Ex-England schools, youth and U-21 international Blake was a big hope at Aston Villa before moving to Portsmouth, Leicester, Walsall and Mansfield.

A central midfielder with a big engine, an eye for goal and a competitive attitude, Blake switched to Aggborough in the summer of 2001 after being surprisingly released by Mansfield.

He had been given his chance in Nottinghamshire after taking a year out of football in 1998 to concentrate on a business.

Blake has commanded transfer fees of more than £700,000 in total with Portsmouth paying £400,000 and Leicester forking out £360,000.

Boss Jan Molby has made him captain at Aggborough and his experience shows in the Third Division.

League appearances/goals: Aston Villa (89/90) 9, (90/91) 7, Wolverhampton (loan) 2, (91/92) 14/2, (92/93) 1, Portsmouth (93/94) 15, Leicester 11/1, (94/95) 30/3, (95/96) 8, Walsall (96/97) 38/4, (97/98) 23/1, Mansfield (99/2000) 43/1, (00/01) 41/8.

This season: 17 games, 1 sub appearance, 2 goals.

Status: First-choice midfield.