Without a doubt this is not me saying "Oh look what Saints are doing that no-one else is" I'm well aware that Wigan and to a lesser extent Leeds do the same.
What I am surprised at though is the decision taken by Saints. We have been knocked off our perch and instead of trying to sign players to get back to the top, we are gambling on youth. Very similar to Utd and the Class of 92 lot.
Now clearly there is a big difference between football and rugby particularly from a physical point of view and 18 year old lads will struggle against fully grown men who have had years of strength & conditioning. Noah Stephens for example has looked outstanding at Academy Level but will be a world of difference at SL level. He may well not even play a game next season. However conversely, he will come on as a player as a full time professional so his body will change and get fitter too.
It tells me that Saints have little SC space to play with due to upgraded deals and back-ended contracts for the likes of Lees and Knowles for example.
Personally I think we as Saints fans are in for a couple of relatively lean years as the old guard moves on but if 2 or 3 of the new lot can turn into a Welsby, Lees, Knowles, Dodd or a Lomax then we will be in a good position in time.
Vaughan is the one that is certainly IMO the most highly rated at the club.
