Appleton is on Kew

STRUGGLING Notts County last night made Michael Appleton their No.1 choice to succeed Harry Kewell.

Kewell’s brief, stormy reign as County boss ended yesterday after 10 weeks.

He might have been sacked even earlier after bust-ups behind the scenes.

Owner Alan Hardy wants Appleton, who has been out of work since leaving Leicester as Claude Puel’s assistant in the summer.

Appleton watched County lose 4-0 at Barnsley in the FA Cup – while sacked AFC Wimbledon boss Neal Ardley ruled himself out to pursue claims for compensation.