Newly promoted Notts County have been handed an early close-season boost with the news that popular defender Connell Rawlinson has put pen to paper on a new two-year deal with the League Two newcomers, reports the club’s official website.
Rawlinson is one of County’s longest-serving players having joined the club from Port Vale in 2019 after the Meadow Lane side had been relegated to the National League. He won the club’s Player of the Season award the following year.
Rawlinson and his teammates enjoyed a fantastic 2022/23 season totting up an incredible 107 points but still finished as runners-up to big-spending Wrexham.
Boss Luke Williams steered his side to the playoff final, where they squeezed past Chesterfield at Wembley in a dramatic penalty shootout and with it reclaim their status as the oldest Football League club.
County also had to claw back a two-goal deficit against Boreham Wood in their semi-final before eventually clinching their place in the final with a last gasp extra-time winner.
Williams is bracing himself for a flurry of transfer activity this summer with a host of clubs said to be interested in 42-goal striker, Macaulay Langstaff.
Portsmouth are said to be interested in Aaron Nemane while winger Reuben Rodrigues is attracting interest from Derby and Blackpool.
Nemane and Rodrigues have been offered new deals by the club, as have keeper Sam Slocombe, defender Kyle Cameron and midfielder Jim O’Brien.
What Was Said?
A statement on the club’s website said;
“We have huge respect for Connell’s qualities, both as a player and a person and we’re delighted he’s staying with us”
“We’ve seen him evolve over the years and adapt brilliantly to new roles and responsibilities.
“He was a key player for us in what proved to be one of the best seasons in our recent history and has experience of League Two from his time at Port Vale, so we have every confidence he can continue to make a very positive contribution with his performances.
“Away from the field, we believe Connell’s excellent relationship with our supporters and deeply engrained understanding of the club and its culture are extremely valuable.
“Everyone could see how much our victory at Wembley meant to him and we really appreciate his passion, loyalty and commitment.”
Writer’s View
The news that one of County’s key players has agreed to a new contract will be a boost for Luke Williams as he prepares his plans for the club’s first season back in League Two.
Interest in the hugely prolific Langstaff though will be a big worry for County fans with Championship clubs being linked with a move for the striker who grabbed an incredible 42 goals in 45 appearances.
Williams will also be keen to tie down his other out-of-contract stars as quickly as possible. Notts look to have a strong chance of challenging in League Two, particularly if they can hang on to their key players and will hope to go one better than Stockport who reached the playoff final in the fourth tier, having secured promotion from the National League 12 months earlier.
