Ardley Exits Notts County As Magpies Make A Change

Ardley, who took charge in November 2018, left following Tuesday night’s draw at Yeovil Town.

The Magpies are sixth in the National League table, 14 behind leaders Sutton United.

Notts say they are not inviting applications for the manager’s position.

They haven't confirmed who is take case of the team for this weekend's FA Trophy semi-final against AFC Hornchurch.

Assistant manager Greg Abbott also leaves Meadow Lane, the club have announced.

Ardley leaves his post following an “amicable meeting” with our owners Chris and Alex Reedtz.

They said in a statement: "We wish to place on record the huge respect we have for Neal both as a manager and a man.

"He stuck by this club through some of its darkest hours and has played a leading role in stabilising us following a devastating relegation, helping to maintain a close connection between the players, staff and supporters in the most trying of circumstances.

"We will never forget the job he did in guiding us to last season’s play-off final at Wembley and some of the excellent performances he has extracted from the team during our time at the helm.

"It has also been pleasing to see an upturn in recent results, including another spirited fightback last night, and we understand, therefore, that this announcement may come as a surprise to our supporters, who we know share our view that Neal is an excellent ambassador for the club.

"We do not, however, apply short-term thinking to decisions of this magnitude. We consider many factors which far outweigh our results in the last few matches and these deliberations have ultimately led us to conclude that we can be better, and that a change is needed to take us to the next level.

"Neal has always said that when the time comes for him to depart Meadow Lane, he will leave having helped to create a far better footballing environment than he inherited. He has undoubtedly achieved that and we will forever be grateful to him for his efforts in rebuilding a platform for the club to go on and achieve success.

"We would also like to express our gratitude to Greg, who has been a terrific support to Neal and a valuable member of our backroom team since his arrival last year. He and Neal depart with our very best wishes."

Photo credit: Alan Palmer