Thompson signs deal with Magpies

Thompson is a product of Nottingham Forest's youth academy

Notts County's on-loan defender John Thompson has agreed a permanent move to Meadow Lane from Oldham on a two-and-a-half year deal.

The 27-year-old joined the Magpies on loan in October.

Manager Ian McParland told the club's website: "John's signing is a tremendous coup and a significant step forward for Notts County.

"He is exactly the type of player we need to bring into this club if we are going to achieve our ambitions."

Thompson will not be eligible to play in the Magpies' home game against Exeter City on Saturday after picking up a one-match ban for collecting five bookings.

John has enjoyed his time here and is now looking to playing a key role in helping us to keep Notts County moving forward

Ian McParland

McParland added: "He has been a revelation since he joined us and although that hasn't surprised me, there was always a fear he might not want to join us on a permanent basis.

"Fortunately John has enjoyed his time here on loan and is now looking to playing a key role in helping us to keep Notts County moving forward."

Thompson joined Oldham from Nottingham Forest on a free transfer in 2007.

He made more than 100 appearances for Forest and has been capped by the Republic of Ireland three times.