Peter Moores laughs when it is suggested his regular habit of describing last year's Nottinghamshire team as being one in transition was a coded way of saying they were not as good as the one which won two trophies in 2017.
After lifting both limited overs cups, last summer was one of more modest achievement as Notts made two quarter-finals and retained their place in Division One of the County Championship, just.
This year's squad looks a different beast with four new signings on board, the increased availability of Stuart Broad and a world-class overseas signing in James Pattinson ahead of Friday's opening game against Yorkshire at Trent Bridge.
Moores, who is sporting some early season stubble instead of his traditional clean shaven look, recognises the potential to win silverware, but he again uses the word transition, although in a slightly different context.
"It's a really exciting squad. Over the last couple of years the age profile has gone down from early 30s to mid-20s," the head coach said.
"If you're realistic it's a new team that is finding itself. We've got no reputation as a team.
"We've got to get to know ourselves and play some good cricket. We've done that since we went to South Africa.
"The names on the sheet for the squad are exciting. It's really healthy to have six lads away with the Lions and two with England this winter.
"We'll be competitive. We'll find out if there's enough to win a trophy. The players are good enough.
"Will it take longer to settle? I'm happy with where we are at the moment. The build-up has gone well.
"We've got to show back bone and discipline to be competitive all the way through a long season."
Notts endured a desperate end to last season, losing four of their last five Championship games, all heavily.
Assistant coach Paul Franks, baulks at any suggestions players subconsciously lost their hunger, but he recognises the need for fresh blood, with Ben Slater, Ben Duckett, Joe Clarke and Zak Chappell all sought after additions.
"Every player is hungry and keen. They're desperate to make sure they get on the team sheet in the first two weeks and play well," Franks said.
"The lads coming through and the ones we've managed to sign are re-energising some of the senior players.
"At some point they have to be under pressure for their spot and not think they can just cruise into retirement and everything will be okay.
"We've got a good balance. Like Pete said, it might take time to settle, so we might have to be patient.
"We needed a fresh injection. I would never question anyone's hunger.
"You get a vibe for when people aren't at their best and when it's time to re-energise a group. We've been able to do that."
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Moores says the new signings must be match winners and not use their first full season to settle into life at Trent Bridge.
In the last two years the former England coach has identified one top target - in 2017 it was promotion, while last year the aim was to stay was in Division One. This year the aim is a little more abstract.
"I'm hoping the players who are coming in can make a difference in games and not just a number," he said.
"Towards the end of last season was disappointing. We didn't find that level of quality at the end of last season and we have to address that.
"Ben Duckett has done well in pre-season in South Africa. It's too early to say on anybody really.
"Ben Slater did well in the one-day practice match, Zak Chappell looks strong and Matthew Carter went away in the winter with the Lions.
"There are lots of new names coming through. The key is when the real business starts.
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"The first priority is to play good cricket. We've got two games and then eight Royal London games.
"We've got to get settled in the Championship and qualify in the Royal London. We can be competitive in all three formats.
"The Championship is tough. Surrey will rightly start as favourites. It's about momentum and we have enough versatility in our squad to be competitive."
