Ardley grateful for chance but sad not to complete promotion mission
SACKED BOSS PAYS TRIBUTE TO FANS, PLAYERS AND STAFF AT MEADOW LANE
NEAL Ardley said he was disappointed not to be given the chance to lead Notts County back to the Football League.
In a long and lengthy tribute to the fans, players and staff, Ardley said he was immensely proud to have managed the world’s oldest professional club, having been appointed in November 2018.
He couldn’t keep them in the Football League in the months following his arrival but showed tremendous leadership after the club was plunged into a financial crisis at the end of that ill-fated campaign when their existence was under threat.
Ardley almost took Notts straight back to the EFL at the first attempt under new owners Christoffer and Alexander Reedtz but suffered defeat to Harrogate Town in the play-off final at Wembley.
And this year he was on course for another top-seven finish but was relieved of his duties on Wednesday despite losing two of his last 16 games.
Ardley, who was replaced by former Ostersund coach Ian Burchnall on Thursday, said he would always have fond memories of the people he met along the way.
“I would like to share my gratitude to the owners Chris and Alex Reedtz for trusting me to lead Notts County through one of the club’s most challenging times.,” he said.
“After the huge disappointment of that day at Swindon Town and the following summer of uncertainty, Chris and Alex breathed new life into one of the most traditional football clubs in England, providing hope to some of the most loyal fans around.
“Building a squad from scratch was not easy, so to achieve this the following season and finish one game away from a quick return to the Football League was a remarkable effort from everybody at the club.
“As history suggests, the National
League is one of the toughest leagues to gain promotion from, with only one automatic spot, and many huge clubs have taken a while to achieve this.
“I am naturally disappointed not to have the opportunity to finish off what I, and the players, vowed to do at the start of the season, which was to gain promotion.
“Being in the play-off positions, with games in hand, and being one game away from another Wembley visit in The FA Trophy, I had hoped to deliver the success the fans richly deserve. I firmly believe it would’ve happened and still hope it will.
“To all the staff I worked with, both from the football and office departments, I thank you for your hard work, loyalty and friendship. Along
with the local press and reporters, I have met so many great people.
“To the players, I thank you for your hard work and professionalism during my time and I wish you the barnstorming end to the season we were striving for.
“To the new management team, I sincerely wish you good luck in your venture with this great club.
“Finally, I would like to thank the fans for making me welcome and helping me through one of the club’s most challenging times. I am immensely proud to have managed your great football club and will continue to support from a distance, hoping you will be celebrating good times soon. With Chris and Alex at the helm, I am sure it won’t be long.”