Notts County head coach Stuart Maynard is convinced Jevani Brown can have a “major impact” at the club as the forward works on rehabilitating himself after admitting to assaulting a woman last year.
The 29-year-old joined the League Two side on loan from Bristol Rovers last week, and his arrival has drawn criticism from some fans.
Brown, who was an Exeter City player at the time of the incident, was fined £5,000 for spitting at and slapping a woman outside a nightclub in February 2023.
He did not feature again for Exeter and joined Rovers after he was released by the Grecians last summer.
“We know it’s an emotive issue, and it’s behaviour that the club does not condone,” Maynard told BBC Radio Nottingham.
When Brown’s case went to Exeter Magistrates’ Court, the player said in a letter to the court that he apologised and blamed alcohol for his actions.
“We got several character refences on Jevani before signing him and we believe, although it is a serious issue, that it was a one-off incident and it’s out of character on the research we have done on him.
“He has now gone away and taken help and we believe that every day he is trying to become a better person.”
When Exeter suspended Brown following the incident, he was their leading scorer that season with 14 goals.
He failed to replicate that form with Rovers, scoring twice in 41 appearances last term.
Maynard, however, said Brown is well suited to make an impression at Meadow Lane.
“When teams get 10 men behind the ball, we believe he has that ability to score and set goals up,” he said.
“We believe Jevani comes in and fits into our system instantly. We believe that he can play anywhere across the frontline and we believe he can have a major impact for us.”