Gary Liddle talks about his first week of pre-season...
It has all seemed a little bit strange for Gary Liddle this week, after he joined up with his new teammates for pre-season training.
The midfielder has moved away from his hometown, Middlesbrough, for the first time to link up with the Magpies on a two-year deal.
Liddle had enjoyed his early career with the Riverside Stadium outfit, before moving to Hartlepool United, where he has spent the last six years, making 283 appearances.
Excited about a fresh start at Meadow Lane, the 26-year-old has settled in well for his first few days of training with the Notts squad.
“It’s been good, a bit indifferent because obviously I came in and didn’t know anyone,” he told Magpie Player.
“I know Bish (Neal Bishop) half because he’s from the same area as me but it’s completely new in having to meet new people.
“I spent six years in Hartlepool and then 26 years in Middlesbrough as well so it’s completely different.
“It’s my first steps outside Middlesbrough if you like, it’s a new city and a new environment for me.
“But it’s what I wanted to do and I want to see if I can handle it."
He added: “There’s a good set of lads here, we’ve all introduced ourselves and I’m not the only new one.
“There’s a good seven or eight new lads and we all don’t know each other so pre-season is important.”
Liddle has been impressed by the quality of players brought to the club in the summer and hopes that the team can at least achieve a spot in the League 1 Play-Offs.
He said: “There’s a lot of experienced lads come in that have played at Premier League and Championship level.
“We’ve also got lads who are experienced at League 1 level as well, like myself, and it bodes well for the new season.
“Hopefully we can push on and improve on last year.”
You can check out the interview with Liddle exclusively on Magpie Player.