The trialist is one of pre-season's stock figures, players who are out of contract looking for a new club for the season ahead. Whether youngsters, experienced pro's or unknown quantities, clubs are always on the look out for a hidden gem for their squad. Notts are no different and we try to separate the wheat from the chaff by taking a look at the four trialists who appeared in black and white during the weekend's friendlies at Ilkeston and Hucknall
.Andre Blackman
Blackman is a twenty year-old former Bristol City left back who has a good pedigree at youth level. Starting out his youth career at Arsenal, Blackman moved on to play for both Tottenham Hotspur and Portsmouth at youth level. Following his release by Pompey he signed a two-year deal with Bristol City, making his debut in a Carling Cup clash with Brentford. He failed to complete his contract at Ashton Gate however and was released before going on trial with Leicester City. This was unsuccessful and, for the 2010/11 season, he signed for AFC Wimbledon in the Blue Square Premier. Despite establishing himself during the Dons' promising start, he was declared surplus to requirements at Kingsmeadow after just thirteen appearances, subsequently having an unsuccessful at Oldham Athletic. Known for his blistering pace and overlapping runs on the left flank, Blackman is also capable of playing on the left wing.
Nialle Rodney
Twenty year-old forward Niall Rodney is a free agent after being released by Nottingham Forest in the summer. Coming through the youth ranks over the river, Rodney made three senior league appearances for the Reds, including as a late substitute in a 2-0 victory at Cardiff City. During his time with Forest he had two loan spells, firstly at Ilkeston Town where he stuck two goals in seven appearances, against Eastwood Town and Solihull Moors. The following year, he spent a month on loan at Burton Albion, but after just three appearances this was curtailed by an ankle injury. A powerful, strong and fast forward, Rodney was successful for Forest's youth team and recently spent time training with League Two side Bradford City.
Kyel Reid
Kyel Reid is a highly rated former England youth international who was released by fellow League One side Charlton Athletic at the end of last season. Twenty three year-old Reid started his career at West Ham United, where he made just three senior appearances in the league. During his time at Upton Park he had four loan spells, firstly at Barnsley where he impressed with his pace and direct running, scoring twice for the Tykes. Short spells at Crystal Palace and Blackpool followed, before a loan spell with Wolves yielded another goal in a 1-0 win at Barnsley. In fact, it was the goal that secured Wolves the Championship title. Despite being offered a new deal by West Ham, Reid chose to leave in search of first team football, signing for Sheffield United. He found similar problem at Bramall Lane however, making just seven substitute appearances before being loaned to Charlton. He scored four goals in eighteen appearances at the Valley, helping the club to the League One play-offs. This persuaded the Addicks to make the move permanent, with Reid impressing in the early stages of the new season under Phil Parkinson. He fell out of favour after Parkinson was sacked though and in March it was announced that new manager Chris Powell would not be extending his contract.
Adi Yussuf
Young Tanzanian forward Adi Yussuf is considered a hot prospect, despite his release from free spending Leicester City. Tall, strong and quick, Yussuf dominated the youth leagues during his time at Leicester's academy. Last season he spent time on loan at Tamworth, impressing with the Lambs after hitting two goals in six starts for Des Lyttle's side. He returned to the Walker's Stadium though and was unable to make an impact on Sven-Goran Eriksson.