Notts' Scott on leave to deal with mental health

Cedwyn Scott is in his third season with Notts County

Notts County forward Cedwyn Scott has taken an indefinite leave of absence to receive help for his mental health.

The 25-year-old has stepped away with the "full support" of the League Two club as he seeks treatment.

Scott, who scored the decisive penalty in their National League play-off final shootout win against Chesterfield in 2023, missed much of last season with a knee injury.

"This past year has been a difficult one, both from a personal and professional perspective," Scott told the club website.

"I have undertaken therapy, which has helped, but I've reached a point where I feel I need to take more concerted steps to overcome the difficulties I'm facing."

Scott has asked for privacy at this time but added that he intends to "openly discuss the challenges I've faced in the hope that this will benefit others in similar situations".

"The support I’ve received from the club, my family and friends has been fantastic and I would like to take this opportunity to encourage anyone else who is struggling to please seek the help they need," Scott continued.

Notts County head coach Stuart Maynard praised Scott for showing "massive strength" to address his struggles and to go public with them.

"We are always talking to players to make sure they are OK on and off the pitch, and it is huge credit to Ceds to come out and openly talk about it," Maynard told BBC Radio Nottingham.

"We wish him the best and we will support him in every way we can to try to make sure we get him right and he is back enjoying his football again as soon as possible."

Maynard said Scott is receiving therapy support from the club, and has been helped by the Professional Footballers' Association (PFA).

Scott joined Notts from Gateshead in the summer of 2022, having dropped to England's 10th tier just three years earlier to rebuild his career after an unsuccessful spell with Dundee in the Scottish Premiership.

He was instrumental in the Magpies' return to the English Football League (EFL) in his first season at Meadow Lane, scoring 15 goals as well as the decisive penalty in their shootout win at Wembley.

But his last goal was almost 18 months ago, with injury limiting him to just 10 appearances last season while he has largely featured as a substitute this term.

"We back him," Maynard said. "We know he is a top, top player and we know he will be influential for us when he comes back.

"But there is no pressure, we just have to make sure we support him in the right way.

"He is back when he gets back - there is no timescale from us."