CM Nationality: English Preferred Foot: Right Height: 6ft
KEY STATS:
Showed he is a goalscoring midfielder by scoring 3 in 11 in PL2 this season Also scored in 50% of his EFL Trophy games (1 goal in 2) Whilst hasn’t played senior football the EFL Trophy has given him experience at this level
Played: 2 Goals: 0 🟨: 0🟥: 0
Can play through the middle but can also fill in at RWB Last season he didn’t score at youth level; he has improved greatly this year Was on the bench against AC Milan this season; great pedigree
A young prospect, who is an excellent athlete, Dixon-Bonner would be a fantastic addition
Strengths: ● Physically superb ● Age; has a lot of upside ● Available on a free ● Capable of scoring with both feet Weaknesses: ● Lacks first team experience ● Likely to want an EFL move ● Wages could be costly Would be somewhat of a coup if Notts were able to pull this one off. An attacking minded midfielder who would slot right into the midfield, I fear he will get an EFL move instead.
Gateshead midfielder Olley is a super creator, as outlined by the stats; he also knows other new signing Langstaff well
Greg Olley Age: 26 Club: Gateshead Position: CM Nationality: English Preferred Foot: Right Height: 5ft10
KEY STATS:
Made 1.11 key passes per 90 Cal Roberts - 0.91 2.16 smart passes per 90 (50% accuracy) Ruben Rodrigues - 1.31 Wins 57.63% of his defensive duels Palmer - 66.54%
Played: 39 Goals: 6 Assists: 20 🟨: 8 🟥: 0 Successful in only 25% of his aerial duels Palmer - 43.1% Made 20 assists last season; highest in NL was 11 Palmer - 8 Won the league with Gateshead last season
Strengths: ● Incredible creator and provider of chances ● Age; in his prime and fits the model ● Could help vil the void should Ruben leave Weaknesses: ● Not as defensively solid as we need ● Gateshead unlikely to want to part with another key asset An excellent player, who I would love to see at Meadow Lane. A must buy if Ruben moves on, if he doesn’t I would prioritise strengthening in other areas
Notts could repeat a move they made last year; a loan signing from Sheffield United who has had a previous loan at Southend United
Harrison Neal Age: 21 Club: Sheffield United Position: CM Nationality: English Preferred Foot: Right Height: 5ft10
KEY STATS:
Played: 22 Goals: 0 Assists: 0 7🟥: 0
48.25 passes per game (75.19% accuracy) Palmer - 61.16 per 90 (88.68%)
Successful in 47.17% of his aerial duels Palmer - 43.1%
0.37 shots blocked per 90 Palmer - 0.27
6.83 interceptions per 90 (8th in NL) Palmer - 3.62
Wins 57.45% of his defensive duels (8.79 per 90) Palmer - 66.54%
7 yellow cards - he adds much needed grit to the midfield
Strengths: ● Defensively dominant; would sure up our midfield 🟨:● Decent with the ball; would likely improve alongside Palmer ● Loan move represents low risk Weaknesses: ● Chance Notts aren’t learning from their mistakes (repeating the Brunt move) ● Might be ready for an EFL loan This could be an ideal signing for Notts, providing much needed steel in the middle of the park. The loan allows flexibility, whilst he has the youth and mobility to play in a midfield 2.
What do we need in a LWB? An attacking minded full back, who is used to, or at least
Adam Chicksen Joel Taylor
Chicksen is yet to sign a new deal
suited to, playing in a 5 back/wing back system. Our wing backs provide a lot of width and attacking support; they need to be competent in attack. Too often last season though, Notts were accused of having a soft underbelly; there is no use having a wing back therefore who cannot defend. As such, a player with a mixed skill set, who is athletic enough to get up and down the flank is required. Over the next few slides I have identified several targets; as always, the model is to target players who are young enough to present potential future resale value. In order to reflect the mix of qualities needed, I have looked at stats such as crosses per 90, the success rate of these crosses, and also how progressive they are in possession. On the defensive hand, I have taken into consideration their aerial duel success rate (as often Notts’ wingbacks are the target of aerial bombardment) and also success rate of their defensive duels.
