by Lewis Brumby
Deadline is a hectic day for clubs, players managers and fans up and down the country, how did Nottingham Forest, Notts County and Mansfield fare in January’s deadline day?
Nottingham Forest
Forest fans may be disappointed with how their deadline day turned out, after being linked with several players, including QPR’s goalkeeper Joe Lumley, however, the 37-year-old Glenn Murray turned out to be the early and the only deadline day deal.
People may sneer at the signing of a veteran striker but Murray can add vital promotion experience and has a keen eye for goal, he also has a brilliant relationship with manager Chris Hughton which should help him settle in at the City Ground.
As for out-goings, the Reds said goodbye to Spanish striker Angel Guerrero who joined Spanish second-tier side Rayo Vallecano for an undisclosed fee, and young striker Will Swan who joined Port Vale in League Two until the end of the season.
Notts County
It was a quiet day at Meadow Lane with just the signing of 21-year-old left-back Jordan Barnett to keep Notts County fans entertained.
The former Oldham Athletic player joined The Magpies as a free agent, following the expiration of his contract at Boundary Park, and he is an exciting young full-back who will look to add width to the side.
Barnett’s arrival does appear to mean the end of the road for one of Notts County’s other left-backs, Adam Chiksen, his move away has not arisen yet but his transfer out will not be constrained by a window deadline as it is likely his exit will come via a mutual contract termination.
Mansfield
The Stags scored a brace of loan deals on deadline day, with Blackpool striker Oliver Sarkic and young Wolves goalkeeper Jamie Pardington.
Sarkic is an exciting young forward who can play across all positions in the front-line and will act as a valuable replacement for Andy Cook, who was sent out on loan to League Two rivals Bradford City earlier in the window.
Pardington is a young goalkeeper with a lot of potential who will provide good competition for shot-stopper Marek Štěch as he looks to gain experience.
There was one out-going at the One Call Stadium as experienced forward Nicky Maynard was sent out on loan to promotion rivals Newport County.
The 34-year-old has taken a weight off the wage bill at Mansfield and will have fierce competition in South Wales as they are overstocked with attacking options.
