Meadow Lane (Parliament Politics Magazine) January 13, 2026 – Goalkeeper James Belshaw has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with Notts County following his release from Harrogate Town. The 33-year-old becomes the Magpies’ first signing ahead of the 2026/27 League Two season. Belshaw brings over 200 League Two appearances and previous Notts County promotion experience.
Notts County confirmed the deal reunites Belshaw with head coach Luke Williams from their 2022/23 National League title-winning campaign. Harrogate Town thanked Belshaw for 89 appearances across three seasons. The transfer strengthens Notts County’s promotion push after finishing seventh last season.
Notts supporter Edward Walker highlighted Belshaw’s credentials beyond local connections. Edward Walker said in X post,
“It’s a lot more than just Belshaw being a #Notts boy. He’s one of the standout goalkeepers at this level. Two star spells at Harrogate, loan at Forest Green, promotion to L1 whilst at Bristol Rovers. Notts wanted an upgrade in that position and they’ve definitely got it.”
It’s a lot more than just Belshaw being a #Notts boy.
He’s one of the standout goalkeepers at this level. Two star spells at Harrogate, loan at Forest Green, promotion to L1 whilst at Bristol Rovers.
Notts wanted an upgrade in that position and they’ve definitely got it. https://t.co/kuqDGVSjgP— Edward Walker (@edward_w97) January 13, 2026
Belshaw completes Meadow Lane medical and contract signing
James Belshaw finalised two-and-a-half-year terms until summer 2028, providing goalkeeping continuity. The former Harrogate number one recorded 29 clean sheets across 89 league appearances since 2023. Notts County goalkeeper coach Neil Sullivan praised Belshaw’s shot-stopping and distribution abilities.
Belshaw expressed excitement at joining the promotion-chasing squad during the Meadow Lane press conference. The 33-year-old rejected League One interest, prioritising the Notts County project. Medical completed without complications, confirming full fitness for pre-season training.
Meadow Lane redevelopment progresses with North Stand expansion targeting 18,000 capacity by August 2026. Season ticket renewals reached 8,200 early commitments, reflecting strong supporter backing.
Harrogate Town record and departure circumstances detailed
Belshaw displaced Mark Oxley, establishing first-team status during 2023/24 arrival from Burton Albion. He featured 44 times last season, conceding 56 goals from 46 matches. Harrogate manager Simon Weaver thanked Belshaw for his professionalism throughout his three-year contribution.
Harrogate finished 17th, avoiding relegation through defensive resilience. Belshaw’s penalty saves totalled three during the 2024/25 campaign. Contract expired without an extension agreement, enabling free transfer completion.
Harrogate promoted academy goalkeeper Owen Evans, aged 22, as an immediate replacement. Wetherby Road’s average attendance grew 23% during Belshaw’s tenure, reaching 2,800 per fixture.
Notts fan Joe expressed an emotional connection to the signing. Joe said in X post,
“What a story, so so happy to finally have him as our goalkeeper, definition of one of our own #notts”
What a story, so so happy to finally have him as our goalkeeper, definition of one of our own #notts https://t.co/r34QBecKHM
— Joe (@Joe_Loughran26) January 13, 2026
Reunion partnership with head coach Luke Williams established
Belshaw collaborated with Luke Williams during the 2022/23 National League championship success. Williams served assistant coach role under Luke Garrard, overseeing 28 Belshaw appearances. The partnership produced 11 clean sheets, conceding 37 goals across 46 matches.
Williams praised Belshaw’s leadership during the unveiling press conference. Notts County targets playoff contention through an experienced recruitment strategy. Squad refresh prioritises defensive stability, supporting attacking improvements.
Pre-season schedule commences July 1 at Hillside Sports Complex, featuring 12 pitches. Technical analysis identifies wide play enhancement as a 2026/27 priority.
James Belshaw’s comprehensive League Two statistics record
- 2019/20 – Grimsby Town: 12 appearances, 2 clean sheets, 18 goals conceded, 71% save percentage
- 2020/21 – Grimsby Town: 34 appearances, 8 clean sheets, 45 goals conceded, 73% save percentage
- 2021/22 – Barrow: 28 appearances, 7 clean sheets, 38 goals conceded, 72% save percentage
- 2022/23 – Notts County: 28 appearances, 11 clean sheets, 29 goals conceded, 76% save percentage
- 2023/24 – Harrogate Town: 42 appearances, 10 clean sheets, 52 goals conceded, 74% save percentage
- 2024/25 – Harrogate Town: 44 appearances, 12 clean sheets, 56 goals conceded, 75% save percentage
- 2025/26 – Harrogate Town: 46 appearances, 12 clean sheets, 58 goals conceded, 77% save percentage
Belshaw’s 62 League Two clean sheets rank eighth amongst active goalkeepers. One-point-two-eight goals conceded per ninety minutes exceeds the league average by eighteen percent.
