By Joe Jones
Farewell then Haydn Hollis. The Notts County youth product has opted to depart Meadow Lane permanently in search of first-team football and is now with Forest Green Rovers.
The 25-year-old links up again with Rovers manager Mark Cooper, who had a short spell in the San Sirrel hotseat in 2016, and is contracted to the League Two strugglers until the end of the 2018-19 season.
What have both Notts and FGR gaffers said about the move, what are Hollis's thoughts on leaving Notts and joining FGR, and what do both sets of fans have to say about the switch to the New Lawn?
Pride of Nottingham has compiled some of the reaction right here.
Kevin Nolan on Hollis leaving Notts
"I would like to wish Haydn all the best in his new venture. Even though his first-team opportunities have been limited this season due to the fine form of Richard Duffy, Shaun Brisley and also Elliott Hewitt, his attitude in training and around the club has been first class. I'm confident he will go on to have an excellent end to the season and career. I'm gutted to lose him but it was in his best interests to move on and play football."
Hollis' departing message to Notts
"It was really hard for me to leave after nine great years but the time has come to move on in my career. I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone connected with the club every success in the future."
Mark Cooper on Hollis joining FGR
“I know Haydn from Notts County, he’s a big, powerful, left-sided centre-back and we’re just making sure we’re covering all our bases and we have enough players if we do get injuries. Haydn will be a good acquisition for us, he’s left footed, aggressive and a big lad as well. He has played in League One and played over 100 games for Notts County and is still only 25. He’s got a good pedigree and will do really well for us.”
Hollis on joining FGR
“I’m delighted to be here and work for the manager again but more importantly I’m delighted to try and be playing football again. I love a challenge and a fight. The competition at the back now keeps everyone on their toes and with competition, people are going to push each other. From an outsider, it is a small football club but it’s got a big heart and a lot of passion and I am buzzing to be part of it.”
The Black and White Army (from the PON forum and social media)
liampie: it goes to show you cant listen to rumours. hollis is not a bad player but he just has not settled, its better for him that he leaves. i hope he proves people wrong and establishes himself with forest green. that said i do think we needed him off our books as he never stood a chance of being anything more than a backup.
Fozzy: Sad to see him go as he has been around for so long, but he wasn't very good and his move should guarantee FGR's return to non league! With him gone and Bird out on loan, the only CH cover we have is Hewitt, so I would say it is pretty nailed on that one of the players we are looking to bring in will be a CH, which is what everyone wants.
ARLukomski: Good luck to him. He was our donkey. Definitely need a CB cos Hewitt really really isn't one.
Dubzee Jason Bellaby: Good luck Haydn hope a change of club and a run of games will get your career back on track.
The FGR fans (from The FGR Forum)
The Old School TomCat: HH came through the Notts County School of Excellence and loaned out a few times but has been a 1st team since Season 2012-13 and has scored 8 goals. Worryingly HH has had only one appearance this season in the League Cup where he scored a goal. He seems to scored a goal at first game at most of clubs he's played for.
Fgr2016: Seems like a squad rotation player to me... No more then that.. Suppose if your going to play 3 centre backs you are going to need 2 reserves (being Manny and Haydn...) certainly isn't the same WOW as the other three.
Dursleydog: Good signing but I can't help thinking we are now a little overstocked at CB and a little short at right wing back and central midfield. Bennett is injured and hasn't played well all season, Evans is nowhere near good enough as backup, Laird looks uncomfortable in his own position let alone out of it. Central midfield we have no depth at all, although signing Hollis may free up Collins to play there more. Still, a good League 2 quality signing that should strengthen the team. Welcome Haydn!
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