REPLAY: Transfer deadline day for Nottingham Forest, Notts County and Mansfield Town

All three Nottinghamshire clubs were expected to complete deals on the final day of the January 2019 transfer window.

Nottingham Forest were known to still be in the market as new manager Martin O’Neill looked to make his mark on a squad the Irishman still hopes will make a run on the Championship play-off places.

Over at Meadow Lane Notts County – still bottom of the football league and moving further from safety in League 2 – needed to finish the window strongly to bolster hopes of survival for Neal Ardley’s side.

And Mansfield Town – always busy in the last few days of previous transfer windows – were also known to be chasing at least one more signing.

Here’s how the action unfolded during the day, with updates from Jake Brigstock, Chris Breese and Alex Mason.

________________________________________________________________________

23:20 And that’s it for another transfer window! Nottingham Forest are expected to announce the loan move of Molla Wague from Udinese tomorrow; you can see a full list of the January 2019 transfers for all three of our clubs below. I’ll be bringing you the latest from the Forest press conference tomorrow – check @jakebrigstock on Twitter from 5pm for the latest. For now though, thank you for sticking with us and from me, Jake Brigstock, it’s goodnight!

23:18 Nottingham Forest transfers, January 2019

23:13 Confirmation from the club Notts County are done for the day. Nottingham Forest full list of ins and outs to follow shortly.

23:10 Notts County transfers, January 2019

23:05 While we wait for confirmation all three of our clubs have finished their business, we’re taking a look at who Notts County have signed this window. It’s been a busy one at Meadow Lane!

23:00 THE TRANSFER WINDOW HAS NOW CLOSED! That doesn’t mean the announcements stop though – still waiting for confirmation Nottingham Forest and Notts County have done all their business…

22:40 Mansfield Town transfers, January 2019

22:35 Mansfield Town confirm their business is done for the window. A full round up of all of their transfers to follow shortly…

22:30 JUST 30 MINUTES TO GO! Any last minute deals for our three clubs, ins or outs? Keep with us!

22:19 Here’s Notts County’s Michael Doyle’s first interview as a Magpie, speaking to iFollow Notts.

22:17 BBC’s Charlie Slater reckons that’s it for Notts County today. Even so, what a busy window they’ve had…

22:05 DONE DEAL! But Rochdale have just announced the resecured services of Nottingham Forest’s Zach Clough! He spent the first half of the season on loan at Rochdale but was limited to nine appearances because of injury. But having spent time recuperating with the Reds, he is now fit and ready to play for Rochdale again.

22:01 …and just as I write that, BBC’s Robin Chipperfield has signed out for the night, saying he’s not expecting any more ins at any of our three clubs.

22:00 ONE HOUR TO GO! Just 60 minutes until the window slams shut – will there be any more activity at Nottingham Forest, Notts County or Mansfield Town? Stay with us to find out!

21:55 Fighting talk from Notts County assistant manager Neil Cox, who has Tweeted: “Everybody has written us off. We are going down blah blah blah. Now is the time to get behind the team on Saturday against Lincoln and be that 12th man. I believe we can do it and with the new signings in the team, there is a real belief.”

21:51 DONE DEAL! Midfielder Michael Doyle joins Notts County on a permanent basis. He has been a prime target for the Magpies, according to their website. Here’s what manager Neal Ardley said to iFollow Notts about the signing:

“It’s been a lengthy pursuit as he is someone I have admired for a long time.

“From day one, we’ve wanted to introduce leadership qualities and character into the squad and Michael adds that alongside Jim O’Brien.

“He’s a player that is used to being at the top end of the league and has several promotions on his CV, so I feel proud he wants to come and play for us.

“For him to be prepared to join us and say ‘let’s do this’ says a lot about this club and hopefully he will drive us forward to achieve what we want.

He’s very good on the ball, combative, knows where he should be on the pitch and makes play tick. Most of all though, it’s like having a manager’s voice in the middle of the park.”

The 37-year-old Irishman has been signed from Coventry City, where his contract ran out in the summer. That was his second stint for Coventry, where he has made 76 appearances scoring four times since resigning in 2017. In his first stint, from 2003 to 2011, he made 304 appearances scoring 25. He then joined Sheffield United, making 223 appearances scoring 10, and then Portsmouth, making 96 appearances scoring three. He helped Portsmouth win League Two in 2016/17 and Coventry City win the League Two play-offs last season.

