Notts County have had a season of ups and downs. With the departure of Luke Williams and the arrival of Stuart Maynard, the only consistency they have kept throughout the season is their defensive struggles. The Magpies finished the season in 14th, and despite scoring 89 goals in the league, which is the joint 3rd highest in the division, they also conceded a shocking 86 times, which was ultimately their downfall of the season.
In this article, I will look at each position in Notts back five and suggest a potential signing, in an attempt to rebuild their defence. Each choice will take into account realism and keep the likelihood high that the players could be signed.
Left Centre-Back – Jaydn Mundle-Smith – Wealdstone
Starting with one of manager Stuart Maynard’s former players, Jaydn Mundle-Smith is what could be a perfect fit for Notts. A left-footed defender who can play left of a back three or as a wing-back, he has played an important role this season with the Stones, featuring 44 times, with all of them being starts.
Mundle-Smith has shown his defensive stability this season as one of his key attributes, averaging 10.2 recoveries per game, on top of 4.8 interceptions. This also shows his reading of the game is of a high standard. The 24-year-old has also chipped in going forward with four assists, showing he can support the attack from wide areas when pushing forward, which is why he could be a leading candidate for Maynard to add to his ranks this summer.
Central Centre-Back – George Ray – Barrow
It may be necessary that Notts need a more experienced centre-half in the middle of the back line, but one that is also up to the standard of the division. George Ray has recently been announced to be let go by Barrow in the summer, and the 30-year-old may be the perfect candidate for this role.
Ray has been an ever-present for Barrow, making 41 appearances this season, and keeping 13 clean sheets in the process. With an 81% own-half pass completion, he has proven he can play Notts possession-based football, but his defensive numbers are his most impressive stat. Ray has won 61% of his duels this season, whilst averaging 2.9 recoveries per game, on top of making 5.3 clearances per game, proving to be performing at the top end of League Two, making him the perfect player for Notts wish list.
Right Centre-Back – Will Wright – Crawley Town
A target that may be more optimistic than most, but Wright on paper couldn’t be more made for Notts style of play. The 26-year-old has played a major part in Crawley’s exceptional season, reaching the playoffs against the odds and proving many wrongs. He has had an outstanding season and if Notts were to move for him it would certainly make a statement.
Wright has played 45/46 league games for Crawley this season, where he has boasted stats that prove he is perfect for the role. He has managed to accumulate a 79% pass accuracy, whilst also picking up eight assists, proving he has the technical ability to play in the County’s back line. He has also averaged 1.2 tackles per game on top of 5.5 ball recoveries, showing he is just as good a defender as he is a passer of the ball. It would be an optimistic signing but one that statistically makes the most sense.
Left Wing-Back – Ryan Glover – Aldershot
Ryan Glover has had an impressive season for Aldershot, despite just missing out on playoffs. The 23-year-old has primarily played as a left wing-back, but can also play right wing-back, on both wings and in central midfield. A quick and direct dribbler of the ball, he fits a similar profile to Notts current wing-backs, with those being attack-minded players who like to contribute to scoring and assisting goals.
Glover has made 44 appearances this season for The Shots, where he has scored three times and assisted five. His key attribute is his dribbling, in which he boasts an 85% success rate. He also averages an average cross success of 33%, whilst also making 1.2 key passes per game, showing he is accurate with his delivery in key areas. His defensive numbers are also impressive, averaging 9 recoveries and 5.4 interceptions per game, proving he could be the all-action wing-back that Notts may need.
Right Wing-Back – Macauley Southam-Hales – Stockport
The final player on this list is a newly crowned League Two champion. Southam-Hales is an all-action, attack-minded wing-back who loves to get forward. having played only a squad role for Stockport this season, He may be on the lookout for more minutes elsewhere, especially with Stockport’s promotion into League One.
Despite only making 21 appearances this season, Southam-Hales has still managed to register seven assists. He has also created on average 1.5 key chances per game, whilst boasting a 72% pass accuracy as well, proving he is a danger in attacking areas. Southam-Hales has also shown great defensive ability, averaging 2 tackles per game, as well as keeping seven clean sheets in his 21 appearances. He is a top-level wing-back in this division and could be Notts answer to replacing Jodi Jones if he is to leave for a higher division.