But a feud off the pitch with the Notts chief has limited his chances of first team football. He was shipped out on loan to Lincoln City at the end of last season and since returning has never featured in Thompson's plans.
Amazingly enough it's just less than nine years ago now since the Balham-born frontman spent a one-month spell at Brunton Park on loan from St Mirren. Mendes scoring once in his six game period in Cumbria during the 1998-99 season before returning to Love Street.