Last season, given that relegation, Saints were probably not an attractive prospect for players looking to further their careers.

The squad that Jim inherited by and large did more than was asked, but with the bigger task ahead the club has been out in the market with around a dozen players coming to the Gardens.

This time round we see a mixture of experience and some notable prospects joining the club.

Players like 'Nacho' Lobbe, and Neil Best bring an edge to the pack that, perhaps Paul Tupai aside, we have not seen in recent years.

As a unit the forwards look like more than holding their own.

In the front row Soane Tonga'uiha looks like he is trying to live up to his nickname of Tiny given his new physique – although he is still a man mountain – while the Scottish trio of Tom Smith, Euan Murray and Barry Stewart give us strength in depth at prop.

At hooker the big question will be is this the year that Dylan Hartley realises his potential and gets that England shirt?

Paul Shields might want a say in the position at the club though, while youngster Joe Gray might well in time push them both.

In the second row the aforementioned Nacho looks like he has formed an understanding with his ex-Sale teammate Christian Day, though I have a sneaking suspicion we might see Alex Rae come into his own this season.

With youngsters Courtney Lawes and James Cannon also in the squad the future looks bright in this area, especially when Phil Hoy returns from his year at Bedford.

The back row looks like an all new unit with Best, who is sure to become a crowd favourite, alongside fellow Ireland international Roger Wilson at six and eight. There is still a question mark for me at openside, Ben Lewitt looks like the only out-and-out seven at the club. Could a signing in this area be on the horizon?

In the backs most of the talk was of the signing of Ben Foden and his desire to play scrum-half. Like every other position at the club though, it looks like he has a battle on his hands for the No.9 shirt with Lee Dickson looking like he will not let it go without a right royal fight.

All round that kind of competition for places can only be good for the club.

Maybe not so much a battle at fly-half but I'm sure Stephen Myler will be pushing Carlos every inch of the way while in the centre new signings Chris Mayor and Nils Mordt will be looking to unseat the likes of Jon Clarke and James Downey, but don't be surprised to see Joe Ansbro become the surprise package of the season.

On the wings a lot of eyes will be on Chris Ashton this season. I'm sure he will take it all in his stride though, and who knows after a full season in the top flight he might just have an outside chance of making the international squad if he adapts and repeats his form of last year.

On the other wing Sean Lamont returns from injury and will be wanting to get back to form as soon as possible after such a lengthy absence.

And finally coming up the rear the skipper, Bruce Reihana looks to have the job nailed down – but don't bet against Ben Foden being given a run there at some time.

So all in all the squad is starting to shape up, on Sunday against Worcester they have to put all that summer's work into practice.

It will be anything but dull.