Jon Stead has reiterated his desire to fire Notts County to the upper regions of the League Two table, for the fans and the club as well as for himself.

The 34-year-old was rumoured to be on the way out of Meadow Lane, with offers to join clubs all around the world, but he will be a Magpie next season after penning a new deal.

Stead admits that things spiralled out of control last season, but with Alan Hardy as owner and Kevin Nolan as manager, he believes things will kick on in 2017-18.

He told the Nottingham Post: "I want to be successful. I've had plenty of relegations and not many promotions.

"I want to be competing at the top end of the table season in, season out. I want that success and I want to do that here at Notts.

"I've got a great relationship with the club and the fans. They know I give it everything and that won't change.

"When I signed a couple of seasons ago, everything started well enough and looked promising.

"Suddenly things don't go to plan, things start to spiral and it looks as if it will go out of control. But the turnaround has been massive.

"It's huge for the club to have an owner with a real passion for the club. There's a real buzz about the place and it's great to be a part of."

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Curtis Thompson has become the latest player to pen a new contract at Notts County.

The 23-year-old has made 96 appearances for the Magpies having progressed through the club's academy and is believed to have penned a deal until the end of the 2017-18 season.

Thompson told the official Notts website: "I am delighted to be staying and I am looking forward to next season.

"I had some setbacks last season with a long-term injury and getting a red card against Crawley but this is a fresh start.

"Towards the end of the season the boys were getting good results so it's good to be staying with them."

Notts boss Kevin Nolan added: "I am very pleased Curtis has decided his future lies with us.

"He is a player with a great deal of potential and I'm looking forward to helping him continue his development here at Meadow Lane."

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Jon Stead has set himself a target of 20 goals for Notts County next season, but insists that the squad needs to be strengthened ahead of the new campaign.

The 34-year-old put pen to paper on a new contract at Meadow Lane believed to be until the end of next season and, following his 14-goal turnaround in League Two in 2016-17, he wants to do even better going forward.

However, he says the Magpies need two players capable of it if they are to seriously become contenders for a promotion challenge next season.

"I want to be front and centre stage and playing a massive part of next season," he told the Nottingham Post. "The gaffer sees me playing a big part and I want to be hitting 20 goals next season.

"That's got to be the target and if we are going to be challenging then we are going to need somebody who scores 15 to 20 goals.

"In fact we are going to need a couple of them. I know the manager is working to get players in and I still think we are a little bit light. I think we need three or four more players in then we can have a right go.

"This is no disrespect to the players who have played in the wide positions over the last couple of seasons, but it has been something we have lacked.

"We have had good technical players, but they haven't been authentic wide players or those who get bums off seats.

"Lewis was a real handful when we played Hartlepool last season so to get those players in through the door is only going to help.

"It will certainly help me and I am sure the manager and the board are working hard behind the scenes to add more. There's still plenty of time yet to sign more players."

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Notts County are looking for two fans aged between 7 and 14 to help with the launch of the new team kit.

The club shared an article on its official website to announce they they are to give two Magpie-supporting youngsters the chance to star in a short film as part of the reveal, and will also be the first people to see the new Puma kit for 2017-18.

The statement read: "To be in with a chance of taking part, simply film a short video (approximately 20 – 40 seconds) explaining why you should be the first person to see the brand-new shirt.

"You may wish to predict what the new home and away kits will look like, or even reminisce over your favourite ever Notts shirt.

"Please send your video to sarah.gooding@nottscountyfc.co.uk, including 'Kit Reveal' in the subject line and supplying the following details:

- Child's full name
- Contact parent/guardian's full name
- Child's age
- Address

"The two winners will need to be available for filming on Tuesday 20 June and Wednesday 21 June.

"Filming will be late afternoon to fit around school times, and will take place at the winners' homes."

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Jon Stead has elaborated on his decision to reject interest from all around the world to sign a new Notts County contract and promised that there is more to come from him next season.

