Alan Hardy: Notts County owner puts club up for sale hours after posting ‘inappropriate’ photo of penis on Twitter

Notts County owner Alan Hardy has “very reluctantly” put the club up for sale but insists it is nothing to do with him posting an “inappropriate photo” on social media.

Hardy, who bought Notts just over two years ago, says he wants to focus on his other business interests.

“After considerable soul-searching, I no longer feel I can continue as the owner of Notts County Football Club,” he said in a statement.

“I would like to make it clear from the outset that the club’s current league position is not a factor in this decision, nor are any of the events which have unfolded in the media this weekend.

“Everyone at Meadow Lane remains staunchly committed to preserving our proud status as the world’s oldest Football League club and, until a new buyer is found, I will continue to support that aim.

“The truth is, my efforts to restore Notts County’s fortunes over the last two years mean my other businesses have had to take a back seat.

“They are now in need of my full attention.”

‘Honest mistake’

Hardy apologised earlier on Sunday after accidentally publishing picture of a penis on Twitter.

“This morning an inappropriate photo appeared in one of my tweets,” he wrote.

“This was clearly an honest mistake as a result of my camera roll being included in a screenshot. I tried to rectify the error by deleting the tweet as soon as I noticed and I apologise for any offence caused.”

Notts challenged for promotion last season before losing in the play-off semi-finals to Coventry City and have sacked two managers – former Premier League stars Kevin Nolan and Harry Kewell – already this season.