Sam Austin reveals first impressions after signing for Notts County

Notts County newly signing Sam Austin is excited to be a part of the club after committing to a three-year deal from Kidderminster Harriers.

Austin, 25, spent six seasons at Kidderminster and made more than 200 appearances for the club. He also captained the side against West Ham United in the fourth round of the FA Cup as the non-League outfit very nearly stunned their Premier League opponents.

The winger was named in the 2021/22 National League North Team of the season after he helped Russell Penn's side to secure a play-off place. As he now embarks on a new challenge at Meadow Lane, he admits it was the "right time to move on."

"I felt it was the right time to move on," he told Notts club media. "From the experience I’ve had, I can take that forward and fully help Notts County.

"The people that I’ve spoke to, told me a lot about this great club. It’s a massive club and I can’t wait to be a part of it."

Upon stepping foot at Meadow Lane for the first time, his expectations were surpassed. "First impressions are unbelievable. I mean, the stadium’s amazing, the pitch is high quality. I’ve just been in the changing room alone and it’s a great feeling - hopefully I can settle down fast."

As Notts prepare for the season ahead, the versatile player is hoping to contribute to the success of Luke Williams' side.

"I sort of joined [Kiddy] as a winger/forward, had two seasons in that position coming off the bench majority," he continued. "And throughout changes of managers, different formations, for me to start getting game time, I went into full back/wing-back role but always loved that attacking aspect of it.

"It was always like, how many crosses can I get in, how many can I overlap the winger. That was always my aspect