‘Proper goodbye ‘ - Derby County to face former talisman David McGoldrick in EFL Trophy clash

David McGoldrick had a career year last season at Pride Park. The Irish striker scored 22 league goals in 39 games for the Rams.

He led the Rams to a seventh place finish in League One where they missed the playoffs on the last game of the season when they fell to eventual playoff winners Sheffield Wednesday.

McGoldrick only signed a one year deal when he signed as a free agent after his departure from Sheffield United last summer which meant Derby were keen on offering him a contract extension for this year.

They offered him a further one year deal, however the 35 year-old striker instead decided to leave and join his boyhood club Notts County on a two year deal.

McGoldrick dropping down a league meant that it was a fantastic signing from Notts County and so it has proved to be. The striker has scored six goals in 11 games so far and is on course for another excellent year late on in his career.

His Notts County team currently sit top of League Two as they aim for consecutive promotions up to League One.

Tonight, Derby County make the trip to Meadow Lane to face McGoldrick and his new team in the second game of the EFL Trophy group stage.

The Rams won their first game 2-0 against Lincoln City and Notts County lost 2-1 to Wolves’ U21s team.

Ahead of the game, Rams Assistant Manager Richie Barker commented on facing their former star man, he told Rams TV: “He’s very popular for what he did last year. He’s a real good character, a real football person and it will be nice to see him.

“He left in the middle of the summer when nobody was about so we didn’t get a chance to say a proper goodbye so it will be good to see him again.”

Following his signing for Notts County, the club released a statement showing just how much it meant for them to sign their former academy graduate. It read: “We’re over the moon to welcome someone of David’s immense quality and experience.

“He joins us on the back of his best-ever goalscoring season, but anyone who’s followed his career knows his talents extend far beyond his ability in front of goal.

“David’s an incredibly intelligent and intricate footballer who also boasts tremendous physicality, so we believe he can be hugely effective in a number of attacking roles.”

The Rams face McGoldrick and Notts County tonight, to see Derby’s predicted starting XI, click here. (add in link when published)