Notts County owner to stay away from Meadow Lane

Alan Hardy has announced he won’t be attending Notts County’s must-win match against Port Vale at Meadow Lane this weekend.

The news comes as the Magpies owner’s fit-out company Paragon Interiors fell into administration earlier this week, with Leonard Curtis now looking for new owners. The administrators have been at pains this week to stress that Paragon’s troubles won’t affect Notts County.

Yesterday, Notts were issued with a winding up petition by HMRC over an unpaid £200,000 tax bill.

In a statement, Hardy said: “Firstly, I would like to wish Neal Ardley and his players the best of luck this weekend.

“Every game between now and the end of the season is hugely significant and it’s imperative we, as supporters of the club, do all we can to help the team accumulate the points we need.

“In line with this, and to ensure the players and staff are able to fully focus on the match without any distractions, I have taken the decision not to attend.

“As we all know, there have been several ups and downs since I took over the club in January 2017 and on many occasions it would have been easier – and less stressful for my family – for me to not go to matches.

“But as the club’s owner I have always felt a duty to be there every step of the way.

“Unfortunately, however, the reaction to recent developments has led me to surmise that my attendance on Saturday would be counter-productive.

“I will of course be following the match closely and I hope there will be a big crowd at Meadow Lane to spur on Neal and the team. Please get behind them as much as you can.”

Notts County sit bottom on the Football League, five points from safety.

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