Alan Hardy on Notts County ownership: 'I feel I am still dreaming'

Notts County owner Alan Hardy has admitted that he still has to pinch himself to check he isn't dreaming.

Hardy, a Nottinghamshire businessman and staunch Magpies fan, took over at Meadow Lane in January from the previous owners, and has led the club upwards in a short space of time.

Successfully overcoming a transfer embargo, bringing in reinforcements in the squad at short notice, increased gates thanks to offers and improved optimism, and arresting a freefall towards the bottom of League Two are just some of the things he has achieved in the last two months.

Writing a column for the Nottingham Post, he says the last eight weeks have been a "whirlwind", but he has learned a lot in a short space of time and continues to do so.

He wrote: "In all honesty, my time at the club so far has felt like a complete whirlwind.

"I knew I was taking on a big job but I've had to learn a huge amount in a very short space of time – and I fear I haven't yet scratched the surface.

"Thankfully I have inherited a brilliant behind-the-scenes team, led by our vastly experienced chief executive Jason Turner.

"I am delighted with the way the staff have bought into my vision and we are already seeing positive progress.

"There are still times when I have to pinch myself to check this isn't all a dream.

"Take transfer deadline day for example.Having exited our transfer embargo at the last minute - a different story altogether - we wanted to take advice on potential signings from those respected in the game.

"That's exactly how we managed to sign players like Marc Bola and Josh Clackstone, who have been integral to our recent upturn in form.

"Coming from a corporate background where it's all about minimising risk and thinking strategically, I have to say I was completely out of my comfort zone on deadline day.

"Thankfully the knowledge of people like Kev and Jason saw us through – although I expect our summer business to be carried out in a far more measured fashion."

To read the full article on the Nottingham Post, just click here.

Share your thoughts about Alan Hardy's column by signing up to Pride of Nottingham, visiting the forum and joining in the chat.