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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Sport
Leigh Curtis

Joe McDonnell quits Notts County to join their National League rivals

Joe McDonnell has turned down a new contract at Notts County to sign for their National League rivals Eastleigh.

The former AFC Wimbledon goalkeeper was one of several players offered a new deal at Meadow Lane at the end of the season.

But the 26-year-old wanted to move back closer to his home town of Basingstoke.

McDonnell's switch to Eastleigh makes him the second player who turned out for Notts last season to move to the Spitfires after Pierce Bird joined them earlier this week.

McDonnell said: "I would like to thank the management, coaching staff, office staff, players and all the fans for making my short stay an enjoyable one."

The 26-year-old joined us on a short-term deal last season to cover for the injured Sam Slocombe.

And he did a fine job of helping Notts maintain their excellent run of form as they finished third in the National League table last season after it ended early because of the coronavirus pandemic.

But McDonnell played no part in the club's play-off campaign under boss Neal Ardley after Slocombe regained full fitness after a groin problem.

McDonnell's decision to depart leaves striker Kristian Dennis, winger Sam Osborne and right-back Dion Kelly-Evans as the only players yet to make a decision on their futures after they were offered new deals.

Defender Alex Lacey, captain Michael Doyle and defender Richard Brindley have already put pen to paper.

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