How Oliver Norburn has reacted to becoming a Notts County player | OneFootball

New Notts County signing Oliver Norburn has explained his decision to make the move to Meadow Lane.

New Notts County signing Oliver Norburn has revealed that the club's exciting project helped to convince him to turn down offers from League One in order to make the move to Meadow Lane.

Norburn had spent the previous two years at Blackpool, but he was loaned out to Wigan Athletic in the second half of last season after falling out of favour at Bloomfield Road, and he was released by the Seasiders at the end of his contract last month.

FLW exclusively revealed on Friday that Notts County had agreed a deal to sign Norburn on a free transfer, and it was confirmed on Monday afternoon that the 32-year-old has signed a one-year contract with the League Two outfit, with the club having the option to extend for a further year.

The Magpies are currently without a manager after parting company with Stuart Maynard last month following their play-off semi-final defeat to AFC Wimbledon, but that has not stopped them from pressing ahead with their transfer plans, and Norburn is the club's third new addition of the summer after the arrivals of Tom Iorpenda and Matthew Dennis.

After the deal was announced, Notts head of football Roberto Gagliardi revealed that he previously tried to sign Norburn during his time at Portsmouth in 2021, and he predicted that the midfielder, who has also had spells with the likes of Tranmere Rovers, Shrewsbury Town and Peterborough United, will be "a hugely influential figure" for the club.

Oliver Norburn reacts after leaving Blackpool for Notts County

Norburn revealed that he had opportunities to remain in League One after departing Blackpool, as well as to move closer to his home in the north-west, but he insisted that the chance to become part of Notts County's ambitious project was too tempting to turn down.

"It was a call that came out of the blue but, with me already being aware of Notts’ project and having enjoyed watching them play in recent seasons, it was something I wanted to hear more about," Norburn told the club's official website.

"After speaking to Roberto Gagliardi and learning more about the club’s plans, including the new training ground, it ticked so many boxes and really excited me.

"There were options to stay in League One, and to be closer to home in the north-west, so it’s not a decision I’ve taken lightly.

"But the project in place here and the positive energy was something I wanted to be part of.

"I’d like to thank Roberto and the owners for the opportunity and I look forward to giving everything I’ve got towards making this a successful season and helping the club get to where it wants to be.

"In this league, you’ve got to be able to mix it. It can’t always be pretty.

"The last few clubs I’ve played for have looked to control games with the ball - but you have to make sure you look after the basics, like winning tackles and second balls, especially when conditions get tough in the middle of the season.

"That comes with experience and know-how – and I’ll be looking to add that to the group, as well as being a leader who brings out the best in those around me.

"The fanbase is another big pulling factor in me coming here.

Oliver Norburn could be the perfect addition for Notts County

Norburn is a vastly experienced midfielder who has been captain of his last three permanent clubs in Shrewsbury, Peterborough and Blackpool, so the leadership qualities he will bring to Meadow Lane will be invaluable as Notts County look to achieve promotion from League Two at the third time of asking next season.

While the Magpies have played some attractive football under former head coaches Luke Williams and Stuart Maynard, some supporters feel they have lacked the physicality and battling qualities needed to succeed in the fourth tier, but Norburn should help to add the steel that has perhaps been missing over the past few years.

Norburn is currently recovering from a calf injury picked up during his loan spell at Wigan last season, and he is not expected to be fit until early August, but once he gets up to speed, he could become a crucial player for Notts.