Notts County captain Kyle Cameron has lifted the lid on preparations for the start of the new season under new boss Luke Williams.
The Magpies' defence was considered something of an Achilles' heel towards the end of last season, and ultimately cost them when it mattered most, conceding twice late on to Grimsby Town in the play-off quarter-final defeat at Meadow Lane.
And the 25-year-old, who was part of the team that lost on that night, explained that emphasis has been placed from an organisational point of view, rather than solely a defensive one ahead of this weekend's National League opener against Maidenhead United.
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"I think there has been an emphasis on an organisational thing across the whole of the pitch", said Cameron.
"There has been more emphasis on leading from the front and the press, rather than dropping off and allowing pressure to come around our box. We are looking to win the ball that little bit higher and play more of a counter pressing game to win the ball in their half.
"So, rather than losing the ball it is a problem, we can sort of see whether there is an opportunity to attack again and go and win possession back."
And with so much focus centred around the Magpies ability to keep the ball out of the net, Cameron pinpointed the number of clean sheets needed to ensure Notts remain at the top end of the table come the end of the season, while explaining his own personal targets for the campaign.
Under Ian Burchnall, the Magpies kept 14 clean sheets across 44 games last term, with Cameron suggesting getting as close to the 20-mark as possible will give his side the best chance of achieving promotion this season.
"Of course I have personal targets, I want to try and get as many goals as I can", said Cameron.
"I think I was on for a good number last season before I got injured, I was getting chances every game, but I think something like seven goals would be a reasonable target this season, we just need to get off to a good start.
"Clean sheet wise, if we can try to get as close to that 20 mark as we can, we are not going to be far away in terms of league standings."
After being named as the captain at the start of the 2021/22 season, Cameron retains the armband for this campaign, and explains the added responsibility given to him by manager Luke Williams, but insisted he is going to relish under pressure to ensure the team succeed on, and off the pitch this season.
"I've had a lot more emphasis this season from the gaffer, he has put a little bit of pressure on me, he is demanding that little bit more off me, like organising certain things with the lads and making sure that morale is high and we are doing things properly day in, day out.
"It is something that I am going to relish, and something that I am looking forward to. I enjoy that responsibility and working closely with the gaffer and the staff to make sure things are going in the right direction."
