How badly do we need a new signing anyway ?

A couple of weeks ago, the Daily Echo had a pop at the chairman for not spending enough to bring in new players. But do we really need to strengthen at all ?

The first thing we should look at is the club's ambition for next season. Rupert Lowe's policy of slow, steady progression has brought continual improvement to the club over the last few seasons. It would seem a bit silly to get so far with it, only to jettison the whole idea before we make the next step up.

Saints have been budgeting for a twelfth place finish, but clearly the club want to be fighting for an UEFA cup place every season.

That's easier said than done, as Saints have still to really establish themselves near the top of the middle tier of clubs in the division. Saints have finished in a solid looking position over the lat two seasons. But we could have slipped numerous places further down the table on the last fixture on both occasions had results turned out differently. We have hardly been solid top ten competitors throughout.

So clearly there has to be further improvement on the pitch to push us forward. The question is, how much will we have to spend to achieve it ?

The answer is a lot less than many other clubs. The reason for this is the policy of buying in younger, hungry players eager to prove themselves in the Premiership.

Strachan's ability to pick out exactly what he needs and find the right kind of player has meant that Saints have signed precious few lemons in his tenure.

So, while a side of older players who are clearly at their limit would be cause for concern, we have a squad of players who will only get better over the next few years.

We have yet to see Prutton and Higginbotham develop fully at the club, for example, but there's little doubt that they are both excellent players.

The more obvious weaknesses in the side are being addressed, if they haven't been already.

Between the sticks, Niemi has been a revelation. While I can't see Jonah hanging around beyond next season, it gives more time for Blayney to be groomed as deputy.

Darren Kenton certainly has the talent to step up to the premiership. His absences from the Norwich team had more to do with the odd petulance of Worthington, as he sacrificed a key player, to play someone who would at least be at the club beyond the summer.

With the experience of Jason Dodd there should be a smooth transition at right back over next season, with Kenton taking up the role in 04/05.

I fully expect Lundekvam and Svensson to develop their partnership further, giving me some spare time to have a laugh at Dean Richards over at Spurs.

I hear lots of good things about Fitz Hall. Even if they're all rubbish, which I doubt, we still have the underrated Garry Mon and Paul Williams as back up. I'd like to see more of Higginbotham as well here, if there are any injuries.

Wayne Bridge's departure was a blow, but was immediately remedied by the arrival of Le Saux. Le Saux already has the talent that Bridge will be hoping to develop. So we get an international class player as well as the lunges of a Franny Benali. Le Saux could well be the perfect Saints player.

We'll have to look towards a long term replacement for this position though. I don't think it's going to be Higginbotham, but the former Man. Utd. player can certainly do a job for us there in Le Saux's absence. Still it's not an immediate issue and Matt Taylor will always be available once Pompey slump back into the Nationwide.

The left of midfield seems to be an issue. Chris Marsden won't be able to go on forever, unfortunately, but Strachan is looking to Prutton to fill this position. Personally, I'd rather see Prutton back in the centre, where I think he's best, but then I used to say that about Marsden as well.

With the nonsense surrounding Ander's supposed departure seemingly gone, the season on season improvement from Oakley and the versatility and talent of Delap, I don't think we've much to be worried about in the middle of the park. I can't think of too many other Premiership players I'd rather have.

On the right flank, hopefully drill instructor Pendrey will have been getting Fernandes to develop the art of getting to the bye line. Fernandes has bags of skill so I see no reason why Strachan and Pendrey can't get the best out of him. Then of course, there's Chris Baird who should really ease Paul Telfer out of the reckoning over the next season or so. It's going to be hard for Baird to live up to that Cup final performance though.

Up front we'll be starting with Beattie and Ormerod. Tessem will continue to do a job as back up. We can only hope that Pahars and Delgado get fit to bolster the side in this area. I'd expect a signing here in the transfer window if both are still crocked.

So, from that quick breakdown of the current squad, there's certainly plenty of room for an improved finish this season. As a result Lowe is quite right to stick to the policies that have served him so well up until now.

I would have liked to have seen De Pedro sign. I would also quite like Ronaldo, but either deal would have to be firmly within the financial framework of the club. If that can't be arranged, then we'll just have to get by without them.

No doubt, our chairman and manager have plenty of irons in the fire regarding transfers, but as you've just read, there's plenty to be optimistic about in 03/04 without any big signings being made.