Notts Joe: Alan Hardy era is full of promise

The atmosphere around Meadow Lane since the Notts County takeover has shown just how much fans wanted change, whilst the hope has remained in many prior to this – there is something refreshing about the club having found a ‘new hope’.

After the dismissal of John Sheridan, I was probably in the minority camp that was disappointed to see the departure of the 12th manager at the helm of the Magpies since we gained promotion to League One in 2010.

Yet the appointment of Kevin Nolan may not have appeased all Magpie fans, he does come very highly regarded from Leyton Orient fans who have spoken about how they would have liked to see him remain as their manager (rather than as a player/manager).

Personally, as always I would have tried to get behind whoever came through the revolving door – for me it was vital from day one that we all regrouped as supporters of the world’s oldest professional league club.

Whilst we have only seen a short glimpse into the ability that Nolan possesses, he does share some very intriguing traits as a player and his general approach to answering question isn’t a case of boring us to death with ‘football talk’ or beating around the bush.

It’s certainly refreshing to see this surge of optimism - considering the predicament that the club finds itself in, it really does arrive at the most welcomed time.

I honestly believe Nolan will be the type of manager who will revive the club's fortunes. It will be a slow, steady process, yet I have no doubt we will be better off with him around.

The doom and gloom can make you quite depressed. You get used to seeing fans week in and week out, but as the weeks roll on, more and more faces are missing. You may not be aware of their names or know them personally, yet you will recall seeing them virtually every week.

This is the feeling the club had prior to the takeover; so much credit is deserved to Alan Hardy for the fantastic turnaround and for the open dialogue with supporters.

In addition to the fantastic offers being put out the by the club, it certainly goes a long way with reviving the lot feeling of anticipation on match days.

I realise it will be cliché to say this, however I am going say it regardless – what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger and the past three seasons certainly has seen us become stronger amongst the core who no doubt have found it hard to watch a Notts edging closer and closer to the non-league.

Within various discussions within the Pride of Nottingham forum it has been said that relegation isn’t all that much to be worried about, but the detrimental effect it may have on the attendances is a source of anxiety for me.

As our most recent opposition [insert joke about how many fingers they have] will no doubt know, the non-league is very difficult to get out of, what with having just two promotion places, as champions and as playoff winners.

However, I won’t dwell on this – I would rather focus on not seeing the good vibes that currently surrounds our club evaporate, and any bleak, minor recollection of the past is laid to rest or forgotten.

It’s time for the Magpies to rise, rebuild and challenge for respect – not just in the city of Nottingham but in the league we play in. The new era is full of more promise and worthy merit than any false dawns we may have had in the time.

And provided the players who represent our club continue to improve under Nolan, things for shouldn’t be all that negative.

The transfer embargo is not yet lifted, but the club is working hard to do so, and so we may see some quality added to the squad.

It’s starting to feel like December all over again. It’s just a shame the takeover wasn’t able to happen then! You Pies!

Share your thoughts about this feature on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.