IF I'D had a fiver for every time I've been asked this summer which Conference club had done the best business, I'd be able to bankroll Hammonds FC to the top of the budget table.
As I haven't, I'll simply share with you – our loyal readers – what I've been saying to anyone who'll listen: Grimsby Town's close season signings suggest that they could follow the recent trend in clubs losing a play-off semi-final one year, before winning the title the next.
Last April, Mansfield became the fourth club in the last five seasons to do so, having lost to York in the 2011-12 semis.
Fleetwood, Stevenage and Burton have all done the same in the last five years with only Crawley – boosted by the ‘Project Promotion' bankrolling of Hong Kong-based investors – came from outside the top five to steal the crown.
Steve Burr, John Still and David Hockaday have strengthened their core at Kidderminster, Luton and Forest Green while Richard Money looks to have put together an exciting, young side at Cambridge.
Paul Hurst and Rob Scott's eight signings at Blundell Park, however, have brought some much-needed ‘seeing it over the line' experience to a group that went so close to a promotion and FA Trophy double last term, before falling at the final couple of hurdles.
Scott Kerr, Chris Doig and Paddy McLaughlin's efforts helped York City escape the Conference Premier in 2011-12 and will aid to the joint managers' desire to play a more flowing, fluid game this term, having been used to total football under Gary Mills at Bootham Crescent.
As was Alex Rodman, who played under Mills at Tamworth and has since gained League experience with Aldershot and back with his mentor on loan at the Minstermen last term, while Scott Neilson enjoyed back-to-back promotions with Crawley.
Clayton McDonald and Paul Bignot are relatively young defenders with plenty of League games under their belt, while Jonathan Hedge – one of Non-League's most promising keepers in recent years – will keep the current finest, James McKeown, on his game.
Here are my top five captures throughout the top-flight:
PADDY McLAUGHLIN (Grimsby)
The young Northern Irishman made a big impression in his debut Conference campaign two years ago with York, and was surprisingly let go on a free by new City boss Nigel Worthington this summer.
Scored 13 times in 2011-12 and will add goals to the Mariners' engine room as he drives on to join in the attack, something they lacked last term.
MARK CULLEN (Luton)
When young players are sent out on loan to Non-League from big clubs, you sometimes question their attitude. Not this lad.
I watched him play for Stockport against Newport towards the end of last season, forming the Hatters' front line with the increasingly immobile Jon Macken. Cullen worked his socks off that day and with extra quality around him having moved to Luton on a permanent deal from Hull, he should flourish.
DANNY WRIGHT (Forest Green)
Arguably the least glamorous of Rovers' signings, but most crucial to their title hopes for me.
Forest Green have been too pretty and while the 28-year-old Wright is a lovely bloke off the pitch, once he crosses that white line he'd barge his grandma out of the way if it meant getting to the ball.
The ex-carpenter has carved himself a reputation as one of Non-League's top forwards through his time at Histon, Cambridge and Wrexham after humble beginnings at Dereham.
CHRIS MAXWELL (Cambridge)
Only on loan until January, but the Fleetwood keeper could underpin all of Richard Money's impressive young signings.
Maxi was on his way to much higher levels when Joslain Mayebi took advantage of his Wales Under-21 call-up to usurp him at Wrexham two years ago.
Has hardly played since – and has never for the Cod Army – but proved on his loan return to north Wales in the second half of last term that class is permanent.
LEE FOWLER (Kidderminster)
There's not much more to be said about this player that hasn't already been written in this column over the years.
Best passer of a ball in the lower leagues by a country mile. But at 30, he needs to lead by example, stay fit and stay put. Key to Fleetwood's title run-in just over a year ago, but has had too many clubs.
Will suit Kiddy's counter-attacking style down to the ground in the quarter-back role and if he makes Aggborough home, he could be returning to the Football League again next summer.
As a York fan, I was sorry to see some of our best players leave, but they have joined a club that I consider to be too big for the conference. I have been to Grimsby’s Blundell Park on 4 occasions, they have a passionate and large support for the league they are in (especially the’yre away support) and like Luton, their fans deserve better. I hope to see us playing the Mariners in a higher league soon.