Football Season Review

It has been a shambolic season for Notts County which ended in the ignominy of relegation into non-league for the first time in their history. The hubris of owner Alan Hardy saw him fall out with neighbours Nottingham Forest over loan players which saw them miss out on resigning player of the season Jorge Grant, who joined rivals Mansfield Town instead. Nevertheless Hardy splashed the cash as manager Kevin Nolan looked to strengthen his squad for a title challenge, coupled with a change to a more entertaining style of football. Hardy’s patience ran out with Nolan after just six games, which had seen the side claim just a single point. He opted for Crawley Town’s Harry Kewell as Nolan’s replacement but it proved a disastrous appointment. His tenure lasted just ten weeks as he fell out with several players and Hardy turned to former AFC Wimbledon's Neal Ardley to save the Magpies season. Things got worse for Hardy after the turn of the year with social media shame followed by the collapse of his business. It was a farce which didn’t make Ardley’s task any easier. The summer signings failed to live up to their expectations with wing-back Andy Kellett starting just four league games; winger Enzio Boldewijn seemingly not up for the fight and striker Kristian Dennis sent out on loan. Striker Kane Hemmings finished as leading scorer with 14 goals but conceding 84 goals in their 46 games proved their downfall as they were relegated on the final day of the season. It’s not clear whether Ardley will be sticking around but Hardy is close to selling the club and the Magpies will be hoping for a change of fortunes in the National League.

Player of the Season: Kane Hemmings