Alan Hardy: 'Notts County don't want to settle for just anybody'

Alan Hardy has reiterated the need for Notts County to make the right signings for the team and insists they will continue to be meticulous in assessing potential new recruits.

The Magpies have made three additions to the team so far in Terry Hawkridge, Lewis Alessandra and Dan Jones, but some fans have questioned both the calibre of the signings and the relative lack of new arrivals.

Hardy insists both he and Kevin Nolan are very particular in ensuring new recruits will fit into the manager's system and have the right character.

In his weekly Nottingham Post column, he wrote: "Over the last few days we have been working towards adding to the squad, but it has proven to be an immensely frustrating period.

"As the manager, Kevin Nolan, explained in his question and answer session before Saturday's game against Rolls Royce, the spine of the team is very much our priority.

"A centre-back, central midfielder and centre forward are the primary targets, but they are arguably the most difficult and most expensive positions to recruit.

"There are so many players who are still out of contract, and every day we are inundated with calls from agents wanting us to take their clients.

"While it would be very easy to say 'yes, we'll take him, him and him', we don't want to settle for anybody.

"Kevin is very particular about who he wants to bring in and the research he and his staff put into potential signings is remarkable.

"We check their background with other managers and look at extensive footage to assess whether they fit the system Kevin wants to employ.

"In particular, however, we look at a player's character. The team spirit we have fostered over the last six months has been incredible so you have to know the player you are signing will fit in.

"There is a strategy and a reasoning for every signing. They all have to bring something different to the table because you don't want four players for one position."

To read the rest of Alan Hardy's column, click here.

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