He admitted he expects there to be “tough competition” at Newcastle United next season, and some would question if he should be 'moved on' to bring in fresh blood.
The long-serving striker is braced for a summer of transfer speculation, and perhaps it would help both player and club if he left.
United were linked with 24-year-old French winger Jeremy Menez of Roma today, amongst others.
Shola Ameobi: “We’re not under any illusions – we have to strengthen.
“The strength in depth isn’t there at the moment, and that’s something we have to address.
“We’ve got a core of players who have ability and want to fight together, as we’ve proved this season.
“Every season’s going to be tough.
“If we want to stay in this league, we have to buy well, and buy players that are going to fit in well with the team ethos and mentality.
“Hopefully, we can get that this summer.
“We were looking to finish the season on a high, and got ourselves in a great position.
“It’s just disappointing we’ve let ourselves down at the end.
“When you’re 3-0 up at home, you expect to see the game out, but it doesn’t take away from a great season.
“Not many people would have expected us to finish as high as we have, and there have been some great moments.
“There was a bit of disappointment, not only with us, but the fans as well.
“We owe them a lot. They’ve really kept us going this season home and away.”
A THANK YOU TO FOOTYMAD READERS ...
'MAGPIES IN EUROPE'
FOR £5.99 (inc post)
2010/11 has been NewcastleUtd-Mad's greatest season, and as a thank you to all readers we are giving you the chance (FOR TWO WEEKS ONLY) to purchase "MAGPIES IN EUROPE" for £5.99 (and that includes the postage).
*Normal price is £9.99
OFFER ENDS JUNE 10th 2011
Although "Magpies In Europe" will not be launched OFFICIALLY until next season ... if you want a copy it is available NOW from this website ... and ONLY from this website!
Sports Journalist Richie Everson: "At last a book that the fabulous Newcastle United fans can relate to. It's informative, all the facts and figures are there, plus the 120 match reports from all the fixtures ... but it is the articles by the supporters that amazed me.
"I went to many of those games, and this is the only book I can honestly say 'hits the nail on the head'!
"Yes we know the results and the scorers, but some of the facts in this book had me so wrapped up in it I couldn't put it down.
"Was Benny Arentoft cup-tied when he played in the final? Big Wyn and his battle with John McGrath; McFaul scoring a penalty when the crowd had gone home; the trouble in Palermo; it is all amazing stuff.
"I would honestly give this book 10 out of 10."
MAGPIES IN EUROPE
From Antwerp to Zurich
Please include your address in a letter and send a cheque (or postal order) for £5.99 payable to Mr K Fletcher, to:
'MAGPIES IN EUROPE', K Fletcher, 5 Dunelm, Sacriston, Co Durham DH7 6NU.
Or contact: Kevnumad@fsmail.net