Birtles: Notts must sign Forte

COMING from a former striker, it may be a predictable sentiment.

But, if there is one thing every team needs, it is a player who can regularly put away 15 to 20 goals every season.

At least, that is, if you have any realistic aspirations of success.

For Notts County, this has been a real issue over the last couple of years.

They just haven't had anyone who is capable of being that man.

We thought Jamie Forrester might fill the void. But he hasn't.

While Delroy Facey, despite the qualities he does possess, has never been that sort of forward.

And, last season, it was left to Richard Butcher to fire the main bulk of the Magpies goals from midfield.

But, in Jonathan Forte, they just might have unearthed someone who can be that prolific scorer they have been missing.

In eight games, during two separate loan spells, he has now scored six goals.

More to the point, he has looked a lively, dangerous player who is capable of creating, as well as scoring himself.

In short, he is somebody who can flourish at League Two level.

This, of course, has left Notts in something of an awkward position because, he is very obviously not their player.

And, the better he does for them, the less likely Scunthorpe are to want to let him leave and, perhaps more significantly, the more likely other sides will start taking an interest in the player.

Manager Ian McParland will not need me telling him that he should be doing everything in his power to sign Forte for next season.

I am 100% certain he is already banging on every relevant door at Meadow Lane in order to make that point.

But then, this could be a massive summer for the Magpies overall, when it comes to deciding whether the squad is stronger next season or critically weaker.

Forte would be a massive, massive signing, given that he could fill the void that has been empty for a season or two now.

But then there is also the doubt over the future of Myles Weston, who remains one of the brightest young talents in the division.

Michael Johnson has already said he will retire in the summer – and a man of his experience is close to irreplaceable.

If Notts can persuade Weston to sign a new contract; if they can persuade Scunthorpe to allow Forte to leave – and the player himself can be encouraged to come to Meadow Lane – there is no question that Notts will be in a strong position next season.

For a couple of seasons they have looked like a side that is close to finding the formula for success.

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For me, the likes of Forte and Weston will be among the final pieces of the jigsaw, along with a replacement for Johnno.

And, if they can be put into place over the summer, then the Magpies just might fly high once more.