21:11 And that Notts County signing could be on the cards, with BBC’s Charlie Slater Tweeting he understands Michael Doyle is having a medical at Meadow Lane after a ‘month’s worth of effort from those at Notts’. Watch this space!

21:09 DONE DEAL! Nottingham Forest striker Jason Cummings has joined League One Luton Town on loan until the end of the season. Cummings spent the first half of the season on loan at Peterborough United but now joins the Hatters for the rest of the season.

21:00 TWO HOURS to go until the window is closed for business. While Nottingham Forest look unlikely to make any further additions with defender Molla Wague reportedly set to be announced tomorrow, there still could be action at Notts County with manager Neal Ardley keen to get another deal over the line. And Mansfield Town may yet add to their squad as well. Stay with us for all the latest as it happens.

20:53 DONE DEAL! Nottingham Forest’s Toby Edser has joined Port Vale on loan until the end of the season. The 19-year-old helped Nottingham Forest Under-18 side which won the league and reached the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup in the 2015/16 season.

His performances for the Under-18s earned him a regular spot in the Forest Under-23 side in 2016/17. He was also involved in the first-team squad as an unused substitute against Cardiff City, Reading and Birmingham City.

20:47 Mansfield Town news – winger Paul Anderson has had his contract terminated by mutual consent. The 30-year-old made 40 appearances in all competitions for the Stags last season but has been unable to get into the line-up this season, says Mansfield Town. The Stags thank Paul for his services and wish him every success for the future.

20:11 Check out Virgil Gomis’ first interview as a Notts County player, speaking to iFollow Notts.

19:51 And with that, BBC’s Robin Chipperfield reckons that could be it for Nottingham Forest dealings this window. While heavily linked, Alexander Milosevic is a free agent and can be announced outside the window.

19:49 DONE DEAL…? Both Nottingham Post’s Paul Taylor and BBC’s Robin Chipperfield Tweeting to say Molla Wague will join Nottingham Forest on loan, but it won’t be confirmed until tomorrow. He will join on loan for the rest of the season from Udinese. The 6’3″ centre-back has twenty-five international caps for Mali, having scored four times.

19:45 Hello hello hello! This is Jake Brigstock signing in now until the end of the transfer window! First up, here’s Notts manager Neal Ardley on new striker Virgil Gomis speaking to iFollow Notts:

“We’ve wanted to add pace to our attack – that was one of our main objectives.

“Normally you find that in a younger player, and we’ve got it from both ends of the spectrum with Virgil and Craig Mackail-Smith.

“We’ve watched him play in various games to get a feel for the way he moves and how he would fit into our style and what we’re trying to do.

“Virgil’s main strength is to penetrate and run off the back of teams, which will free up other players to do their stuff.”

19:05 DONE DEAL! Virgil Gomis completes move to Notts County on loan until the end of the season. The teenager should go straight into the squad to face Lincoln City this weekend

Here he is! ✍️ pic.twitter.com/tfZSShKRf5

— Notts County FC (@Official_NCFC) January 31, 2019

18:48  👀

There’s a new 🔟 in town… pic.twitter.com/M1t8TOtgje

— Notts County FC (@Official_NCFC) January 31, 2019

18:30 Viv Anderson Exclusive: O’Neill and Keane could be the new Clough and Taylor

Viv Anderson played for Nottingham Forest when they won the European Cup – the old version of the Champions League – in 1979 and 1980. Notts TV asked the regular who played under Brian Clough about Martin O’Neill and his recently appointed No 2 Roy Keane:

“They are both winners and they both know the history of the football club. I’m sure they will instill that in the players. It’s important that the players have the the same mindset of the two men who are at the helm.

“I hope they’re given enough time to get the right things across to the players and get them promoted. If anyone knows how to get out of the Championship it’s O’Neill. He is right at the top of that list.

“With the experience and knowledge of Keane, players will want to come to Forest and be a part of what’s happening there. They are trying to build something really special.

“O’Neill and Keane could be the new Clough and Taylor… Who knows?”

18:00 Bonatini kick-starting your evening with some impassioned words.

💬 @BonatiniOficial is raring to go. #NFFC pic.twitter.com/K3BrKmiMao

— Nottingham Forest FC (@NFFC) January 31, 2019

17:48 Reminder: Nottingham Forest youngster, Virgil Gomis, is expected to move to Meadow Lane on loan for the rest of the season. The teenager could go straight into the squad that faces rivals Lincoln this weekend.

