Football Season Guide

League 1

England

League 1

2012/2013

Notts County

In

Jamal Campbell-Ryce(mid, Bristol City), Manny Smith(def, Walsall), Dean Leacock(def, Leyton Orient), Gary Liddle(mid, Hartlepool), Yoann Arquin(att, Hereford), Bartosz Bialkowski(gk, Southampton), Joss Labadie(mid, Tranmere), Enoch Schowunmi(att, Tranmere), Francois Zoko(att, Carlisle), Carl Regan(def, free), Tom Williams(def, free)

Out

Karl Hawley(att, released), Mike Edwards(def, Carlisle), John Spicer(mid, released), Ben Burgess(att, released), Charlie Allen(mid, Gillingham), Stephen Hunt(def, released), Liam Chilvers(def, released), Jude Stirling(def, released), Ishmel Demontagnac(mid, Northampton), Rob Burch(gk, released), Sam Sodje(def, released), Stuart Nelson(gk, Northampton), Jon Harley(def, released)

Eleven players in, thirteen players out - now this is what you call a summer clear out! After reversing the Magpies' fortunes after taking over midway through the previous season but narrowly missing out on a top six place despite leading the race entering the last five games, Keith Curle was given the freedom to make the squad his own, hence the clear out. Absolutely none of the players to have left will be missed, as all of them were either never regulars to begin with, or have lost their starting places under Curle, as was the case with Mike Edwards and Sam Sodje. It seems that each and every one of the new signings has genuine hopes of becoming an important performer for the Magpies, with the likes of Gary Liddle, Francois Zoko and Enoch Schowunmi standing out in what is indeed an impressive list of summer signings. Following their summer overhaul, the Magpies have a total of 22 senior players on their books, and there will be huge competition for nearly all places on the pitch - they have arguably the deepest squad in the league! There doesn't seem to be much wrong about them, and the fans will certainly anticipate the season with optimism.

Target

Given that they only narrowly missed out on a top six place last season, and that they are stronger this time around, they will be looking for a top six place at a minimum, with cheeky hopes of direct promotion. They are a well built side with quality all over the pitch and, if their new signings gel well, they should be able to at least make the top six.