Progressive runs 2.94 per 90 2.88 ball progression (metre per minute) 4.55 crosses per 90 (37.5%) 53.98% defensive duel success rate 3.87 interceptions per 90
Joel Taylor’s attacking stats are actually very impressive. Whilst his defensive game isn’t the strongest, in a 5 back system I would be keen to see Taylor get another chance
Progressive runs 2.41 per 90 3.67 ball progression (metre per minute) 1.79 crosses per 90 (44.83%) 58.12% defensive duels success ra 3.43 interceptions per 90
As shown from the stats, Chicksen is a more traditional full back; competent in defence but not adventurous enough in attack
A return to Meadow Lane would prove divisive for Calvin Miller; however he remains a good option at LWB
Calvin Miller
Age: 24 Club: Chesterfield Position: LWB Nationality: Scottish Played: 34 Goals: 1 Assists: 1 Preferred Foot: Left 🟨:5 🟥:1 Height: 6ft
KEY STATS: Makes 4.93 crosses per 90 Joel Taylor - 4.55
54.95% defensive duel success rate
29.14% successful crosses DKE - 20%
Makes a meagre 0.03 blocks per 90
6.11 1v1 dribbles attempted per 90 (28th highest in NL) However only 54.55% successful
Plays an impressive 0.42 key passes per 90 5.06 progressive passes per 90 (69.03% success rate)
Strengths: ● Transfer listed (therefore cheap) ● Knows the club well ● Attacking output is fantastic Weaknesses: ● Fans haven’t forgiven him after his move to Chesterfield ● Defensively suspect ● Isn’t really an upgrade on what we have already (Joel Taylor) An unlikely deal due to his history with the club, the fact remains that Miller is still one of the best available options at LWB.
A surprise when he was released by Chesterfield, Alex Whittle could fill a void at left back; his is defensively sound
Alex Whittle
Age: 29 Club: Unattached (Chesterfield) Position: LWB Nationality: English Played: 35 Goals: 4 Assists: 2 Preferred Foot: Left 🟨:5 🟥:0 Height: 5ft8
KEY STATS: Makes 2.48 crosses per 90 Joel Taylor - 4.55
70.92% defensive duel success rate; very solid
30.86% successful crosses DKE - 20%
Makes 3.21 interceptions per 90
71.21% success rate for 1v1 dribbles attempted per 90 (3rd highest in NL)
Plays an average 0.28 key passes per 90 6.73 progressive passes per 90 (73.18% success rate)
Strengths: ● Defensively strong ● Strong in dribbling as stats show ● Local and available on a free Weaknesses: ● Age; nearly 30 so really wouldn’t fit the model ● Not as attacking as is required (as underlined by his crossing stats) Probably one we will avoid due to his age, if Chicksen was to leave he would be a good choice, however his attacking numbers let him down somewhat
A player who hasn’t enjoyed regular minutes for sometime, Meadow Lane could prove the ideal home to re build Mason’s career
Brandon Mason
Age: 24 Club: Unattached (MK Dons) Position: LWB Nationality: English Played: 0 Goals: 0 Assists: 0 Preferred Foot: Left 🟨:0 🟥:0 Height: 5ft8
KEY STATS: Hasn’t played regular first team football since 19/20 (even then only made 11 appearances) 3.49 crosses per 90 in 18/19 (28.74% accurate) James Justin for Luton in same season - 2.57 per 90 (24.75%)
Fits the model well though; only 24, and has experience at a higher level 3.98 ball progression (metre per minute) 15th highest in L1 that season James Justin - 3
Strengths: ● Age; fits the model well ● Available on a free ● Wealth of experience in the EFL in his already young career Weaknesses: ● Hasn’t played regularly for some time ● May require a full pre season to even be anywhere near being fit If Notts are able to get Mason fit his signing should be a no brainer; 24 so room to improve, and he already has great experience. On a free, he could be a real coup
One of the stand out players at this level, Spaniard Mendy could be an unbelievable acquisition for Notts
Jacob Mendy Age: 25 Club: Boreham Wood Position: LWB Nationality: Spanish Preferred Foot: Left Height: 6ft
KEY STATS:
Played: 42 Goals: 2 Assists: 6 🟨:2 🟥:0
Makes 4.15 crosses per 90 Joel Taylor - 4.55
65.56% defensive duel success rate
23.71% successful crosses DKE - 20%
4.56 interceptions per 90 DKE - 4.82
xA 4.54 v actual assists of 6
12th most aerial duels in NL Only won 34.86% (DKE - 45%)
0.75 crosses into 6 yard box per 90 (18th in NL)
