Notts County forward Macauley Langstaff has been impressed with how the new signings have settled in so far as the club continue through their pre-season preparations. Manager Luke Williams has brought in four new players so far this summer, all of whom have been involved at some point in the club’s first two pre-season friendlies.
The Magpies were heavily beaten 5-1 by Stoke City last time out at Meadow Lane, but it still would have been a good learning experience for the team against a high-quality outfit. At the very least, Notts were able to give new addition Will Randall his first minutes against Stoke, with fellow arrivals Aidan Stone, Dan Crowley and David McGoldrick all making their debuts in midweek against Nuneaton Borough.
The club have kept hold of a strong core of players who helped the club achieve promotion back to the Football League last season, Langstaff included, and the Notts forward believes the new pieces that have been added fit well with the current set.
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"I think they're fitting in really well,” said Langstaff, who has netted in both of Notts County’s pre-season friendlies so far. You're seeing the transformation in the chemistry we've developed in the changing room since last season. I believe they've acclimatised quickly and, out on the pitch, they've absorbed so much so swiftly.
“It's clear in the 11 vs 11s the amount they've absorbed, adapting to our style of play really swiftly. And as I said before, in terms of the changing room, they're merging in impressively well.”
After a physically and emotionally draining 22/23 campaign, Langstaff and his Notts teammates would have been grateful for the break in action, but now that preparations for the new season are underway, the player is raring to go again.
“It’s good to get back into the routine, we had about six weeks off but they flew by and pre-season has been tough so far but we’re working hard both on and off the pitch in the gym to get back into the swing of things.”
County are back in action at Meadow Lane on Saturday as they welcome local rivals Nottingham Forest as Williams continues to test his squad against high-level opposition in preparation for stepping up a division.
