Hunt for a hit-man

The Magpies' major downfall this season has been the lacklustre firepower at the spearhead of the team. NCM will look at the credentials of various available players to see whether they could potentially prove to be the hit-man Notts have been looking for. The first under the spotlight are Michael Boulding and Mark Stallard...

Boulding scored 25 goals for the Stags this season.

Name: Michael Boulding
Date of Birth: February 8, 1976
Status: Out of contract at Mansfield Town
Career Stats:
Appearances: 207 (+92 sub)
Goals: 83

If this is the case, it appears that he will have plenty of competition, with League Two rivals Lincoln City, Rotherham United, and his former club Grimsby Town seemingly interested in adding the 25 goal striker to their ranks.

With so many clubs chasing his signature, accompanied by his consistent performances this season, it is likely that the ex-Aston Villa sharpshooter will be demanding a hefty wage packet.

But, would he be worth it? Boulding is a proven striker at this level, which is demonstrated by his career statistics that make decent reading.

Even at the age of 32, it would seem that he could guarantee almost one goal every few games - something that Notts have been desperate for since Glyn Hurst controversially departed under Gudjon Thordarson's reign.

Capturing Boulding could prove a significant coup, especially when you consider his pedigree at this level. Not many would argue that he would be the ideal candidate to increase the Magpies' firepower.

Name: Mark Stallard

Would Ian McParland even consider bringing Stallard back to Meadow Lane?

If you look at the impact that Dean Windass had throughout Hull City's leap into the top flight, you can't help but think that Mark Stallard could replicate such a success with the club that has a place in his heart.

The former Notts cult-figure built up a huge rapport with the fans during his first spell with the club, which still lingers today. Stallard oozed class - consistently mixing brilliant hold-up play, with some clinical finishing that saw him hit the back of the net on 77 occasions in his 211 appearances.

Following his move to Barnsley the experienced front-man has never really repeated this success. Tenures with The Tykes, Chesterfield (loan) and Shrewsbury all proved unsuccessful, with Stallard never reaching the lofty standards that he once set.

Most fans will remember his loan return to Notts, which proved to be deeply disappointing. The qualities that provoked widespread adoration had gone vanished.

Stallard experienced another tough campaign this term, with just two goals in 26 games. This may have been down to several injury problems hindering his form, especially when you consider that he managed 16 goals the season prior - his best since leaving County.

Another comeback would only really set Notts fans set up for more disappointment. It could be said that Stallard is not, and never will be the same player that left over four years ago.

However, he may be worth a one-year deal to discover whether he can rekindle his striking capabilities, and possibly build upon the uplifting spirit that Michael Johnson brought with him to the Meadow Lane. Still, some things are better left in the past... Right?

Next up... Hunt for a hit-man: The target men