Like for like, Notts have effectively taken 5 less "points" from fixtures with Alfreton and Boston than last season's pre-season. How relevant or not that is remains to be seen. Start well and poor pre-season results are instantly forgotten, start badly and it wouldn't be unreasonable to suggest the warning signs were there.

We need an example of a poor pre-season (mostly failing to beat lower ranked clubs and getting thrashed by all of the better one's) leading into a successful campaign. I can't remember one off the top of my head and I haven't got friendly results stored in such a way I can do a quick check.