Notts County's Ex-Heroes See Fortunes Dip as Swansea, Luton Developments Unfold

Notts County, still riding the high of their recent ascent through the football leagues, might feel a twinge of something less than joy watching the current struggles of their former stars and influential manager. Key 'promotion heroes' Macaulay Langstaff and Jodi Jones find themselves grappling with a lack of impact or game time this season, a stark contrast to their record-breaking days at Meadow Lane. Meanwhile, the managerial journey of Notts County former architect, Luke Williams, has hit further bumps, adding layers to a complex picture. Langstaff, the prolific striker who shattered goalscoring records for Notts County during their 2022-2023 National League promotion campaign, has endured a tough start at League Two side Salford City, where he moved in July 2026. After a less-than-prolific spell at Championship club Millwall, he's still 'without scoring boots' at Salford and struggling to recapture his form. Similarly, winger Jodi Jones, another pivotal figure in Notts County promotion with a record 24 assists, was not utilized by the Magpies earlier this season before making a permanent move to fellow League One club Bromley in September 2026. These individual player setbacks coincide with unexpected 'developments' at clubs like Swansea City, who sacked Notts County former manager Luke Williams in February 2025, and Luton Town, who have remarkably fallen from the Premier League to now share League One status with Notts County. The contrasting fortunes—Notts County steady rise to League One against the struggles of its former talents and the dramatic relegation of a recently Premier League side like Luton—paint a bittersweet landscape for Magpies supporters. While Notts County is consolidating its position, the path for those who left, seeking higher echelons, proves challenging. The coming months will reveal if Langstaff and Jones can rediscover their Midas touch at their new clubs and if Williams will find a stable managerial role, all while the Magpies continue their own journey, perhaps with a newfound appreciation for their hard-earned stability.