January transfer window recruitment - Wingers/Wing-backs

[ARLukomski 𝕏 ARLukomski Instagram declanweliczko_arlki]

With Jodi Jones injured (albeit coming back in just over a month) and Nick and Kellan being the only available options out wide, with Sam Austin filling in on a few occasions and Josh Martin looking like he will be on his way in January. It is obvious that Notts need creativity and pace from out wide. Notts missed out on a wide player on deadline day in August as well. With this I have compiled a list of players for us to potentially look at in January.

Zero assists may look bad on the stats but Ellis Taylor has been vital for Harrogate this season in creating chances and has a decent expected assists (Xa). He had an excellent game against Doncaster. Jack Holmes has had most of his minutes from the bench and even then they have been within the final 20 minutes of games. Jacob Mendy and Anthony Forde haven't had the minutes at Wrexham and the former especially, could be a great signing. Dylan Duffy played a l lot of games for Lincoln last season but hasn't had that chance this season, with off the pitch issues taking effect. Matt Ward has started well at Woking after being released by Ipswich in the summer. Stanley Mills had a good loan spell with Oxford last season, before it was cut short due to injury. Harvey Vale had a move abroad that broke down this summer, but he had a good loan spell at Bristol Rovers. He is very versatile and has good technical ability. 

Brandon Kavanagh is the best winger in the League of Ireland and had a wonderful season this year, with him being heavily involved in St Pats' resurgence to 3rd under Stephen Kenny. Ronan Boyce and Ben Doherty are two of the best full-backs in Ireland and offer their fair share going forward, with Doherty being perfect for the wing-back role with his attacking and defensive balance. Ed McCarthy was a standout or Galway in their first season back in the Premier Division and Warren Davis has shown promise for Drogs. Shea Kearney is one of the hot prospects in Northern Ireland and can play further forward in a natural winger role or a little deeper. He can also cover in centre mid.  

All stats are taken from Fotmob. Some stats are over different periods. Some stats are not available via Fotmob which includes Shea Kearney and Matt Ward. Their stats can be found via Sofascore here.

Shea Kearney stats and ratings | Sofascore

WWW.SOFASCORE.COM

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Shea Kearney profile player page. Goals, matches, stats, player ratings and more.

Matt Ward stats and ratings | Sofascore

WWW.SOFASCORE.COM

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Matt Ward profile player page. Goals, matches, stats, player ratings and more.

Ellis Taylor - 2024/25 season
Harvey Vale - 2023/24 season loan spell at Bristol Rovers
Dylan Duffy - 2023/24 season
Ben Doherty - 2024 League of Ireland season
Brandon Kavanagh - 2024 League of Ireland season
Ronan Boyce - 2024 League of Ireland season
Jacob Mendy - 2023/24 season
Anthony Forde - 2023/24 season
Stanley Mills - 2023/24 loan spell at Oxford United
Jack Holmes - 2024/25 season
Ed McCarthy - 2024 League of Ireland season
Warren Davis - 2024 League of Ireland season

 

[Robbie 𝕏 @Robbie_NCFC]

So out of these players that you have mentioned @ARLukomski which of them do you believe would fit well into the Notts County system of play, & do you think they would help to maintain our excellent defensive record so far this season, but at the same time would enhance our attacking play?

Bear in mind that Notts are waiting on Crowley, Jones, Edwards & Grant to return who would certainly improve our attacking capability in the second half of the season.

[ARLukomski 𝕏 ARLukomski Instagram declanweliczko_arlki]

11 minutes ago, Robbie said:

So out of these players that you have mentioned @ARLukomski which of them do you believe would fit well into the Notts County system of play, & do you think they would help to maintain our excellent defensive record so far this season, but at the same time would enhance our attacking play?

Bear in mind that Notts are waiting on Crowley, Jones, Edwards & Grant to return who would certainly improve our attacking capability in the second half of the season.

Ben Doherty and Brandon Kavanagh definitely. Both have played that wing back role before and Doherty has played left-back in a back four as well. Jacob Mendy as well, very athletic, strong and is well balanced in attack and defence. He's also played under Maynard before

[menzinho]

I agree about adding another wing-back and I think I’d be looking to add someone more in the mould of Nemane. Matt Ward possibly, I’ve not seen him play and I think you’d have to be a clear cut above National League level to step up and do well for us in League 2. And I like Anthony Forde, not quite as quick but the guy was and probably still is League 1 standard. The money was clearly the pull that got him to Wrexham, would we be able to afford him?

Kavanagh’s numbers make him stand out but I’m never quite sure of the standard of the League of Ireland and how it compares to the lower EFL Leagues. I remember Andre Wright was on trial for us (when we were in the National League) after getting in the LOI team of the year. We didn’t sign him and he went to play for Ayr United and then Telford and didn’t score for either of them. Obviously there will be players good enough to play League 2 but it’s about spotting the right ones.

[Piethagoram 𝕏 @piethagoram]

Loving the stats @ARLukomski... Would it help if the figures like successful dribbles / crosses etc are displayed as % of the games played?

[Fozzy]

Definitely need another wing back, to play oppositie JJ when he’s back, but Notts will be naive not to recruit another striker/attacking midfielder option.

Two players in January is all we need now, been a long time since we could say that.

[Chris Website URL Visit Site 𝕏 fmcj10 Instagram fmcj10]

A few recommendations @ARLukomski: 

Kyle Joseph who is currently at Blackpool, he's a decent prospect and knows how to find the net. Whilst not the most prolific player, I do think someone as young as him would flourish given the chance in a team that plays to our style.

Kyle Joseph - Player profile 24/25 | Transfermarkt

WWW.TRANSFERMARKT.CO.UK

Wingers:

Reece Cole from Exeter City, has done well on the right side of the flank and is very versatile.

Reece Cole - Player profile 24/25 | Transfermarkt

WWW.TRANSFERMARKT.CO.UK

If we wanted a bit of experience, and a player who has a high work rate - Kyle Dempsey from Bolton would be a good call. He has plenty of EFL experience, decent cross and can either right or left of midfield. Although, he is 29 and Notts does tend to sign players a bit younger usually.

Kyle Dempsey - Player profile 24/25 | Transfermarkt

WWW.TRANSFERMARKT.CO.UK

Anthony Forde, Jacob Mendy and Brandon Kavanagh would all be good fits for the club. These are players I am familiar with, Forde is a good player and Jacob Mendy at League Two level is a very good option in the attacking department. It would also make sense to link him with Jatta, then we would have two from The Gambia.

It could quite possibly revive his international career.

I would recommend having a look at the Dutch leagues, as with the fans' forum it does sound like we will be looking to recruit outside of the EFL.