Notts County

Odds: 33/1

Last Five Seasons

2005/06 - 21 (League Two), 2004/05 - 19 (League Two), 2003/04 - 23 (League One, Relegated), 2002/03 - 15 (League One), 2001/02 - 19 (League One).

2005/06 Cup Progress

FA Cup Second Round vs Torquay United (a) - lost 2-1.

Carling Cup First Round vs Watford (a) - lost 3-1.

Football League Trophy Southern Section First Round vs Northampton Town (a) - lost 5-2.

Top Goal Scorer 2005/06: Glyn Hurst (striker) - nine goals.

Players In

Gary Silk (Portsmouth - Free), Tcham N'Toya (Chesterfield - Free), Jason Lee (Northampton Town - Free), Stephen Hunt (Colchester United - Free), Junior Mendes (Huddersfield Town - Free), Andy Parkinson (Grimsby Town - Free), Lawrie Dudfield (Boston United), Alan White (Boston United), Austin McCann (Boston United - Free), Tom Curtis (Chester City - Free), Matt Somner (Aldershot - Free), Saul Deeney (Burton Albion - Free), Dan Gleeson (Cambridge United - Free), Ian Ross (Sheffield United - Loan).

Players Out

Julian Baudet (Crewe Alexandra - Free), Chris Palmer (Wycombe Wanderers - Free), Emmet Friars (Tamworth - Free), Rob Ullathorne (Released), Steve Scoffham (Released), Brian O'Callaghan (Released), Noe Sissoko (Released), Lewis McMahon (Released), Stacy Long (Released), Shaun Marshall (Released), Chibuzor Chilaka (Released).

Notts County have found themselves in the lower reaches of League Two for the past two seasons following their relegation from League One and new boss Steve Thompson faces an uphill battle to improve matters this term.

He has made his mark immediately, turfing out many of the underachieving squad and replacing them with new faces. Tcham N'Toya, who netted four goals in eight appearances while on loan at Oxford United last season arrived is a positive signing. He arrived on a free transfer from Chesterfield and will surely be the number one choice in attack. He is likely to be partnered by one of three other new strikers: veteran Jason Lee from Northampton Town, Boston United's Lawrie Dudfield and Junior Mendes from Huddersfield Town.

Thompson has signed tricky forward Andy Parkinson on a free transfer from play-off finalists Grimsby Town and snapped up veteran Chester City midfielder Tom Curtis from under the noses of Conference side Burton Albion.

The Magpies haven't had it all their own way in the transfer market this summer. Cheltenham striker Steve Guinan chose to remain at Whaddon Road after initially rejecting a new contract offer while Brentford midfielder Eddie Hutchinson opted to sign for relegated Oxford United after six years at Griffin Park.

Verdict

Fresh faces at the club should improve results on the last two seasons although Magpies fans hoping for a play-off challenge could be disappointed. Another mid table finish is the call here.

David Walker runs Paddy Power free bet and football betting systems websites. A free email course: "Seven Days to Better Betting" is available at both of these websites.