Jon Stead urges Notts County to strengthen squad ahead of new season

Jon Stead has set himself a target of 20 goals for Notts County next season, but insists that the squad needs to be strengthened ahead of the new campaign.

The 34-year-old put pen to paper on a new contract at Meadow Lane believed to be until the end of next season and, following his 14-goal turnaround in League Two in 2016-17, he wants to do even better going forward.

However, he says the Magpies need two players capable of it if they are to seriously become contenders for a promotion challenge next season.

"I want to be front and centre stage and playing a massive part of next season," he told the Nottingham Post. "The gaffer sees me playing a big part and I want to be hitting 20 goals next season.

"That's got to be the target and if we are going to be challenging then we are going to need somebody who scores 15 to 20 goals.

"In fact we are going to need a couple of them. I know the manager is working to get players in and I still think we are a little bit light. I think we need three or four more players in then we can have a right go.

"This is no disrespect to the players who have played in the wide positions over the last couple of seasons, but it has been something we have lacked.

"We have had good technical players, but they haven't been authentic wide players or those who get bums off seats.

"Lewis was a real handful when we played Hartlepool last season so to get those players in through the door is only going to help.

"It will certainly help me and I am sure the manager and the board are working hard behind the scenes to add more. There's still plenty of time yet to sign more players."

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