Alan Hardy reveals he turned down Notts County takeover offer

Alan Hardy has revealed how Notts County have been the subject of interest from a group of investors looking into buying the club, just a few months after his own takeover.

Writing for the Nottingham Post, Hardy suggested that the sort of numbers they were thinking of to purchase Notts was high, but the answer was "a very firm no".

He wrote: "As the date was April 1, I suspect many believed I was on a wind-up, but I can confirm that this wasn't the case and the offer was bonafide and genuine.

"It started when my accountants received a phone call out of the blue last week from a group of investors who own a football club in a continental league.

"They were looking to buy into a European club side that has potential. I don't think it's the first time they have looked at Notts, because they may have had a sniff in the days of Ray Trew.

"But with the club looking like it could have been relegated, it perhaps put them off because Football League status is everything.

"Now we are technically clear of that, and we can see the fantastic progress we are making on and off the pitch, they asked if there was any possibility of having some early discussions.

"My accountant, being my accountant, asked what sort of numbers they were thinking of and we were pleasantly surprised.

"But while it was nice to receive such interest, my response was a very firm no. We are on a journey here at Notts County, one which we have only just started.

"We are absolutely loving it, we are making great progress and believe me, we are only at start of what I believe will be a wonderful ride.

"My plan is to take this club to the Championship, but of course, it's still very flattering that a serious organisation would consider having some discussions with us."

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

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