Experienced goalkeeper Sam Slocombe is prepared to take a different role at Notts County moving forward after signing a new two-year deal with the club. The 34-year-old joined Notts following their relegation from League Two in 2019 and has made 132 National League appearances for the club, including 41 last term.
Despite committing him to two further years at the club, County have outlined their intentions to recruit another “senior” goalkeeper which could see Slocombe’s role downgraded. The Notts ‘keeper is prepared for the possibility: “The next couple of years are possibly going to look a little bit different for me, It may be possible to operate in League Two with one senior, experienced goalkeeper, but I don’t think it’s the right approach for a club that has ambitions of being successful.
“For the benefit of the squad, we need strong competition in all areas. That’s football and that’s what I’ve had all my life – competition brings the best out of everyone and if we can get that in every position it’s a really positive thing.
“That said, I back my own ability and will put up a big fight for the shirt - as I always have. I would never be comfortable accepting life as a number two.”
At the very least, Slocombe will provide an experienced set of shoulders in the dressing room having experienced promotion from League Two on multiple occasions, with Notts being backed to push at the top of the table once again next term.
He added: “I’ve got strong experience in League Two, having won three promotions at that level. I know what it takes to get out, whether that be automatically or through the play-offs.
“I want to be available to play for as long as I can. From a young age, even before I turned pro, I always said that until my body gives up on me I would never do anything that restricts my opportunity to play football. I don’t feel 35 – my body feels good and I know I can still compete at a very high level, but I’m also mindful of what’s further ahead. There were multiple options for me this summer, whether that was to go higher and become a ‘shoulder to lean on’, knowing I wasn’t going to play, or going lower and being guaranteed games.”
No matter what role Slocombe plays next season, the player believes staying on board to be the right decision at this stage of his career, with all the factors considered. He said: “The great feeling behind the scenes is a credit to the owners and all the staff. Everyone’s in it together – we all understand that it’s not always easy and we have to be there to support each other.
“All of that, combined with me being able to continue imparting my knowledge and experience to help my teammates and the club progress, means everything blends together nicely for it to be the right decision.
“It’s exciting to be involved in this club at the minute and I think it can only go one way. Notts has been a big part of my life over the last four years and I’m pleased it’s going to continue.”
