Despite not knowing which division they will be competing in next year, Notts County’s preparations for the 2026-27 campaign are well underway. And now, Martin Paterson is preparing a six-figure bid for one of the National League’s top talents.’
A 0-0 draw at Meadow Lane was enough to see off Chesterfield, having gained a 1-0 advantage in the first leg. Now, the Magpies are preparing to face Salford City at Wembley, targeting a return to League One, where County have not featured in over a decade.
Notts County have often been praised for their proactive approach to recruitment. Often dipping into the lower divisions or ‘untapped markets’ and unearthing some real gems, most notably Reuben Rodrigues and Alassana Jatta.
Now, it looks like that approach will continue, with one of Southend United’s star men on the radar.
Notts County Prepare Six-Figure Bid for Southend Star
According to reports from Football League World, Notts County are preparing a bid for Southend’s Leon Chambers-Parillon.
Their bid is supposedly worth around £100,000, as the midfielder still has a year remaining on his contract. Chambers-Parillon has had one of the most exciting career trajectories in the National League pyramid over the years, having started at Oxford United and playing his trade out on loan, a permanent move away from the Us was where his career really began to take pace.
Joining Slough Town in 2022, he enjoyed a fantastic stint with the National League South side, being picked up by his current club in January 2025.
And since this move, he has become a mainstay in Kevin Maher’s starting lineup. Amassing 56 appearances with five goals, he has shown himself able to operate well in midfield roles and at wing-back.
Key Positional Issue Addressed for Notts County
Chambers-Parillon’s potential arrival at Meadow Lane answers a lot of key questions this summer.
Paterson prefers to set up with a 3-5-1 formation, usually with on-loan duo Jayden Luker and Tom Iorpenda featuring behind Jatta. With the pair both performing well throughout the season, it could be a slight stretch for County to secure their services next season, with the pair being on loan from League One sides in Luton Town and Huddersfield Town, respectively.
Addressing these positions so early on is a smart move, especially with the on-loan duo both likely to be involved with their parent clubs next season.
And while an eyebrow can be raised with County unaware of which division they will be competing in next season, this can also be seen as a positive, proactive stance on player recruitment.
Chambers-Parillon’s trajectory has been excellent over the years, while Meadow Lane is recognised as a great place for players to develop. Regardless of the outcome at Wembley, this is a great signing for the club and a positive step forward for the player.
