Alan Hardy: 'Notts County are £250,000 inside the budget'

Alan Hardy has revealed that Notts County are quarter of a million pounds inside their budget at present.

Since taking over the club, Hardy has overseen a change in fortunes both in the pitch and off the pitch, with the Magpies near the top of League Two and in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Speaking about the round four fixture, which sees Notts host Premier League strugglers Swansea City, the club owner spoke about how a giant-killing would potentially be even better for the club's finances.

"If we can go on to cause a shock, it would certainly help with the financial side of the football club," Hardy told the Nottingham Post in his weekly column.

"On Wednesday we had a six-hour budget meeting with the group financial director to run through our half-year results. We are £250,000 inside the budget.

"That means our losses are a quarter of a million less, which has been helped by the TV coverage of the Oxford City game and the fact we are regularly selling more tickets and hospitality.

"We are delighted to be £250,000 inside where we thought we were going to be and, while it looks unlikely we’ll meet our overall target of £500,000 by the end of the season, we might get halfway there.

"If we do manage to beat Swansea, however, I would expect we’d be likely to have another TV game as the odds are enhanced for us to draw one of the big boys.

"That would be amazing but, first and foremost, I’m looking forward to what will be a special day next weekend, as well as a big league game against Exeter City this Saturday."

Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans.

Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.