New Notts County striker David McGoldrick has revealed why he turned down Derby County’s contract offer to return to his boyhood club, with quotes from the club’s website.
The 35-year-old is entering the twilight of his playing career, however, is coming off the back of a 32-goal contribution season with the Rams, which has seen him sign for newly promoted Notts County.
Spending the last year with Derby in League One, which saw them narrowly miss out on a place in the playoffs on the final day, the goal-scoring striker spoke in depth about his departure.
Who Is David McGoldrick?
Starting his football in the youth ranks of the Magpies, the striker has endured a long and illustrious career. Playing in 557 games while scoring 150 goals and having 57 assists to his name, McGoldrick has played in all four of England’s top divisions and featured 14 times for his country.
With the bulk of his work happening in the Championship with Ipswich Town, the striker has enjoyed spells with Southampton, Nottingham Forrest and Sheffield United.
After four impressive years with the Blades, which included two seasons in the Premier League, the centre-forward rejuvenated his career under Derby manager Paul Warne.
One Last Dance?
Off the back of his highest-scoring season at the age of 35, McGoldrick will return to the club where it all started for him. With Notts County securing promotion to League Two after a dramatic run in the National League playoffs, the club will have high expectations for their first season back in the Football League.
The Irishman looks to not have too many seasons left in him due to his age, so in fairytale fashion, a last dance with his first club could be a great way to end a successful career.
What’s Been Said:
Speaking to Derby about his exit, McGoldrick spoke about how much the club meant to him and how he would have returned if it wasn’t for Notts County.
“It has been a difficult decision for me to leave Derby County, but it has been a huge ambition of mine to play for Notts County again before the end of my career.
“If it wasn’t for the fact that I had the chance to return to Notts, it would have been a no-brainer to stay at Derby – regardless of interest from any other club. I really enjoyed working under the gaffer and his staff, playing alongside the lads and, of course, performing in front of the brilliant fans at Pride Park. I want to thank everyone for making me feel so welcome in the last year.
“I had a wonderful season with Derby and to score 25 goals and three hat-tricks made it such an enjoyable time, the best in terms of goals for me personally in a season, and actually made the decision such a difficult one.
“I’ve had many conversations with the gaffer over the last few weeks and he really did do everything he could to keep me at Derby but, in the end, I have decided to go with my heart and return to Notts.
I wish the club the very best of luck moving forward and I’ll be willing Derby on next season. They’re in good hands both on the pitch with the gaffer, Richie Barker, Matt Hamshaw and Andy Warrington, as well as off it too.”
Writer’s View
The decision McGoldrick had to make would have not been an easy one, however, in the end, a return to his boyhood club was too much to pass on. Derby will miss the former Republic of Ireland international’s goals, but one club’s loss is another club’s treasure.
Notts County will be getting an experienced striker to partner with Macaulay Langstaff, which could make them a formidable force in League Two if all goes to plan.
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