It has been announced by Notts County that forward David McGoldrick has rejected a new contract offer and will be leaving the club
The Irish attacker will depart Meadow Lane after spending two seasons, appearing 76 times in all competitions and making 40 goal contributions for the Magpies.
His contributions to the Nottinghamshire side have been evident, as the forward was key for County’s promotion push in the 2024/25 season.
Having started his career at Notts County, the 37-year-old returned to the side in 2023, having spent one season with Derby County.
The end of the return to Notts County
David McGoldrick came through the Magpies’ youth academy before being signed by Southampton.
Having won promotion to League Two in 2023, County were able to bring McGoldrick back to the club from Derby County, and marked his first season back with 19 goal contributions.
The former international then bettered his tally in the 2024/25 season, making 21 goal contributions as the Magpies finished the season in 6th place and were ready to take on the challenge of the League Two play-offs.
McGoldrick’s versatile quality shone through in the season, as not only did he score 17 goals, but seven of these came from outside the box.
However, there were still challenges facing the Irish forward, as he was sidelined for nearly two months after picking up a hamstring injury at the beginning of February.
This wouldn’t be the end of the injury problems, as the attacker limped off the pitch during County’s first leg play-off game against Wimbledon, and he missed the second leg, marking the play-off first leg as his final game for Notts County.
A journeyman of the EFL
David McGoldrick’s career has spanned over 20 years, making 634 appearances for clubs in all competitions, as well as appearing 14 times for the Irish national team.
The forward has appeared for a total of ten clubs, including the likes of Sheffield United, Ipswich Town, Nottingham Forrest, Southampton, and Bournemouth.
Having moved around clubs on loan early in his career, the attacker found stability with Ipswich Town.
Initially joining on loan from Nottingham Forrest in 2013, the Irishman made the move to Portman Road permanent, and in total made 146 appearances for The Tractor Boys, leaving the club in 2018.
He would then move to Bramall Lane with Sheffield United, becoming a crucial player for the Blades, as the South Yorkshire side won promotion to the Premier League in 2019.
McGoldrick was also able to play for the Irish National Team while playing for Ipswich Town, scoring only one goal, a header against Switzerland in 2019.
Where to now for David McGoldrick?
Unfortunately, the forward is not getting any younger, so his options may initially appear to be limited. He has been linked to Paul Warne’s MK Dons by Gary Hutchinson which could be a realistic move for the experienced pro.
His recent battles with injury could also be a concern to any onlooking clubs, as his minutes on the pitch could be rather limited for next season.
However, the Irishman’s play style isn’t determined by his physicality, but rather his outright ability on and off the ball, as proven by his impressive goal contribution numbers in the 2024/25 season.
It wouldn’t be impossible to rule out an opportunity to move into coaching either, as McGoldrick’s impressive knowledge and experience of the game would be suitable for this role.
