As we approach the halfway point of the 2018-19 campaign, things have been the complete opposite to what everyone expected at Notts County this season.

After an influx of big-money signings in the summer, the Magpies were looking to go one step further this season, after losing to Coventry City in the Sky Bet League Two playoff semi-final last term.

In a whirlwind of events however, County boss Kevin Nolan was sacked after just five league games, and then their second manager of the season, Harry Kewell, was sacked after just fourteen games, winning only three matches in charge at Meadow Lane.

The Magpies need stability, and new manager Neal Ardley certainly fits that criteria - the 46-year old spent six years at AFC Wimbledon before being relieved of his duties at the League One club last month, and he'll undoubtedly be looking to use his experience and knowhow to steer Notts away from relegation.

He's got a tough task on his hands, but with the January transfer window looming, it's now the perfect time for Ardley to draw up a list of targets that will ignite a push up the table.

Here, we take a look at three players Notts County should be signing in January to steer clear of relegation...

Having conceded a staggering 43 goals in League Two this season - the worst defensive record in the league - it's clear that the Magpies need some reinforcements in their defensive areas in January.

Elliott Ward and Jamie Turley have been an improvement on Richard Duffy and Shaun Brisley in central defence, but the duo still look shaky and could do with some competition.

Ethan Ebanks-Landell is a player who has been frozen out at Wolverhampton Wanderers - the 25-year was an everpresent in Sheffield United's promotion to League One in 2016/17, and was one of few impressive performers for MK Dons last season, as they were relegated to League Two.

He hasn't played a game for Wolves in any competition this term, and could definitely be tempted with a loan move to Notts to earn regular game-time.

Notts have many techinally gifted players in their midfield - the likes of David Vaughan who has been playing at a much higher level in his career, and Will Patching who arrived from Manchester City in the summer, regarded as a very bright prospect.

But one thing that the Magpies miss, and something that is crucial in a physical division like League Two, is a tough-tackling midfielder in the middle of the pitch - Lincoln are excelling at the top of the league with the likes of Michael Bostwick and Michael O'Connor in their midfield.

The club were linked with Karl Henry, but with the former Bolton man moving to Bradford last month, Notts could really do with someone who fits the mould of that type of player.

Yaser Kasim has been frozen out at Northampton Town this season, and having been an influential player in midfield for Swindon Town in the past, the 27-year old could be a viable option for the Magpies.

After recently sustaining injuries to key, creative players such as Lewis Alessandra and Enzio Boldewijn, the addition of another attacker in January certainly wouldn't go amiss - and neighbours Nottingham Forest could certainly help Notts out with this one.

Gboly Ariyibi is a player destined with a move away from the City Ground in January, having failed to make an appearance for the Reds since signing from Chesterfield in January 2017.

The 23-year old possesses the same traits as Boldewijn - he's strong, he's fast, he's got a trick in his locker and would give Notts some real threat going forward - the Magpies certainly wouldn't go wrong in approaching his services on loan.