Active Shola Ameobi open to coaching

Former Newcastle United striker Shola Ameobi has insisted that he has not retired from playing active football.

The 36-year-old was released at the end of the 2017-18 season by Notts County after featuring 51 times, scoring ten goals for the League Two side.

Since leaving Newcastle in 2014, the attacker has played for Gaziantep BB in Turkey, Crystal Palace, Bolton Wanderers among others.

Now a free agent, he is hoping to get the right offer and continue playing.

"I'm doing bits and bobs," Ameobi told Soccer AM, per Sky Sports.

"I made a decision with the family that I wanted to be closer to Newcastle, which obviously limits the clubs you can look for.

"I've kept myself fit and I haven't retired officially. It would have to be the right club. It's not something I'm actively pursuing but if something came up I'd definitely be ready."

The forward has been coaching in Newcastle Academy for some years and having completed his coaching certificates, he is eyeing a managerial job should his move to secure a playing contract fail to come to reality.

"I've had to think about the future. I've done all of my coaching badges and A Licence,” he continued.

"I've been coaching with the academy for years now since I was at Newcastle. I enjoy passing on what I learnt because I grew up in that academy and have a lot of experiences."