We all know that last year was terrible, painful and downright unbearable at points, with chains of defeats and draws, brightened only by the occasional win.
Survival was earned, and the summer brought optimism that gave fans the hope of finally turning the corner under a promising new regime.
Half-way into this campaign there is a sense of déjà vu as the team mirrors the exploits of the departed failures before them.
Unrest in the stands has developed into calls for yet another new manager, board and tea lady, as the all too familiar feeling of dissatisfaction overshadows all pre - and early - season hopes.
Justification lies behind the swelling collection of ousters, with the fact that the side are just one point better off than the middle of last term's shambles.
Manager, Ian McParland can count himself lucky in certain respects to have remained in the hot-seat, with bosses across the nation - many with better records - facing the axe.
His predecessor, Steve Thompson was sent packing following a similar run of dreadful form, causing increasing numbers of fans to lose patience and plump for McParland to join him on the managerial scrap heap.
Chairman, John Armstrong-Holmes has thrown his backing behind the Scotsman.
When speaking to BBC Radio Nottingham, he said: "He's under no pressure whatsoever - his job is safe.
"Ian McParland is a winner and this football club could not have a better manager than we have currently.
"What people have to remember is that when Ian McParland and Dave Kevan
were appointed, it was a complete rebuilding of this football club. "
The first initiative was to stay in the league last season to enable us to get to the close season and put the infrastructure in place for us to kick-on."
On the pitch, results have evidently been unconvincing but off the scenes things do appear to be shaping up nicely.
From the return of the Centre of Excellence to the appearance of the facilities, everything is making the clup appear more professional.
Hopefully 2009 will bring matching results on the pitch, otherwise another battle against the drop will surely be on the cards.
January is going to be a vital month for the Magpies and if no reversal in fortunes is achieved, some big decisions will have to be made.
Have a great New Year and keep believing that the Magpies will find their wings over the second half of the campaign.