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 Countyโs board who oversees player recruitment, expressed his excitement about Lewis Macariโs potential. He said: โWhile weโre excited about Lewisโ potential, we should also acknowledge the fact he has already proven himself capable of performing for us at League Two level."
Montague also highlighted Macariโs versatility and character. โWe value his versatility, with him being comfortable at centre back as well as out wide, and his character and personality are exactly what weโre looking for,โ he added.
He further emphasised the clubโs long-term vision for Macari. "Heโs someone who we feel can grow with the club over the duration of his contract, and weโre excited to see what the future holds for him,โ Montague concluded.
Head coach Luke Williams also views Macari's permanent contract as a very beneficial step.
He said: โIโm really pleased to have someone with Lewisโ characteristics in the squad. Iโve been impressed with his courage, concentration and bravery in and out of possession.ย
"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.
โOn 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.
โWe have to remember heโs a young player with only a few games under his belt, so thereโll be times when heโs not in our starting line-up. But he has the hunger required to make a really good career for himself.โ
Macari added: โIโm buzzing. Even when I wasnโt making the squad in the first few weeks, I was telling friends and family how much I was loving it here and how I couldnโt wait to play.
โProbably after the Gillingham goal, I knew I wanted to stay. This clubโs on the up and I wanted to be someone who could help take it forward. I feel properly part of the team now, and Iโm really happy to be staying permanently.
โIโd been at Stoke a long time, and I canโt thank everyone there enough for everything theyโve done for me, but the time has come to move away and take my first proper steps into menโs football. I know Iโve got to kick on from here now.โ
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