Ndlovu says 'time was right' for Notts County move

Newly-signed forward Lee Ndlovu says he felt the "time was right" to join Notts County after previously turning down the chance to make the move.

The 31-year-old left the Magpies' League Two rivals Barnet last week to join the Meadow Lane outfit on a 18-month contract.

The Zimbabwe-born forward was a fan favourite at The Hive, helping them earn promotion into League Two in 2024-25 with six goals in 20 appearances after joining midway through the season.

In an interview with BBC Radio Nottingham, Ndlovu spoke of the timely nature of his move to the East Midlands after deciding in August that it "wasn't the right time" when first speaking with the club.

"I did talk to the Barnet gaffer [Dean Brennan] at the time and I said 'you know what, my head hasn't been turned and I'm here with Barnet'," Ndlovu said.

"We had just got promoted and I just wanted to go through that little journey with Barnet. But this time around it's worked out."

Ndlovu, who spent his entire career up until this season at non-league level, describes himself as a "strong, powerful" player who "is horrible and doesn't mind doing the dirty work".

He likened his playing style to that of Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres, and considers himself a determined and "raw" athlete who "loves the fight".

Ndlovu made a strong impression on Notts County after scoring at Meadow Lane to put Boreham Wood 2-0 up in the National League play-off semi-final in 2023, a game the Magpies ended up winning 3-2 with a last-minute extra-time strike from his now team-mate Jodi Jones.

That game, and some encouraging words from an unnamed Notts member of staff at the time, planted a seed in his mind to play for the club.

Self-ascribed as someone who has "always grafted to try and make my way up the leagues", Ndlovu said he was delighted to be playing in such a big sporting city.

"Nottingham Forest is just there [close by], that's crazy," he added. "Hopefully one day we will be playing against them."