Notts County in talks with local businessman Alan Hardy over club purchase

Nottinghamshire-based businessman and Notts County fan Alan Hardy has reportedly been identified as a serious bidder to take over the Meadow Lane club after Ray Trew stepped down as chairman and put the club up for sale.

Hardy, the owner of The Nottinghamshire Golf, Hotel & Country Club and chief executive of Nottingham-based group Paragon, is believed to have been in ongoing discussions with the club for several weeks about a takeover at the club.

Trew cited the 'foul, mindless abuse' he and his family have been subjected to from fans in recent weeks as a reason for his decision, described as being made "in light of recent events".

He paid Peter Trembling £1 for the Magpies six years ago, taking on more than £1.5mi in debts in the process, and watched his side win the League Two title at the end of his first season in charge.

In the letter, which was posted on Notts' official website, Trew wrote: "It is with very mixed emotions that I announce the end of my tenure as chairman of Notts County Football Club, as I put the club up for sale, having re-evaluated my position in light of recent events.

"I must start by stressing that this is not me backing away from a challenge. I do not do that and, indeed, if I'd have wanted to I would have done so some time ago because it has been a difficult journey at times.

"However, when my family are subjected to kind of foul, mindless abuse that they have been in recent days - both in person and courtesy of the oh so brave keyboard warriors - regardless of whether this is just the minority ruining it for the larger supporter base, I have to make changes.

"That said, whilst I have a somewhat bad taste in my mouth from the vitriol spouted by some, I do not walk away lingering on any negativity but instead will take with me the many happy memories that I have accrued from my time at Meadow Lane."

Notts are 16th in League Two having been relegated last season, and appointed Jamie Fullarton as manager in January following the sacking of Ricardo Moniz.

What do you make of Ray Trew's decision to sell the club? Share your thoughts by signing up to the Pride of Nottingham website, visiting the forum and joining the conversation.