Mendes leaves: What it means to Notts

Mendes was Notts' most dangerous player on the wing against Mansfield Town on Saturday. It begs the question: Has his substitution early into the second half led to a rift with manager Steve Thompson, forcing himself a way out of the club?

Mendes... Joined Lincoln City in surprise move

Mendes started the season in good form. Despite initially starting the season's opener, at Lincoln City, as a substitute, his impact from the bench saw him displace Lawrie Dudfield as Jason Lee's regular strike partner.

Despite scoring just five goals, his form over the first couple of months was good, as he offered that something different in the Notts ranks.

His turn of pace and silky footwork made him a threat, but that soon dwindled. As it stands, those five goals have come in no fewer than 42 appearances.

With Dudfield replacing him as the main striker, Mendes has played a bit part role of late, and the 30-year-old was clearly flustered at this. He headed straight into the dressing room following his undesereved substitution against the Stags.

Nevertheless, it is a surprising move, leaving Notts with just three natural strikers, one of whom is Tcham N'Toya who has started just one league game all season.

Mendes' best form has come in wide areas, a problem position for Notts with Andy Parkinson out of sorts, David Pipe preffered as a right-back and youngsters Jake Sheridan and Stef Frost not considered on a regular basis by Thompson.

Gleeson... Back in Cambridge colours

It smacks of the season being over. Thompson's close ties with Lincoln Head Coach John Schofield have probably forced the move as a favour, leaving Notts fans shocked as to what it means for the run-in.

He might not be everyone's favourite player, but leaving the Notts squad with just three regular strikers seems a backward step, unless a replacement is lined up.

It shows on the one hand than Thompson is shaping his squad for next season already. Maybe he is ditching the duffers early.

Dan Gleeson, the young defender, is another who has left the club today, joining his former side Cambridge United on loan for the rest of the season.

Gleeson is out of contract at the end of the campaign, but Mendes has another year meaning their Notts careers may yet take different endings.