Blake snubs Meadow Lane return

Blake worked as assistant to new Magpies' boss Gudjon Thordarson during the Iceman's short stint in-charge at Barnsley, and has remained close with the 49-year-old ever since.

Blake: Staying put

But, despite Thordarson being reportedly keen to bring Blake back to Meadow Lane, the former Exeter manager has opted to continue his good work with the Academy at the Britannia Stadium.

"I spoke to Gudjon several times," Blake told the Staffordshire Post. "He's a personal friend and I know he's good to work with after our time together at Barnsley, but he understands my decision to stay put for now.

"I fancy the idea of going back into first-team coaching at some point down the line, but not just at the moment."

Blake had previously worked at Meadow Lane as first-team coach under Jocky Scott.