Major Oakes blow

Last updated : 19 November 2004 By Richard Brown

Ian Richardson has dropped a bombshell on the eve of the Magpies’ trip to Bury as their league revival takes its next step forward, stating that play-maker, Stef Oakes will not be joining the squad on the road tomorrow due to injury.

High visibility football, it's the future.
Former Leicester man, Oakes – whose performances has been nothing short of sensational in recent weeks will be forced to sit out of the trip to fourteenth-placed Bury after he picked up a knee injury over the course of the week.

Along with Oakes, it looks likely that a decision on Mike Whitlow’s chances of starting will be unknown until late on, with the 36-year old journeyman still lurching on a dead leg.

Meanwhile, caretaker player/manager, Ian Richardson returns to full fitness for the first time since his appointment as gaffer, although it is unknown exactly what his role will be as, it would be likely, Richo may well opt to concentrate on his responsibilities as manager and sit-out the match.

Youth striker, Shaun Harrad is also eligible to feature after completing a three-match ban picked up from his loan spell at Tamworth.

Elsewhere, it looks likely that the Magpies will don a new ‘emergency kit’ for the Bury trip tomorrow due to a potential kit clash. The shirt sports golden base with black trim and is seriously unlikely to be worn for any other reason than for tomorrow’s match, and thus will not be on general sale at the club shop or elsewhere.

Image courtesy of Notts County Official Site