David McGoldrick has signed a two-year contract with Notts County, the club with whom he started his professional career as a 16-year-old back in 2004.
The former Ireland striker is coming off the back of a superb season for Derby County, in which he scored 22 goals as the Rams just missed out on a League One play-off spot.
With the dream of returning to the Championship with Derby not working out, McGoldrick will now be plying his trade two divisions lower during the 2023/24 season.
Notts County had a brilliant campaign themselves, just being pipped to the National League title by Ryan Reynolds-owned Wrexham at the end of an epic title race.
However, Luke Williams' men dusted themselves down to triumph in the play-offs, and take their place in the Football League for the first time since relegation in 2019.
David McGoldrick returns home
McGoldrick's arrival was confirmed on Saturday, with the move being described in a statement as a "long-held" ambition for the Nottingham-born forward.
"We’re over the moon to welcome someone of David’s immense quality and experience," said the club.
“He joins us on the back of his best-ever goalscoring season, but anyone who’s followed his career knows his talents extend far beyond his ability in front of goal.
“David’s an incredibly intelligent and intricate footballer who also boasts tremendous physicality, so we believe he can be hugely effective in a number of attacking roles.
“He’s been a leader and top professional at several big clubs, including recently in the Premier League with Sheffield United, and we believe his know-how and willingness to impart knowledge on to younger players will be invaluable.
“As you would suspect, David hasn’t made this decision for financial reasons. His love and respect for the club have brought him home and he’s going to be a talismanic figure as we commence this exciting new chapter.”
Yes, he's home 🖤
— Notts County FC (@Official_NCFC) June 10, 2023
Ireland retirement
Despite scoring only one goal in 14 appearances for Ireland, McGoldrick was a useful and popular squad member, particularly during Mick McCarthy's second spell in charge.
His international retirement in 2020 took some by surprise, but his club form since making the decision appears to have justified it somewhat.
