Notts County manager Stuart Maynard labelled David McGoldrick “Superman” after the veteran striker made a triumphant return from injury, scoring a stunning goal to seal a vital 2-0 victory at Grimsby Town.
The 37-year-old, making his first appearance in nearly six weeks, stepped off the bench and fired home from outside the box to wrap up the win at Blundell Park. Alassana Jatta had earlier put the Magpies ahead on 56 minutes as they continued their push for automatic promotion from League Two.
“He’s Superman, isn’t he?” Maynard told BBC Radio Nottingham. “He comes along, he delivers, he just produces things on a football pitch that other people can’t.
“I was screaming from the side as he was running through, ‘square it to AJ’ [Jatta], but he touches it wider, he knows where he’s going, he reverses it across goal, what a finish – incredible.”
Magpies stay hot on Doncaster’s heels
The win keeps Notts County just one point behind third-placed Doncaster Rovers, who currently occupy the final automatic promotion spot, with only ten games remaining in the season.
Despite missing seven matches, McGoldrick’s goal—his sixth in his last six appearances—took his tally to 14 for the campaign. His return has provided a huge lift for the squad, and his latest goal triggered emotional celebrations on the Notts bench, particularly among the club’s medical staff, who have worked tirelessly to help key players recover from injury.
Notts have endured a difficult season with fitness issues, with Lewis Macari, Lucas Ness, and Scott Robertson ruled out for the rest of the campaign. Jodi Jones remains sidelined, while Connor Grant and Curtis Edwards have only just returned alongside McGoldrick.
McGoldrick’s remarkable career comes full circle
McGoldrick’s return to Notts County in 2023 marked an emotional homecoming for the Nottingham-born forward, who began his career with the club two decades ago.
After making his senior debut in 2004, he was snapped up by Southampton before enjoying spells at Nottingham Forest, Ipswich Town, and Sheffield United, where he was instrumental in their promotion to the Premier League in 2018-19.
Following a successful stint at Derby County, where he was named Player of the Year in 2023, McGoldrick returned to Meadow Lane, bringing vast experience and leadership to Maynard’s side. His latest heroics underline his enduring quality and importance to the Magpies’ promotion push.
Writer’s view
McGoldrick’s return could prove to be a game-changer for Notts County in the final stretch of the season. His presence alone lifts the squad, and his ability to produce moments of brilliance—like his goal at Grimsby—could be the difference in the tight promotion race.
With injuries having disrupted Notts’ campaign, having a leader like McGoldrick back in action is invaluable. If he stays fit, the Magpies’ automatic promotion hopes remain very much alive.
