1. Steve Thompson a year on. - Thompson now has more experience and knows the club better meaning he is more aware of the expectations of the fans, the home ground and the players at his disposal.
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2. Preparation - Full pre-season with the majority of his squad as Thompson picked up his additions very early on in the summer. Last year he had to wait right up until the season's opener before completing his squad full of new players.
3. Balance - Now the average age of the squad has reached 27, the peak age for a footballer, there is the perfect blend between youth and experience, eagerness and know how, pace and awareness.
4. 4-3-3 - This formation isn't employed by any other League Two outfit, making Notts stand out. If they perfect it opposing teams could become clueless and it may make a significant difference.
5. Togetherness - The players appear to have formed a great team spirit. They all speak highly of one another while it was apparent in the Forest game that they are unified in their approach with all wishing each other well when the substitutes entered the fray.
6. Fans - Everyone appears optimistic while the season ticket sales and shirt sales are up and the attendances should follow providing even more backing.
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8. Longevity - Although no side has a divine right to be in any league, everybody associated with the club will feel it is about time Notts were promoted considering all the bad luck and years without success, surely it is now to come?
9. Spine - Notts have a spine of players every side - perhaps bar Peterborough United - will be in awe of. Kevin Pilkington may not be the best goalkeeper in the division but he is more than capable on his day while Stephen Hunt, Neil MacKenzie and Jason Lee are excellent players at this level.
10. Finances - Thompson has been backed well by chairman Jeff Moore and the directors who have increased his transfer budget and allowed him to strengthen beyond even that showing they have faith in Notts' ability to get promotion.