Notts County writer Leigh Curtis answers Magpies fans’ questions in our online webchat

Hawky Marlow: For all the talk about our so called “fantastic” forward line, it is clear for all to see that this is probably the biggest problem of all. We are in desperate need of a physical number nine who can hold the ball and this was painfully obvious after we played Colchester United at home in the first game of the season. Does the management team understand this and what chance of this being addressed this week?

Neal Ardley said that if there was room in the budget to bring a target man in then he would look to strengthen that position.

And I totally agree with your point about a presence. But it’s easier said than done.

Proper target-men are slowly disappearing and who is going to want to come to Notts in their current position?

Jon Stead has never been a centre forward who is comfortable with being a targetman. He will tell you himself that it’s not his game.

But people look at his size and presume that’s what he is about.

He needs help as he is running himself into the ground.

Ardley is going to have to work some considerable magic in the window.

Hopeful Pie: What positions are we looking to strengthen and who is on the list to be shown the door?

I spoke to Neal Ardley about this after the game on Saturday and I believe he is looking to strengthen the spine of the team.

I think after Jamie Turley’s departure they need another centreback, another central midfielder and an imposing centre forward.

Dosser: When will David Vaughan, Andy Kellett and Kane Hemmings be returning?

How long is a piece of string? As soon as one or two come back from injury another two drop out.

I would hope they are available for the weekend.

But Neal Ardley didn’t sound too hopeful on Hemmings. Shame, as if those three were fit, then Notts look a lot more threatening.

I have to say the injury situation this season has been farcical. I have never known a club suffer as many injuries as Notts have done this season.

Ardley hasn’t even been given the chance to name his strongest team yet.

Dan: Any truth in the Adebayo Akinfenwa rumour? Do you think we are more likely to do loan deals rather than permanent ones?

I was asked about Akinfenwa last week but it’s very unlikely to happen.

I think it depends on what’s