Notts County Recruitment Plan 23/24 Pt1

Notts County Recruitment Document 23/24

Firstly, thank you for taking the time for even loading up the document! It’s going to be a long read, and I appreciate many of you may just skim read it, but whatever your level of interest, thank you for reading.

Over the next 50+ pages I take a deep dive into who I believe we should look at. I don’t have any inside information; these are all just choices based on my own data selections, so are pure speculation.

I have tried to be as realistic as possible; I’ve tried to keep it in line with our current recruitment approach and haven’t selected players I believe are too ambitious for us to recruit.

I’ve also worked on the assumption that we will stick with the current system; again I don’t have any inside info on this, but I’d rather not guess what system we will use.

INTRODUCTION

At the time of writing, we have just announced the signing of David McGoldrick. On the next page we will see the current squad depth after that signing.

The roles of new recruits Jodi Jones and Will Randall also remain unclear.

Of course, Jodi was used as a wing back last season, but speculation that he may move into attacking midfield persists.

Similarly, Randall has been used as a left winger for almost his whole career, so I’m unsure where he will fit into the current side. I’ve assumed he will be used as a left sided attacking midfielder, but that is exactly that; an assumption. So that’s just something to bare in mind as you read.

Now the formalities are out of the way; hope you enjoy reading!

Slocombe Brooks

Areas we need to strengthen in

Looking at the players who are under contract, I would suggest the following areas we need to strengthen in

Senior Goalkeeper

Left Centre Back (Dependant on Cameron renewing)

Right Centre Back

Left Wing Back

Right Wing Back (Dependant on Nemane renewing)

Central Midfield x2

Attacking Midfielder (Dependant on Ruben renewing)

Over the following pages I will suggest several options for each position.

THE NEW SIGNINGS

Notts have already been active in the transfer market, adding Jodi Jones on a permanent deal, as well as completely new additions Will Randall and the returning David McGoldrick. Where they will fit in the current system is of course unclear, but I have suggested that all 3 will be deployed in the Attacking Midfield roles for the purposes of this document.

To the right are the stats radars for the 2 newest recruits, and as you can see, they are extremely impressive. Both already look like they will be good additions, and have of course caused great excitement within the fan base.

McGoldrick: Randall

Please bare in mind when reading this, it is difficult to assemble such a document with so many moving parts; even the contract situations at the club haven't been resolved.

On the next page we begin to look at players that I believe we should look at bringing in.

GOALKEEPER

This season we have operated with a back 3, and as covered I am building this plan based on us continuing to do so. As such, we will need at least one extra central defender to deal with the step up in division. We have also seen our high line get exposed at times. I don't expect us to change that, so more pace in the backline is needed. We also know that if Cameron renews that him and Baldwin will be nailed on. Therefore, a starting RCB will be the priority.

Requirements:

Age Profile: 25-35

First Teamer

EFL Experience

Ranks Highly for Passing Metrics

Ranks Highly for Shot Stopping Metrics

Comfortable with Short Distribution

Priority: High

James Belshaw

22/23:

Appearances: 38

Clean Sheets: 8

Age: 32

Height: 6'3"

Bound to be popular due to his Notts links, Belshaw would he right near the top of my shopping list. Belshaw is a League Two Promotion winner and I also believe he would be keen on the move.

Belshaw lost his shirt to younger keeper Balcombe this season, but showed good resilience to win it back. He managed 38 games in League One, showing his ability. He’s probably too good for League Two, so bringing him in would be something of a coup.

His stats are strong too, not only in the shot stopping department, but distribution too. The stats suggest he’d be comfortable playing out from the back, suiting our style.

Joe Wollacott

@tomhwilliams23

22/23:

Appearances: 16

Clean Sheets: 4

Age: 26

Height: 6'3"

I believe we will look at loan keepers for our new Number 1, and Charlton second choice Wollacott could be an excellent option. The Ghana international is one of the best in League One, especially with the ball, and has the required experience too.

Wollacott is a keeper Luke Williams will have worked with during his time at Bristol City, so the existing links are there. He’s a commanding keeper too, but it’s his ability with the ball at his feet which draws me too him as a strong option.

The only issue is that Charlton may want to keep Wollacott as a back up, but it’s a deal we should certainly look into.

