Notts County are one of the biggest clubs in the non-league pyramid, and though fans may still not be used to life there, it is the Magpies’ new reality.
It remains one that the club’s ownership is desperate to escape from, and after three seasons of frustration, they knew this summer was key.
Let’s have a glance at all the key movements, and of course, give the all-important ratings…
Outgoings
First off, County needed to take stock of a 2021-22 season that promised so much but ended in play-off heartbreak and the loss of manager Ian Burchnall.
They set up in a 3-5-2 system for most of the season, designed to get the most out of forwards Kyle Wootton and Rúben Rodrigues.
New boss Luke Williams (more on him later) has his own variation on that approach, and it was right to make sure the squad reflected that.
So, out went Wootton and his backup, Elisha Sam. These exits were not without their detractors, as the duo scored 26 league goals between them last season.
Worse for fans, though, was the exit of creative supremo Callum Roberts, who was prised away by Aberdeen for a fee rumoured to be just over £100,000.
Roberts, a former England under-20 player, had scored 16 goals from an attacking midfield role to catch the eye of many bigger clubs.
Still, by also reducing their wage budget by letting player-coach Michael Doyle, defender Dion Kelly-Evans and goalkeeper Alex Lacey depart, there are positives.
Having lost arguably their best player, it’s hard to say the outgoings were food for the soul. But everyone rebuilds. Overall, 5/10.
Incomings
There was a stage over the summer where it seemed County’s number of signings would actually outstrip Nottingham Forests’; although they were soon usurped.
The first addition was Williams himself. Having worked his way up from youth coaching at Brighton and Bristol City to becoming assistant at MK Dons and Swansea City, he is a surprise package but certainly from the school of positive, attractive football.
Alongside assistant Ryan Harley, he’s developed the players nicely so far, and with hopes of promotion already afoot, such an impressive start deserves a 9/10.
Williams’ first signing was wing-back Tobi Adebayo-Rowling. Coming from National League South side Ebbsfleet, his arrival was treated cautiously.
At 25, it’s a sensible transfer with room for Adebayo-Rowling to grow, even if it has been as back-up to Richard Brindley so far.
As a Sussex lad too, I’ve got to give Tobi an extra point. 7/10.
Next through the doors was a signing that generated great intrigue; Macaulay Langstaff.
The striker scored 32 goals and added 14 assists for Gateshead en route to the National League North title last season, so came with decent pedigree.
Having only played briefly at step five before, some doubts surrounded him, but those have quickly been blown away by 10 goals in his first eight appearances.
He’s tasked with succeeding where Wootton and Sam failed, and so far Langstaff’s making it look easy. 10/10.
Clear admirers of Gateshead, the Magpies soon raided the Tynesiders again for Langstaff’s strike partner Cedwyn Scott.
Scott has floated from club to club without ever finding consistency, but did hit the ground running at Gateshead with 24 goals last season.
He’ll be out to prove that wasn’t a flash in the pan, and with three early goals hasn’t looked too shabby. 8/10.
Next was Aden Baldwin, 25 years old, who joined from MK Dons after making nine appearances in League One last season.
The centre-back has been on the books of Forest Green Rovers, Bristol City and the Dons, but has only made 59 senior appearances – mostly during loan spells elsewhere – which makes his signing a risk.
Early signs suggest it was one worth taking, with six confident performances at the time of writing, but the real proof will be in if Baldwin can impress over a long league season. 7/10.
With Williams liking a three-at-the-back formation, a mobile option to deal with opposition forwards was also a must.
In Geraldo Bajrami, it looks like he found the one.
The centre-back – who can also play in midfield – came in from Kidderminster Harriers without much fanfare but has been immense so far. At just 22 and being a free transfer, it will be hoped he’s either a long-term option or an opportunity to sell on. 9/10.
Bajrami was part of a double signing alongside midfielder Sam Austin, who has come in to reduce the burden on last year’s player of the season Matt Palmer and veteran Jim O’Brien.
Austin looks promising early on and will be a useful medium-term addition. 7/10.
With County’s spending complete, all that remained was for two loan deals to round off the squad.
A backup goalkeeper was required, and Leicester City’s Brad Young was available. Little fuss, benefits for both parties, and if he’s not called upon, no loss for County. 8/10.
West Bromwich Albion midfielder Quévin Castro, meanwhile, has a high ceiling for this level and is able to hold and play box-to-box. It will be interesting to see more of him. 7/10.
Overall, then, County should be satisfied with a busy transfer window.
With the club’s ownership wise enough to reject big spending, the results of a thrifty approach will be fascinating to see.
It’s lower risk and has seemingly re-established good feeling at Meadow Lane, so long may the positive signs continue as the club push for a Football League return.
Feature Image Credit: Will Hugall.