Notts County management: a poisoned chalice?

Paul Ince has been installed as the latest manager at Notts County.

But is the job something of a poisoned chalice?

Ince is the sixth manager at the club in just over a year, following Ian McParland, Hans Backe, Dave Kevan, Steve Cotterill and Craig Short, who was sacked on Sunday after less than five months at the League One club.

Having achieved promotion last season, County sit 16th in League One. It seems like a reasonable position in a higher division, but maybe not.

County chairman Ray Trew said: "Paul has a wealth of experience as a player and a solid track record as a manager in the Football League, making him the obvious choice for me when we began our search for a new manager."

He added: "When we met Paul it quickly became clear that he was the ideal candidate, he'd done his homework, had some big ideas and was ready to get stuck in straightaway."

Ince has previously managed Macclesfield Town, Blackburn Rovers and MK Dons.

Notts County have a chance while Sven stays

It's fascinating the position that Notts County have found themselves in. The apparent huge investment over the summer never really appeared, and the club is facing a winding-up petition from HMRC.

Yet the club managed to secure the signatures of a number of pretty good players, and, famously, of course, the signature of Sven-Goran Eriksson as director of football. Despite the turmoil, the disappearance of investors, Eriksson remains. This, surely, is the key to County's retaining a high profile and chances of future investment. If they can keep Sven they'll stay in the news.

Chief executive Peter Trembling took over the club, purchasing it for a nominal fee from previous owners Munto Finance only five months after the Middle Eastern consortium took over at Meadow Lane.

Currently the club is placed fifth in League Two. The playing record of Won 10, Drawn 7, Lost 5 is not particularly impressive, but a continuation of the form would give them a good chance of making the play-offs.

But what of the winding-up order?

Chief executive Peter Trembling is confident the club's tax bill will be covered "by the end of next week".

At the same time the club has apparently secured a six-figure sponsorship deal with Norwegian firm Ludo.

It seems Notts County are destined to stay in the news for a while yet - Sven willing.

Notts County up for sale

Notts County have been put up for sale by current owners Munto Finance, according to BBC Radio Nottingham, with several parties showing an interest.

It appears that one option involves a buyout which includes current direct of football Sven-Goran Eriksson and executive chairman Peter Trembling.

The club was brought into the nation’s focus when Munto bought the club in July, promising plenty of money to take the League Two club into the Championship within five years.

Eriksson reportedly wants to stay and is looking for a backer to help him finance the deal.

Munto’s promised millions saw a host of new players arrive at Meadow Lane in the summer – including an aborted capture of Sol Campbell – and the club is currently sitting in fourth place in League Two – seven points behind leaders Rochdale.

Ian McParland was sacked as manager after only two months, and was replaced by Hans Backe, Eriksson’s former assistant at Manchester City and Mexico.

Campbell can leave Notts County if he wishes!

There is an extraordinary news story this morning is about Sol Campbell.

Money-laden Notts County's highest-profile signing made his debut on Saturday after signing from Premier League Portsmouth, but he couldn't prevent a 2-1 defeat for the League Two side away at Morecambe.

BBC reported that Notts County would not stand in Sol Campbell's way if he was determined to leave.

It's incredible as he's only been there such a short time.

The club fell to eighth in the league after their third away defeat in a row.

Former England defender Campbell said his new side were guilty of hesitating in possesion. He told BBC Radio Nottingham: "We have got to wake up.

"If you hang on to the ball for too long that's when the other guys can get tackles in. When you're away from home you've got to pass the ball early."

It would surely be the quickest player turnaround in the history of the game!