The defender has been training with Notts for three weeks now and has signed a one month contract which begins on New Years Day, but doesn't make him eligible for that days trip to Hereford United.
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Branston has been a free agent since November following his release from Notts' League Two rivals Peterborough United, but his last appearance actually came for League One outfit Northampton Town where he spent a four game loan in the same month.
The centre-half arrives with a reputation as a no-nonsense hard man, known for his straight line approach.
And Jeremy Casey, sports writer for the Northampton Chronicle and Echo believes Notts have the right man to get them out of their current predicament.
"I'm sure he will do a decent job for you, he is a man for a crisis" he said.
"He's played most of his career in the Championship or League One and was at Rotherham for quite a while, and if you are wanting somebody who is a big lad, can head away, then he is your man.
"His main problem is that he isn't so quick. But he is a no-nonsense, rugged centre-half."
The Cobblers lost all four of their games during Branston's stay, losing to Crewe, Walsall twice and Swansea without scoring and shipping seven goals in the process.
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"I think Stuart Gray brought him in to make up the numbers really," he said.
"At the time Northampton had a couple of injuries and it was always for a short-term basis.
"Guy said all the right things at the start about wanting to stay but I think he knew his time was up at Peterborough at this stage.
"He had a couple of decent performances, but a couple of ropey ones as well."
He returned to London Road, but having fell down the pecking order as Posh boss Darren Ferguson splashed the cash on the likes of Ashley Westwood, Branston and the club parted company by mutual consent.
That ended a season long stay with the Posh who he joined just ahead of last season and made 32 appearances for, scoring once.
Despite being on the periphery of things, Ferguson has used him this term as he appeared from the bench just before the break in United's 2-1 home win over Wycombe in October, and from the start in the following games 1-1 draw at Lincoln City.
However, most of his appearances this season came in an earlier loan spell with another League Two outfit in Rochdale.
Branston spent nearly two months on loan at Spotland, appearing six times.
He enjoyed his most successful time however when with Rotherham. The 28 year old first joined the Millers on loan in the 1999/2000 season from hometown club Leicester City, where he served his apprenticeship but failed to make a first team appearance.
Indeed, prior to his loan at Millmoor he also appeared on loan at Rushden,
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His form during his loan with Rotherham saw them pay the Foxes £50,000 for his services and he went on to make 111 appearances for them, during a five year stint, scoring thirteen times.
His first two seasons saw back to back promotions for Ronnie Moore's men who went from what is now League Two up to the Championship courtesy of two second placed finishes, with Branston a mainstay at the back.
He also performed well as they surprised many by staying in the Championship right through until Branston exited the club.
He had been on loan with Peterborough and also Wycombe while at Rotherham before a free transfer to then struggling Sheffield Wednesday where he made thirteen appearances.
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He joined them on a free and made 50 appearances, scoring twice, during a one and a half season stay before Peterborough finally secured his permanent services.
Now Charlie McParland has brought him to Meadow Lane, and it is up to Branston to secure a lengthier contract with some spirited displays.
Spirited appears to be in his nature, and it is hoped his experience, passion and tough streak will help Notts out of their current plight.
He will be available for selection for Saturday's must win home game with Stockport County.