Deeney in shock Meadow Lane return

Last updated : 14 July 2006 By Rob Davies
The duo become the 12th and 13th permanent signings of Steve Thompson's two-month reign as manager.

Custodian Deeney returns to Meadow Lane after just a season away, which he spent with Burton Albion.

It completes a remarkable turn-around for the young Irishman, who turned-down the offer of a new two-year contract last summer.

Deeney was then the number one stopper at Meadow Lane, but it is almost certain that he will now act as understudy to Kevin Pilkington - who was signed to replace Deeney.

The 23-year-old had been on trial at Walsall, but jumped at the chance to return to the club he joined as a 15-year-old.

Welcome back
"I'm really pleased to be back," he told the Official Website.

"There is a new management staff here now and I hope I can help push Notts County back up the league.

"When I came here as a 15-year-old it was a special club to be at, and nothing has changed my mind to believe that. I saw it pass last year for different reasons but there's no point looking back now, we have to look to the future.

"What happened before was because of people who are not here now and everything has changed, and it was a bit sad how things ended up.
I'm here to fight for the number one spot now, and that is why I am so happy to be back.

"I had interest from elsewhere, but I always got on so well here and with the Club being so special I wanted to come back."

The keeper has signed a one-year deal.

Gleeson, meanwhile, also concluded his expected transfer today.

The 21-year-old has signed a one-year deal and will fight it out for fellow new-boy Gary Silk for the right back slot. He had previously played under Thompson at Cambridge.

Both players are expected to play some part in tomorrow's opening pre-season friendly at Hucknall Town.

Thompson is also expected to complete the loan signing of Sheffield Utd midfielder Ian Ross by Monday.

The two clubs are now thought to have reached an agreement on a six-month deal for the 20-year-old.

Meanwhile, Notts County's Director of Football Howard Wilkinson is believed to be on a three-man shortlist in-line to take over the China National squad.

Should the move materialise, it would be a massive blow to the Magpies - with Wilkinson's experience key to a new three-pronged management team.



For all the latest transfer news from Meadow Lane, stay tuned to NCM.