i know we dont know what the retained list is at the moment since its not been released, some might think its early but what i would like to do is compare our thoughts.

2 strikers needed

2 faster, creative cms

1 versatile winger

2 tall reliable cbs

1 young upcoming keeper

this is the areas i think need improving, the amounts might change based on the released list but i think its the basis of what we lack currently. i don't think we will retain some of the players like ben turner or luke steele.

Three players I feel Notts should be monitoring is:

Nicky Ajose
Lee Novak
Jacob Mellis

Both the midfield and defence needs to be a bit quicker in areas, if the club could find another Alex Lacey type defender and sign Mark Ellis up I would be well happy.

Wing, midfield, centre back and wing backs are the crucial areas.

Notts would benefit from signing one or two strikers, preferably someone with National League experience.

Sonny Carey for 1 of the midfield positions please.... 

We need to make sure that there's quality throughout the squad, building a stronger team that can push to win the league should be our target. I'm not saying this is a must, but it's surely got to be the target?

Lewis Knight needs to get more game time next season.

With Elisha Sam and Kyle Wootton it means we need at least another experienced striker capable of finding the net (fingers crossed with pace). I think another striker would be useful, yet I think someone of the Wootton silk would be a good gamble. Nobody expected him to turn out so good, so I think with the right scouting we could look to unearth another 20/23 year old who just needs the opportunity to feature more often.

Enzio Boldewijn now needs replacing, Calvin Miller would be ideal - then perhaps someone else who can attack/defend without going missing so often.

We need to find two centre backs that are mid aged ideally, players who can learn from Connell Rawlinson and hopefully Mark Ellis if we can get him signed up.

Centre of midfield needs a lot more pace, whoever comes in needs to be creative but also able to defend.

I think Jake Reeves is the ready made replacement for Michael Doyle.

Fans should warm to him because he works hard, he also does the majority things right going forward. Obviously, we need to make sure every position has enough depth and cover, I don't mind us signing young players provided they don't end up being a waste. Ian Burchnall needs to have faith that they're good enough and stick to playing them when possible, something Neal Ardley failed with at times.

Fingers crossed we can avoid the loan market unless injuries/cover is required.

The club needs to sign players who can create, hold and pass. This extra bit of quality in the recruitment could make all the world of a difference on the pitch. The squad is almost there, it just needs strengthening in those crucial areas.

My hopes are a fast goal scorer, a creative midfielder, a defensive midfielder, a Calvin Miller type winger and Mark Ellis.