Matt Palmer is the perfect fit for Notts County- Burchnall

By Neil Harvey

NOTTS COUNTY head coach Ian Burchnall believes Matt Palmer is a ready-made replacement for departed midfielder Jake Reeves – and his EFL experience will be crucial.

The 26-year-old midfielder was one of a flurry of signings at Notts along with former Manchester City and England youth captain Ed Francis, 21, and midfielder Aaron Nemame, 23, who has joined from rivals Torquay United.

Palmer has four promotions on his CV, two at Burton – where he played in the Championship – as well as the League One play-offs with Rotherham and from League Two at Swindon, his last club, in 2019-20.

And with one of last season’s best performers Reeves now at Stevenage, Burchnall is happy to land the knowledgeable Palmer.

KNOW-HOW: Matt Palmer

He told the club’s website: “We’ve brought in two very talented young midfielders in Ed Francis and Frank Vincent this summer, so adding someone of Matt’s experience will give us great balance in the central area.

“Matt’s played more than 50 games in the Championship, around 80 in League One and nearly 100 in League Two so he brings a lot of know-how to the squad while, at the age of 26, he still has plenty to offer in terms of development and improvement.

“We’re looking at him playing a similar role to Jake Reeves towards the end of last season. He could play deep, but we see him more as a box-tobox midfielder who can contribute to the attacking side of the game.

“Matt’s got a great eye for a forward pass and will also contribute a lot when we’re looking to retain possession as he’s really comfortable with the ball and very competent technically.”

Francis played alongside Mason Mount and Reece James in England age groups and when at Manchester City trained with Pep Guardiola’s first team.

“Ed had his first real taste of senior football at Harrogate last year but it probably didn’t go exactly how he wanted,” said Burchnall. “He found himself being used at full-back quite a lot but I know he sees himself as a holding midfielder, as we do.”