A sixth-place finish in EFL League Two, quickly followed by defeat in the play-off semi-final against AFC Wimbledon, ultimately cost now former Notts County manager, Stuart Maynard, his job.

It was to be a season that finished with the Magpies winning just four and drawing three of their last sixteen matches (including the play-offs) back to the start of March.

During his sixteen months at the helm, Maynard, who took over from interim manager, Jim O’Brien, in January 2024, who was holding fort after Luke Williams’ departure at the turn of the year, won twenty-eight and drew sixteen of his seventy-three matches.

Releasing a statement (22 May 2025), brothers, and owners, Chris and Alex Reedzt said: “After being unable to achieve our aim of winning promotion this season, we share the disappointment felt by everyone connected with the club.

“While football is a game of fine margins, and Stuart undoubtedly faced numerous challenges over the course of the campaign, neither results nor performances reached the levels we believe the team was capable of – particularly during the defining period towards the end.

“Stuart leaves with our very best wishes and gratitude for his considerable commitment and dedication to the role.

“In the near future we will provide a comprehensive update to supporters, offering more of our own reflections on the 2024-25 campaign while also outlining our approach to next season and beyond.

“Alongside our recently-appointed Head of Football, Roberto Gagliardi, our work is well underway to identify the correct coaching team and new signings to join us on these important next steps of our journey.

“We are highly optimistic about the club’s future and remain as committed as ever to helping Notts County achieve its immense potential.”

That change in management will of course lead to more changes in playing personnel, the club having already released their list of retained/released following a frustrating season on the Meadow Lane pitch.

Of those retained players, regular first teamers include that of Alex Bass, Jacob Bedeau, Curtis Edwards, Kellan Gordon, Conor Grant, Jack Hinchy, Will Jarvis, Alassana Jatta, Jodi Jones, Lewis Macari, Rod McDonald, Matthew Palmer, Matty Platt, and Nick Tsaroulla, whilst a new contract was also offered to David McGoldrick.

Of those that have been released, four were part of the National League, promotion winning squad, with Sam Austin, Kyle Cameron, Adam Chicksen, and Sam Slocombe, among those departing.

*Article provided by Peter Mann (Senior Correspondent).

*Main image @Official_NCFC Stuart Maynard led Notts to a sixth place League Two finish.