Any more transfers?

After the deaprture of David Pipe to League One Bristol Rovers on Monday, Notts now have a squad of 21 players.

It must be added that this includes three youngesters in Stef Frost and the Austin twins - Matt and Rob - who are unlikely to feature heavily.

That makes a realistic number of 18 players who will push for first team berths.

The competition will be one from two goalkeepers, four from six defenders, probably three from five midfielders and three from five strikers.

Plus five subs meaning should everyone be fit and suspension free, every week only two of the eighteen widely expected to be the ones most challenging for places will miss out on the matchday squad altogether.

Byron... Bound for Meadow Lane

It is likely to be a defender and a striker - possibly Junior Mendes the one likely to miss out while he remains transfer listed.

And this is, as I say, without the introduction of injuries and suspensions.

This makes new signings a must. But how likely is it considering Thompson has said 21 squad members is a good number?

He has made no secret of his desire to bring Michael Byron in once he returns to fitness after a successful loan spell at the back end of last season.

The tall defender was released by Hull City in the summer and is understood to want a move to Meadow Lane.

That would essentially mean Notts have a good number of defenders with good cover in each defensive postion.

A new goalkeeper is unlikely with the two at the club and the possibility of emergency loans throughout the season should either become available.

Striker wise Thompson appears happy with five, particularly as Myles Weston and Andy Parkinson can also play there despite being have been registered as midfielders.

Which is where the possible additions could come.

Butcher... Long awaited deal still in pipeline?

Rumour wise NCM have consistently linked the Magpies with a move for Peterborough's unwanted midfielder Richard Butcher who has been told he can leave the moneybags League Two outfit and hasn't been included on their pre-season tour.

NCM got their rumour from a credible League Two source who also told us of David Pipe's move which we broke fifteen days before the Welshman departed.

The deal would include a £10,000 transfer fee which Notts would be able to afford after Pipe's sale, with Pipe also freeing up room with wages.

Pipe being a versatile player, Thompson will surely look to replace him despite saying he brought in Paul Mayo and Adam Tann in preparation for him leaving.

NCM still believe a deal for Butcher will surface, particularly with Thompson a keen admirer of the 26-year-olds box-to-box talents, but should it not it will leave only Matt Somner, Jay Smith and Neil MacKenzie as recognised central midfielders and just Weston and Parkinson as wingers should Thompson emply 4-4-2.

The case for natural full-backs Mayo, Gary Silk and Austin McCann to be employed as wingers will hopefully fall on deaf ears as it would be unrecognisable in the long run to the players and detrimental to Notts' team balance.

Parkinson... Right-wing? Left-wing? Striker?

I'd suggest two more additions, one for central midfield and one winger - preferably one able to use both feet - and this after Byron is finally captured.

These three players, maybe Byron, Butcher and one other, would make a squad of 24, including Frost and the Austins.

We have already established the average age is correct, and with this so would the balance.

To see the average age article visit the miscellaneous section of the site and see article headlined 'Youth against experience' as NCM continue the in-depth look of the squad ahead of the season.

Next up will be a look at the strengths and weaknesses of Thompson's men.