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Jamie Fullarton describes former defender Gill Swerts as a "gentleman"

By Joe Jones

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Notts County manager Jamie Fullarton has praised the attitude of former defender Gill Swerts, describing him as a “gentleman”.

The former Belgium international had his Magpies contract terminated by mutual consent on transfer deadline day – just six months into a two-year deal – after a move to Cypriot side Anorthosis Famagusta failed to materialise.

Having started plenty of games at the start of the season, Swerts lost his place in the team recently and, towards the end of his Meadow Lane tenure, had not even made the substitutes' bench.

"He was a gentleman," Fullarton said of Swerts. "He came to work with the right attitude and worked in a way that you would expect any professional to do.

"Sometimes that doesn't happen, especially when you are not close to the team. But you never would have been able to tell that Gill wasn't involved with the team, given his excellent attitude towards training.

"Superficially, it's tough to let people like that leave, but you have to be as objective as you can in terms of what's the aim and what's the best decision for the football club.

"Even in conversations with Gill, who didn't agree with the decision, realised it was best for all."

Should Gill Swerts have left Notts County? Share your opinion – sign up to Pride of Nottingham, visit the forum and join the conversation.

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    Piethagoram

    Global Moderators

    I am with Gil on this "didn't agree with the decision".. I would always prefer Gil to Smith...but in the overall scheme of things, we are overloaded with "decent" midfielders, so one can see for economic reasons, it may be the fairest way for both parties

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    Chris

    Administrators

    Swerts is a model professional, it always impressed me how he instantly realised how important the fans are to this club - he had a lot of time for us. I recall speaking to an ex-player who told me out of all the players we had signed in the summer, Gill Swerts was the only one who knew how important the background and rich history of the club meant to us moving forward.

    I think it's a shame his deal elsewhere appears to have fallen through.

    However, unlike some of our past players - I am sure he will land on his feet and allowing him to go find regular playing time is only fair.

    I agree with @Piethagoram that the midfield is well processed, if perhaps only we lack a player who can influence things when they are difficult and has the ability to dig in defensively - whilst offering much going forward. However, I don't think we really warrant signing a new midfielder at this point (if Notts are looking for a freebie).

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