Players with a mission and determination often show great self-motivation and drive. Jim O'Brien was eager to be part of the team that brought the club back to the English Football League, and he played a key role in achieving that. David McGoldrick has been outstanding this season. His performances towards the end of the 2023-2024 season were not solely his fault, but also a reflection of the lack of quality in the squad overall. I believe he has at least one more season left in him, but the decision ultimately lies with him. If Notts secures promotion to League One, I can imagine he might decide to retire.

The role I see in David McGoldrick is a player that performs by example, and when in form is difficult to see replaced in the starting XI even at the age of 37.

I can understand the comments about the reliance we have on him, but this is a sign of the quality he brings and the lack of cover for what he brings to the team. I am not suggesting we need to sign someone similar, as having difficult options is always helpful, but I am thinking about the skills players only gain from experience and having played at a much higher level.

I would offer him another year, and I would hope he considered it.

At this point, I don't begrudge him being one of our highest (if not the highest) earners. I think he has worked for it, and proven his worth. Though, I think moving forward we might need to offer a little less, knowing that his role could change at any point. None of us can say if he can keep going; he will know his body. I can admit I have been skeptical and a little cynical of McGoldrick at times, but there's no doubt he's been a major part in the club moving forward.

If I were the club, I would see if he's interested in helping with the academy players and passing his wealth of knowledge to them in a playing/coaching role.

I can't imagine money will be a problem as he loves the club and our owners play fair. We won't be looking to underpay him and he won't be looking to squeeze every penny out of us. 

His influence right throughout the club is massive so absolutely offer him another deal.

Agree @Simon Clark. Maybe to offer another year (potential coaching role too) but on a lesser salary, to acknowledge the "risk" of legs going etc

Just watched MOTD......was David guesting for Brentford earlier....wearing the number 19 shirt??????

This doesn't look good..

If he goes to MK Dons that would be terrible news. 

 

@Chris is this a credible source or just one of those made up click bait stories?

I’d be gutted if McGoldrick left, even more so if it was join MK. He's played under Paul Warne and he wanted him to stay at Derby before he signed for us, so I could totally see it happening...

A case of wait and see now I guess. If MK have offered him a deal there’s no way we’ll be able to match the wages offered. It's mad now, whatever league we are in there’s always a club that can pay ridiculous amounts of money to players. 

As good as he is realistically he won’t play every game next season and that’s probably reflected in the deal we will have offered him. He will be tough to replace though, just in terms of skill I don’t think many can get close to him at this level.