Alan Hardy updates Notts County fans on Kevin Nolan successor search

Notts County owner Alan Hardy has penned a further statement wishing to update fans on his reasoning for Kevin Nolan's dismissal and looking ahead to bringing in a new manager.

The former Premier League midfielder was let go on Sunday after Notts fell to their fourth League Two defeat in a row at Lincoln City.

Notts have also confirmed that board member Jon Enever has quit the board, but the main focus as stated on the Notts website was to do with Nolan's departure.

"In light of recent developments, I feel it is important that I maintain direct lines of communication with all our supporters," wrote Hardy.

"Firstly, I would like to reiterate that the decision to part company with Kevin Nolan was not one I reached lightly, nor was it taken without the full consultation and support of all board members.

"I maintain that, when Kevin walked through the door in January 2017, he was one of the very few managers who could have saved us from losing our proud status as the world’s oldest Football League club.

"For that he will always have my heartfelt gratitude - and I am sure all Notts supporters feel the same.

"But, unfortunately, that achievement cannot come with a lifetime guarantee of employment and, having assessed the performance of the team since the turn of the year, it is clear to me that a change was needed.

"What we must do now is look to the future. I am very keen to make a swift appointment to ensure the successful candidate is given time to, should they wish, utilise the loan window which closes at 5pm on Friday.

"We have approached three clubs for permission to speak to their managers and have been inundated with expressions of interest from elsewhere. We hope to hold discussions with our preferred targets this afternoon.

"This is merely a bump in the road on our journey to success and, together as an extended family of supporters, players, staff and directors, we will continue to move Notts County in the right direction.

"Of all our accomplishments over the past 20 months, attracting average crowds in excess of 8,500 has arguably been the most impressive.

"It is a phenomenal achievement and I thank everyone who has come out to support what we’re trying to achieve.

"I expect to have a new manager in place before Saturday’s home match against Forest Green Rovers and would call on everyone with Notts County at heart to come down to Meadow Lane and support us as we commence a new chapter in our beloved club’s history.

"I will, of course, continue to keep you all updated. Alan."

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