Notts County have announced that goalkeeper Sam Slocombe has signed a new two-year deal, as confirmed by the club.
Slocombe has been with the club since 2019, racking up 134 appearances in the process. The 34-year-old made 39 appearances in the league this season, as well as starting both the play-off final against Chesterfield and the semi-final against Boreham Wood.
Who is Sam Slocombe?
Originally applying his trade with his hometown club Scunthorpe United, Slocombe made 133 appearances in seven years with the Irons. Moves to Oxford United, Blackpool, Bristol Rovers and Lincoln City all followed, but the 34-year-old could never hold down a starting spot. He joined County in 2019 where he became the first team keeper, a position he has held ever since. It is unsure if Slocombe will keep his number-one spot next season, with other options potentially being brought in to challenge him at Meadow Lane.
What Has He Achieved With Notts?
County had one of the best defences in the National League this season, conceding just 42 goals in 46 games. This record was beaten only by Boreham Wood, who they dramatically saw off in extra time in the playoffs. Slocombe was a big part of this, keeping 15 clean sheets for the Magpies during the season.
The season was marked with success for County, as they achieved promotion back to the Football League after four years as a non-league side. Scoring 107 points in a record-breaking year was still not enough for automatic promotion, due to Wrexham’s monumental score of 111. The Magpies were almost knocked out by Boreham Wood, but a 97th-minute equaliser forced the semi-final to extra time, where they would score a 120th-minute winner to advance to the final.
Having been heavy favourites for promotion, they faced third-place Chesterfield in the final and once again had to rely on a late equaliser. This time in the 88th minute, to force the game to extra time they would equalise. The game went to penalties, and Slocombe was replaced by six-foot-five keeper Archie Mair who was on loan from Norwich. This proved to be a great decision, with Mair stopping two Chesterfield penalties as they went on to win 4-3 on penalties.
What’s Been Said:
When speaking to the club’s official website , manager Luke Williams said:
“He’s an immensely experienced goalkeeper who has demonstrated his quality and consistency over his four years at the club.
“The role Sam played in last season’s promotion cannot be underestimated. He was a vital component in our team and many of the outstanding performances we produced would not have been possible without him.
“We’ve enjoyed open and constructive dialogue with Sam over the summer to explain our intention to bring in a new, senior goalkeeper to work alongside him and Tiernan Brooks.
“We see this as an important element of our long-term squad development and Sam fully understands our position.”
Writer’s View
Slocombe brings plenty of experience to the table and it is smart that County have kept him in their return to the Football League. Although it seems unlikely that he’ll be first choice, the 34-year-old will play a big part in the dressing room. The Magpies will be looking for back-to-back promotions given the strength of their squad.
