Neal Ardley says Notts County face a huge rebuilding job in the summer, after admitting there are "too many players" not up to the task.
After being relegated from the Football League at the weekend, the Magpies have some huge decisions to make as they prepare for a new era.
With a takeover to complete and a squad to put together for next season, it is crucial Notts are prepared for their maiden voyage into non-league.
Ardley says a lot of work is required in putting a team together, but says that is currently up in the air while the club is in the process of being sold.
"First of all you have to clear the decks," he said.
"There are too many players not up to it, here.
"There is too much dead wood in many ways.
Colin Slater on 'grim' Notts County relegation as he reflects on 'saddest day'
"You have to put a structure in place.
"There's a lot of staff that aren't here any more who were here at the start of the season.
"You've got football staff leaving, office staff leaving.
"You've got to have a short-term plan, you've got to have a medium-term plan and you've got to try to stick to it.
"You've got to get the recruitment right and you've got to get somebody in to do that, which they haven't had.
"Like I say, if you go back and look how it was done in the summer, that was part of the problem.
What does the future hold for Notts County after relegation from League Two?
"You have to get all of these things right. But until somebody walks in the building, sits down none of that can even start.
"If it doesn't go through until the end of May, then you've got people going on holiday, people are off and you come back in next season and it will be tough to get the club on a good footing.
"I've got as much clarity as the fans."
