The former Wimbledon and Millwall player will be joined by his AFC Wimbledon assistant Neil Cox and is excited at the challenge ahead of him.

"There are few clubs who could have tempted me into such a quick return to management following what was obviously an emotional departure from Wimbledon, a club I love dearly," Ardley said on the club's website.

"But the chance to manage Notts County is one I couldn't let pass and I will come back from my break fully refreshed and determined to drive us up the table."

The club have confirmed that current caretaker manager Steve Chettle will remain in charge for their next two matches.

County owner and chairman Alan Hardy believes Ardley can help the Nottingham club avoid relegation to the National League.

"Having enjoyed very productive discussions with Neal and following close consultation with the board and key staff, I am very confident we have selected the right man to deliver our short and long-term targets," Hardy said on the club's website.

"Our biggest priority is preserving our proud status as the world's oldest Football League club and in Neal we have someone who knows what it takes to survive.

"Neither he nor I are under any illusions it's going to be easy but we are both confident of achieving this very important aim.

"Beyond that, Neal has demonstrated an ability to win promotion from Sky Bet League Two and sustain a club at a higher level. I hope, in time, he will be able to deliver the same for us.

"As I have come to learn all too well, football is a suffocating environment. Neal gave absolutely everything to Wimbledon in his six years as their manager and is deservedly enjoying a family holiday which he'll be cutting short in order to join us in the middle part of next week."

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