Lee has, so far unexplainably, been given a three match suspension by the FA following a complaint made by Brentford after an unknown incident during Saturday's 1-1 draw with the Bees at Meadow Lane.
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The experienced forward will therefore miss Notts' matches with Darlington, Morecambe and MK Dons, leaving Steve Thompson without his captain.
With Mike Edwards a long term injury victim, the Notts boss is also without the man who would have stepped into the role had he been fit.
No third choice captain has been named leaving the decision on who will lead the side out at the Reynolds Arena an unknown one as yet.
However, NCM have given a list of three possible candidates and the outsiders before reaching the best conclusion on who they feel will take the role as skipper for the three matches.
Candidate One
Name: Matt Somner
Position: Midfield
Age: 24
Reasons for:
1) Somner is a Thompson favourite having played for him at Cambridge United aswell as joining up with him here last summer.
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2) The former Welsh under-21 star has been a virtual ever present during his time at Meadow Lane.
3) A popular character in the dressing room, Somner is known for his banter and bringing the squad together.
4) At the heart of it all, Somner is the kind of captain managers want as he leads by example with his determination and aggression.
Reasons against:
5) The six footer hasn't the greatest discipline, which would mean he may fail to lead by example.
6) At 24 he is still relatively young.
7) Yet to captain a professional side.
8) Not the most influential figure on the game for Notts.
Candidate Two
Name: Kevin Pilkington
Position: Goalkeeper
Age: 33
Reasons for:
1) Pilkington is Notts' second longest serving player behind Edwards, and has built up a steady rapport with fans in that time while knowing more about the club than the other candidates.
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2) At 33, the former Manchester United youngster is the second oldest in the squad behind Lee, meaning his experience is vital. Experienced players tend to make better captains.
3) He has had the responsibility before in his career when at local rivals Mansfield Town.
4) A guaranteed starter, Pilkington has been in good form so far and is an important member of the side.
Reasons against:
1) As a goalkeeper Pilkington will be unable to inspire his team-mates further up the pitch.
2) A goalkeeper's concentration on his own game is of primary importance and any extra responsibility may be of detriment to his own performance.
3) As he enters his third season at Notts he has yet to have the armband before suggesting neither Gudjon Thordarson or Thompson has seen him as captain material before.
4) Has had bust-ups with Thompson in the past meaning he is unlikely to be given the chance to be the manager on the pitch.
Candidate Three
Name: Stephen Hunt
Position: Defence
Age: 22
Reasons For:
1) Hunt is the mainstay of the new look backline following Edwards' injury and Austin McCann being dropped from the side.
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3) Another popular member of the dressing room, Hunt is another who enjoys the banter and is a key figure in the squad.
4) Has all the qualities expected of a captain with his composure, dedication, communication and leadership.
Reasons against:
1) At 22, Hunt isn't the most experienced member of the squad and didn't even make Thompson's plans until Christmas of last season.
2) Hasn't started the season in the form he ended the last campaign meaning extra responsibility could harm him further as he strives to return to his best.
3) Another whose discipline has let him down in the past. Two red cards in his short career so far aswell as numerous bookings.
4) Hasn't captained in a senior game before.
Outsiders
1) Neil MacKenzie - A good start to his career and a clear Thompson favourite, MacKenzie has years of experience and is arguably Notts' most influential player at present.
2) Paul Mayo - Has impressed in the role before as a stand in skipper at Lincoln City where his determination and aggression was at its best owing to the extra responsibility.
NCM's verdict: Hunt is the likely captain for the three games Notts are without Lee owing to his importance to the side and moreover the fact Thompson gave him the armband when Edwards and Lee were absent together during the Forest encounter.