FORMER Wanderers defender Adam Chicksen says he has come through the toughest spell of his career after landing a deal with Notts County.

The left back has linked up with the National League club after a successful trial at Meadow Lane.

The 28-year-old did not have his short-term deal renewed at the University of Bolton Stadium in January having made 20 appearances under Keith Hill.

He had been without a club for the last eight months but is delighted to have joined Neil Ardley’s side.

"This has probably been the toughest period of my career," he told the Magpies’ website. "But it's made me even more driven than when I was 18. It was make or break for me.

"I've been waking up at 6am every day and going for a run, going to the gym – doing everything to keep me mentally prepared.

"I’m really happy to sign and to be able to now focus purely on the footballing side.

"I’ve always had energy and fitness throughout my career. I want to get on the ball and show my quality and I’ll be up and down all game.

"I’m not going to do anything different to what I’ve done before – I’ll be running until my legs come off."

Ardley said: “Chicks comes with a great pedigree of playing at a higher level.

“We’re really fortunate to be bringing in someone of his experience.

“He really enjoys going forward – he’s very athletic – and brings a lot of know-how.

“Attracting players of Adam’s calibre is testament to the facilities we have here – the training ground, which the owners have done so brilliantly to develop, the stadium, the quality of the pitch – all these things make us an attractive proposition."

Elsewhere another former Wanderer has found a new club after Joe Dodoo reportedly joined Turkish club Ankara Keciorengucu. The former Leicester and Rangers man made 27 appearances and scored four goals for the Whites last season.