Notts manager John Sheridan spoke to Magpie Player about the signings he has made so far this summer, and how he feels leaders are needed out on the pitch...
With six players already signed since John Sheridan became Magpies manager a month ago, the gaffer has wasted no time bringing in the players and quality he needs to build a successful squad here at Meadow Lane.Goalkeeper Adam Collin, defenders Carl Dickinson, Richard Duffy and Matthew Tootle, and midfielders Alex Rodman and Michael O'Connor have all signed for Notts County, with Sheridan feeling they will bring positive characteristics to the squad.
He said, "I feel defensively I needed to sort the squad out, watching from the outside last season. But I feel it was about bringing a bit of quality in and players who know this league and the league above it".
"I've tried to get players in who have been involved in playoffs and in promotions, so I'm very pleased with the way things are going at the moment."
O'Connor, Duffy and Dickinson were all Port Vale players last season, but Sheridan insists that there's nothing in it.
"It's just coincidence. They're available, and I've always liked all three of them. I remember them all previously, I liked Dicko [Dickinson] when he was a young player at Stoke, Duffy when he was at Exeter was always a quality player, and I've always really liked Michael O'Connor".
"They've had good careers, they've played a lot of games. They're the type of players I like, consistently good. They'll give me a seven or a seven and a half out of ten every game and those are the sorts of players you need".
One of the biggest coups of the summer so far was the signing of Carl Dickinson, who was Port Vale's captain last season, but Sheridan asserted that he feels he wants leaders all over the pitch.
He said, "[The players I've brought in] have all got leadership qualities. You need those players out on the pitch. You don't want to be hearing the manager's voice all the time."
"If they've got something to say, they'll say it".
The full interview is now available on Magpie Player HD. Stay tuned to Magpie Player and our Facebook and Twitter for pre-season updates.