A Stockport County midfielder might be the solution to John Bostock’s exit from Notts County.

HIGHLIGHTS

•  Notts County aiming for improvement, focusing on recruitment to bolster squad for upcoming season in League Two.
•  Midfielder Ryan Croasdale of interest after strong performance in Stockport, could fill key gap left by departing players.
•  Croasdale brings leadership qualities, combative style, and experience from title-winning side, potential positive addition for Magpies.

Notts County’s preparations for another season in League Two will be well underway as the Magpies look to improve on this term’s mid-table finish.

The campaign started with promise and Notts were within the play-off places heading into the new year, but since curtailed and perhaps coincided with Luke Williams’ departure to Swansea City in January, with that form having started to show during the latter stages of his tenure.

Stuart Maynard was able to steady the ship, and will now have the ability to bring in the players he believes will help improve the East Midlands club as he prepares for his first full season at the Meadow Lane helm.

An important part of preparations will include transfers, both in and out of the club. And with clubs across the Football League announcing their retained lists, a midfielder from Stockport County could be of interest to Richard Montague as he begins a busy period of recruitment along with owners, Christoffer and Alexander Reedtz.

Ryan Croasdale statistics

Having joined the Hatters in 2020, Ryan Croasdale has been an integral part of Stockport’s rise from the National League to League One.

The midfielder has made 178 appearances during his time at the club, but was one of eight players, along with striker Paddy Madden, who were told they were no longer needed following the expiration of their contracts.

Croasdale has been a regular feature under Dave Challinor since his arrival at Edgeley Park in 2021, featuring in all 44 league games during their promotion season from the fifth tier.

And at just 29-years-old, the Lancaster-born midfielder has proved this season he still has a lot to give, and is bound to be of interest to a number of clubs in League Two, with Notts County a potential destination in the summer.

While the Magpies possess the midfield talents of Scott Robertson, Dan Crowley and Sam Austin, while also having Matty Palmer returning to the first-team fold in the coming weeks, Croasdale would be a welcome addition to the midfield options, especially given the news of the club’s retained list.

Ryan Croasdale could fill the gap left by John Bostock

Towards the end of the previous month, Notts County announced that six players would depart Meadow Lane as their contracts expired, giving Aidan Stone, Will Randall, and Luther Munakandafa the chance to explore opportunities elsewhere.

While the club’s retained list highlighted a focus on bolstering the defensive line by releasing Aden Baldwin, Connell Rawlinson, Richard Brindley, and Tobi Adebayo, two significant players were also released.

Jim O’Brien and John Bostock played crucial roles in Notts County’s journey, contributing to their return to the Football League in the 2022/23 season.

Their departure was felt not just by the fans but also by their teammates, as evidenced by heartfelt messages from Jodi Jones and Dan Crowley to Bostock upon the announcement of his exit.

Losing these experienced and influential figures leaves a void in both leadership and experience, something that a potential recruit like Croasdale could fill if he joins the club in the upcoming summer transfer window.

During his tenure at Stockport, the 29-year-old led the team on 17 occasions in the absence of Madden, demonstrating his leadership qualities, which will be invaluable at Notts County next season.

Moreover, being part of a title-winning squad this season adds a positive dimension to his potential contribution to Notts County, enhancing the squad’s depth and quality.

Croasdale brings a blend of combative midfield play and proficiency in executing possession-based football, aligning well with the style that manager Maynard aims to reinforce during his first transfer window with the Magpies.

While Croasdale will have multiple options to consider, Notts County’s stature and the positive atmosphere surrounding the club could be compelling factors that sway him to sign a deal with the Magpies in the upcoming summer.

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