17:24  Achiever? Bonatini was a key figure in Wolves’ promotion push last season. The Brazilian scored 12 goals in 29 starts during their climb into the Premier League.

17:01 DONE DEAL. Confirmation at last! Forest have made their second signing of deadline day as Wolves’ Brazilian striker Leo Bonatini arrives on loan from Molineux. The 24-year-old ‘can’t wait to get to work’ at the City Ground.

⚽️ A new challenge on my career. Can’t wait to get to work. #NFFC pic.twitter.com/oXBXF29Wma

— Léo Bonatini (@BonatiniOficial) January 31, 2019

17:00 Good afternoon, all. Alex Mason here… You have me for two hours of transfer updates until Jake takes the hot seat for the final stint.

16:42 Right – I’m off for a little bit to work on Ey Up Notts until 7pm but will be back to take you through to the end of the window from then. For now though, Alex Mason will be bringing you the latest. See you shortly!

16:40 Notts’ boss Neal Ardley’s view on the business done in the transfer window so far. He feels he’s delivered as good a transfer window as he could do, with one or two signings still in the pipeline. Could it be a late one for the Meadow Lane team?

16:35 Back to Notts for the moment – here’s what new striker Craig Mackail-Smith had to say in his first press conference as a Magpie. He’s not set any personal targets for the season and is solely focused on delivering Notts County League Two safety.

16:34 BBC’s Robin Chipperfield reiterating Forest’s Jason Cummings could be bound for League One promotion chasers Luton Town on loan for the rest of the season on Twitter.

16:17 Seeming a few could be heading for the Forest exit door too – Nottingham Post’s Forest writer Paul Taylor Tweeting the club are ‘working to find moves for players like Zach Clough, Jamie Ward, Jason Cummings and Liam Bridcutt’. He adds Luton Town are interested in Cummings and Walsall are keen on Ward and that their future at the City Ground could be decided later this evening. Will that pave the way for more signings?

16:06 More on Neal Ardley getting more signings over the line – including that of Forest youngster Virgil Gomis.

15:56 Notts County manager Neal Ardley speaking in the pre-match Lincoln City press conference of the signings of Sam Stubbs on loan from Middlesbrough, Craig Mackail-Smith on loan from Wycombe, Mitch Rose on a free from Grimsby Town and Kristian Dennis going the other way to Grimsby on loan.

15:30 HE’S HERE! Still thawing out from the trip to Meadow Lane for Notts County’s press conference, but Notts TV’s Mr Deadline Day Jake Brigstock is in the hotseat, bringing you all the latest. Clips from the press conference to follow shortly.

14:59 Notts County signed Wycombe Wanderers striker Craig Mackail-Smith on loan until the end of the season on Wednesday. Here’s a comment from his first press conference at Meadow Lane: “I want to be a part of something at this club. I want to pass my experience on, get among the goals, and get the points to move Notts County away from danger.”

14:48 Forest are interested in bringing former loan winger Mo Barrow back to the City Ground. The 26-year-old made four appearances for the club in early 2015 before returning to parent club Swansea.

14:37 Ardley feels he has given Notts County ‘the best transfer window possible’ so far after reinforcing their defense with new signing Sam Stubbs on loan from Middlesbrough.

14:34 Across at the City Ground the Swedish international, Alexander Milošević, is expected to complete a free transfer move to Nottingham Forest.

Quick Facts:

• Age: 27
• Height: 6ft4in
• Professional appearances: 131 with stints at Besiktas and Hannover
• Currently: Free agent after leaving AIK in December
• Position: Central defender

14:26 Notts County are hoping to bring in Virgil Gomis to bolster the Magpies’ chances of League Two survival. Ardley has had talks with Gary Brazil and he is hoping to get a done deal later today.

14:15 Notts County have just announced defender Sam Stubbs on loan. Ardley said, “He’s a good communicator and he’s hoping he can organise the back four.”

14:12 There could be movement out of Meadow Lane in what promises to be a frantic end to the window which closes at 11pm. Notts TV reporter, Jake Brigstock, is currently in a press conference with Neal Ardley. Updates to follow soon…

13:53 Leo Bonatini is edging closer to a loan move at Nottingham Forest. The 24-year-old will be allowed to leave regardless of whether anyone comes in.

