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Alan Hardy has spoken of the signings of Tom Crawford and Will Patching as testament to how far Notts County have come and how promising their future appears. The Magpies paid an undisclosed fee to Chester for midfielder Crawford last week, and followed it up on Monday with a free transfer move for Manchester City’s Patching. “I am very excited with the arrival of Tom and Will,” Hardy told the Nottingham Post. “There were clubs further up in the food chain looking at both of them, but they could see what we are trying to build here at Meadow Lane. They are young, they are technically gifted and we have high hopes for both of them. “I think it’s tremendously important that as well as signing players for the present, that we do not neglect the future. “That is why we have consistently scouted regions looking for young players that we hope will make that next step with us. It's something I am very passionate about and Tom and Will’s arrival is very exciting given their backgrounds. “I spoke to Will about the club and where I envisaged it going in the next few years. The manager also did a brilliant job in talking to him, making him feel welcome, explaining his vision, his worth and how he wants to help him. “It’s incredibly important that if you are to attract this calibre of young player that you give them as much detail as you can. “Seeing Meadow Lane full and the atmosphere that was generated against Coventry also played a key role. “With Will and Tom on board, I am very happy to have two young players at the club that, I am sure, will go on to have fine careers.” Share your thoughts about this news story on Pride of Nottingham by signing up to the website, visiting the forum and joining in the chat with hundreds of fellow Notts County fans. Fancy showcasing your brand or business on Pride of Nottingham? Click here to find out more about sponsorship and advertising opportunities with us.