During the 2016-17 campaign, the 34-year-old was the Magpies' highest scorer with 14 goals, and he won the League Two Player of the Month award for September.

There was interest from the United States for Stead, who was sidelined by injury midway through the season, but he has now committed his future to Meadow Lane by signing a new deal believed to be for one more year.

Stead told the Nottingham Post: "(Nolan) was obviously pleased I had signed but he made it clear from the day he walked through the door that he wanted me to be a part of his journey.

"As a player you want to be made to feel important by your manager and that was another reason as to why I decided to stay.

"I made the decision to stay about two-and-a-half weeks ago. I had been on holiday and had also been away from the club for two to three weeks. Being away from everything certainly helped give me clarity to decide what I was going to do.

"And even up until Thursday, I was still getting messages containing offers from clubs across the world. I had a couple in Sweden, then one to play in the Indian Super League, and obviously I spoke to quite a few clubs in America too.

"I just felt in the end that Notts felt right, but it took a lot of sleepless nights. It was not just a big decision for my career, but also my life. It's a massive undertaking to move abroad and I just felt that I wasn't ready to let go of the Football League.

"There's definitely more to come from me next season."

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Jon Stead has put pen to paper on a new contract at Notts County.

During the 2016-17 campaign, the 34-year-old was the Magpies' highest scorer with 14 goals, and he won the League Two Player of the Month award for September.

There was interest from the United States for Stead, who was sidelined by injury midway through the season, but he has now committed his future to Meadow Lane and he says he is "delighted" with the decision.

He told the official club site: "It took me a while to make sure it was the right thing for me and the family, but it definitely is and I can't wait to get going.

"I want to be here. It's exciting times - there's a real buzz about the place. You don't want to be looking from the outside and wishing you'd been involved.

"I know the gaffer sees me playing a big part in his team and that's all you want to hear as a player."

Manager Kevin Nolan added: "He doesn't only bring goals, but his all-round play, experience and professionalism are first class.

"He's the type of player any manager would love to have in their dressing room."

It is unconfirmed how long the new deal is for, but it is believed to be for one year.

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Nottingham musician Jake Bugg has been named as one of the Notts County shirts sponsors for next season.

The 23-year-old, born and bred in Clifton, is a well-known name in the British music industry, having scored a UK number one album with his self-titled debut, while his two follow-ups charted in the nation's top five.

A Magpies fan, it has now been revealed that his name will be emblazoned across the Notts shirts in November, as part of the club's monthly sponsorship plan.

On Thursday, Notts announced each of the monthly shirt sponsors for the 2017-18 season.

The official club website also confirmed that the team's new Puma replica shirts will be available to purchase without a sponsor and that supporters will be able to have any of the 10 logos applied at no cost.

List of Notts County 2017-18 season shirt sponsors:

August: Mace Sport
September: Premier Electrical Services
October: SG Sports Gateway
November: Jake Bugg
December: Showcase Cinema De Lux
January: Eversheds Sutherland
February: The Senator Group
March: Bassingfield Woodyard
April: Premier Facilities Maintenance
Cup matches: Paragon Interiors Group

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Alan Hardy has claimed that Notts County will be on standby to possibly re-sign Jorge Grant on loan should he fail to cement a first-team place at Nottingham Forest.

The 22-year-old was on the fringes of the Reds first team in the previous campaign but, when taken on by Kevin Nolan midway through the season, had a huge impact.

Grant made 17 appearances and scored six goals from midfield to give the Magpies a huge shot in the arm and ended up surviving relegation from League Two with several games to spare.

As a reward, he was offered a new three-year contract at the City Ground, which he signed, but Hardy wrote in his weekly Nottingham Post column that Notts would be in pole position to take him on temporarily once again.

He wrote: "Obviously we had been hoping to sign him permanently because he's such a fantastic talent, but as soon as Forest put that deal on the table, I knew he was going to sign it.

