Notts County defender Elliott Ward looks set to miss the remainder of the season, after failing to agree a new clause in his contract with manager Neal Ardley.

The former West Ham and Norwich City defender signed for Notts under Harry Kewell in September, on a free transfer from Blackburn Rovers.

The 34-year-old became a regular under Kewell, but has made just one appearance for the relegation-threatened League Two side in the best part of four months.

After the red card to defender Ben Barclay at the weekend, Ardley was set to enter discussions with Ward regarding his contract - the veteran defender would automatically trigger a contract extension clause if he were to make one more appearance this term.

But speaking ahead of his side's home clash with Grimsby this weekend, Ardley has revealed that Ward won't play for Notts again this season, having seemingly turned down the club's approach to renegotiate terms.

Notts sit two points adrift of safety in League Two, with just two games left to play this term, after a catastrophic season the club.

The Verdict

This just sums up Notts' season - another terrible decision made by the club over the last year.

Whoever is negotiating contracts at Meadow Lane has clearly made a mess of things.

Notts really could have done with Ward's experience and leadership in the latter stages of the campaign - he has hardly put a foot wrong since signing for the club, but it looks like they will be without him for the final run-in now.