6th most minutes recorded in NL (4293 minutes)
Strengths: ● Stats show how superb he is ● Constantly available; super fit ● Used to playing in a wing back system Weaknesses: ● Could be expensive (Boreham Wood unlikely to want to sell) ● May want an EFL move If budget is not an issue, Notts will struggle to find a better suited player than Jacob Mendy. Physically robust and defensively sound, he would be my first choice if I was on charge
Jerome Binnom-Williams Age: 27 Club: Maidstone United Position: LWB Nationality: English Preferred Foot: Left Height: 6ft2
KEY STATS: Part of NL South team of the season 35% successful crosses DKE - 20% Won 73.33% of aerial duels (4.59 per 90). DKE - 45%
Played: 30 Goals: 4 Assists: 2 🟨:6 🟥:0 68.26% defensive duel success rate 5 interceptions per 90 DKE - 4.82 9.04 progressive passes per 90 (75.56% success rate); this is very promising
The stand out left back from the 6th tier, Binnom-Williams would fit the current trend of Notts signings.
Strengths: ● Performed very well last season (made it into Team of the Season) ● Tall and aerially strong so adds to Notts’ vulnerable area ● Physically robust Weaknesses: ● Was poor when he played for Chesterfield ● Maidstone unlikely to want to sell; he is a key player there Would be a good choice in my opinion, as adds height and strength to a side which lacks it.
Other players considered Joe McDonnell - GK - Eastleigh Nicholas Bilakopic - GK - Huddersfield Town Farrend Rawson- CB - Unattached Joe Lewis - CB - Torquay United Sam Graham - CB - Rochdale Joe Newton - LWB - Havant & Waterlooville George Harmon - LWB - Oxford City Cameron Fogarty - CM - Hyde United Alex Reid - ST - Stockport Kwame Thomas - ST - Unattached
How I’d like us to line up next season Considering all of the players listed, this is how I would like us to line up next season and my transfer recommendations. Both the goalkeeper and central defender seem like fairly straightforward decisions. Shaun MacDonald is available on a free, and his experience at this level, as well as the age profile, mean he is a perfect fit. In a similar vein, 22 year old Bajrami has plenty of upside, and his ball playing ability means he slots in perfectly at the back Left wing back perhaps served the toughest decision, with it ultimately coming down to Brandon Mason and Jacob Mendy. My choice is solely dependant on budgetary restrictions. If money was not an issue, I would recommend Notts sign the outstanding Mendy. However, with the way in which the club operates, Mason would be a more suitable acquisition. Midfield is a fairly typical Notts midfield signing; a loan move. This time though, I’m confident Notts are would be picking the right player, with Neal’s outstanding defensive stats giving me great confidence.
How I’d like us to line up next season If Ruben stays:
If Ruben is to leave next season, Notts should move to sign Gateshead midfielder Olley. His passing stats are superb, and his ability to pass through the lines is better than anything Notts have at the moment. He would be a suitable replacement. Finally the striker; when I constructed the starting 11 I’d like to see next season, I realised that if Ruben was to leave, I’d probably play Nemane as next best option. This meant that whatever forward was signed, they would have to be happy with being a bit part player. With that in mind, my choice would be Gold Omotayo, however I am aware that might not be a popular one.
Mason
Bajrami MacDonald
Neal
If Ruben leaves: Mendy Nemane Bajrami MacDonald
Olley
Conclusion
Firstly, a massive thank you if you have read this far. I’m aware this isn’t the best or most detailed recruitment plan, but this really has been a great source of stress over the past few days. Notts, unlike other clubs, have started their transfer business very early, even without a coach, and therefore the pressure to get this released increased greatly. A massive thank you to all the comments on Twitter, they really are appreciated. Notts have a very exciting summer ahead, with lots of potential signings (and also some potential sales too). If any of the players I’ve mentioned here do sign I will be extremely excited; most importantly we must get behind whoever signs for this massive club.