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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Sport
Leigh Curtis

Jim O'Brien open to Notts County return but waits for news on Neal Ardley's future

Jim O’Brien could be open to a return to Notts County - but much depends on the future of manager Neal Ardley.

The Scotsman was one of 12 players to be released by the Magpies on Friday as they finally announced their retained list in the wake of their relegation from the Football League.

O’Brien was a big favourite with the fans having arrived in the January transfer window from Bradford City and was one of the first names on the team-sheet.

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Had the club stayed in the Football League, the midfielder would have triggered an extension to his contract that would have kept him at Meadow Lane for another year.

But while he is now free to find another club as a result of their relegation, it is understood he would not be against returning, especially if Ardley is to remain as manager.

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But that is so far unclear given the club is currently up for sale with two consortiums hoping to succeed chairman Alan Hardy as the new owners.

It is believed, however, the South African group would be willing to keep Ardley as manager to avoid the club looking to appoint a fourth manager in a year.

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