I have to say I am surprised but not so much by the fact he's leaving, more that he rejected a deal which is reportedly much lower than the wage he used to get. If he wasn't going to be a first team player the club should have released him, I feel that would have been logical.

2 hours ago, samwatto2008 said:

Don't care. We have had his back through this injury and gave him a chance almost straight away. He is a really good league two player but he can be replaced. He is not Mr Notts County and I think that is maybe why he is in doubt. Also his captaincy maybe have been put in doubt which makes you wonder if Richard Duffy is in the first team plans next year ...  

we do lack his leadership in the middle of the park tho now.

your right about the last bit, it does make you wonder but we need another new cb regardless. if kn does not strengthen this area it would be like failing to sign a striker last jan.  

It creates a small concern for Kevin Nolan, but one which he should be able to patch up. The captaincy isn't as big of a course as some would lead us to believe, you need a player who is respected and can show a calm head.

I feel this is a massive blow, AH and KN should’ve moved heaven and earth to persuade him to stay. I am VERY disappointed he was a massive piece in the jigsaw. Why has he been allowed to leave?

People are referring to rumours, what rumours, can anyone put me in the picture?

Gutted.

My main worry is that Duffy will now get the armband, which means he will be first on the team sheet! Duffy was neither the best centre half we had last year or anything like a skipper on the pitch we needed. It was plain to see when O’Connor came on against Coventry we had a new drive about the team.

A good leader is required now !

3 minutes ago, Truefootballfan said:

My main worry is that Duffy will now get the armband, which means he will be first on the team sheet! Duffy was neither the best centre half we had last year or anything like a skipper on the pitch we needed. It was plain to see when O’Connor came on against Coventry we had a new drive about the team.

A good leader is required now !

This is a major point. Without O'C are we lacking leadership again, because, as was said, if Duffers is given a starting berth because of that, then we are weaker than we were a week ago.

I don't want Liam Noble or Richard Duffy as the captain.

They offer the wrong type of leadership and neither really led by example. Michael O'Connor is the best captain we have had for awhile, he did it well and he was a true leader on the field. I don't think Elliot Hewitt would be right at his age either, he needs to establish himself further as a midfielder. I have notice some people on Facebook suggest Terry Hawkridge but I can't see him starting regularly.

Best option now must be Matt Tootle.

He's a loss but a fixable loss if Notts have done their recruitment correctly.

If we lack a passing midfielder that gets us moving forward, then one will need to be signed. Liam Noble should have a better season, he needs to force his way into the squad and up his performances. If he does, he can fill the role no questions.

If all the tales are true, regardless of whether any of us think he is good enough or not. Very few players at this level could afford a 40% pay cut ..... and I am saying if all the speculation is true.

Port Vale had real budgetary concerns 2 years ago, hence Duffy, Dicko and O'Connor left amongst others. O'Connor was being chased by Blackpool and possibly Sheridan may have pushed the boat out over wages when O'Connor, Forte and Collins were signed. Obviously we are not party to their wages. One would imagin that O'Connor will want to stick close to his Lincolnshire home so axis will be Donny, Mansfield, Notts, Peterborough, Grimsby and Lincoln. 

Speculation of 40% pay cut, L1 and L2 clubs can only afford what they can

Notts have made him another offer, this time only a 25% cut, if you can believe rumours.

There is only a finite amount of cash. Luton were losing 30k a week and got promoted. We lose the same amount and don't get promoted.

Obviously striking positions needed strengthening and that comes at a wage cost. Collins and Forte released, transfer fees paid to Chesterfield and Oxford.... The budget has to be adjusted to fit the cloth.

I would still transfer list Alessandra and Noble to free up budget space for O'Connor and an out and out winger

 

ah spoke about us having half a mil left to the budget last season, i dont know if that is just a story but i think we should have enough to sign the remaining players required. i think we will end up filling some gaps up with loan players.

Just let him leave, focus on filling the vacant potions which are needed. He's a good player but not a world beater.

The extension should have been left to the last minute, if Notts are going to learn from this they need to offer deals within the season and use it to breed confidence going forward.

I hope Michael O'Connor signs, he's a good player.

But the subject seems to be taking the focus of pressing matters and I'm fed up of hearing all the non news about this story.