If the distractions of the Heineken Cup do not divert the East Midlands club from their Premiership business it is possible to envisage Northampton up there with their great regional rivals at the end of the season. The top four could beckon in a season when the weakening of others highlights the strengthening of the Saints. Keith Barwell, if he is not dreaming yet, should be.
The club is well run both off the field and on it. Last season the target was invincibility at home and survival. They nearly achieved the first and easily managed the latter, adding a European trophy to the bargain. Now they have to push harder away from home and handle the Heineken Cup with all its pressures.
The squad appears up to the challenge. In Phil Dowson they have a fabulous signing. He never seems to trouble the minds of Martin Johnson and company yet continues to play at a high tempo week-after-week. He is the ideal Premiership forward and a marvellous signing.
Shane Geraghty is another case altogether; sublimely gifted, never far from the international scene but still seeking an identity. Is he a ten or twelve? The current evidence points to inside centre where he could thrive outside the well organised Steven Myler. Then again James Downey was an extremely effective carrier at inside centre, one of the most underestimated Premiership backs....it’s a great sort of problem for Jim Mallinder.
So too the issue of Ben Foden – the man who wants to play scrum half but is such a threat from full back. The club have options all over and opportunities to match.
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Prediction: 3rd