Reluctant move but best for both Wes and Notts
NEAL Ardley says Wes Thomas’s departure from Notts County was best for all parties, adding he did not think the striker would play again for the Magpies this season.
Thomas left the club on Monday after Notts “reluctantly accepted” his request to terminate his contract due to family reasons just several months before his current deal was due to expire.
The forward’s departure came just weeks after Ardley revealed how the former Bournemouth forward had refused to train with the first-team squad due to his concerns over Covid.
Notts created a bespoke fitness programme for Thomas in a bid to keep him fit in the hope he would return to action when he felt it was safe to do so.
But an agreement was finally reached for the striker to leave and Magpies manager Ardley said it was the right move for both the player and the club.
“It was one of those situations which was a difficult one,” he said.
“It became apparent that it was not going to go away any time soon and was just going to linger on.
“We had to try and have a conversation in what was best for the lad, his family and the club.
“I don’t think we would have seen Wes playing for this club again because the situation was not going to resolve itself before the end of the season.
“There’s always an agreement that has to work for both parties. That’s for the people above but it’s the right thing for both the player and the club.”
Notts’ statement confirming Thomas’s departure read: “We have reluctantly accepted Wes Thomas’s request to terminate his contract.
“The forward, who joined us in 2019, cited family reasons behind his
decision and departs with our best wishes for the future.”
Thomas played a key role in helping Notts finish third in the National League last season as his 12 goals helped them claim a play-off place.
He has made only four appearances for the club this term but made an impression in the 3-1 win over Altrincham when he set up two goals for Kyle Wootton.
However, his progress was halted when Covid ripped through the squad and then he suffered with a kidney stone.
His last appearance for the club came in a 1-0 defeat at Aldershot in November.