Macaulay Langstaff made the switch from Notts County to Millwall in the summer of 2024.
It was reported by Football Insider that a deal of around £700,000, plus add-ons, was agreed between the two clubs for the forward.
The 28-year-old was electric for the Magpies, proving a crucial figure in their promotion back to the EFL in 2023, scoring 42 times as the team came second and then won the play-offs.
Langstaff continued to perform excellently as the club moved into League Two, scoring 28 times during the 2023/24 campaign, with the team finishing 14th in the table.
Here we take a look back at what Langstaff said when he joined Notts County.
Langstaff’s welcome message to Notts County supporters
Langstaff posted on social media a message to Notts County supporters on 1 June 2022 after he made the switch from Gateshead.
He emphasised how excited he was to join a special club like the Magpies, taking a step-up in his career after a deal worth a reported £50,000.
“Delighted to sign for this special club [Notts County] can’t wait to get started,” wrote Langstaff, via his personal Twitter account.
| Macaulay Langstaff – Notts County league goals and appearances (per Fbref.com) | ||||
| Season | Appearances (Starts) | Goals | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-23 | 45 (44) | 42 | ||
| 2023-24 | 46 | 28 | ||
Langstaff was crucial to the club’s promotion to League Two in his first season with the team, even as they missed out on top spot to Wrexham.
A remarkable title battle saw the two teams both exceed the 100-point mark, with Notts County earning 107, an impressive 23 more than third-place Chesterfield.
While Luke Williams’ side made a strong start to life in League Two, the manager’s departure in January 2024 coincided with a drop in form that saw them finish 14th in the table.
Langstaff’s Millwall stint
Langstaff’s impressive form in League Two, leading the goalscoring charts for the entire division with 28 to his name, led to him earning a step-up to the Championship with Millwall.
The £700,000 deal was a significant fee for a fourth division side to earn, and the team have performed well this season despite losing such a consistent goalscorer.
But Langstaff’s time in the Championship hasn’t been as exciting as what he achieved with Notts County.
The forward has been utilised as a secondary option with the Lions, coming off the bench more regularly than being in the starting lineup.
Bradford will be without club captain Richie Smallwood for Thursday’s huge promotion clash, it could hand Notts a crucial advantage.
The 28-year-old hasn’t been able to find the back of the net nearly as consistently either, with just one Championship goal to his name as we approach the final fixtures of the campaign.
Langstaff scored in a 3-1 win over Preston North End in September, also providing an assist against the Lilywhites, but has struggled to repeat that feat in the months since.
Meanwhile, Notts County are fighting for promotion to League One, with David McGoldrick taking up the responsibility of scoring the key goals.
However, the Irishman hasn’t been able to replicate Langstaff’s form in front of goal, and it’s hard not to imagine how much further up the table Stuart Maynard’s side might have been had they held onto their key talisman for another season.
That feeling may be mutual, too, as whilst nobody would deny Langstaff the opportunity to step-up, the goals haven’t come anywhere near the same rate.
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