Shola Ameobi is only contracted to the end of the season, he still lives in Newcastle and he told a fan at our last home game that he is unsure about his plans - stating that 'pre season' would allow him to decide. Jon Stead is also up for a contract renewal and there's heavy rumours that he is already making plans to move to the United States.

Would allowing both to leave be a major problem for Notts?

They have a good understanding, whilst I think there experience is a major part in our turn around. I do feel we could sign players good enough to get goals in this division, however I am hopeful we can retain at the very least Jon Stead.

If we managed to retain them both, I think a younger, more direct striker would do very well in support of them and the squad would only really require additional quality which would reduce time on having to sign a bulk load of players. What do you think?

Not expecting Stead to be here, Shola is more likely tho

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I'd like to retain them both if possible, but if they do leave, it's not the end of the world. Although their experience is a major asset, the truth is they're not getting any younger. Nolan is probably drawing up detailed plans as we speak, if he hasn't already. INWT! (In Nolan We Trust)

It's not the end of the world but in my opinion it would be a step backwards.

We'd require two new strikers who would have to gain an understanding of their potential partnership, whilst gaining support from us fans. Yes this would come quite naturally if they score or worked hard, however Izale McLeod scored (for a period) and never really connected with us. I'd hope Kevin Nolan could talk them into remaining for a season, whilst we could identify two new strikers who could learn from Stead and Ameobi.

I don't think we have anyone at the club able to step up as a striker, nobody seems to rate Adam Campbell up top and Montel Gibson seems a little lightweight in the position.

When we was attempting to bring him through into the first team I thought at this stage he would be a least an option, yet he's hardly mentioned these days and hasn't done a great deal. I'm not even sure if we still have him under contract but I believe he's out on loan? He's one of them that slip into the unknown.

We just need a Strike Partner for Forte. isn't he still under Contract, i think he'd be a force to be reckoned with, given a good run of Games. 

If they do leave then Nolan will need to have 2 big names to replace them. 

They for me have been two of the players that have got us out of relegation and in to safety.

 

We currently have a winning formula so it would be good to keep both on board. I only saw Ameobi as a quick fix really but it'd be great to see him here next season.

If not it's up to us to find decent replacements. We need competition up front as well. We're a more attractive club to play for than we were a year ago so the ball's in our court.

Would like both to stay both are good professionals , age and fitness could prove an issue but I'd keep them and add 2 more to the squad also , but as @Joe Jones says  in KN we trust .

I think both are worth another year and would leave a big hole to fill.  I'm sure Nolan is covering all eventualities.

22 hours ago, 4everapie said:

Not expecting Stead to be here, Shola is more likely tho

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Neither are likely for me, yet I think we have more chance of talking to Stead about remaining than we do Ameobi.

Forte could also do a job upfront.

For the more experienced readers, I offer the scenario of Jason Lee...As such, there is a real risk of the legs going for both Shola and Jon... Matt Godden, Stevenage's striker, contract expires and it may be worth bidding for his services.

36 minutes ago, allardyces tash said:

Neither are likely for me, yet I think we have more chance of talking to Stead about remaining than we do Ameobi.

Forte could also do a job upfront.

I see it the other way around. Stead will have had two years at Notts and now has his chance to play in the states, a chance he probably won't get again. Ameobi has just got on board, is close to KN and might be persuaded to stick around for another year to see how far he can take us.

Obviously we need younger players in there too, and we'll need at least one more striker to come in who can really push for a place in the first team. I'm still a bit scarred by the relegation season when we stuffed the squad with older, "proven" players. I hope we don't make that mistake again.

No easy replacement. Does anyone actually believe that?

We have not seen a partnership for some time that has worked so well, I think the last was Spencer and Murray? That did not last that long but we just need a striker who can find the back of the net on a regular basis. If we have the quality in midfield to create, most players should be able to contribute up front even Forte.

Ironic to say the least that now Ameobi has 'hinted' he may stay, I'm not sure that goes with what he said after the Colchester game but if things have changed since now and then we'll fair enough.