Notts deal only a ‘few days away’ as owner hits back at those calling for administration

Notts County owner Alan Hardy has told TheBusinessDesk.com that he expects the deal to sell the club to complete within “the next few days”, and has hit back at those who would have liked to have seen the Magpies placed into administration before now.

The news comes a week after Notts were given a third extension by the High Court to pay an outstanding HMRC bill after a winding up petition was brought against the club.

A Danish consortium has emerged as the frontrunner to buy the Meadow Lane club, which kicks off its National League fixtures in just over two weeks’ time.

Staff and players at Notts are still to be paid for June, with fans and supporters groups making collections to try and remedy this.

Speaking to TheBusinessDesk.com, Hardy said: “I’m expecting the deal completed now in the next few days.

“The Notts staff will get paid, 100%. It’s a when, not an if. Likewise, the creditors equally deserve to get paid also, which is why I’m shocked that some Nottingham football journalists are quite happy to pull the plug on innocent creditors.

“When a Football Club goes into administration it is not like a normal business administration as the only people who miss out are the trade creditors. In Notts County’s case they will miss out on over £1m – many of them small, local companies heavily reliant on getting paid for their survival.

“Football related creditors [clubs and agents] and HMRC would be paid in any event; they are protected debts.

“After the heartbreaking demise of Paragon, I will do absolutely everything I possibly can in my power to protect every single creditor and the local communities they live within. I’m in detailed conversations with them and other stakeholders like Nottingham City Council. Thankfully Ian Curryer [chief executive of Nottingham City Council] recognises how important Notts County Football Club is to the city.

“Administration of a Football Club should be the absolute final recourse when every other option has failed. It shouldn’t be seen as a quick fix to clean up the balance sheet and move on.

“It should be a very, very last resort.”

Notts begin their National League campaign away at Eastleigh on 3 August.