County Coup Belgium International

Notts County have this afternoon confirmed the signing of Belgium international Gill Swerts with the player penning a two- year deal at Meadow Lane.

The capture of the defensive midfielder is a major statement of intent by Notts- who aim to put an end to last season's misery and make an immediate return to League 1.

The educated midfielder has made the trip across Europe and joined Notts on a free transfer from NAC Breda.

The 32-year-old's class speaks for itself with the player arriving at Notts on the back of representing his former employers, AZ Alkmaar, in the UEFA Champions League.

The player has also represented his native Belgium 17 times at international level.

It is testament to County boss Ricardo Moniz's ambitious plans that he has managed to lure the player to Meadow Lane and the shrewdest example of the Dutchman's European contacts- with the player knowing the County gaffer from his time in Holland.

The player can also operate comfortably at right- back and has faced numerous elite attackers- with the likes of Ruud van Nistelrooy and Patrick Kluivert having crossed swords with Swerts.

Swerts will also plough his much acquired experience and skill into working closely with Notts' academy set- up.

The news come just a day after the Magpies secured the club's record shirt sponsorship deal with Ladbrokes, and the arrival of Swerts will add to the excitement generated around Meadow Lane.

Jamie tweets @JBarlow95_