Notts County Welcomes Lewis Macari to the Family Permanently

Lewis Macari, previously on loan from Stoke City, is now a permanent member of Notts County. He has signed a contract that lasts until the close of the 2026-27 season.

This 21-year-old defender has displayed great potential since his initial loan in August. His most notable achievement to date is his remarkable winning goal at Gillingham during his EFL debut.

Richard Montague, a member of Notts County’s board who oversees player recruitment, expressed his excitement about Lewis Macari’s potential. He said: “While we’re excited about Lewis’ potential, we should also acknowledge the fact he has already proven himself capable of performing for us at League Two level."

Montague also highlighted Macari’s versatility and character. “We value his versatility, with him being comfortable at centre back as well as out wide, and his character and personality are exactly what we’re looking for,” he added.
He further emphasised the club’s long-term vision for Macari. "He’s someone who we feel can grow with the club over the duration of his contract, and we’re excited to see what the future holds for him,” Montague concluded.

Head coach Luke Williams also views Macari's permanent contract as a very beneficial step.

He said: “I’m really pleased to have someone with Lewis’ characteristics in the squad. I’ve been impressed with his courage, concentration and bravery in and out of possession. 

"He also has a natural intensity and, having grown up with football in his family, seems to understand things on a higher level than other young players might.

“On the pitch he also carries a little bit of fear, which is brilliant for defenders to have in their footballing DNA as it enables them to sense and react quickly to danger.

“We have to remember he’s a young player with only a few games under his belt, so there’ll be times when he’s not in our starting line-up. But he has the hunger required to make a really good career for himself.”

Macari added: “I’m buzzing. Even when I wasn’t making the squad in the first few weeks, I was telling friends and family how much I was loving it here and how I couldn’t wait to play.

“Probably after the Gillingham goal, I knew I wanted to stay. This club’s on the up and I wanted to be someone who could help take it forward. I feel properly part of the team now, and I’m really happy to be staying permanently.

“I’d been at Stoke a long time, and I can’t thank everyone there enough for everything they’ve done for me, but the time has come to move away and take my first proper steps into men’s football. I know I’ve got to kick on from here now.”

Luke Williams has opened up about his thoughts on tomorrow's opposition Harrogate Town, including praising their manager who has been within his post for 9 seasons! Read this article on the Pride of Nottingham.

The Pride of Nottingham community have been discussing the linked rumour and now the permanent signing of Stoke City defender Lewis Macari, share your thoughts on this here.