So we've had a quite interesting transfer saga at Notts County this summer.
No, not that one. The one of Jorge Grant.
After an impressive loan spell at Meadow Lane that year, would he join Notts permanently? Would he pen a new contract at Nottingham Forest? Or would he join another club (permanently or on loan) altogether?
As it turned out, it was the second best option on the plate - a new contract at the City Ground, but a one-year loan at the Lane.
As we look forward to a full season with the dynamic midfielder, Pride of Nottingham has gone over some other players who have impressed on loan at Notts.
Louis Laing (2014)
Tightened the back four up during his first loan spell, he looked solid in the air and unbeatable on the ground. His awareness was on point, and his presence in defence greatly helped the club. His initial one-month emergency loan was extended after he helped Notts keep four clean sheets in seven matches, such was his initial impact.
Where is he now? At Hartlepool United, which he joined this summer from Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
Jack Grealish (2013-14)
Jack was one of those players that drifted in and out of games, yet he was always a joy to watch on the ball. He loved to take on players and offered Notts a lot of pace and a direct approach which was unlike what we had. He commonly tried using skills and for this reason some clubs tended to target him heavily, even fouling him repeatedly, but he still managed to come away smiling.
Where is he now? Still with Aston Villa and universally loved by their fans, though his appearances in the first team have been somewhat sporadic of late.
Callum McGregor (2013-14)
Much like Grealish, McGregor was a very direct player who loved to run with the ball. He was much better at being in a free role position rather than a specific position. When he had to fall in line and be more of a team member he arguably didn't shine as much, hence why he started to feature less when we struggled, but reverting back to allowing him to be direct gave us more edge. He was a joy to watch and looked very promising for a player so young.
Where is he now? Still at Celtic, having become a fully fledged member of the first team, and has already got five trophies to his name - three Scottish Premierships, one Scottish League Cup and one Scottish Cup.
Lloyd Sam (2012)
Lloyd had pace to burn and the physical presence which meant we would lose possession all that easily. He chipped in with several important goals and his performances were a joy to watch. I wouldn't class him as overly skilful, yet his ability on the ball was a step above what we had at the time.
Where is he now? In the United States, playing in the MLS with DC United, having joined in 2016 from New York Red Bulls.
Matt Ritchie (2009-10)
Matt was also a drifter, yet always gave 100 percent. He had the ability to take set pieces and generally create something special from them. He was more an holding playmarker, as his distribution was top notch and his abilty to score from long distance was always obvious even when he first came on loan.
Where is he now? Newcastle United, having helped the other Magpies get promoted to the Championship after signing for them in 2016. Prior to that he had done the same with Bournemouth. He is also a 14-times capped Scotland international with three goals to his name.
Recommended Comments
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now