13:50 Chris Breese has popped out for his lunch. Alex Mason here taking control of the blog for the next hour. Remember, all deals must be done today.

13:36 Obviously one sealed overnight and delivered this morning. Dennis is already being pictured in a very chilly-looking Grimsby.

🥶 We have covered the Blundell Park pitch as a precaution against the heavy frost and cold weather we are expecting over the next couple of nights! #WeatherWatch

🧐 And we also have some other news too… #GTFC #DeadlineDay pic.twitter.com/jymxjyLpYq

— Grimsby Town FC (@officialgtfc) January 31, 2019

13:20 We have movement at Meadow Lane again, and it’s outwards. Kristian Dennis is off to Grimsby Town on loan until the end of the season. 

County’s announcement reads: “Dennis, who joined Notts on a permanent deal in the summer after scoring 21 times for the Spirites last season, has netted three league goals in 2018-19 as well as a hat-trick against Doncaster Rovers in the Checkatrade Trophy.

“The 28-year-old will spend the remainder of the campaign at Blundell Park.”

Perhaps a deal hastened by the arrival of Craig Mackail-Smith last night.

12:48 Not a transfer. But an interesting twist on Notts County‘s recent controversies. A Lincoln City fan has tweeted a fundraiser ahead of his side’s League Two fixture with the Magpies on Saturday. @nezdanny has been, let’s say, ‘inspired’, by Notts County chairman Alan Hardy’s accidental use of Twitter on Sunday to start an appeal in aid of Prostate Cancer UK. Less than 20 hours after it was launched it’s at £644 of a £1,000 total goal.

12:39 Back where we belong with Nottingham Forest and there are increasing rumblings of centre back Alexander Milosevic possibly heading to the City Ground. He’s a Swedish international who’s been a free agent having left AIK in his homeland at the end of December. Swedish media are reporting he’s basically on the plane heading for a medical.

12:20 For those of you interested in that thing called the Premier League, Arsenal have just confirmed one of the most talked-about deals of the window, bringing in Denis Suárez in from Barcelona.

12:05 Dundee are welcoming Calum Butcher warmly on Twitter. Stags have thanked him and wished him all the best in the statement announcing his departure from Field Mill.

📝📹 #ButcherIsTangerine 🧡🖤#DUFC pic.twitter.com/PKMkIE0iRA

— Dundee United FC (@dundeeunitedfc) January 31, 2019

11:45 Mansfield Town have just announced midfielder Calum Butcher has moved to Dundee United. He’s leaving having made 19 appearances for the Stags this season. Dundee are currently third in the Scottish championship and it’s a second spell at Tannadice for Butcher, who did well there from 2013-15.

11:30 Whereas Notts County are holding their regular press conference later today, which our own Jake Brigstock will be reporting from, Forest are holding theirs tomorrow – perhaps indicating the Reds are expecting to do more today, while county have perhaps almost completed their business.

11:18 Notts County have agreed to terminate the contract of Slovakian goalkeeper Branislav Pindroch this morning to allow a planned move to another club, which has not yet been named. He only made one full appearance at Meadow Lane after arriving from the Czech top flight in 2017. But he’s still only 27 and has time on his side.

🇸🇰 | We have this morning agreed to terminate Branislav Pindroch’s contract to allow him to pursue an exciting opportunity at another club.

Bran is the first Slovakian to represent us and we wish him all the best for the future. pic.twitter.com/SlDraISmud

— Notts County FC (@Official_NCFC) January 31, 2019

11:13 Forest are expected to welcome more players today. Plenty of people, including the Nottingham Post’s Paul Taylor, expect Leo Bonatini to arrive on loan from Wolves. The striker helped Wolves get into the Premier League – but has struggled to get a game after promotion and Wolves are thought to be happy to let him stretch his legs elsewhere for the rest of the season.

11:03 Pele has given his first interview – to Forest‘s media team – having arrived from Monaco and been confirmed by the Reds this morning. First noticeable thing is his decent grasp of English right off the bat – and his hopes he can help Forest go up.

🗣 “I have a good feeling, to come here to help Nottingham Forest to go up.”

Pele speaks after signing on loan at #NFFC for the remainder of the 2018-19 season. pic.twitter.com/R1145qtC6v

— Nottingham Forest FC (@NFFC) January 31, 2019

11:00 And here’s who’s been rocking up and out at Field Mill. Mansfield Town are never quiet during a window. And they always pull one or two belters out of the bag as well. Midfielder Jorge Grant being their most impressive rabbit-out-of-a-Radford-hat in this window.

