Williams says Aden has point to prove at Notts
NOTTS County head coach Luke Williams says Aden Baldwin is a “tough defender” after landing the player following his release by League One side MK Dons.
Baldwin worked with Williams at Bristol City and then Milton Keynes Dons.
The 25-year-old made 16 appearances for the Stadium MK outfit last season and will officially join Notts on July 1 after being released by the Dons.
The defender progressed through the Forest Green Rovers academy before earning a move to Ashton Gate in January 2016.
After impressing on loan with National League South side Westonsuper-mare, Baldwin joined Cheltenham Town in League Two for another loan spell but managed only five games due to a knee injury.
A further loan spell with Notts’ National League rivals Eastleigh concluded his time at Ashton Gate before he signed for MK Dons, then managed by Russell Martin, alongside Williams, last summer. After playing a part in his moves to City and MK Dons, Williams now has the chance to work with the defender as head coach.
“I’ve known Aden for a few years now. He’s somebody who can defend first and foremost, he’s a tough defender, he can tackle, he can head the ball,” he told The Magpie Circle Podcast, hosted by former club director Paul Mace. “He’s got real pace so he can cover the back of the pitch and the channels.
“He’s also very comfortable on the ball, he can travel with the ball at his feet, he’s got a really good range of passing. We might even see Aden take a direct free-kick, he can really get it up and down.
“He’s got a lot of qualities. He’s got a point to prove, which I like. He’s been unfortunate and like everybody, has made the wrong decision at the wrong time, but he’s got a real point to prove.
“He’s so excited to be here, really excited to be here, really wants to get going.”
Baldwin is the Magpies’ fourth
signing this summer following the arrivals of Tobi Adebayo-rowling, Macaulay Langstaff and Cedwyn Scott. Richard Brindley, Adam Chicksen and Tiernan Brooks have recently extended their stays, while Dion Kelly-evans, Alex Lacey and Tyreace Palmer were released.