Notts County are on the lookout for a new head coach after parting ways with Stuart Maynard in the wake of their League Two play-off exit.
The 44-year-old was relieved of his duties five days after a 2-1 aggregate semi-final defeat to AFC Wimbledon, which ended County’s hopes of promotion. Despite guiding the Magpies to sixth place, a run of one win in eight games to end the campaign proved decisive.
In a club statement, owners Chris and Alex Reedtz said:
“While football is a game of fine margins, and Stuart undoubtedly faced numerous challenges… neither results nor performances reached the levels we believe the team was capable of – particularly during the defining period towards the end.”
Maynard, who had taken over in February 2023, succeeded in steadying the club after the departure of Luke Williams but ultimately fell short of the ambitious targets set by the Meadow Lane hierarchy. Now, with Head of Football Roberto Gagliardi overseeing recruitment, the focus shifts to who will lead County into 2025/26.
Here are three names who should be in the frame for the job:
Luke Williams – The Return of a Fan Favourite?
A return to Meadow Lane for Luke Williams would be hugely popular with supporters. The former boss led Notts to 107 points in 2022/23, guiding them back to the Football League via the National League play-offs in a thrilling campaign alongside Wrexham.
He left for Championship side Swansea City in January 2024 but was dismissed in February after a difficult run. Still highly regarded in Nottingham, Williams is available and could be tempted to take care of unfinished business.
Des Buckingham – The Ambitious Project Leader
Another name gathering momentum is Des Buckingham, the former Oxford United manager. The 39-year-old boasts a globe-trotting CV, with success at Mumbai City and with New Zealand’s national youth sides.
He won promotion with Oxford in 2024 before being controversially dismissed early into their Championship campaign. Buckingham’s reputation for progressive football and player development would fit Notts County’s forward-thinking model.
Jon Brady – The Proven League Two Operator
Jon Brady brings experience and credibility after leading Northampton Town to promotion in 2023. Though his League One spell ended in resignation during a tough 2024/25 campaign, Brady’s knowledge of the fourth tier and track record of building competitive squads on limited budgets could be just what County need.
Known for fostering strong team spirit, he might offer a more grounded approach to promotion than some of the more glamorous names linked.
Writer’s View
Notts County’s decision to part company with Stuart Maynard was bold but arguably necessary. While the circumstances—injuries, player sales, and staffing instability—were not all of his making, a strong finish was needed and never came. With promotion the clear objective, the new appointment must balance ambition with League Two know-how.
A return for Luke Williams would be the romantic choice, but Des Buckingham’s modern methods or Jon Brady’s grit could be equally compelling. What’s clear is this: the next manager must harness the club’s immense potential and finally deliver the promotion fans crave.