Ellery Balcombe

@tomhwilliams23

22/23:

Appearances: 10

Clean Sheets: 3

Age: 23

Height: 6'3"

We’ve actually already mentioned Balcombe in this document; he’s the man that took the Number 1 spot from Belshaw at Bristol Rovers. That loan didn’t work out in the end, but his ability is clear for all to see.

What I like about Balcombe is that he has a certain ‘swag’ about his game, something which not only gives him confidence in his keeping, but in his possession play too. He’s calm on the ball, can distribute well, all due to his technical background.

Balcombe also has enough senior experience to be considered here. A loan from Brentford would be a good deal; it’s low risk for both

Lewis Thomas

22/23:

Appearances: 5

Clean Sheets: 0

Age: 25

Height: 6'3"

One keeper who is available on a free, following his release from Forest Green, is Welsh stopper Thomas. As the stats suggest, Thomas is an accurate distributor, and one who has a strong age profile too.

Thomas has the required EFL experience for the role too, and he has the added bonus of being a League 2 winner too. While he’s not had too much game time this season, in League 2 he fared considerably better; he’s comfortable at the level. however, I do appreciate this might not be the most inspiring of signings. He’s a decent keeper, but as the stats show, he’s conceded a lot recently. Confidence may be low, something we can’t afford.

Ben Garratt

22/23:

Appearances: 21

Clean Sheets: 3

Age: 29

Height: 6'2"

Locally based keeper Garratt has a wealth of experience, both with Burton and Crewe, so he certainly ticks that box. He’s played 89 games in League 1 in the past 3 seasons, so he’s certainly comfortable with the required level.

He’s a commanding keeper too, something we will need in League 2 next season. He controls the box well, comes for crosses, and isn’t dominated.

My main concern is his ability on the ball. His distribution stats are disappointing, a big element of what we are looking for in a keeper. He is available on a free though.

Toby Savin 15

22/23:

Appearances: 22

Clean Sheets: 2

Age: 23

Height: 6'4"

12 months ago Savin was considered one of the better goalkeeper prospects in the EFL. It’s been a poor season for the young stopper, but nevertheless there is a really good keeper in there.

Savin is slightly on the younger side for what we were looking for. However, he does have vast amounts of experience despite his young age. He’s already played 86 EFL games, a huge number, more than many keepers on this list.

Savin, as the stats suggest, is also one of the most commanding keepers on the list. He protects his box immensely well. The only real question mark is over distribution; it’s an unknown quantity.

Alex Cairns

22/23:

Appearances: 23

Clean Sheets: 3

Age: 30

Height: 6'0"

At this level you’ll struggle to find a stopper as dependable as Cairns. He’s been a regular at League One level since 2017, but made the drop into League Two this season, suggesting that he may do the same this summer.

Vastly experienced, as was required, Cairns played a big role in Salford reaching the playoffs. He has the winning experience we need to add to the squad, so even goalkeeping ability aside he’d be a shrewd addition.

The stats also present a keeper who is comfortable with short distribution. Coupled with the fact he’s free, he’s a very good option.

Jonathan Mitchell 17

22/23:

Appearances: 42

Clean Sheets: 8

Age: 28

Height: 5'11"

I’ll be honest; based on his season with Doncaster, Mitchell was nowhere near my thoughts when I initially drafted the document. However, his statistical profile was so impressive that he could not be ignored, and when coupled with other factors he suddenly became a very viable option..

Firstly, he’s experienced. He’s played more EFL games than most on this list, and he’s also a very strong age profile at 28. He’s also available on a free transfer, so is attainable. He’s also been based with Derby before, so in terms of geography it works well too.

His stats show his command of area and distribution as key strengths.

Kieran O'Hara

22/23:

Appearances: 27

Clean Sheets: 5

Age: 27

Height: 6'3"

Irish keeper O’Hara is another who might not have been in consideration before I saw his stats. Still, he’s had a solid season with Colchester, and is another keeper who has plenty of EFL experience despite being 27. He’s also played locally before too, with Burton, so geography once again is strong.

The stats present a keeper who is a particularly strong shot stopper. We’re likely to face more shots than last year, so his experience and shot stopping ability could prove crucial.

