Alan Hardy: 'Notts County wanted to deliver early statement of intent'

Notts County owner Alan Hardy has stressed how important it was to give "an early statement of intent" to the league by moving early to bring in big signings.

The club chairman acknowledges that, two weeks ago, the Magpies were left reeling by their playoff defeat to Coventry City.

Moving on from that, Hardy spoke of showing the world that Notts "would be far from a wounded animal next season", ergo the arrivals of the likes of Kristian Dennis, Kane Hemmings, Andy Kellett and Tom Crawford.

"Let’s rewind a fortnight," Hardy wrote in the Nottingham Post. "The final whistle has just blown at Meadow Lane and our play-offs campaign has been curtailed in the cruelest way possible.

"The mood around the club is probably the worst it’s been since Kevin Nolan and I arrived. Our whole season has been undone by abysmal decisions from not one, but two separate sets of officials and it’s hard, right now, to look ahead with much excitement or optimism.

"Now, fast forward to the present day. We’ve just announced four superb new signings, seen two of our brightest prospects commit their future to us and confirmed pre-season friendlies against Leicester City and Derby County.

"The atmosphere behind the scenes is the best it’s been in recent years and everyone, players, staff and supporters, can’t wait for the new campaign to come around.

"I must take this opportunity to praise the tireless work of our football operations director, Jason Turner, who has been instrumental in all the above.

"Jason’s knowledge and passion for the industry are vital to us and he, along with several other members of staff, worked around the clock this week to help deliver all the brilliant news we have been delighted to share.

"It was crucial we gave an early statement of intent, not only to our supporters but also to the football world to show them we would be far from a wounded animal next season.

"We had our targets, we worked out a plan and we nailed it."

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