"If I was in his position, I would have done exactly the same because, let's face it, how many three-year contracts get handed out these days?

"They are incredibly rare and at 22, Jorge is at that age where he needs to be settled and allowed to purely concentrate on his football.

"From what I understand, Mark Warburton, the Forest manager, has told all the players it is a clean slate, which obviously puts Jorge in an exciting position.

"He will now go away hoping to force his way into the first team, and I hope he is afforded the chance to prove himself over the course of pre-season.

"With the new owner in place and the manager, Warburton, having his first full transfer window to make new signings, that could mean Jorge is pushed down the pecking order.

"If that proves to be the case and there is a chance that he will go out on loan again, then we will be the first in the queue.

"I would absolutely love to have Jorge back at Notts if the chance arises again, but you can't begrudge him a shot of trying to get into Forest's first team.

"But there's absolutely no doubt in my mind that his performances for us at Notts were pivotal in Forest's decision to award him a new contract.

"If he had just been sitting on the bench and had not signed for us, the likelihood of him earning a three-year deal would have been extremely remote.

"I know Jorge thoroughly enjoyed his time here with us. The supporters loved him and he was a credit to himself during the few months he was here.

"He is a lovely lad who can sprinkle stardust on a game so it's a situation we will be constantly monitoring as we look to make new signings."

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

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Notts County have received positive feedback from Arsenal for how they coached Marc Bola during his loan spell at Meadow Lane, Alan Hardy has claimed.

The 19-year-old left-back joined the Magpies on loan in January and impressed in his 13 appearances for Kevin Nolan's side.

With Notts now likely more in good stead with clubs higher up the football pyramid due to their credentials in handling and nurturing young loanees, it is an avenue that the Magpies owner is looking to pursue.

"Marc was a huge success for us and he produced some excellent performances," Hardy told the Nottingham Post.

"I received some lovely correspondence from Arsenal saying that he had learned so much from his time with us.

"It's good to know we can help these players develop, while obviously helping us at the same time.

"The loan market is something we will use before the window shuts and the manager already has targets in mind.

"I think the Premier League clubs know that if they send their players to us, we will give them games and ultimately help them develop."

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Jorge Grant has thanked Notts County for having taken him on loan last season and playing a huge part in helping him win a new Nottingham Forest contract.

The 22-year-old was on the fringes of the Reds first team in the previous campaign but, when taken on by Kevin Nolan midway through the season, had a huge impact.

Grant made 17 appearances and scored six goals from midfield to give the Magpies a huge shot in the arm and ended up surviving relegation from League Two with several games to spare.

His loan spell at Meadow Lane ultimately saw Forest offer him a new three-year contract, which he signed this week, and he admits he probably wouldn't have had that chance were it not for his successful Notts spell.

"I loved it (at Notts). I've got to thank the chairman, the manager and the players," Grant told the Forest website.

"They've helped me get to the position I'm in with the new contract. I owe them a massive thanks and the fans were amazing.

"I didn't get the chance to go week in, week out here, but I did over the road and I got a few goals. I played some of my best football so hopefully I can do that here.

"I don't want to go back to not playing so I'm going to go give it my all in pre-season and hopefully impress the manager."

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The draw for the first round of the Carabao Cup (League Cup) will take place this Friday at 1pm BST.

Thai energy drinks company Carabao, as the new sponsors of the competition until 2020, will be holding the draw in Bangkok.

The first round will see all 48 League One and Two clubs, plus 22 of the 24 Championship opponents who enter at this stage.

Notts, who are ball number 30, are unseeded in the northern section of the draw and could face one of the following opponents on the week beginning August 7:

1. Barnsley
2. Blackburn Rovers
3. Bolton Wanderers
4. Bradford City
5. Burton Albion
6. Derby County
7. Fleetwood Town
8. Leeds United
9. Nottingham Forest
10. Preston North End
11. Rochdale
12. Rotherham United
13. Scunthorpe United
14. Sheffield United
15. Sheffield Wednesday
16. Sunderland
17. Wigan Athletic

The 2017-18 League Cup final will take place at Wembley Stadium on Sunday February 25.

