Dons swoop for Cal as winger leaves Notts for north of border
BIG CROWD EXPECTED FOR TONIGHT’S HOME FRIENDLY AGAINST REDS
NOTTS County winger Callum Roberts joined Aberdeen last night for an undisclosed fee.
The 25-year-old attacking midfielder signed a three-year deal with the Scottish Premiership side.
The former Newcastle United player scored 17 goals last season as the Magpies missed out on promotion through the National League play-offs.
Dons boss Jim Goodwin said: “Callum is technically a very good player.
“Jayden Richardson obviously knows him very well as they both played on the right-hand side for Notts County and were very successful together.
“I’ve spoken about the need for a bit more creativity and the good thing about Callum is that he can play off the right as a number 10 or also in central midfield as an attacking midfielder, so he gives us a number of different options.
“He’s a great age with good energy and pace and is another exciting one for the fans to look forward too.”
Meanwhile, the Magpies return to pre-season action tonight when over 11,000 supporters are expected at Meadow Lane for a derby against Nottingham Forest (7.45pm).
The away team have sold out their allocation as they prepare for the start of the Premier League season on August 6 away against Newcastle United.
County begin their National League campaign against Maidenhead United on the same day.
Former Magpies striker Mark Stallard played over 200 games for the club and says that despite the game being a friendly, bragging rights are still to play for.
“It’s massive for both sides,” said Stallard. “They are not all that common now but when they do happen, even in pre-season, then it’s one that both sides will want to win as local pride is at stake – it’s a big game.
“There will be a big crowd with over 11,000 tickets sold and despite pre-season being about fitness they will want to win.
“There is obviously a lot of hype around the game. The season is nearly upon us but there is enough time before the first league game to play a strong team.
“There will obviously be substitutions made at some point but it should be a strong team from both sides, I don’t see why not.”
This is the second time the city rivals will compete for the Derek Parvis Trophy.
The former Notts County chairman also served on the Nottingham Forest board and sadly passed away before the sides last played for the trophy in 2017.
Parvis was chairman of County for 13 years between 1987 and his retirement aged 70.
The club’s main stand is named in his honour. If the game is drawn then the trophy will be shared.
County head coach Luke Williams was left disappointed with his side squandering chances during their 1-1 draw with National League North side Boston United on their last outing last Wednesday night.
Williams was appointed as County head coach in June and this evening’s visit by Forest will be his first in charge at Meadow Lane.
“We need to go into that to try and be a unit and try and defend against what is going to be a ferocious opposition with top quality,” said Williams. “We need the guys to be organised and disciplined in their defensive duties.
“We also need to try and be brave to see if we can create something for ourselves.
“It’s going to be a great night because our neighbours have done incredibly well, are in the big league and I’m sure it will be a special night.
“I can’t wait to meet the fans and I’m sure it’s going to be a great atmosphere.”