Alan Hardy: 'I did not expect Notts County to fighting for promotion from League Two'

Alan Hardy has claimed that he "never, ever expected" Notts County to be gunning for promotion from League Two in his first full season as chairman.

The Magpies are currently fourth in the table with just eight games remaining, a remarkable turnaround from the battle to remain in the Football League this time last year.

Hardy, who took over at Meadow Lane in January 2017, says a stable season of consolidation was the original aim for this campaign and seeing Notts in the upper tiers of the table has been a surprise.

“It’s been incredible really because we never, ever, expected to be in this position and it certainly wasn’t in our plan for this year,” he told the Nottingham Post.

“After securing safety last season, we sat down and said that consolidation was the aim in order that we could lay foundations for a promotion push next season.

“But all of a sudden here we are, third in the table, with just eight games to go, and we could be heading for a place in League One ahead of schedule.

“It’s been remarkable to witness and it’s a testament to Kevin Nolan, his staff and the players for how they have performed this season.

“They have engineered themselves into a fantastic position and whatever fate has in store for us, I am just going to enjoy the ride.

“It would be utterly magical if we could pull it off and there are not many teams who go from fighting relegation one season, then pushing for promotion the next.”

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