Ex-Doncaster Rovers midfielder John Bostock in climbdown as he joins National League side Notts County

Bostock, whose past teams also include Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace, has signed an 18-month contract with National League leaders Notts County.

The 30-year-old left Rovers this summer after turning down a new contract following their relegation from League One.

Notts County head coach Luke Williams said: “The opportunity for John to come and train with us was a pleasant surprise to say the least and, very quickly, you could see he has the physique and quality of a top player.

"He has the mentality of a top player as well. He’s very bright and his attitude is superb.”

Bostock’s character was also praised by Rovers’ head of football operations James Coppinger following his departure, who added: “He feels he can play at a higher level and doesn’t want to step into League Two.”

He joined Doncaster in January 2021 and made 43 appearances for the club.

Williams said: “I feel really strongly that John will add value – not only as a player, but as a man. He’s gone full circle in football, experiencing really high moments but also probably some low and disillusioned periods, with lots of success woven in.

“He’s bounced back from every difficult period he’s faced and is going to be able to give some really valuable help and advice to the players around him. He’s someone you can’t fail to respect.”

Bostock had been training with the Magpies in recent weeks, having featured for Nottingham Forest's under-21s in a friendly earlier this season.