He has good pedigree too, which makes me believe he will suit our style.

Zach Hemming

@tomhwilliams23

22/23:

Appearances: 10

Clean Sheets: 2

Age: 23

Height: 6'2"

A slightly rogue choice considering Hemming hasn’t played much football in England. He has however played almost 50 games in the top 2 flights of Scottish football, so he does have valuable experience. His stats present a well rounded keeper, which makes me believe he will be able to be moulded to suit our style. I also think he may be available; with Sol Brynn at the club, Hemming will be some way down the pecking order. Brynn also had a strong League Two loan, so Boro may see this as a move that follows suit.

A loan move is low risk for us too; if he doesn’t cut it we can always send him back.

Alex Bass

21/22:

Appearances: 23

Clean Sheets: 8

Age: 25

Height: 6'3"

Another loan option is actually a keeper who didn’t make a single league appearance in 22/23. In fairness to Bass, he was behind former Notts keeper Patterson this season, so not only is his lack of game time understandable, but hopefully Patto could put in a good word too.

I believe Sunderland will be looking to loan their back up keeper out in order to get him up to speed, and while the finances on the deal may make it unattainable, we certainly would be an ideal destination.

Bass’ stats are a sight to behold. He dominates in most areas, showing why he made it onto this list despite not playing of late. He has the

Joel Coleman

21/22:

Appearances: 19

Clean Sheets: 5

Age: 27

Height: 6'6"

Ipswich Town back up Coleman is available on a free following his release, a keeper with a wealth of EFL experience. As the stats suggest, he's a keeper who is comfortable with distribution, one who would suit our style of play.

At 27 he is also a good age profile, and coupled with the fact he is available on a free transfer he may be worth a risk.

However, he hasn't played first team football for some time, so in many ways would be a risky choice.

Nathan Bishop

21/22

Appearances: 46

Clean Sheets: 14

Age: 23

Height: 6'1"

Straight away this one seems like a both ambitious and unrealistic option. While the 23 year old keeper hasn’t played senior football of late, he is still in ridiculously high demand. He’s the perfect age profile, is available on a free and comes from a top academy. It would therefore be a surprise to see him drop back into League Two.

Bishop played all 46 league games the season before during a loan spell with rivals Mansfield. He’s played over 30 games in League One too, just going to show he has the required experience.

Admittedly, his stats profile isn’t the most interesting. However, it’s worth noting he was key in delivering a top 7 finish, which we want.

CENTRE BACK

This season we have operated with a back 3, and as covered I am building this plan based on us continuing to do so. As such, we will need at least one extra central defender to deal with the step up in division. We have also seen our high line get exposed at times. I don't expect us to change that, so more pace in the backline is needed. We also know that if Cameron renews that him and Baldwin will be nailed on. Therefore, a starting RCB will be the priority.

Requirements:

Age Profile: 23-28

First Teamer

Naturally Right Sided

Comfortable in a Back 3

Ranks Highly for Passing Metrics

Progressive Ball Carrier

Good Level of Pace

Priority:

Tyler Cordner

22/23:

Appearances: 45

Goals: 8

Assists: 1

Age: 24

Height: 6'4"

A man who, for me, has been the best defender in the league this season. Cordner has excelled, despite playing in an Aldershot side who really struggled at times. Defenders often impress when in sides that are on the back foot, but Cordner was impressive in possession too, something which indicates to me that he could be a good fit.

He's an excellent age profile, and recently signed a new deal with a release clause. While I don't know the figure, I can't imagine it would be a fee we couldn't pay.

He's played to the right of the back 3 before, but I also think he has the attributes to play in the centre. An excellent option in my opinion.

Jesse Debrah

22/23:

Appearances: 33

Goals: 2

Assists: 2

Age: 22

Height: 6'3"

We identified the need for a quicker centre back who is still comfortable on the ball, and Debrah fits that description perfectly. A physically imposing defender, Debrah often uses his physical advantages to carry the ball out from the back.

Despite his age, Debrah is already vastly experienced. He's been part of a Halifax side which has had a stern defensive record for 2 seasons now, and he also played in a side, especially last season, that liked to play out from the back.

He would be one of my top targets. He has immense potential, and in a side like ours I believe he would only continue to grow.

