After kicking his heels - not literally - on the sidelines since the end of November Richard Butcher had earmarked today's training session as a huge leap towards a return to first-team football.

The midfielder fractured the fifth metatarsal in his left foot against Kettering Town on 30 November and was set to make his long-awaited return to full training today.

Like a little child looking forward to opening their presents on Christmas Day Butcher has been chomping at the bit since last week to get back into the swing of things and step up his return.

But heavy snow overnight and this morning left the Magpies' training ground unusable - meaning Butcher will have to wait a little longer before making that long-awaited comeback.

He said: "I'm gutted to be honest and a little bit annoyed as well!

"All those weeks I was out and walking around on my crutches it didn't snow a single drop, and then as soon as I'm ready again it snows like mad.

"It can't be helped though and I suppose it gives me a day more to prepare for when I get back into the thick of it.

"I've worked hard to get to this stage and all in all seriousness if I have to wait another day then that's the way it has to be."

With seven goals to his name by the end of November he was on course to beat his twelve-goal haul last season and was enjoying his football prior to the injury.

He said: "There are plenty of games still left to play and I believe I can beat last year's total."