The draw is regionalised at the first round stage to minimise travel for fans and seeding is based on final league positioning from the 2016-17 campaign.

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Notts County have confirmed that Richard Duffy has extended his stay at Meadow Lane.

The 31-year-old joined the club from Eastleigh last summer and, following a mixed start to his Magpies career, ended up thriving under Kevin Nolan.

Duffy also endeared himself to Nolan after agreeing to remove a clause in his contract that guaranteed him another year's deal if he played a certain amount of games.

He went on to score four goals in 47 appearances and took over as captain following the injury to Michael O'Connor as Notts survived in League Two with several matches to space.

Duffy told the official Notts site: "I'm absolutely delighted to sign a new deal at Meadow Lane.

"Last season was a rollercoaster for everyone involved but since the turn of the year, with the positivity brought by the new chairman and manager, it's been a great place to play. Hopefully we can all kick on now and enjoy a successful season."

Nolan added: "Richard's attitude and performances have been first class since I walked through the door. He is fully deserving of this new deal and I thoroughly look forward to working with him again."

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Notts County’s last-minute reprieve from being wound-up saw a “substantial” sum returned to the liquidation of Pinnacle Advantage for the benefit of its creditors, according to reports quoting liquidators.

Andrew Pear and Michael Solomons of BM Advisory, the restructuring, recovery and insolvency firm, were appointed Joint Liquidators of Pinnacle on 27 June 2016.

One of Pinnacle’s directors was former Notts chairman Ray Trew, who sold the club to current owner Alan Hardy in January.

According to business website The Business Desk, BM Advisory claimed that Pinnacle experienced cashflow difficulties after Notts failed to repay loans in excess of £600,000, supposedly originally authorised by Trew when he was in charge at Meadow Lane.

On 24 May an eleventh-hour out-of-court settlement was reached with Notts County.

BM Advisory wouldn’t confirm if Pinnacle had received the full amount owed to it. A spokesperson for BM said: “We are not able to disclose the precise terms of the settlement but it represented an excellent recovery for the creditors.”

Pear said: “On appointment as Joint Liquidators of Pinnacle Advantage Limited, we immediately set about realizing assets and recovering debts due to the company in particular that of one of its main debtors, Notts County Football Club.

"When payment was not forthcoming a statutory demand was issued resulting in a petition to wind up the Club.

“Following extensive discussions with the Club, we are pleased to announce that we were successful in negotiating a settlement just moments before the winding up petition hearing was due to commence.

“The settlement, which provides a substantial recovery to creditors of Pinnacle and saves the Club from liquidation, was effectively orchestrated following months of work undertaken in evidencing the claim.”

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Several former Notts County stars have paid tribute to Derek Pavis, who passed away last month aged 87.

The former Magpies chairman, who has the west stand at Meadow Lane named in his honour, guided the Magpies through their most successful period in their recent history.

He also oversaw the redevelopment of the stadium before stepping aside after 13 years at the helm at the age of 70.

On Friday, Pavis was laid to rest in Nottingham, with hundreds of people paying their respects to him.

"He didn't beat around the bush," former defender and coach Michael Johnson is quoted as saying by the Nottingham Post.

"For my first contract I asked for £100 more and he said 'there's only so much meat on the bone, my lad'.

"He gave me my start in football though. I've got a lot to be thankful to him for.

"There was a lot of advice and a lot of wisdom. I remember travelling to an FA Cup game with him when I was coaching.

"He was full of stories and through them all it was clear how much he loved Notts County.

"It's a sad day, but hopefully a celebration of what he's done for a fantastic club."

Mark Draper said: "That was said to me many times! 'There's only so much meat on the bone'. Every time a contract was mentioned he'd say that.

