Alan Hardy sets target for next season as he ups Kevin Nolan's budget by 10 percent

Alan Hardy has set a target for Notts County to finish either in the playoffs or very close to them next season.

In addition, he revealed that he has given manager Kevin Nolan a 10 percent increase on last year's playing budget in a bid to hit that target.

Hardy has already overseen the signing of Lincoln City winger Terry Hawkridge and is expecting seven or eight further additions in the transfer window.

"Our playing budget last year was about the seventh or eighth highest in the division," Hardy told the Nottingham Post.

"I've given Kevin an extra 10 percent on last year. That will probably take us to top four, in terms of budget in League Two.

"But I'm expecting a call from Kevin in the last week before the season starts, saying, 'could I just borrow….!' On a serious note, I'm sure Kevin will be able to get the players he needs within that budget.

"I'd like to be very close to the play-offs. I think it's fair to say there would be a tinge of disappointment if we don't make the play-offs, because I think we are plenty good enough. Once you're in the play-offs it is a bit of a lottery.

"Making the play-offs or being very close to the play-offs I think is the target. If we come below halfway, it would probably be a disappointing season."

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