Rejuvenated ex-Toon ace Shola hopes to tie up future in Notts

Sports writer FORMER Newcastle United forward Shola Ameobi is hopeful he can prolong his career at Notts County beyond this season because of the love he feels from the supporters.

Ameobi has been in rejuvenated form since joining the East Midlands outfit earlier this year and has scored four times for the ‘other’ Magpies.

The Nigerian international is, of course, most famous for his 14 years as a professional at Newcastle and he is still hailed as something of a cult hero on Tyneside.

Since leaving in 2014, Ameobi has struggled to settle at a club and has taken in spells with Gaziantep B B, Crystal Palace, Bolton and Fleetwood.

Yet, playing under former Newcastle team-mate Kevin Nolan, Ameobi has rediscovered his goalscoring touch and he is already a favourite with the Notts County faithful.

The 35-year-old’s contract runs out at the end of this season, but Ameobi is hopeful of earning a new deal because he feels ‘this is where he was supposed to be’.

He told Notts County’s official website: “If my body allows it, it’s definitely something I would like to do.

“I’m loving every minute. The fact I’ve been able to come in and really feel at home straightaway is a big thing for me.

“The fans have made it clear [that they want me to stay]. I can feel the love from them and it means a lot. “The fact they’re really behind me and the whole team gives me the feeling this is where I’m supposed to be.”