Goalkeeper explains decision to pursue Sunderland exit and why he chose new club

Alex Bass says Notts County's potential to rise through the divisions was a key part of his decision to pursue a permanent move to the club.

Bass was a player in demand after a successful loan at AFC Wimbledon last season and with his playing time on Wearside likely to be very limited moving forward, the Black Cats have sanctioned his exit. The 26-year-old has joined Notts County for an undisclosed fee and signed a three-year contract.

With Notts County's head of recruitment saying he believes the club have signed the best goalkeeper in the division last season, Bass now looks certain to get the chance to establish himself as number one over an extended period of time. The goalkeeper is hoping he can go on to have a long and productive spell at Meadow Lane.

"It's a great feeling to sign, I'm really excited to be here," Bass told club media.

"The pull of the club, everything that's going on, it was a really appealing thing for me and I'm delighted to be here. I had a good season last year [at Wimbledon], I think they wanted a bit of stability after the season they'd had before and I think we did that. We just missed out on the play offs which was a real shame, but on a personal note I felt like I had a really good season and so hopefully I can kick on again now.

"It's a great club, I played here last season and it was a great atmosphere. I feel like it's easily got the scope to go higher and hopefully we can do next season going forward. Then you never know, you look at the clubs who've gone up and then gone again, hopefully we can do that here. There's a great feeling, Everyone was very welcoming and glad to have me on board, and I'm very glad to be here."

Sunderland have held talks with Coventry City goalkeeper Simon Moore, who is soon to be a free agent, about bolstering their goalkeeping ranks for next season. Pre-season is also likely to bring opportunities for hugely talented duo Matty Young and Adam Richardson, who sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said on Wednesday were part of the reason the club sanctioned Bass' departure.

"Alex had a successful loan last season and he is eager to continue playing regular football moving forward," Speakman said.

"After discussing multiple options heading into the summer - considering Alex’s future and the continued development of our younger goalkeepers - we agreed this move was the best outcome for all parties."