Ins: Nicky Ajose, Charlton Athletic, loan
Jorge Grant, Nottingham Forest, loan
Gethin Jones, Fleetwood Town, loan
Alistair Smith, Mansfield Town academy graduate
Jordan Smith, Nottingham Forest, loan
Ryan Sweeney, Stoke City, free

Out: Timi Elsnik, Derby County, loan return

10:51 Notts County Chairman and owner Alan Hardy has promised to keep on investing in the Magpies despite putting the club up for sale on Sunday. And plenty of fans will have been encouraged by the arrival of Craig Mackail-Smith last night.

Mackail-Smith is on loan until the end of the season. He’s not as old as some might assume, having been around for what seems like an age, but still 34 (although he’ll turn 35 next month). He’s actually played 21 times for Wycombe in Leaague One this season, scoring three times. He could do a job at Meadow Lane and throughout his career has played five seasons in the Championship.

Welcome to Meadow Lane, @12CMS12! ⚫️⚪️

The experienced forward joins us on loan from @wwfcofficial until the end of the season. pic.twitter.com/0JGDcqanBN

— Notts County FC (@Official_NCFC) January 30, 2019

10:50 Over the Trent at Meadow Lane, Notts County have been doing this. Besides a few things at boardroom level.

Ins: Ben Barclay, Brighton and Hove Albion U21, loan
Craig Mackail-Smith, Wycombe Wanderers, loan
Rob Milson, Crawley Town, free
Jim O’Brien, Bradford City, free
Mitchell Rose, Grimsby Town, free
Ryan Schofield, Huddersfield Town, loan

Out: Tom Crawford, AFC Flyde, loan
Keston Davies, Swansea City, loan return
Ben Hall, Brighton and Hove Albion U21, loan return
Terry Hawkridge, released
Nathan Thomas, Sheffield United, loan return
Jamie Turley, Leyton Orient, free

10:41 Well that escalated. Where was I? Forest’s business so far this window:

Ins: Yohan Benalouane, Leicester City, undisclosed fee
Judilson Mamadu Tuncara Gomes, Monaco, undisclosed fee

Out: Gboly Ariyibi, Motherwell, loan
Ben Brereton, Blackburn Rovers, undisclosed fee
Danny Fox, Wigan Athletic, undisclosed fee
Jorge Grant, Mansfield Town, loan
Jordan Smith, Mansfield Town, loan

10:32 So Pele has pedigree, having made waves in the Portuguese top tier as an attacking midfielder as recently as last season. He’s got a bit of experience behind him as well. The Reds could get a half a season from a talented player there if it works out for him. If there is an option to buy, it’s not been mentioned in the club statement.

10:26 And there’s already scarf-waving pic too. Must have been pretty much done and dusted last night this one. Although this morning’s Trentside mist is clearly behind him in the photo, meaning he’s done his publicity this morning. There you go. Weather-based sleuthery.

🙌 #NFFC pic.twitter.com/cWLS6SreH0

— Nottingham Forest FC (@NFFC) January 31, 2019

10:26 More on Pele – worth pointing out this has all JUST been confirmed and announced by the club. Here’s the City Ground statement in full:

“Judilson Mamadu Tuncará Gomes, known as Pele, has signed a deal on loan with The Reds until the end of the 2018-19 season.

“The 27-year-old has featured for a host of teams across Europe, notably Portuguese top-tier side Rio Ave. The midfielder was a key component of the side which finished fifth last season, resulting in qualification for the Europa League, with his seven goals in 31 appearances earning him the Player of the Season award for the Portuguese side.

“Pele, who has also been on the books of European giants AC Milan and Benfica, caught the eye of French side Monaco with his displays, resulting in a move to the Ligue 1 side last summer.”

10:25 DONE DEAL I spoke too soon! Nottingham Forest have signed Pele. What a sentence. It’s 27-year-old French Pele though, not Brazilian legendary footballer and obscure men’s product endorser Pele.

10:20 Morning all. Chris Breese here kicking things off this morning. Let’s start by looking at who’s already done what this month – and over the last few days. Then we’ll get out a big sieve and separate fact from rumour, rumour from nonsense, and desperate strikers from car parks as we work out what might actually happen today.