Forgotten Newcastle United and Everton man now playing in League Two - clearly loves Magpies

Former Newcastle United and Everton star Dan Gosling has dropped from the Premier League down to League Two to ply his trade and kickstart his career after more injury woes.

The 33-year-old spent an unremarkable four years at St James' Park, only making 34 first-team appearances after signing from Everton due to a knee problem and competition from Yohan Cabaye and Cheick Tiote. His time in the North East might have had a lasting impact on Gosling, with the star now putting pen to paper with The Magpies, Notts County.

The midfielder was released by Watford this summer having not played in 2023 due to an Achilles injury after starting the campaign as a key member of the Hornets' early promotion-chasing campaign.

League Two side Notts County will offer Gosling the chance to work back to match fitness from his injury, but take on the midfielder with a cautious two-month deal at Meadow Lane. A club statement read: "We’re delighted to add a player of Dan’s pedigree to the squad at such an important time. We believe his obvious quality and experience will enable him to help the team in the short term.

“Throughout his career, Dan has proven himself to be a hard-working, tenacious and highly accomplished midfielder at the top levels of the game."

Gosling is set to play as a replacement for Notts County's Matt Palmer, who will miss the remainder of the campaign with a knee injury. The League Two side were promoted into the fourth division after finishing second in the National League last season and currently sit second in the table.

The former Magpies star also spent seven years at Bournemouth, working under current Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe. Gosling was born in Devon and came through the youth academy at Plymouth Argyle before making his professional debut at the club.

Newcastle United supporters may best remember Gosling for his only goal in black-and-white, which came in a 3-1 defeat to Manchester City in November 2011. That loss happened to mark the end of the side's unbeaten start to the 2011/12 campaign. The star was also sent off after two yellow card offences during a meeting with Norwich City.