Nico Lawrence

22/23:

Appearances: 20

Goals: 0

Age: 19

Height: 6'2"

Youngster Lawrence really impressed me during his loan spell with Torquay. Despite the fact they went down, Lawrence looked assured and mature beyond his years, a large reason for their up turn in form.

While Southampton have been relegated, I do believe another loan will be on the cards. I said we needed a centre back who was better physically, and Lawrence certainly fits that description.

Looking at the stats, he is an excellent 1v1 defender. His possession stats do not look as impressive, however this is in large part thanks to the style Tprquay play. He will be comfortable on the ball due to his academy pedigree.

Christian Maghoma

22/23:

Appearances: 28

Goals:9

Assists: 2

Age: 21

Height: 5'9"

Out of contract at Eastleigh, Maghoma is an option which I feel has flown under the radar. Firstly, he's a player who is capable playing both in defence and in midfield. Similar to Bajrami, this means he's comfortable on the ball, something which is essential for our side.

He's also a physical specimen, something we identified as necessary in our brief, so again he ticks another box there too. He's a good age profile and has some valuable experience both in England and Poland.

His stats don't show a particularly progressive player. I do feel though that this is in part due to where he has been used at Eastleigh. I feel he has good attributes for us to consider.

Shaun Hobson

22/23:

Appearances: 28

Goals:9

Assists: 2

Age: 21

Height: 5'9"

Linked with League Two Champions Leyton Orient back in January, Hobson has emerged as an excellent option for our pursuit of a right sided CB.

Firstly, Hobson not only has experience playing in a back 3, but he played to the right of that 3 for Southend for the entirety of the 22/23 season. He's athletic, quick, and therefore fits that part of the description too.

Not only this, but looking at the stats, he looks the best fit yet. His radar is very similar to that of Cameron. He'd give us a very similar dimension on the right hand side, which would be extremely useful.

CENTRE BACK

The contract situation surrounding captain Kyle Cameron continues to remain unresolved.

While I do believe that the skipper will renew his contract, I believe it is only right that a contingency plan is put in place on case he doesn't sign.

As such, I have targeted a list of potential replacements who are not only solid defenders, but progressive on the ball like the skipper is. They'll need to be able to maraud forwards down the left and provide attacking support down that flank.

Requirements:

Age Profile: 23-28

First Teamer

Naturally Left Sided

Comfortable in a Back 3

Ranks Highly for Passing Metrics

Progressive Ball Carrier

Good Level of Pace

Priority: Low

Corey Panter

22/23:

Appearances: 28

Goals:9

Assists: 2

Age: 21

Height: 5'9"

Initially brought to my attention by Colin Sisson, Panter is an excellent, rogressive central defender. Also capable of playing at left back, Panter has wonderful technique, highlighted by his set piece delivery.

Comofrtable in possession, Panter's graph highlights the promise he could show as a wide centre back in our system. You'd imagine his radar would only expand playing in such a dominant side.

The only downside to Panter is that he is natrually left sided, as well as being left footed too. This makes him an awkward fit at RCB, the position we have targeted. For me, he would be natural replacement

Ollie Kensdale

22/23:

Appearances: 28

Goals:9

Assists: 2

Age: 21

Height: 5'9"

Another Southend CB, Kensdale is another CB that perhaps suffers from being naturally left sided. Still, I wanted to include him here, not only because of his ability, but his age profile too.

Kensdale is comfortable in possession, and again has experience playing in a back 3, a very valuable quality. Watching him at Meadow Lane, I would perhaps suggest he was the strongest of Southend's defenders, a huge compliment considering the strength of personnel.

As the stats show, Kensdale is comofrtable on the ball. He ranks highly for passes and progressive runs, once again showing that he would be a good fit in the wide centre back role, albeit more suited to

Ethan Pye

22/23:

Appearances: 38

Goals: 1

Age: 20

Height: 6'0"

Stockport's Ethan Pye had an excellent loan spell with Gateshead this season, playing in a side who favour possession based football like us. He's comfortable on the ball, is versatile not only in position, but also in the systems he can play in too.

As the stats show, Pye is a player who makes a high number of passes He also ranks very highly for defensive actions, partly due to the fact that he played in a side who were often on the back foot.

