If Promotion is to be acheived, it is these men that will have to perform.
Goalkeepers
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Whilst one or two of Thordarson's summer signings may fall into the category marked 'unproven', there should be no such doubts over Pilkington, whose risk-factor is very low indeed.
A man who learnt his trade at Man Utd, there should be few concerns over the goalkeeper's ability between the sticks this season, especially as he turned down offers from at least two League One clubs to sign a two-year deal at Meadow Lane.
14. Saul Deeney - Though Deeney will begin the season as Pilkington's understudy, this is one area of the squad that looks certain to change before the end of August.
After rejecting a new two-year deal in the summer, Deeney appears to have shot himself in the foot with possible deals to higher league clubs seemingly falling through. He is currently on a week-to-week deal at Meadow Lane.
The young Irish stopper will now have to desperately hope that a club is willing to take the risk of a hefty compensation package, or swallow his pride and accept the deal on offer from the Magpies, that will now include a whole lot of bench-warming.
Should he choose - or be forced into - this option, Notts will undoubtedly have the best pair of goalkeepers in the entire league.
Defenders
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Even if Richardson does manage to earn himself a permanent deal at Meadow Lane, he will have to force his way past the impressive pairing of Wilson and Baudet at the heart of the Magpies' defence.
5. Mike Whitlow - Like Richardson, Whitlow begins the campaign still carrying a knee injury that haunted him for much of last season. The 37-year-old has been looking to the future this summer, assisting John Gaunt with the coaching in a number of the club's Bass Vase matches.
With Baudet taking over from him as Club Captain, it seems Thordarson has earmarked Whitlow for more coaching as the season progresses, with his playing days seemingly drawing to a close.
6. Brian O'Callaghan - The new-boy has endured a difficult start to his Notts County career due to an argument over his international clearence with former club Keflavik.
The Irishman has to put these matters behind him now, as the strain appeared to affect him in last Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Hereford. This shouldn't spoil a decent on-the-pitch start though for the 24-year-old, with excellent displays both at Hucknall Town and in the Bass Vase competition.
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With Thordarson renowned for his defensive mentality, it is vital that the new club captain continues his immense form into the season.
17. Rob Ullathorne - Mr Consistency last season has a fight on his hands for the left back slot with new signing Dan Martin this year. One of the better performers last season, Ullathorne will have no qualms about having to compete with a younger rival.
19. Emmet Friars - This is a crucial season for the left-sided youngster. Though his path to the first-team seems blocked with so many defenders at the club, it is vital he finds a route into Thordarson's team if he isn't to be playing non-league football this time next year.
20. Kelvin Wilson - The teenage sensation needs to prove that last season was no fluke and continue his alarming rate of improvement. Though it's likely that, should he do this, the 19-year-old will end the season away from Meadow Lane, we shouldn't begrudge him his success.
A level-headed talent who is already one of the top defenders at this level, Wilson is a key-man if Notts are going to improve on last season's 19th placed finish.
26. Dan Martin - Signed this summer from Derby County, the young left back has made an impressive start to his Notts County career in the non-competitive fixtures.
Initially signed to act as cover for Ullathorne, the 19-year-old has now set his sights on dis-placing the veteran from the first Xl.
Midfielders
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Like Wilson, Pipe was one of the few players who could hold his head high after last season and he too will be one of the key-men in Thordarson's side, regardless of where he plays. If his position is to be midfield, a few more goals wouldn't go amiss.
4. Mike Edwards - Though a defender by trade, Edwards has started all of the pre-season friendlies in the centre of midfield. Whilst it's arguable that the switch owes as much to Thordarson's embarrasment of riches at centre back as it does Edwards forward play, the former Grimsby man has impressed throughout pre-season with his displays in a new position.
After last season was cruely ended in September due to cruciate ligament damage, the 25-year-old goes into this campaign with a point to prove.
7. Matt Gill - A regular last season, but Gill has to dis-lodge the pairing of Edwards and McMahon to work himself into Thordarson's team.
