Paul Mayo speaks to Sam Parker at the Lincolnshire Echo about his move to Meadow Lane.

Departing defender Paul Mayo insists there are no hidden agendas for his move from Lincoln to Notts County.

The 25-year-old former Watford player, announced as one of four new signings by the Meadow Lane club, has put pen to paper on a two-year deal.

Imps' director of football John Deehan revealed to the Echo that the one-year deal offered to Mayo was for significantly less than his previous agreement.

But the Lincoln-born defender, who had six seasons at the club during two spells, says money did not come into his thinking and felt he simply needed a change of scenery.

"I've been at Lincoln for quite a long time now and taken the club as close to promotion as you can get," said Mayo.

"I had four offers this summer and Notts County wasn't the highest but, for me, it wasn't about the money.

"I felt I needed a change from Lincoln and when the opportunity arose to speak to Notts County, I was very interested.

"Ideally, I would have liked a longer contract from Lincoln, but it has given me the opportunity to make a fresh start.

"I spoke to John Schofield and we parted on good terms. I certainly don't have any problem with him or the club.

"It was a good move for me and a good move for Lincoln - the club is in pretty good shape."

Notts County have been perennial under-achievers for the past few seasons, but Mayo believes his new club are not far off becoming significant challengers in next season's League Two.

Mayo was one of four players to sign up with the Meadow Lane-based outfit yesterday.

Manager Steve Thompson (pictured below left) has also recruited Hector Sam from recently-promoted Walsall, Adam Tann from Leyton Orient and Tim Sandercombe from Plymouth Argyle.

"I think with two more quality signings then we'll be a real force," said Mayo.

"The potential at the club is huge. We could be attracting crowds of around 10,000 and the club weren't a million miles off reaching the play-offs last year.

"I can see Lincoln and Notts County finishing pretty close together next season."

Mayo said his best memory in a Lincoln shirt was victory against Scunthorpe in the League Two play-off semi-final, in 2003.

"No-one expected us to win and it was one of the best displays during my time at Lincoln," said Mayo.

Imps' director of football John Deehan paid tribute to the defender's contribution at the club.

"Why did he leave? All I can tell you is the facts," said Deehan.

"As much as we wanted to retain him, we couldn't keep him on the contract he was on last season.

"We then looked to re-engage him on a lower figure.

"That allowed him to talk to clubs and he has agreed a contract at Notts County.

"We are disappointed to see him leave."