Who's That Man ?
The loanees of Season 2013-2014
So, we must assume that at the start of the 2013-14 season, owner Ray Trew decided to run the men's squad on much less cash. The hoped-for cash bonanza of the 150th anniversary year was gone and reality of life in league one at best was beginning to sink in. The option of attaching a women's side with much more potential for success was also coming to fruition but it meant an enlarged wage bill so something had to give. It was the comparatively 'high' wage earners of the underperforming gentlemen's XI. Understandably the gentlemen were not quick to see the logic of lower division squad funding. Those at the end of their contracts from the last season who could go elsewhere, did so. Those in the middle scarpered if they could. Jeff Hughes went to Fleetwood, a side who had only recently achieved league status. Notts were ultimately left with less names than they might have thought comfortable and topped up with some youf players.....you know the rest. Pretty soon, this exercise in economy was found wanting and the club turned to loanees to get numbers and goals back on the up. In total 11 of a huge squad list of 46 were begged and borrowed, including several that proved to be central to our ultimate survival.Let's remember the year of the loanee and take a look at the best....
McGregor and Mullins, two influential loanees get a home game underway. Unfortunately, the latter's parent club, Birmingham City, pulled him back to contribute in their own last-day fight so he missed the Notts finale.
7. Jack Grealish
This very highly rated youngster from Aston Villa, joined Notts on an initial four month loan which was extended after a five day return to Villa in January and lasted until the end of the season. From very early on, it was clear that his class, skill and ability were over and above and something not often seen in this division. With 37 appearances and 5 goals to his name, he returned to his parent club at the end of the season and found himself making his debut the very next day against premiership champions Manchester City.Although only appearing as an 87th minute substitute,manager Lambert had obviously had good reports of the youngster.
But what of his matchworn kit I hear you ask...well when the club announced players shirts were available for sale, it was the most sort after. However with only one available, the club made the wise decision of auctioning it; it went for over £300, three times more than the others in the sale. Allegedly,Jack had more than four shirts and he did swop one during the season so they may crop up at sometime in the future - as probably will the boy himself.
8. Callum McGregor
Jack wasn’t the only loanee who lit up the pitch this season. Callum, a youngster on loan from Celtic also played a vital part in The Great Escape with valuable, early season goals.He, like Jack, had yet to make his debut for his parent club but he came with glowing reviews from the Scottish premiership side. He didn’t disappoint, weighing in with 12 goals in 36 appearance and a man of the match performance v Liverpool. Unfortuantely, on Derry’s arrival, the team played a new system for the later part of the campaign and McGregor was reduced to the role of super-sub.
And the Others...
12.Hayden Mullins
In a time like this, an experienced head at the back is always required….step forward Hayden Mullins. He became a key member of the back four and the ex west ham and Crystal Palace defender, created a rock solid centre back partnership with Hayden Hollis. Unfortunately, he did so well that Birmingham recalled him just before the final game verse Oldham and he took part in Birmingham’s very own Great Escape, with a last minute goal securing their survival in the championship.
12. Marcus Haber – The Canadian striker came on a three month emergency loan from Stevenage. Unfortunately, he did not provide the goals needed and thus, becomes just another one of the many loan players.
15. Kwesi Appiah – After helping Cambridge with some vital goals to fire them to the top of the Conference, Appiah’s second loan spell of the season saw him visit Notts County. However, he could not replicate his earlier form and with no goals to his name, he returned to Crytal Palace before being loaned out to AFC Wimbledon.
24. Edna Stevens – Just like Jack, Edna came on loan to Notts County from premier side Aston Villa. He had played a handful of games in the premiership for Aston Villa as well as gaining Europa League experience with several Scottish teams. However, he also only made a handful of appearances for Notts, the most notable being his debut against Liverpool.
24. Keiron Freeman – After a period on loan in 2012, Keiron was welcomed back with open arms to the black and white stripes. The much sort-after defender had been having a successful time at Derby until a loanee from Liverpool took over his right-back position there. He was briefly recalled to Derby after a period with Notts but did return for a while before going out to Sheffield United on loan until the end of the season.
24. Joshua Vela – Vela joined Notts on a 28 day youth loan spell from Bolton. Considered as a ‘promising prospect’, he played five matches at the end of the Great Escape season, including the final day against Oldham.
29. Gareth Roberts – A Welsh international and an experienced head, the 36 year old was brought in to provide depth to the squad. He often ended up playing at left back whilst Sheehan became one of the many players used at centre back.
38. Callum Ball – another player brought in from Derby, Callum was brought in as Notts attempted to find success upfront. It was hoped that having scored against goalkeepers such as England’s Rob Green and David James, he would provide the much needed goals. However, he added only one to the tally.
39. Nathan Tyson – There was no denying that most Notts fans had heard of this man and although a former red, his reputation meant that he was well received on his arrival. Yet again, goals were not delivered and after a few starts he spent most of his loan spell coming from the bench.
