Ahead of their return to EFL League One, for the first time in a little over a decade, Notts County boss, Martin Paterson, is strengthening his squad for what they hope will be an exciting, entertaining season at Meadow Lane.

Relegated from League One in 2015, then from League Two four years later, in 2019, the Magpies spent four seasons rebuilding in the National League, and one of the players who pulled on the black-and-white jersey during this period, has returned to the fold this summer.

Finishing third, fifth, fifth, then runners-up, over their four seasons at the top of the non-league pyramid, winger Callum Roberts was at the club during those middle two campaigns, making 58 appearances for the club between 2020 and 2022.

Initially joining from them National League North side, Blyth Spartans, the former Newcastle United Academy player headed to Meadow Lane, the first time around, in January 2020, going on to net 22 goals in his two-and-a-half seasons.

Picked up by Scottish Premiership side, Aberdeen, in 2022, he only made a handful of appearances for the Dons before heading back to England, and former Football League, then National League North side, Scunthorpe United.

Over a hundred appearances, and a promotion with them, brought him to the attention of Paterson, and he soon returned to County; upon his return to the Lane, County’s Director of Football, Richard Montague, told the club website; “As many of our fans will know, he’s a really threatening attacking player – a brilliant dribbler and quality set-piece taker who’s capable of producing moments of magic in and around the box.

“While Cal is obviously dangerous from wide positions, he’s evolved into an accomplished attacking midfielder over the years.”

Roberts wasn’t the first and certainly not the last, new arrival at the Lane since promotion back to League One was confirmed at the end of last season.

One of two midfielders, Max Sanders, has arrived from Crewe Alexandra, where he made 86 appearances for the League Two side over the past two seasons.

Sanders brings League One experience to the club as well, having previously played for Leyton Orient (30 appearances, 2022-23), Lincoln City (72 appearances, 2020-23), and a loan spell with AFC Wimbledon (22 appearances, 2019-20), having been with Brighton & Hove Albion prior to that.

The other midfielder buying into Paterson’s League One dream, Irish U21 international, Darius Lispiuc; born in Dunboyne, County Meath, the Irishman began his professional career at St Patrick’s Athletic, before moving to England, and Stoke City, in 2024.

Loan spells with Walsall, and Solihull Moors followed, before County boss, Paterson, picked him up on a three-year contract in late June; discussing his versatility, and what he can bring

to an attack-minded side, Lipsiuc told the County website that; “I played in just about every position for Solihull but I primarily see myself as a box-to-box midfielder, which is where my focus was at Stoke, or in one of the 10 positions.

“I’ve also had a lot of joy out on the right, as a wing back or winger.

“I’ve always been a versatile player and take it as a compliment when a manager trusts me to perform different roles.

“Ultimately, I just want to be out there playing football.”

Read the full interview with Darius Lipsiuc HERE

A fourth addition to the club over the summer comes in the defensive department, Paterson bringing in experienced full-back, James Gibbons, from League Two outfit, Cambridge United, where he registered 88 appearances over the past two-and-a-half seasons.

Gibbons was also the U’s Player of the Year last time around, bringing with his experience from spells at Bristol Rovers (48 appearances, 2022-24) and Port Vale (138 appearances, 2016-22).

County’s DoF told the club website of Gibbons’ addition that the defender; “is capable of playing anywhere across the back line, possesses a very dangerous long throw and plenty of experience – including almost 100 appearances in League One.

“He’s a natural leader, a brilliant character and full of confidence following a terrific campaign with Cambridge.”

Meanwhile, today’s (8 July) announcement from Meadow Lane, is the addition of a striker to Paterson’s squad ahead of the new season.

Emile Acquah has signed from Scottish Premiership side, Dundee FC, where he made 17 appearances alongside a loan spell at League Two Harrogate Town, a further 20 outings, during the 2025/26 season.

Acquah also brings League One/League Two experience to the Lane following spells at Barrow (89 appearances, 2023-25), and Southend United (48 appearances, 2018-21) where he started out.

More on the addition of Acquah HERE

Released from the club are that of Keanan Bennetts, Jack Hinchy, Oliver Norburn, as well as the recent announcement of the departure of Matthew Dennis, to Burton Albion, whilst Tyrese Hall, Tom Iorpenda, Jayden Luker, and Harald Tangen, have returned to their parent clubs following the end of their respective loan spells.

*Article provided by Peter Mann (Senior Correspondent).

*Main image @Official_NCFC Emile Acquah has signed from Dundee.