Fenton's Future

Last updated : 01 May 2004 By Joanna Walker

Manager Gary Mills has held talks with 24 year old Fenton in the hope of persuading him to extend his stay at Notts County, after his current contract expires at the end of the current season, pretty much like the other 11 players who are also out of contract at the end of this season.

But the decision for the ex-Manchester City centre back will ultimately come down to how much of a wage cut he is prepared to take. It is rumoured he will have to accept anything up to 50% less than what he is currently on.

Fenton – who signed for the Magpies in November 2000 from
Manchester City for £150,000 – has not had an impressive season but despite this, Mills seems set on keeping the 6ft tall defender.
The performances he has delivered on the pitch this season may not have been anything to write home about, but in previous seasons he has been solid at the back for Notts and shown his true form.

If Fenton was to leave, Notts would not receive any money for him because of the Bosman ruling as he is 24. This would be a big dent for Notts who look likely to chance the defence in a big way ready for next season after conceding more than the average amount of goals this season.

"We have had a chat with Nicky, to see where we stand with him.

We have had a short conversation about finance, about the kind of thing we can offer him.

I think it is fair to say that he would have to take a pay cut, if he was to stay with us.

But that is not a reflection on him, it is just the situation the club is in.

We have a budget we have to work to and there is no escaping it.

We just can't afford to pay out big money any longer and, as things stand, Nicky is on very good money.

It is probably going to come down to finance, but we would like Nicky to stay. That is why we have spoken to him.

Maybe something can still be resolved. We will talk again." Mills told the Nottingham Evening Post.