Carl Dickinson gunning for promotion with Notts County

New Notts County signing Carl Dickinson says he opted to join the Magpies because of the prospect of a promotion challenge and also to be close to his family.

The 28-year-old defender is one of six new arrivals at Meadow Lane since John Sheridan's appointment as manager last month as they look to rebuild from their 17th-placed finish in League Two last season.

"We want be part of something special here, and that is gaining promotion," Dickinson told BBC Radio Nottingham.

"It's something exciting that we want to be a part of. I want to make sure I hit the ground running and make sure this is a big year, not just for me but for the squad as well.

"I want to make sure we're all in it together and striving for the same thing."

Discussing his refusal to extend his deal at Port Vale and to play in the Midlands, he added: "I've got a family and it's still quite local to me.

"You have to think about everything and sometimes it's not all about money.

"I probably could have gone somewhere else. But would that have made me happy, being away from my family?

"I had to weigh up a lot of things and I think this is the best option for me."

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