Who are the defenders Notts County could sign to improve their defence in League Two?

Notts County have returned to the English Football League after a four-year absence, thanks to a thrilling penalty shoot-out victory over Chesterfield in the National League promotion final at Wembley. The Magpies came from behind twice in a 2-2 draw, with John Bostock and Ruben Rodrigues scoring late equalisers in normal time and extra time respectively. Substitute goalkeeper Archie Mair then proved to be the hero, saving two penalties in the shoot-out to seal Notts County's promotion.

Their head coach Luke Williams, who replaced Ian Burchnall in June 2022, praised his players for their resilience and character. He said: "It was an incredible game, full of drama and emotion. I'm so proud of the boys for never giving up and fighting until the end. They showed their quality and mentality throughout the season, and they deserve this moment."

Notts County have been one of the most prolific teams in the National League past season, scoring 107 goals in the regular season and reaching the promotion final with a dramatic extra-time win over Boreham Wood. However, their defence has been a cause for concern, as they have conceded 14 goals in their last 10 games, including two in each of their last two home games.

Their head coach Luke Williams has demanded his players to be more "proactive and aggressive" without the ball and to improve their intensity and concentration. He said: "When we have a lot of the ball and want to be attacking, sometimes when we don't have the ball I just feel that sometimes our intensity drops a little bit, and it's just waiting for us to get the ball back and start playing again. I want us to be much more proactive and aggressive."

The Magpies' may look to strengthen their defence in the summer transfer window, as they prepare for life in League Two. Here are some potential signings that Notts County might want to consider:

Notts County have signed Connell Rawlinson on a two-year deal. The club is still waiting to hear from Kyle Cameron, who has also been offered a new contract. These two defenders are among the seven remaining players from last season’s squad. The Magpies hope to keep the core of their team intact for another promotion push in League Two. With Richard Brindley, Adam Chicksen, Geraldo Bajrami, Tobi Adebayo-Rowling, and Aden Baldwin. The Magpies are hoping to keep the core of their team intact as they prepare for another promotion push in League Two.

Defensive players

Tom Bradbury

Tom Bradbury is a left-sided centre-back who joined Cheltenham Town from Halifax Town in 2022. He helped Halifax reach the National League play-offs last season. He has made 13 appearances for Cheltenham, scoring one goal. He is 25 years old.

Bradbury could be a useful option for Notts County’s defence, as he can also play as a left-back or a defensive midfielder. He is quick, agile and composed under pressure. He has also shown his versatility by playing in different formations for Cheltenham last season.

Mamadou Jobe

Mamadou Jobe is a young and strong centre-back who joined Maidstone on loan from Cambridge United in 2023. He has also played for St Albans, Concord Rangers and St Neots Town. He has made 13 appearances for Maidstone. He is 20 years old.

Jobe could be a promising talent for Notts County’s defence, as he has the potential to develop further under Luke Williams’ coaching. He is powerful, athletic and confident on the ball. He has also impressed with his aerial ability and tackling skills for Woking past season.

Adam Senior:

Adam Senior is a promising and talented centre-back who has been with Bolton Wanderers since he was eight years old. He made his first-team debut in 2019. He has made 4 appearances for Bolton. He has been on loan to Ashton United, York City, Chorley, Telford United and Halifax Town. He is 21 years old.

Senior could be an exciting prospect for Notts County’s defence, as he has shown his quality and potential at League Two level with Bolton past season. He is composed, intelligent and brave on the ball. He has also demonstrated his leadership skills by captaining Bolton’s under-23 team.

Tom James:

Tom James is a skilful and adaptable defender who can play as a centre-back, a full-back or a defensive midfielder. He joined Salford City from Hibernian in 2021. He has made 62 appearances for Leyton Orient, scoring 8 goals. He is 27 years old.

James could be a quality signing for Notts County’s defence, as he can play in different systems and roles. He is technically gifted, creative and composed on the ball. He has also shown his defensive awareness, positioning and work rate for Salford last season.

Jack Armer: 

Jack Armer is a defender for Carlisle United. He was born on 16 April 2001 in Preston, England and has represented Scotland at the youth international level. In August 2020, Armer joined Carlisle United after being released by Preston North End. Since joining the Cumbrians, he has scored three goals in 111 games.

Armer could potentially be signed to cover Adam Chicksen while also offering support to the centre-back positions. If Carlisle is looking to strengthen their side for life in League One, a reasonable offer may tempt him away from the club.

Ajibola Alese:

Ajibola Alese is a robust and reliable defender who joined Sunderland last season, where he had previously been at Cambridge United on loan from West Ham United in 2021. He has also played for Accrington Stanley. He has made 20 appearances for Sunderland, scoring one goal. He is 22 years old.

Alese could be a smart loan signing for Notts County’s defence, as he has the potential to improve further under Luke Williams’ coaching. He is physical, athletic and confident on the ball. He has also impressed with his consistency, concentration and communication skills for Cambridge past season.

Zac Williams:

Zac Williams is a young and agile defender who came through the Crewe Alexandra youth ranks in 2021. He has also played for Wales Under 18s and 19s. His season was ended by injury against Ipswich Town. He made 37 appearances for Crewe. He is 19 years old.

Williams could be a promising talent for Notts County’s defence, as he has the potential to develop further under Luke Williams’ coaching. He is quick, skilful and composed under pressure. He has also shown his versatility by playing as a centre-back, a right-back and a left-back for Crewe past season.

Di’Shon Bernard:

Di’Shon Bernard is a skilful and athletic defender who joined Portsmouth on loan in 2023. He previously played for Hull City on loan from Manchester United in 2021. He has also played for Salford City. He is currently out of contract at Manchester United and could be a bargain signing for any League Two club. He has made ten appearances for Portsmouth last past season. He is 22 years old.

Bernard could be an exciting prospect for Notts County’s defence, as he has shown his quality and potential at League One level with Portsmouth. He is composed, intelligent and confident on the ball. He has also shown his defensive awareness, positioning and work rate for Portsmouth and Hull City.

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