Notts County are on the verge of their first January window signing, with goalkeeper James Belshaw set to arrive at Meadow Lane.
The Magpies have had a solid start to the season with promotion still a real possibility, which may be affected by the potential sales of Alassana Jatta and Matthew Dennis.
However, it seems that Martin Paterson’s January dealings are beginning at the back, with a change in between the sticks becoming a real possibility with their first incoming.
Belshaw Move Close
According to The Guardian’s Will Unwin, County will kick off the window with the signing of Harrogate Town shot stopper James Belshaw, which is set to be completed in the coming days.
The veteran goalkeeper has been in North Yorkshire on and off since 2017, and was a key part of the Sulphurites squad which won promotion into the Football League back in 2020 as the National League playoff winners.
Bristol Rovers picked him up the following year, but was slowly phased out with loan moves to Forest Green Rovers and back to Harrogate, the latter of which became permanent in 2024.
Belshaw has been the number one option at Wetherby Road this season, playing 22 times, conceding 35 goals and keeping four clean sheets for a team firmly in the relegation mix at the halfway point of the season.
Some shift from the boys yesterday, always a pleasure to play at Meadow Lane pic.twitter.com/oZPoogtjLG
— James Belshaw (@jbelly31) November 16, 2025
He looks set to join the Magpies as competition for existing first-choice goalkeeper Kelle Roos, who arrived from Italian side Triestina in the summer following stints at Aberdeen and Derby County.
For Harrogate, Unwin reports that they will look to replace the outgoing Belshaw with young shot stopper Harvey Cartwright, who has been recalled from his loan at Hartlepool United by Championship club Hull City.
Battle For Gloves Begins
Bringing in a League Two-experienced goalkeeper like James Belshaw is certain to give Martin Paterson a headache as to who he starts in goal going forward.
Kelle Roos has been a solid option so far this season, but has had his fair share of criticism this season with a few mistakes under his belt.
Belshaw has been a dependable option for Harrogate Town throughout his time there and would certainly be a good man to take over as Notts County’s first-choice goalkeeper, but at 35, this is not a long-term solution to their goalkeeping worries.
Nevertheless, County have looked strong all season despite their issues at the back and bringing in Belshaw will help to instil some more confidence between the sticks for the remainder of their promotion push.
