John Thompson eager for new Notts County contract

I've had five managers, we've been millionaires then we've had no money - everything has happened

John Thompson on his time at Notts

Notts County skipper John Thompson says he is eager to sign a new deal.

The defender, who is due to play his 100th game for the Magpies away against Colchester on Saturday, will be out of contract at the end of the season.

Thompson, 29, began his career with Notts' local rivals Nottingham Forest and joined Oldham before a permanent move to Meadow Lane in January 2009.

"It would be ideal to stay here because I'm very happy here. I love the city." Thompson told BBC Radio Nottingham.

Dublin-born Thompson would like to get his future resolved as soon as possible but does not want to let it affect performances on the pitch.

"Players always want that bit of security and the earlier it gets sorted the better but we'll have just to wait and see," he added. "Nothing has been sorted yet.

"I'll have to concentrate on the football side because you don't want to think too much about the contract but I'd definitely be delighted to stay here.

The centre-half - who has also often played at right-back - is thrilled to be on the verge of a 100-game landmark.

"I'm very proud to say that I will have played for the club 100 times," Thompson said. "It's a great football club and I've really enjoyed my time. It's been an eventful 100 games but I've managed to stay injury free and play in the majority of games since I've been here.

"I've been lucky; I've always been in the team and have racked up the appearances. To get over 100 appearances is going to a great achievement. I'm delighted, want to continue on with that and I'd like to make it 200 some day."

Thompson has settled both on and off the pitch and has been a key figure during a turbulent time at Meadow Lane.

I loved my time at Forest. I've been delighted to have played for both clubs. They are both clubs with great history

John Thompson

His two years with the club have seen takeovers, possible bankruptcy, numerous management changes, dozens of new players - all culminating in promotion to the third tier of English Football.

"When I came to the club we were at the bottom end of League Two but we are doing okay in League One now and holding our own comfortably," he said. "The club has improved in that time but a lot of stuff has gone off at the club too.

"I've had five managers, we've been millionaires then we've had no money - everything has happened."

Thompson has also played 100 games for the Magpies' local rivals Nottingham Forest.

"I'm proud of that fact - I loved my time at Forest," he said. "Everything has worked out brilliantly I've been delighted to have played for both clubs. They are both clubs with great history.

"Since day one when I came over as a 17-year-old straight away I loved the city. I've always felt that when I have been in England that this is where I wanted to be."