Exclusive: Veteran Striker David McGoldrick Hailed as "Incredible Human Being" in Notts County Success

David McGoldrick has been hailed as an “incredible human being” after Notts County head coach Stuart Maynard laid bare his role in the club’s achievements so far this term.

After missing seven games through injury, 'Didzy' returned to action yesterday in a 2-0 win over Grimsby Town, where he scored from the bench. 

A former Republic of Ireland international, McGoldrick boasts a wealth of knowledge and experience having represented the likes of Sheffield United, Ipswich Town, Southampton and County’s neighbours Nottingham Forest earlier in his career.

But it is the 37-year-old’s willingness to share what he has learnt at the highest level of the game with younger teammates which has impressed Maynard even more than his ability on the pitch.

“David is contributing behind the scenes,” Maynard told SportsBoom.com. “In fact, he’s contributing massively."

“He’s an unbelievable player and the ultimate professional, you won’t get any better. That’s why he’s still playing at this level of the game."

“We all know what he’s capable of out there on the pitch. But off the pitch, he’s amazing too."

"He’s an incredible human being and he’s always helping those around him, making sure the youngsters and any new signings settle in as quickly as possible."

“You can’t put a price on having someone around with that kind of attitude. I can’t speak highly enough of him.”

MEMORABLE PROMOTION-WINNING BLADES' SIDE

McGoldrick returned to Meadow Lane, where he first turned professional, in 2022 following a hugely successful spell with United. 

Capped 14 times by his country, McGoldrick was a member of The Blades side which gained promotion from the Championship - scoring 15 goals in 44 appearances - in 2018 before helping Chris Wilder’s men finish ninth in the top-flight a season later.

He was also named as Bramall Lane’s player of the year before heading back to the east Midlands. He netted 13 times in 39 outings last season and had already equalled that goal really before sustaining a fitness issue at Priestfield.

County, who appointed ex-St Albans City midfielder and Wealdstone chief Maynard midway through the previous campaign, remain in the hunt for promotion from League Two despite their recent selection crisis.

With McGoldrick expected to be declared fit imminently, Maynard said: “David has been through all of this (pushing to go up) before. He knows what it’s about and he knows what it takes."

“Having people like him around the place is worth its weight in gold, especially at this stage when the games start getting even tighter and the number of points available begins to run out and get smaller.”

“He’s always kept himself busy behind the scenes and he’s not just bothered about himself, which is a brilliant attribute to have,” Maynard added. 

“He’s done what we are trying to do before and he knows how to react to certain situations, whether they be good or bad."

“He passes that information on to everyone around him and leads by example.”