At 20 he is slightly on the younger side, but he has enough first team experience to step into the role. He also has large amounts of potential.

Chris Hussey

22/23:

Appearances: 30

Goals: 2

Assists: 6

Age: 34

Height: 5'11"

Another Stockport option is vastly experienced central defender Hussey. He's on the other end of the age spectrum, in that he's perhaps too old for the role, but he is one of the best statistical fits; you can see why Stockport have targeted Cameron has his replacement.

His ability is clear to see; the stats speak for themselves. But his age concerns me. I've also heard rumours that he wants to drop to part time football, so again, I'm not sure how realistic the move is.

On a short term deal though we wouldn't find many better replacements for the skipper, both on and off the pitch.

Ryan Johnson

22/23:

Appearances: 27

Goals: 0

Assists: 2

Age: 26

Height: 6'2"

A third, and final Stockport option (I promise) is Ryan Johnson. A cult hero for Stockport, Johnson has struggled for game time after the step up to League 2, but I believe his ability is there.

An extremely progressive passer, Johnson is still in his prime at 26. He's also available on a free following his release from Stockport, so would represent a shrewd option financially.

My only concern is that he doesn't have a great deal of EFL experience despite his age. He's also not as progressive of a ball carrier as Cameron.

Edon Pruti

22/23:

Appearances: 21

Goals: 0

Assists: 0

Age: 21

Height: 6'3"

Somewhat of a wildcard, Pruti only signed for Hartlepool in January, and while he was relegated with them I still feel he is an intriguing option. His stats radar jumps out straight away; he's a progressive central defender, one who I feel would flourish in a back 3/

He's also just 21. While this is younger than what we were aiming for, it does give us room to grow the layer. He has strong pedigree from his time with Brentford, which explains his comfort on the ball.

He is still under contract, so would require a fee, which is perhaps the main downside to this option.

Nando Pijnaker

2023:

Appearances: 17

Goals: 0

Assists: 0

Age: 24

Height: 6'3"

I'm going to be honest; this suggestion may be woefully off. Not because Pijnaker isn't a good player, actually quite the opposite; he's excellent. However, I'm just not sure what level he translates to in the English pyramid. He's a regular in the League of Ireland, where his stats present an extremely progressive, well rounded defender. He's also played in Portugal, so it's hard to say if this is too ambitious.

If it isn't, he'd be a top choice. He's the perfect age, his contract is almost up, and he would have no issue getting a work permit due to being a regular international for New Zealand.

Manny Monthe

22/23:

Appearances: 28

Goals:9

Assists: 2

Age: 21

Height: 5'9"

This is an intriguing option. Monthe is available on a free, so it makes sense financially. He's also based in the Midlands; so geography works too. He's versatile, offering us tactical flexibility. And he played 44 games in League 2 this season alone; he's clearly comfortable with the level.

His stats radar is also interesting. It shows he likes to travel with the ball, and stylistically he actually looks like he could be somewhat of a good fit.

At 28 he's in his prime. He's a good athlete and this could be a very decent addition.

LEFT WING BACK

We've seen this season the evolution of Adam Chicksen. For me, he has embodied what Luke Williams' Left Wing Back would look like; attacking the back post, with plenty of box entries, while also working hard up and down the flanks.

Chicksen signed a new deal before the playoffs, so I would imagine he would start the season as starter. We also saw in the playoffs a shift towards replacing Chicksen for a more traditional wide player, Jodi Jones.

As such, I will be looking at a mixture between the Adam Chicksen mold of left back, as well as younger, more traditional wide players who could fit the role well.

Requirements:

Age Profile: 18-24

Squad Player

Naturally Left Sided

Ranks Highly for Box Entries

Ranks Highly for Crossing Metrics

Ranks Highly for Dribbling Metrics Priority: Low

Vincent Harper

22/23:

Appearances: 28

Goals: 4

Assists: 1

Age: 22

Height: 5'10"

One of the standout wing backs in the National League, England C international Harper is available on a free following the expiry of his contract. A player with plenty of pace and potential, it would surprise me if Harper wasn't at least under consideration by the club.

He's not only had an excellent season for Eastleigh, he's also a player Luke Williams will know from his time at Bristol City. His links to the boss just strengthen the idea we may look at him.

