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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Sport
Oliver King

Contract situations, January transfers and Notts County title chance - your Magpies questions answered

It has been a hectic month for Notts County, with a seven-game unbeaten run, Manager of the Month award and a record National League attendance.

But with the Magpies having to wait until next Saturday to return to action, it's time the fans had their say on events surrounding Meadow Lane and ask questions on the season so far.

And our Magpies reporter Oliver King sat down to discuss all things Notts including January transfers, contract extensions and Luke Williams' sides title chances.

READ MORE: Notts County season ratings as summer signings impress during National League start

Here are the answers to your questions sent in over the past couple of days.

Any new players on the horizon, have we offered contract extensions to anyone?

After speaking with owners Christoffer and Alexander Reedtz, they are continually looking at the contract situations of players but remained focused on achieving their target of promotion this season.

Currently ten Notts players are out of contract in 2023, and I think the outcome of this season will largely depend on whether those players agree new terms at Meadow Lane.

Those out of contract are Sam Slocombe, Adam Chicksen, Aaron Nemane, Kyle Cameron, Connell Rawlinson, Matty Palmer, Jim O'Brien, Ed Francis, Ruben Rodrigues and Kairo Mitchell.

Of those players mentioned, I believe eight of those would be offered new deals should the Magpies achieve promotion from the National League, with Francis and Mitchell potentially moved on after not featuring as much this season.

From what I know, no contract extensions have been offered to any of those players.

In terms of new players, there is no doubt Luke Williams would like to bolster his squad, with the Notts boss explaining he had been to view a number of Nottingham Forest academy games and liked what he saw.

That connection has worked brilliantly over the years, with Ryan Yates and Jorge Grant making the short switch to Meadow Lane and being huge successes during their respective times at the club.

What areas do you think need strengthening?

The one area that concerns me the most is that of left-wing back. Adam Chicksen has been in fine form this season, and the decision to let Joel Taylor go out on loan did surprise me a little.

Whilst it's a good move for both the player and the club, I feel as though if Chicksen were to get injured, Notts may have to switch formation to a four at the back or look to play Kyle Cameron in that position.

Everywhere else for me is pretty solid, with most positions across the team having two players fighting for a place in the starting line-up.

Another option up front could be something to consider also, but I shall delve into that later on.

Will we see any departures in January?

Personally, I think only one player could depart on loan this January but that will all depend on whether Notts can bring someone in to fill that position.

Whilst sending players out on loan is a good proposition for both club and player, you don't want to leave yourself short, especially with the fixtures starting to build-up as the season progresses.

Frank Vincent will return in January from his three-month loan spell at Aldershot and feel it would be beneficial keeping him around the squad, rather than extending his loan again or sending him elsewhere.

Ed Francis or Kairo Mitchell could be two players looking to gain regular game time away from Meadow Lane, but as mentioned previously, all rests on whether the Magpies can find players to fill those gaps.

How do Notts try to counteract teams that play like Yeovil and Bromley?

It's a tough one to answer, because it has been an area of recent struggle and could be a recurring theme of teams looking to play with a low block to keep Notts at bay.

Whilst a 'target man' like figure goes against the philosophy Williams is trying to instil into his side, it would be good to have a back-up option should teams look to play in a particular way.

Many have compared Bromley's Michael Cheek and Wrexham's Ollie Palmer as styles of players they would like to see at Meadow Lane, but it's about identifying that right man to ensure the momentum in the season continues to progress.

Williams has explained previously that he is not willing to go out and buy or loan anybody just because they are good at what they do, but they need to buy into the philosophy and improve the team as a whole.

It's all very well identifying a number of potential targets, but that comes with its complications as to whether the club can afford it in the long run which could ultimately bring a financial element into finalising a deal.

Personally, I do think another option is needed in attack to switch up approaches in games, but it needs to put into careful consideration before rushing into a decision, something I am sure Williams, and his staff will be doing.

Do you see Chesterfield as part of the title race?

I think it's far too early on in the season to rule out Chesterfield in the title race.

If Paul Cook's side win their game in hand, they go just two points behind Notts and as we saw at the start of the month, outplayed Williams' side in the first half before Macaulay Langstaff's double.

Personally, I believe the top three will be those currently occupying those positions, but the order of that I am still unsure of.

After how many games do we call it a title run in?

Ten games. The table is still taking shape, with three points separating Maidenhead in 12th and Solihull Moors in the final play-off positions.

I think the Christmas fixture list will be season defining, with games coming thick and fast along with the start of the FA Trophy which kicks off on Saturday 17 December.

Many fans see the competition as a distraction from the league, with many unbothered about the progression in the trophy to ensure full concentration is on gaining promotion.

Just like Williams says every time, Notts need to take it game by game and focus on their own results, rather than those around them. Still plenty of football to be played yet.

Will the squad us the Padel Tennis Courts as part of the training regime?

Following the announcement from the club on Tuesday that the four-court padel centre at the rear of the KOP had neared completion, I expect the uptake to be very high for people within the local community.

With the club offering the facility free of charge when it opens next week, I find it difficult to see when the players would have the time to use it, coupled with Williams' intense training regime.

Although it is considered a great way to keep fit, I am sure the Magpies boss is putting the players through their paces during training sessions.

Where do I think Notts will finish this season?

From what I have seen this season, I see no reason why Notts can't finish top of the pile this season.

They have already beaten Wrexham, Woking and Solihull Moors, taking 11 points from those inside the top seven, having yet to play Barnet which comes in their final home game before Christmas.

There has been a significant improvement in their away form this season and feel as though that will be crucial come the end of the campaign.

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