The transfer window: The round-up

Last updated : 01 February 2006 By Rob Davies
Heading into the New Year, January always looked like it was going to be a busy month for Magpies boss Gudjon Thordarson.

Though the farcial 'emergency' loan system means the window of January carries far less importance at this end of the footballing spectrum, Thordarson always knew it would be a month that could shape his team's season.

Now, with the month over and the window slammed shut, Thordarson can breathe a sigh of relief and look back on a job well done.

Five in, seven out.

Reading that stat it may seem unlikely to say that the Notts County squad has improved. But it has.

Del Boy
On-the-field, January has been a very profitable month. Notts went into the New Year in 16th place in the League Two table, but are now in ninth position, sitting outside the playoff positions only on goal difference.

An expected defeat at table-topping Wycombe Wanderers has been the only blemish on a near-faultless month, that has seen the Magpies win four and draw one of their games.

The arrivals of Eugene Dadi and Lee Crooks have unquestionably been major factors in the sudden upturn of Notts' fortunes.

Crooks was the first new arrival, signing on-loan until the end of the season after messageboard speculation had reached fever-pitch levels.

The midfielder signed nine days after the opening of the window, but supporters were already getting restless.

Thordarson had previously seen moves for highly-rated former loanee Paul Boertien and out-of-contract Darlington striker Guylain Ndumbu Nsungu fall through at the last-minute.

Ndumbu-Nsungu received a late offer from Championship outfit Cardiff City, while Notts were to pull-out of the Boertien deal after Derby demanded more money for the full-back.

Undaunted, the Icelander continued his hunt for his primary target: A proven striker.

Needham: Permanent deal
The unexpected exit of top-scorer Glynn Hurst at the very beginning of the month had left the already weak-looking striking department a matter of grave concern for Thordarson.

The signing of Mark DeBolla on non-contract terms went some way to easing the immediate problem, but Thor was keen to add at least one other marksman to his squad who had played at a higher level.

The chief target was Stoke City's Bruce Dyer, but the 30-year-old was always reluctant to drop down to League Two. The former Barnsley hitman would eventually sign for Championship high-fliers Sheffield United.

After pairing 20-year-old defender Kelvin Wilson with 19-year-old winger Jake Sheridan in attack for the defeat at Wycombe, fans were relieved to see Dadi sign on-loan for the remainder of the campaign prior to the next match at home to Shrewsbury, where he delivered an outstanding debut display.

Prior to the match, Thor had also finalised another permanent signing. Non-contract midfielder Liam Needham was rewarded for his impressive displays with a six-month contract.

Meanwhile, Hurst's exit may have proved the most surprising of the month but it certainly wasn't to be the last.

Conference strugglers Crawley Town became erratic winger Tony Scully's 16th professional club. The Irishman - who had been on-loan with the club - agreed a two-year deal with the ambitious outfit.

The new Dadi
Out-of-favour midfielder Matthew Gill joined Conference high-fliers Exeter City until the end of the season, while Gavin Gordon received a pay-off after failing to find himself a new club. He is currently on-trial with Scunthorpe.

Non-contract defender Adam Tann turned down the offer of a permanent contract with the Magpies in order to join Leyton Orient, while Matthew Williams became the fifth player signed by former boss Gary Mills to make his exit.

The young striker joined Tamworth on an initial month's loan and has made an immediate impact, netting in each of his first three appearences for the lowly Conference side.

Deadline day itself seemed to sum-up the entire month's transfer activity for Thordarson. The County boss was able to sign long-time target French midfielder Noe Sissoko until the end of the season, but missed out on adding another striker to his ranks.

Thordarson was so sure that at least one attacking player would be arriving that he allowed Andy White to join Kidderminster on a month's loan, but Swansea City's Marc Goodfellow joined League Two rivals Grimsby Town and a move for an un-named League Two forward fell through at the last minute.

After all this activity, Thordarson is now taking a well-earned rest from the transfer market.

But, despite being continually linked with the Leicester City job by BBC Radio Nottingham, the 50-year-old is already planning to raid the loan market after Saturday's clash with Grimsby Town.

"I'd rather keep the money and save it for when the loan market opens," he said.

"I'll take a breather for now and get back at it next week."


Notts County Transfers January 2006

In: Lee Crooks, Eugene Dadi (both loan), Noe Sissoko, Liam Needham (both unattached), Mark DeBolla (non-contract).

Out: Glynn Hurst (Shrewsbury Town), Tony Scully (Crawley Town), Matthew Gill (Exeter City), Matthew Williams (Tamworth - loan), Adam Tann (Leyton Orient), Andy White (Kidderminster - loan), Gavin Gordon (released).