The former P'boro midfielder will have to work harder to earn his spot in the starting side this season, but a decent pre-season has put paid to suggestions that he will be reduced to a cameo role this year.
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Looks a man re-born in pre-season - shedding over a stone in weight - suggesting that, maybe, just maybe, Scully will be Thordarson's surprise package this season. Despite this, it is extremely likely that he'll start the campaign on the sidelines.
12. Chris Palmer - Like Scully, Palmer will have to get over his inconsistent form if he is to truly showcase his undoubted ability. Another one who's enjoyed a succesful pre-season, the former Derby winger will start the campaign in pole position as the Magpies' chief creater from the left wing.
21. Chibuzor Chilaka - The giant scholar was offered a one-year professional contract by Thordarson this summer after a string of impressive performances for the youth and reserves sides last season.
The 18-year-old looked good in the Bass Vase competition this summer and looks to have a big future in the game.
22. Stacy Long - Signed today on non-contract terms, the former Charlton midfielder will be hoping to get something more permanent fixed-up at Meadow Lane sooner rather than later.
One of the stars of pre-season, the youngster will hope to provide the spark from midfield often lacking last season.
23. Shane McFaul - Last season's utility-man hopes that this is the season where he can establish himself in the team after two years spent knocking on the door.
First, he has to be assigned a regular position, with central midfield looking the favourite.
24. Lewis McMahon - The new signing from Sheffield Wednesday has partnered Edwards in midfield throughout pre-season and has looked a solid acquisition with a number of sturdy performances.
Though seemingly more of a battler than a creater, McMahon has shown enough to suggest that there's far more to his game than some of his predecessors in the Notts County midfield in past years. The 20-year-old could prove a steal after starting last season as a regular for Wednesday.
27. Jake Sheriden - Signed non-contract forms along with Long today, the winger has adapted well to the giant step-up from Central Midlands League side Dunkirk so far.
How he adjusts in the competitive fixtures, though, will decide whether he will stay here on a permanent basis.
29. Ruben Zadkovich - Looked the find of the season at the end of last year, but has been pushed down the pecking order in pre-season and a red card in a Bass Vase match against Forest hasn't helped.
That red card means he'll miss the first three matches of the season, and Zadkovich will now have to display the outstanding form he showcased upon his signing to work his way back into the first-team squad.
Strikers
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The Icelandic has signed competition for the targetman role in Andy White, leaving Gordon with a fight on his hands for a place in the starting line-up.
10. Glynn Hurst - Last season's top scorer will look to improve on his first season tally of 15. The experienced hitman, like Gordon, will have to fight harder for his place in the team this campaign.
Possesses by far the best goal-scoring record of any of the County front-men and Thordarson will be hoping that Hurst can prove the talisman of his new side.
15. Matty Williams - Failed to make much of an impact on his first full season as a Notts County player, but Williams wasn't a graduate of the Manchester Utd academy for nothing.
The skillful forward may find his best hope of a spot in the team is in midfield, where he has impressed in outings for both the first team and the reserves.
16. Steve Scoffham - Has one season to prove he is truly worthy of the tag professional footballer, after a stop-start Magpies' career. Managed to feature in just a handful of games at the back-end of last season after a broken leg kept him on the sidelines, Scoffham will hope to play more of a key role this time around.
The 21-year-old has all the raw attributes to go far in the game...if only he could work on his composure in front of goal, he could well yet prove to be a regular in the side this season.
25. Andy White - The new-boy upfront will provide an almighty physical presence in attack, but his record suggests he may struggle to net too many goals himself.
The former Crewe & Mansfield man may be the focal point of many attacks, whilst he could also prove crucial if Thordarson plans to play the 4-5-1 system away from home as he has done with many of his previous clubs.
So, is this squad good enough to emerge from League Two in the top seven come May? Time will tell. For now, we can but hope and cheer them to victory tomorrow afternoon at Torquay.
You sexy Pies!