Oakes: I want to stay

Oakes netted a brace of superb free-kicks during Saturday's 2-2 draw at home to Grimsby - the second of which winning Sky's 'goal of the weekend' award.

And the brilliant double - his fifth and six goals of the season - has led for further calls for the ex Leicester midfielder to be rewarded with a new contract.

And, though Oakes pleasingly revealed he wants to remain a Notts County player, the 26-year-old admitted his future is up in the air as things stand.

"I am out of contract in the summer but I am not sure what will happen yet," the talented midfield man told the official site.

"I enjoy playing my football at Notts County and I would love to stay here. I'm a local lad, enjoy it here and would love it if something could be sorted out."

Every one of Oakes' six goals for the season have come from outside the 18-yard box, with his 45-yard lob at Yeovil particularly memorable.

Despite coming under a wave of criticism from supporters earlier in the season, the Magpies' support are now desperate to see such an obvious talent remain at the club for next season.

However, despite goalkeeper Saul Deeney and Ian Richardson - pending a medical check - being offered new deals, the futures of Oakes, Paul Bolland and Steve Scoffham remain in doubt until the appointment of a new manager is made.

Unfortunately for Notts - at least in Oakes' case - that could come too late.

Be sure to check back to NCM for all the latest contract and managerial talk coming from Meadow Lane.