With just six games left to save their season, Notts County continue to fight on in Sky Bet League Two in the hope of avoiding the dreaded drop to the National League.

All hope looked lost for Neal Ardley's men after they succumbed to a bitterly disappointing 1-0 home defeat to Exeter City last time out, despite the Magpies having the extra-man advantage for the best part of 70 minutes.

But the East Midlands club picked up a huge three points on the road at the weekend, blitzing past play-off contenders Stevenage by three goals to nil, showcasing what a good side they can actually be on their day.

Any hope that was lost amongst the Meadow Lane faithful has surely been restored now - the Magpies have dragged themselves to within touching distance of safety, sitting inside the drop-zone on goal difference.

Whichever division County find themselves in next year however, things need to be dramatically improved. A takeover is looming off the pitch, so it's down to Ardley to improve things on it. Here, we take a look at the perfect three-point plan for Ardley at Meadow Lane next season.

Keep hold of Kane Hemmings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hemmings is finally starting to prove why Notts paid a sizable six-figure fee for him in the summer.

The 26-year old has scored four goals in his last five league games, taking his tally up to 12 goals in all appearances.

Ardley is clearly getting the best out of him, and needs to keep him beyond this season.

Resolve the Kristian Dennis situation

Dennis was another player who cost Notts a six-figure fee in the summer, having scored 21 goals for relegated Chesterfield last season.

But the 29-year old has endured a nightmare time at Meadow Lane this season, scoring just three league goals for the Magpies before being sent out on loan to Grimsby Town.

He has hardly set the world alight at Blundell Park either, scoring just one goal in nine games for Mariners.

He hasn't really been given a chance to impress under Ardley having been frozen out by Harry Kewell before his arrival, so the former Wimbledon boss needs to figure out whether he keeps hold of Dennis or moves him on in the summer.

Get rid of the deadwood

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notts have just short of 40 professionals on their books, which is an absolutely ridiculous number for the club that have had their financial problems this season.

The likes of Shaun Brisley and Elliott Ward are both experienced players, but are featuring for the reserves week in week out without getting a look-in in the first time.

Their wage bill needs to be dramatically cut next season.