18. Stephen Hunt
Age: 23
Position: Centre-back
Previous experience: Part of the squad that helped Colchester United become a force in League One before appearing in their first team squad a number of times as they were promoted to the Championship in the 2005/06 season.
Why will he be key?
It would no doubt have been Mike Edwards who NCM would have saw as the key defender to help Notts towards the very top of League Two. However, after the sickening injury he recieved in a pre-season encounter at St Blazey, described by Notts boss Steve Thompson as "like the one suffered by Alan Smith for Manchester United," the defensive solidity now lies at the big feet of former Southampton youngster Hunt.
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His ability to read the game, unnerving performance with the ball, pace and strength saw even the best League Two strikers struggle against him.
He was set to resume that key partnership with Edwards which would be Notts' backbone but now he shoulders more responsibility whether partnered by Adam Tann, Lee Canoville or Paul Mayo.
Hunt needs to avoid the second season hangover suffered by alot of bright young stars, and stay clear of injuries and suspenision which he is prone too.
One vital head or last ditch clearance could decide games, and Hunt is able to get that last effort in.
7. Jay Smith
Age: 25
Position: Centre-midfielder
Previous experience: Smith was in the squad as Southend United completed two successive promotions - from this level and then again into the Championship. He played a significant part in the last promotion making several contributions as a substitute.
Why will he be key? With Notts struggling for midfield inspiration as Ian Ross in particular cut a frustrated figure before Christmas last year, Smith was brought in and started to make things happen from the centre of the park.
He showed ingenuity, a desire to get forward and eventually started scoring crucial goals.
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All of the successful sides of late have had a goalscoring midfielder netting around ten times in the league, and that makes a huge difference in games and Smith can be that man.
He will be particularly fired up after the arrivals of Richard Butcher and Neil MacKenzie, both similar players to Smith who will push the former Oxford United loanee all the way for the playmaking role.
Whoever gets it will be vital to setting Notts forward to scoring goals - and if you don't score goals you don't win!
21. Spencer Weir-Daley
Age: 21
Position: Striker
Previous experience: Limited parts in Nottingham Forest's squad saw loan spells at Macclesfield, Lincoln and Bradford last year. His most productive time was at Sincil Bank, scoring five times in eleven games with most goals the decisive ones in victories that helped them to the play-offs.
Why will he be key? Difficult choice considering Weir-Daley has started just eleven league games in his career, but the potential he has will thrill Notts fans.
His capture was the most unexpected and excitable one of the summer from a Notts perspective, with the reports gathered from neighbours Forest extremely promising.
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The Leicester-born ace has pace to burn, and alongside fellow new boy Myles Weston their speed will frighten all defences, no doubt causing havoc and creating the chances that will heed wins.
Though it is putting pressure on young shoulders, Weir-Daley's determination to nail down a place should bring out his obvious potential - only great news for Notts' hopes.
Do you agree that Hunt, Smith and Weir-Daley are Notts' most key performers for next season? Who do you think is, have you say on the Messageboard.