Although there has been little movement on the transfer front as far as Notts County goes, there is no doubt whatsoever that it has been an encouraging start by Ian McParland and Dave Kevan.
Two of the club's most important defensive figures have extended their stay at the club, with Michael Johnson and Michael Edwards both signing contracts. Kevin Pilkington is also set to follow suit, meaning a strong foundation for decent side is beginning to emerge.
With the heart of the defence seemingly in place, it appears that any defensive concerns can be put to bed. The biggest problem, however, is undoubtedly County's attacking threat.
Three goals was the best achieved by any individual Notts striker this season, but the problem does not lie there alone. Even the full-back positions lack any type of attacking presence, with Adam Tann and Stephen Hunt typically attributed to defensive duties. Paul Mayo on the other hand may offer a threat going forward, but his defensive frailties often become apparent.
Whether it was a tactical decision is debateable, but the midfield appeared to offer little attacking support. Now, as we are quickly approaching the end of contracts, we are beginning to see some movement to solve this dilemma. 
Matthew Hamshaw is the first of these players to be announced, after he expressed his desire to play at Meadow Lane next season, following talks with the management team. The talented Stags winger could prove to be just one vital piece of the jigsaw, considering that Notts played without a natural right winger for much of the season, with Richard Butcher frequently filling the gap.
If you look within the current squad, you will see a certain Gavin Strachan. He will no doubt prove to be like a new signing, following his lengthy spell on the sidelines with a hamstring problem, which was followed by knee ligament damage. This has kept him out of the reckoning for most of his short stay with the club. 
Throughout the games he did play, he demonstrated what he could do, by mixing both the ability to tackle and bring others in to play. The former Peterborough United midfielder could well prove to be a vital figure in the Notts midfield next season.
Neil Mackenzie could well be one player that would benefit from his presence, subsequent to an underperforming season. Since his arrival, the ex-Scunthorpe United play-maker has rarely shown Notts fans why he was a regular in a team that won the League One title the year before.
McParland's side could create countless chances next season, but it means nothing without a quality front-man to put them away. Although no striking targets have been revealed, there is no shortage of decent strikers available, who could do the job at this level. Even so, there is no lack of competition to capture them.