DEFENDER Ashley Eastham has left Notts County and returned to Blackpool.
However, the Magpies still hope to bring the promising youngster back to Meadow Lane on loan.
The 21-year-old's spell with Notts came to an end after their 2-0 win at Colchester United on Tuesday night in League One.
He has been recalled by Blackpool because they are set to appoint a new boss – so he could now figure in the Championship club's plans this season.
The Magpies are waiting with bated breath to find out if Eastham is still going to be available for another loan stint, but will turn their attention to other defensive targets if he is not.
"He's gone back to find out exactly what his situation is because they are going to appoint a new manager," said Magpies' boss Keith Curle.
"He wants to know if he's going to be in their plans.
"What he does not want to do now, having been here and played a few games, is go back there and get swallowed up."
Eastham was on the subs' bench at Colchester, but he started three league games for the Magpies during his one-month loan, against Coventry, Bournemouth and Doncaster.
And even though Curle has now signed Damion Stewart until January and also has Dean Leacock and Gary Liddle, he still wants to extend Eastham's loan because Manny Smith is sidelined with a knee injury.
"He knows I rate him as a player," added Curle.
"He's a young man so he's still learning his trade.
"But he's given us a glimpse of what he's about in the games he's played and I think he's a work in progress.
"I think he's got something to offer so I would love to get him back."
The Magpies are likely to find out Eastham's future before they face newly-promoted Crawley Town in League One at Meadow Lane on the weekend.
