Notts County have confirmed a deal to bring Josh Martin to the club on a short-term deal in the midst of injury concerns.
The Magpies were hit with the major blow of Curtis Edwards being out until the festive period. Following a knock in the game against Accrington Stanley, the 30-year-old had been out of the squad, with the club later confirming he needed to have an operation on the issue.
Martin arrives at Meadow Lane after being part of the Portsmouth squad that clinched the League One title last season. He signed as a free agent for John Mousinho’s side and played 9 times across the campaign, amassing a total of 158 minutes in the league.
He was previously on the books of Norwich City and featured 16 times for The Canaries in the Premier League and Championship. The 23-year-old then had multiple loan spells across the EFL, with appearances for MK Dons, Doncaster Rovers and Barnsley.
County Director Richard Montague said upon the announcement of Martin’s arrival: “Right up to the end of the transfer window we were interested in adding another attacking option to the squad and, following the long-term injury to Curtis Edwards and with Jodi Jones continuing to be assessed, we felt it was important to take action.
“To have the opportunity to sign a player of Josh’s pedigree at this stage of the season is fantastic.
“While he predominantly plays as a winger, we think he has the technical ability to also play more centrally in our system.
“We have every confidence he can make a positive impact for us between now and January, when this deal expires.”
Jones featured last week in the loss to Gillingham and has been the biggest contributor to The Magpies’ early season successes with eight goal contributions in seven matches. He limped off towards the end of the game at Meadow Lane, with Stuart Maynard confirming in the post-match interview that the club would assess the knock the following Monday.
County travel north to Morecambe this weekend, looking to reclaim the top spot in League Two with second-placed Gills playing table toppers Barrow at the same time. Third-placed Walsall welcome Colchester United to Bescot Stadium.
Writer’s View
It is understandable why Notts County have taken action to sign a free agent. Jodi Jones has been assessed since his knock and with the results presumably back have chose to bring in Josh Martin. Whilst he certainly can cover for Jones on the wing, from what Richard Montague said he may find himself regularly in the middle of the pitch. The 23-year-old has never really played the position so it is a gamble to see if he can fit in naturally to a new position in the short amount of time he has at the club.
Reading between the lines it seems that Martin is viewed purely as a stopgap and will depart in January when this deal expires. He has been given a great chance with County and this is his time to put a case forward for other League Two clubs to take notice for when he becomes available in 2025. If he does well enough, The Magpies may opt to extend his stay in Nottingham and become a great squad option to one of the division’s best attacks.
