Notts County manager Neal Ardley says he is relieved the club’s long and protracted takeover saga is finally over as the Magpies ushered in a new era at Meadow Lane .
Brothers Christoffer and Alexander Reedtz finally completed their purchase of the club on Friday from previous owner Alan Hardy, ending what has been a turbulent six months.
The Danish owners said they were “humbled and proud” to be a part of the world’s oldest professional club and have already spoken to Ardley about plans for next season.
A transfer embargo needs to be lifted in order for the club to sign players with a winding-up order due to an unpaid tax bill also needing to be resolved.
But speaking for the first time since the club were relegated from the EFL last May, Ardley says he is pleased he can finally concentrate on the future.
“It’s a huge relief and it’s (takeover situation) has gone on far too long, we know that,” he said.
“But hopefully it is the start of something good.
“The new owners have got their reasons for buying a football club and it’s very positive.
“They are not going to throw fortunes at it, and want to put a model in place that grows success over a longer period of time.
“They’re really enthusiastic and that’s all you can ask for.
“The fact we are in a position to, hopefully, start looking at players in the coming days will be fantastic as well.”
Among the other issues that needs to be sorted by the new owners are the payment of staff who did not receive their wages for the second consecutive month yesterday.
But despite the crisis at Meadow Lane, there has been in an incredible spirit and Ardley praised everybody behind the scenes.
“My job has not been easy, but it’s not been the hardest job at the club,” said Ardley, speaking after the 1-0 friendly defeat at Alfreton.
“I think the work that Jason Turner (football operations director) in keeping the club afloat has been fantastic.
“Beverley Markland (HR) has done wonders and the office staff have kept their spirits up and turned up every day.
“They’ve been an inspiration. We’ve tried to muck in and keep smiles on faces.
“The staff have rallied. We’ve got through pre-season and the players have taken that on in the way they have trained and performed.
“You put that all together and there has been that spirit. It’s started from Jason, Beverley and the office staff and filtered all the way to the players.”
