Alan Hardy’s takeover of Notts County is expected to be formally completed today ahead of the Magpies clash with local rivals Mansfield Town on Saturday.
It was announced last month (December 19) that local businessman Mr Hardy had reached an agreement with Ray Trew over the sale of the club.
The Magpies were put up for sale by Mr Trew in February of last year
Mr Hardy has previously tweeted that the deal would be “formally completed on Mon 9th Jan” with his first game coming against local rivals Mansfield at Meadow Lane.
Although fans are still awaiting a formal announcement, Mr Hardy has changed his Twitter bio to describe himself as “Chairman and owner of Notts County FC”, suggesting the deal is complete.
In a statement the club said that after negotiations with a number of prospective buyers Mr Trew had decided a deal with Mr Hardy was “the best option for all parties” and will now “work towards finalising the agreement and completing the transfer of ownership in due course”.
Tweeting yesterday Mr Hardy stated that he had already conducted two interviews for the next County manager with Alan Smith currently occupying the caretaker role.
LetsTalkNotts vlogger Michael Riordan said: “The Alan Hardy takeover would mean a lot to the fans, I’ve already seen plenty of comment saying how they are excited to come to the Lane after a number of years away.
“Hardy’s overall aim should be to focus on keeping us in the Football League, we don’t need a 5 year plan at the moment, we need a 6 month plan and we need to hit hard.
“If he is like any other Notts fan then it would mean the world to him for us to succeed as a club in every aspect, hopefully he sees things as a fan not a businessman.”
With attendances falling at Meadow Lane this season Mr Hardy is hoping for a bumper crowd of 10,000 for his first match as owner.
To encourage Notts fans to show their support on Saturday incoming owner Mr Hardy is offering reduced ticket prices for the local derby against Mansfield.
And all Notts fans with a Mansfield ticket and season ticket holders will be entitled to a free season ticket for Notts County Ladies’ Spring Series.
Season ticket holder Michael added: “This offer shows a great motive to get fans through the gates and what a game to do so, a local derby.
“It’s a positive start for Hardy as he wants to make money and make the fans happy again, that’s all I can ask for.”
