‘Money isn’t everything’ - David McGoldrick opens up on surprise League Two move after Derby County departure
David McGoldrick has been speaking about his decision to leave Derby County for League Two side Notts County
David McGoldrick has opened up on his decision to leave Derby County insisting “money isn’t everything” as he admits he couldn’t turn down the chance to return to boyhood club Notts County.
The former Sheffield United striker was one of Derby’s stand-out players last campaign, scoring 22 league goals and winning multiple accolades at the club’s end of the season awards. However, many were surprised to see the forward drop down to League Two as despite interest from Championship clubs after a career best 25 goals in all competitions, McGoldrick made a sensational return to his boyhood club.
The Magpies, who clinched a dramatic return to the EFL after finishing second in the National League on over 100 points before earning promotion via the play-offs, were McGoldrick’s first-ever professional club.
He told BBC Sport: “I’ve got to the age where money isn’t everything. Happiness is a massive part of family and it’s something I’m trying to teach my kids. How can I teach that to my kids and not practise it myself?
“I didn’t want to look back in 10 years time and say I had a chance to play for Notts County but I turned it down for a few more bob somewhere else. It’s a great move for me, for my football career. Take away all the other stuff that comes with it and it’s where I want to be playing in terms of my future.”
Derby County were keen on retaining the striker as they offered him a one-year deal to rermain at Pride Park. It was only two seasons ago that McGoldrick was playing in the Premier League with Sheffield United but the drop down the divisions is no issue for the 35-year-old.
He said: “I always had it at the back of my mind that I want to finish here. I haven’t come here as a retirement home. I’ve come here to play and play as many games as I can. The dream is to play for the next couple of years, be part of the team, be successful and you never know, maybe take the club to another division.”
He continued: “I also want to go into coaching in the future so learning from [manager] Luke Williams I can gain many things. Hopefully, I can coach at some point at this football club.”