Shola’s a big miss at Notts says Nolan

FORMER Newcastle United striker Shola Ameobi is yet to officially retire from playing, despite being released by Notts County over the summer.

The 36-year-old has been working with strikers at Newcastle’s Academy, while he has also featured on TV’s Premier League coverage as a pundit this season – but he has not agreed a playing contract with any club.

Yet, seemingly, the former Nigeria international’s presence has been missed in the County dressing room since his release.

Ex-United captain Kevin Nolan – now manager at Meadow Lane – admits former Newcastle forwards Alan Smith and Ameobi were leading personalities at the club and their absence is being felt.

Nolan, whose side sit bottom of League Two following Tuesday’s 3-2 defeat to Newport County, said: “We have strong characters in this squad but in Alan Smith and Shola Ameobi, they were seasoned professionals who had been at the top end of the game for a long time.

“It was always helpful in the dressing room.

“Do we miss Shola Ameobi? I am not going to lie. Of course we do.

“He was a fantastic character, fantastic around the lads and a big personality.

“He helped with a lot of the lads when we were having a tough run, the words did not always come from me.

“This is a young squad and maybe it is my voice more than most at the minute.”

The 36-year-old is confident his team will come good this season, saing it will take time for new players to settle in and replace personalities like those of Ameobi and Smith.