mahon began his second season at notts county featuring predominantly as a substitute, making six starting appearances and a further nine as a substitute during the first half of the season. in november 2012, it was revealed that mahon was the subject of loan bids from two league two sides in the form of bristol rovers and port vale. he rejected the opportunity of going out on loan after county manager keith curle told him there was still of chance of him regaining his first-team place. however, two weeks later, mahon stated he was prepared to leave meadow lane if he did not play more games — "you do think like that sometimes, when you travel halfway across the country to get splinters in your backside, but that's football, you have to wait for your chance to come. i told him the last thing i want to do is leave a club like notts, but when you get to my age you have got to play, especially if you want to go on and play next season".