"I don't see any reason to disagree — let's work together and create a miracle!" David and Low exchanged determined looks, their eyes blazing with fighting spirit.
"Since you think the squad is a little thin, let's analyze the positions that need reinforcement," David declared boldly. "Training has just begun, so let's quickly finalize suitable signings." With a decisive wave, he initiated the mission to strengthen the team.
Low pulled out a tactical board where he had drawn a classic 4-4-2 formation. Some positions had two players listed, others only one.
"In my opinion, our main strikers are Hubner and Di Natale, with Villa rotating in. But we definitely need a backup forward for insurance."
"Left wing is Iniesta, with Ribéry as substitute; right wing Kuyt with Maggio as backup. These positions are stable, no reinforcements needed."
"In midfield we have Misimovic, Sneijder, Alonso, and Meireles. Considering possible formation changes, especially in cup competitions where we might need a more defensive setup, we still need a defensive midfielder."
"Our four center-backs are sufficient for now. Right-back has Lahm and Bosingwa, but left-back is only Grosso. Even though Lahm can play either flank, it's best we add a left-back as cover."
"For goalkeepers, Diego López and Ben Foster are enough. We can promote a third keeper from the youth squad."
Low's detailed assessment showed deep thought and familiarization with the squad. His analysis matched David's expectations and confirmed the gaps.
David switched from coach mode back to chairman, ready to take action and commence transfers where needed.
As the team began pre-season physical training, David finalized several new acquisitions.
One key signing was the Altintop brothers from German regional club Wattenscheid—his elder brother a midfielder, his younger brother a forward; two issues solved with one move.
For the left-back spot, David's top target was Leighton Baines, the promising 17-year-old in Wigan Athletic's academy. Without hesitation, David offered Baines a professional contract and brought him to Notts County—the first domestic English talent added to the squad.
With these transfers complete, Notts County now had 25 first-team players ready for league and cup matches — provided luck and injuries did not intervene.
Of course, their goal was not only League One survival, but winning the English Championship and even competing in cups. But compared with David and Low's ambitions, cups were almost an afterthought.
The end of new signings did not mean the transfer business was finished.
David had already made clear that players who failed to seize their chance and demanded salary increases were free to find new clubs. Notts County would demand only minimal transfer fees or allow free transfers.
Twenty players left last season, bringing the club around £1.2 million in transfer income, though David had spent over £3 million acquiring those players previously.
As for the main squad members who demanded wage hikes, David showed no mercy.
"Want to leave? Fine! But only for a transfer fee that matches your real value. Otherwise, you rot in the reserves."
Players trapped in this situation found themselves desperate.
Outside the Premier League, club chairman David paid handsome sums bringing players to the team. Now those same players demanded other clubs pay to secure their services—an unrealistic expectation no one took seriously.
Some of these players tried stirring up fan unrest. Yet the fans of Notts County, who had witnessed over £25 million in summer investments and new exciting signings, threw their full support behind the club's new vision and welcomed the fresh faces.
The old players had effectively been left behind, forgotten in the shadows.
Though the reality was harsh, for most of those players stuck in the reserves, this was their fate. Their contracts might run out, but their careers would be all but over.
David never regretted the ruthless decisions. He understood his choices came with consequences—and was ready to face them.
His focus was firmly ahead. There was no time or patience for dwelling on regrets.
The club planned to arrange four to six warm-up matches before the season's official kick-off, a balance of suitable opposition with varied strengths.
Friendly games against weaker teams presented no challenge; professional and amateur clubs abounded in England.
Matches against teams of similar strength — from the lower half of League One or League Two — also appeared straightforward, as many clubs welcomed the chance to face Notts County, recently a significant force in the transfer market.
The only question mark was: where to find genuinely strong opponents?
David reached out formally to Manchester United and Arsenal, hoping for warm-up games.
Both clubs politely declined.
Their rationale: these were second-tier players. Despite Notts County's summer spending spree, they were not of sufficiently high status to warrant friendlies.
For two of England's giants, competing against Notts County was either a waste of time or beneath their club traditions.
David nearly exploded with frustration.
Notts County were the village newcomers entering the big city, forever targets for ridicule.
No matter how much cash they carried, the snubbing was royal and complete.
Perhaps Manchester United or Arsenal would have refused even the best lower-league teams, but for Notts County to be treated this way stung more keenly.
David seethed silently, fueling his determination to take the club higher, whatever it took.