"I think it became tongue in cheek by the end. He was in charge during a great time for the club and for me.

"Just look at how much the club progressed. The ground now is fantastic, we had the promotions and even with a relegation chucked in there, he achieved great things.

"Football has changed, but you can't take away the memories he leaves behind."

Dean Thomas reminisced: "The first time I met Derek was when he came to watch me play for Northampton. Neil Warnock dragged him down to watch me.

"I think I got sent off after 25 minutes but they still signed me! We got on great and had a respectful relationship.

"Towards the end when I got a bad knee injury he gave me a testimonial.

"He stuck by me. He's done great things for the club and we had great times.

"I'm grateful he let Warnock sign me. He mixed with the players well and was respected by everyone.

"One of his favourite sayings was 'there's only so much meat on the bone', in terms of negotiations. You'd ask for a figure and he'd say this is what you're getting.

"We had good times though. He's gone knowing that he's brought a lot of people in Nottingham a lot of pleasure."

Ian Richardson added: "He helped me personally with a property I wanted to buy. I've got fond memories of him.

"He was a chairman you could always go to for answers or help with problems, not just when it came to football, but man to man."

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Former Notts County manager Neil Warnock has paid tribute to Derek Pavis, describing the time they worked together was "some of the happiest times of my life".

The former Magpies chairman passed away last month aged 87, and his funeral will take place in Nottingham on Friday.

Warnock, who along with Pavis led Notts from the Third Division to the top flight in the early 90s, had nothing but kind words to say about his former employer.

"Working with Derek are some of the happiest times of my life," Warnock told the Nottingham Post. "They were very successful times too, with the two wins at Wembley.

"I was young and just starting out in management, and he believed in me and supported me and we got the success.

"We got on really well, not just as manager and chairman, but also as friends.

"When I look back at what we achieved, I have immense pride; not just the promotions, but we changed Meadow Lane from a derelict stadium into the modern one it is now.

"I remember we used to go to matches together to watch players. We had that kind of relationship, it was very special. You don't get chairmen like Derek now."

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Alan Hardy has provided more details on his plans to set up a girls' football academy at Notts County.

The Magpies owner came under criticism for folding Notts County Ladies earlier this year but he has reiterated his desire for a sustainable model of a women's football team.

In his weekly Nottingham Post column, he wrote: "The previous ladies team was just an entity on its own and there was no pathway from any junior programme that would have ultimately provided its players.

"The only way to build anything is from the bottom up whether that be a house, a business or a football club.

"As far as women's football is concerned that starts at junior level and I am told that girls start taking it seriously at under-9s.

"They are curious at under-7s, they start to become engaged at under-8s and at under-9s is the time when they really want to focus on the sport.

"The three words I love using are attract, engage and retain.

"You attract and engage at under-7s and 8s with good coaching and players around them and the aim is then to retain them through their teenage years before they hopefully make that next step up to the women's full team.

"Our academy will be starting at under-9s, 10s and 11s this year and we are following the Football Association's latest advice in that elite girls players should be playing in the boys' league.

"We are going to be playing in the Young Elizabethan League (YEL) and the great thing about it, as opposed to the women's league, is that the YEL has 10 or 12 different levels in each age group.

"Therefore the girls will find their natural level. We have some trial dates over the next two Wednesdays and we already have a core group of girls who want to join us and play for our academy.

"We have been blown away by those who want to come and join our journey with our girl's academy mirroring that of the boys.

"They will have the tracksuits, the kit, and everything that goes with being associated with a professional club.

"The ultimate aim is to have a Women's Super League team, and I have been in discussions with Dan Tilley, who is the Director of Sport at Nottingham Trent University, about the development team that came under the Notts County banner."

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

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Notts County chairman Alan Hardy has confirmed the names that will make up the club's new board of directors.

BT Sport commentator Darren Fletcher is the most high-profile name to take up the role, with Jon Evener, main board director of construction consultancy Gleeds, and Macesport founder and MD Paul Mace also coming on board.