Athletic, attack minded and with room to grow, Harper would be one of my top picks from the whole document.

Jack Bridge

22/23:

Appearances: 42

Goals: 13

Assists: 6

Age: 27

Height: 5'10"

We were linked with Bridge during the season, and even on the eye test you could see why. But when you look at his stats, you begin to see even more why we were looking at him. His stats radar is so impressive; in fact, it actually looks better than Chicksen's, which is a huge testament of his ability.

Southend have their issues off the pitch, so, while it sounds mercenary, we could take advantage. Bridge is a right footed player, which makes him capable on either flank.

The only issue I see with this deal is that he may be too similar to Randall, who we of course have already signed.

James Daly

22/23:

Appearances: 36

Goals: 8

Assists: 4

Age: 23

Height: 5'10"

Daly is a player who had an outstanding campaign with Woking, a real breakout season. He's now out of contract, so available on a free, and while he's naturally a winger, I feel he's a player with should be considering.

If Daly received Williams' coaching, I believe he could be turned into a top wing back. Blessed with blistering pace, his decision making needs work, but at 23 it's understandable. He also provides versatility should we transition away from a 5 at the back system. Overall he'd be a very good signing.

Adam Lewis

22/23:

Appearances: 21

Goals: 1

Assists: 4

Age: 23

Height: 5'8"

Out of contract at Liverpool and a brilliant age profile, I feel Adam Lewis could be an excellent, long term option. He had a decent loan spell in League 2 this season with Newport, so has experience of the league too.

He may have interest higher up, but if we were able to tempt him I feel he would be a strong signing. His statistical profile is very strong, showing an attack minded full back, one who provides plenty of crosses into the box. His pedigree combined with age lead me to believe he could be coached into a top player under Luke Williams.

Max Clark

22/23:

Appearances: 38

Goals: 1

Assists: 1

Age: 27

Height: 5'11"

One of the more solid, dependable options on this list is League 2 promotion winner Clark. He’s had a good season with Stevenage, so would be a good pick up for any side in League 2.

As the stats suggest, Clark is a very solid defender. He ranks highly for defensive duel success rate, which can only be a positive, especially as we are likely to be on the back foot more often this season.

The stats also show a full back who gets forward a lot. He ranks highly for crosses, which would work well with our high box entry style. He’s got experience, is a winner and should certainly be under consideration.

Cameron Borthwick-Jackson

@tomhwilliams23

22/23:

Appearances: 28

Goals:9

Assists: 2

Age: 21

Height: 5'9"

Versatile option Borthwick-Jackson is available on a free following his release from Burton. Most comfortable as a left back, I fee he has the attributes to be successful to the left of the back 3 too.

Comfortable on the ball due to his pedigree, Borthwick-Jackson looks a slightly more reserved yet solid option from this list. The geography also works well, and his vast experience in the EFL despite his young age are also positives.

My only concerns is that he is not adventurous enough for our system, and that he has also recently been relegated. If his confidence isn’t high I feel he may struggle in our demanding environment.

Jack Sparkes

22/23:

Appearances: 35

Goals: 1

Assists: 2

Age: 22

Height: 5'9"

One of the more ambitious players in the whole document, Sparkes is a League 2 promotion winner, one who had a strong season in League 1 this year. But we’ve seen this week that players aren’t adverse to dropping to League 2 to play for us, although admittedly this would be a real coup.

An attack minded full back, Sparkes has all the qualities we are looking for in a ywing back. He’s also a brilliant age, so would be perfect for our long term vision. As mentioned, he’s got experience winning promotion from this division too.

Availble on a free, if we could

tempt Sparkes to drop he’d be unreal.

Matt Penney

22/23:

Appearances: 5

Goals: 0

Assists: 0

Age: 25

Height: 5'7"

Another player we would need to tempt into dropping a division, Penney has lots of experience both in League 1 and the Championship, but he has struggled for first team minutes of late. He’s another option who has promotion winning experience, and at 25 he should still have his best years ahead of him.

Lack of first team minutes may be a concern, but we’ve seen what Luke Williams can do with players that have struggled of late (Jodi Jones for example). His statistical profile caught my eye, hence why I decided to include him. He’s an attacking full back, one I believe we could mould.