Jon Stead vents frustration at deeper role for Notts County

Notts County striker Jon Stead has expressed his disappointment in being asked to drop deeper by manager Ricardo Moniz, but insists that he is willing to do all he can to help his team climb up the table.

Speaking at the weekly Magpies press conference, the ex-Sunderland forward said: "The system we're playing, the only way I can get into the team is to play that deeper role.

"And that's what the manager wants because he wants that three in midfield which he sees as being a bit stronger.

"It's a bit of a sacrifice for me, for where I want to play, but if it's doing a job and I can get that defensive side of it right, which is the bit that I struggle with, then I can play.

"I scored two in two and then didn't play the next game, so that's obviously disappointing but I've been doing all I can.

"I'll keep working hard on the training ground and every chance I get, show him what I can do. I'd play left-back or I'd play in goal if it meant I was starting a football match. I just want to be on the field.

"It's a little bit frustrating but it's where I am at the minute. That's where my opportunity is to get in the team, so I've got to go for it.

"I don't believe that's where the club will get the best out of me but I want to play football and I'm not going to go banging on his (Moniz's) door saying, 'I'm not playing there, I want to play up top'. That's not in my make up one bit.

"I'll do my very best in the position wherever I'm asked to play. I think I'm improving in that role anyway, so it might help me to be more of a complete player with that other side of my game.

"I just keep going. I'm not going to throw my toys out the pram, I'm going to get on with it. But yes, it's been difficult. It's a different side to my game.”