Magpies CEO Jason Turner is also promoted to the board, taking on the role of Football Operations Director, alongside the club's financial director Corrine Rigby and commercial director Amanda Fletcher.

Hardy told the official Notts site: "I am delighted to have put together such a strong team of people who have a diverse and complementary range of football and business skill sets.

"The Board will help in the creation, development and implementation of a wide range of initiatives to meet our short, medium and long-term goals.

"Football is a team game and it is important that we have a committed, enthusiastic and experienced senior group in place dedicated to getting Notts County back to where they belong in the English footballing pyramid.

"Equally importantly, all our Directors have very strong roots, networks and knowledge in the local community which is of the utmost importance in everything we seek to achieve as the premier family-friendly professional football club in our region."

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Liam Noble is a wiser and much improved player who should be snapped up by Notts County in a heartbeat, according to former teammate Adam Campbell.

The midfielder, now at Forest Green Rovers playing under another former Magpies employee in manager Mark Cooper, was subject of a bid by his former club that was turned down by the newly promoted club.

Noble was released a year ago following a campaign marred by a poor disciplinary record, but for Forest Green he has not been sent off and his goal and assist tallies are impressive.

Campbell told the Nottingham Post: "I am probably a bit biased because he's a mate, but taking that out of the equation and looking at a football sense why wouldn't you want him?

"If it was me in charge of the decision at Notts then I would have him back in a heartbeat. He's a central midfielder who scores goals but not only that he creates them too.

"With (Michael O'Connor) out for a long time, they are going to need somebody to be that creative spark in the middle of the pitch.

"He is that and so much more. He's capable of magic as he proved when he was at Notts. He scores goals with his left foot and his right.

"He proved that at Notts and did it last season with Forest Green. He would be an excellent signing. He still has a lot of friends there and I know he loves the club.

"In my mind if Notts do get him then they would be getting a player who would not only be too good for League Two but one who is easily good enough to play in the league above.

"A lot of people made a lot of his red cards, but if you look at his booking count this season he has improved that side of his game significantly.

"He was given the captain's armband and he relished the responsibility. He's been integral to their success this season and I've no doubt that if does come back to Notts then he would be much more wiser."

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Notts County midfielder Rob Milsom admits he's "gutted" that his on-pitch partnership with Michael O'Connor has had to be put on ice but believes Elliot Hewitt will continue to be a great replacement in the centre of the park.

O'Connor suffered serious cruciate ligament damage in April and is expected to be out until next year as he prepares for knee surgery.

Hewitt has however done well in his place and, after committing to a new deal at Meadow Lane, is expected to continue partnering Milsom in midfield.

"I am really gutted for Mickey because we had built up a really good partnership just like we had done at Rotherham when we won promotion," Milsom told the Nottingham Post.

"He was producing some absolutely brilliant performances and he was exceptional against Crewe when he really showed what a good player he is.

"I was gutted for him when I found out about his injury because he's a great lad and obviously I've known him for a fair while as we've been at Rotherham and Notts together.

"I know he would have been relishing to start the season given how well we finished it and it's not nice when you know one of your teammates is now going to miss it.

"Obviously I don't know what's going to happen there in midfield, but Ells came in and did a good job after Mickey's injury.

"He produced some really strong performances in the last few weeks of the season and he's more than capable of playing in the middle.

"He gets up and down the pitch and really puts a shift in and he scored a terrific goal against Luton too."

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Alan Hardy has "completely transformed" Notts County since taking over the previously beleaguered club at the start of 2017, according to one of the new team sponsors.

Macesport, based in Nottingham's Lace Market, have signed up to be the first name on the Magpies shirt following the announcement of the club's never-before-seen monthly sponsor arrangement.

And lifelong Notts fan Paul Mace, who founded the company 12 years ago, has praised Hardy's work so far, urging other local companies to get involved.

