Smith:

Smith was widely tipped to sign until the end of the season but after Southend released him, it is reported he will be here for next season too.

Smith... During his "disgraceful" time at Southend

After an initial two month loan spell in which Smith made nine starts and two substitute appearances scoring once, the fans were clamouring for him to place his permanent signature with the club. He has done that and speaking to ‘Magpie World' he announced his delighted at the decision: “I'm happy to sign a contract and look forward to a successful career here and hopefully the club can get promoted.”

Not that he is completely satisfied with his performances: “I feel I've done alright. I'm happy with performances but feel there's more to come from me and the team. I just want to get my head down, work hard and hopefully do well for myself and Notts County.”

Despite Southend allowing him to join Steve Thompson at Meadow Lane, Smith clearly has regrets regarding his final seasons with the Championship club: “If I'm honest I don't want to (stay at Southend) because the way I have been treated there the past year or two is a disgrace, so I'm happy to cut my ties.”

Notts fans will be thankful for that, and Smith wants to repay those who had faith in him: “Other clubs have been interested and that's flattering and of course shows I'm doing something right, but the gaffer put faith in me and I feel like I owe him and the club. It would be wrong for me to leave and go elsewhere.”

One worrying factor for the Magpies fans is that Smith, as with nearly every new arrival uses the term “sleeping giant” to describe Notts: “I've been impressed with the ground the manager and the coaches and staff have been good to me. The club is a bit of a sleeping giant.”

McMahon... Soon to be back in Orient red

Smith has tasted back to back promotions with Southend, and he clearly has the experience of what to do: “I don't see no reason why we can't get promoted. The only thing going to keep us back is if we don't believe. With Southend, both years even though we knew it would be hard we believed we'd get promoted.”

Daryl McMahon arrived on the same day as Smith two months ago, though his loan deal will not be extended, and the midfielder returns to Leyton Orient after just three starts and four substitute appearances.