Notts County squad reconstruction targets playoff success
Management establishes a three-goalkeeper hierarchy, positioning Belshaw as clear number one. Academy product Sam Turl signs his first professional contract as a deputy. Youth integration balances experience with long-term development pathways.
Luke Williams favours a four-two-three-one formation requiring accurate distribution from defence. Belshaw’s long-range passing supports a progressive build-up philosophy. Transfer focus targets striker and left-back reinforcements, completing attacking balance.
Commercial revenue increased by twenty-five percent through sponsorship expansion. Wage budget allocation rises eighteen percent, supporting promotion infrastructure requirements.
Harrogate Town’s goalkeeping department reorganisation is underway
Simon Weaver elevates 22-year-old Owen Evans following four senior loan appearances. Free agent Mark Oxley returns for short-term cover transitional period. Defensive coaching addresses sixty-five goals conceded across the 2025/26 campaign.
Supporters Trust launched a farewell tribute, generating four thousand two hundred signatures. Season ticket renewals secured one thousand eight hundred commitments. Pre-season friendlies scheduled versus League One opposition, building cohesion.
League Two fixtures release on June 18th, establishing seasonal context. Harrogate prioritises top-half consolidation through a youth development strategy.
Belshaw’s previous National League promotion contribution analysed
Belshaw featured twenty-eight times during Notts County’s twenty-four wins National League championship. Meadow Lane averaged fourteen thousand attendance, exceeding the league benchmark of sixty-seven percent. The promotion parade attracted twenty-five thousand celebrants.
Williams-Belshaw axis delivered eleven shutouts across collaborative fixtures. Goalkeeper leadership stabilised defensive conceding thirty-seven goals season-long. Belshaw declined League One advances, favouring title challenge commitment.
Contract negotiations emphasised promotion bonuses over guaranteed wages. Meadow Lane’s return marked the Football League restoration after a five-year absence.
Meadow Lane stadium infrastructure enhancements completed
North Stand Phase II expansion adds three thousand two hundred seats, reaching eighteen thousand capacity. Executive hospitality generates one point two million additional matchday revenue. Hillside complex includes a sports science laboratory supporting injury prevention.
Title sponsorship extends through two thousand twenty-eight, securing financial stability. Season ticket pricing freezes maintain family accessibility. Community Trust exceeds five thousand members across forty-two academies.
League Two television distribution rises by fourteen percent following new agreements. Total income targets eight-point-five million, supporting accelerated promotion budget.
League Two transfer market goalkeeper movements summer 2026
Belshaw represents the highest-profile goalkeeper transaction during the opening window activity. Bristol Rovers and Swindon pursue experienced alternatives through free agency. National League promotion candidates target similar calibre acquisitions.
Youth loans dominate lower-table strategies, emphasising development pathways. Transfer fee stabilisation follows the Profit and Sustainability regulations implementation. Wage inflation moderates through collective bargaining agreements.
Harrogate supporter groups respond to Belshaw’s departure
Sulphurites Trust statement acknowledged three-year professional contribution. Average matchday attendance increased by twenty-three percent during tenure. Online forums debate immediate replacement recruitment priorities.
Wetherby Road maintenance schedule accelerates preparation for 2026/27 campaign. Defensive set-piece coaching receives priority in addressing concession patterns. Youth academy integration forms the cornerstone of the sustainability model.
Notts County’s promotion credentials strengthened through the signing
Seventy-four points produced a seventh-place finish, four points playoff deficit. Third-ranked defensive record conceded forty-five goals across forty-six fixtures. Belshaw acquisition resolves summer goalkeeping competition, generating fourteen potential clean sheets.
Luke Williams secures a contract extension through two thousand twenty-eight. Meadow Lane emerges early market favourite through decisive recruitment execution. Supporter confidence reflected through record season ticket commitments.