He told the Nottingham Post: "Without Alan, Notts County would no longer be a Football League club. In six months he has completely transformed the culture, ambition and professionalism of the club.

"It is now beholding of the local business community to rally around Alan and support him. Notts are the only football club in Nottingham owned by a Nottinghamshire man who fully understands the heartbeat of the local community.

"It's an easy decision to show my support for Alan because of my lifelong passion for the club, my family's backing which goes back to the 1880's and my roots in Nottingham.

"Alan has invested a substantial seven-figure sum, which saw a near instant doubling in attendances and a huge increase in families attending Meadow Lane.

"Equally, the business community now has to step up to the plate collectively and pledge their support too. We are all in this together.

"Restoring the world's oldest football club to its former glories is going to deliver substantial benefits to the regional economy.

"All local businesses – from the major international organisations, universities and local authorities, though to small family businesses – have employees who support Notts County and business employers need to reflect that with tangible support for Notts."

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Rob Milsom has admitted that he wants to establish himself as a goalscoring midfielder at Notts County, and believes that Kevin Nolan is just the guy to coach him into it.

The 30-year-old has been at Meadow Lane for two seasons and, following a disappointing first campaign, really came into his own in 2016-17 and was rewarded with the club's player of the season awards.

Milsom was utilised in a variety of positions at the club but, now that he is deployed in central midfield, he wants to build on his existing work - and given he hasn't yet scored in 59 Magpies appearances, that will be his next challenge.

"You only have to look at the gaffer's record to see he had perfected the art of getting in the box late and scoring goals," Milsom told the Nottingham Post. "He made a great career out of it and that's something I would like to my own game now.

"Towards the back end of last season, I did some work on it with Richard Thomas (assistant manager) but it was quite late on.

"But I think looking forwards that's something we will do more and more of so I can chip and contribute with goals just so it can take some of the pressure off the lads up top.

"I can get up and down the pitch, but getting in the box and scoring goals is something that I've always wanted to do.

"I found myself in some excellent positions last season and it's about making sure I take advantage of that, and making sure the runs are made at the right time.

"You don't want to keep getting into the box and leaving big holes behind you so you've got to make sure you do it at the ideal moment.

"I've spoken to the gaffer about it and there's no better person to learn off really when you consider the goals he scored."

As well as his own personal development, Milsom is targeting the holy grail for any club in League Two - promotion.

"I've experienced promotion before with Rotherham and once you do it changes your outlook as a player because you just want more of it," he continued.

"When you finish your career you want to be able to look back and feel that you achieved either a title or a promotion.

"We finished the season really well and I don't think there is anything to fear at all next season given the way we played.

"Notts are one of the biggest clubs in the league and I would love it if we are up there chasing the top three or a place in the play-offs."

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Alan Hardy has paid a heartfelt tribute to former Notts County chairman Derek Pavis, who sadly passed away last week aged 87.

Pavis, who has the west stand at Meadow Lane named in his honour, guided the Magpies through their most successful period in their recent history.

He also oversaw the redevelopment of the stadium before stepping aside after 13 years at the helm at the age of 70.

In his Nottingham Post column, Hardy wrote: "I was deeply saddened to learn of Derek Pavis' death over the weekend. It has made for a sombre few days at Notts County.

"He was a terrific man who gave his all and was a wonderful custodian of this football club.

"He was at the helm for 13 years, during which time he oversaw an immensely successful era in the club's history.

"It would have been extremely remiss of me not to pay tribute to him when you consider what he did for our football club during his time as chairman.

"For the fans that were lucky enough to experience the good times, there were occasions that will live long in the memory.

"Without his care, love and extremely strong leadership, these iconic moments in Notts County's history simply wouldn't have been possible.

Watching the tributes pour in over social media, it did not surprise me in the slightest because of his achievements and the person he was.

If I can be as half as successful in my role as one of his successors, I assure you I will be a very happy man."

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