Notts County have completed the double signing of James Gibbons and Cal Roberts.
Gibbons – who plays as a versatile full-back – will join on a free transfer from fellow promoted club, Cambridge United as both teams plus Bromley and MK Dons step up to League One next season, and has signed a two-year contract until June 2028 with a club option to extend for a further year.
The move comes after Gibbons was released by the Us following a two-and-a-half year spell (initially on loan in the second half of the 2023-24 season), in which he scored seven goals in 89 total appearances and included six goals in 46 appearances this season.
County’s Director of Football, Richard Montague is “absolutely delighted” to sign Gibbons as he pointed to the 28-year-old’s role in Cambridge’s tight defensive record this season.
“He was a mainstay in a defensive unit which conceded only 33 goals this season – by far the fewest in the EFL.
“James is capable of playing anywhere across the back line, possesses a very dangerous long throw and plenty of experience – including almost 100 appearances in League One.
“He’s a natural leader, a brilliant character and full of confidence following a terrific campaign with Cambridge.”
Roberts too has signed a two-year contract until June 2028 with a club option to extend for a further year as he makes the move from Scunthorpe, in which he netted 45 goals in 103 appearances across the last three seasons, following a flop 2022-23 campaign at Scotland’s Aberdeen.
The move also sees the 29-year-old return to Meadow Lane, having spent two-and-a-half years at the club between January 2020 and June 2022 in which he delivered 22 goals in 58 appearances at National League level.
Montague explained that County had “been keeping a close eye” on Roberts since he left the club for Aberdeen and was “extremely impressed” with his record of 42 goals in 94 appearances across the last two seasons having consolidated his evolution and achievement of his potential.
“Over that time, Cal has looked like the League One player we all knew he could be and we’re excited to give him the opportunity to prove himself at this level.
“As many of our fans will know, he’s a really threatening attacking player – a brilliant dribbler and quality set-piece taker who’s capable of producing moments of magic in and around the box.
“While Cal is obviously dangerous from wide positions, he’s evolved into an accomplished attacking midfielder over the years.
“We think we’re getting a more experienced and well-rounded version of a player who served us brilliantly in the National League and, following the arrival of James Gibbons, it’s another exciting addition to the squad.”
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