Northampton

Will King Carlos continue his reign?

Carlos Spencer will be better for a year in the Premiership and he is already some player. But his value is as much in the ambition that rubs off on to players such as Jon Clarke and Neil Starling — and wouldn’t it be good to see Geoff Appleford back in action after a year out?



What were Saints doing in Newquay?

They started their pre-season with a bonding session on the beaches of Cornwall, fun in the sun and on the surfboard — or, for the fat boys in the forwards, gobbling up the pasties.

Where will they finish?

If they steer clear of injuries they should be contesting a top-four, semi-final spot. Their first Heineken Cup match, away to Biarritz, the French champions, will show the character of the squad, coming a week after the derby game with Leicester.

TRANSFERS

IN: David Akinluyi (Cambridge University), Jo Ansbro (Cambridge University), Rob Laird (London Wasps), Christian Short (Connacht), Soane Tonga’uiha (Bedford), Ian Vass (Harlequins).

OUT: Ross Beattie (Borders), Selbourne Boome (Western Province), Luke Harbut (not known), Ben Jones (Doncaster), Brett McNamee (not known), James Pritchard (Bedford), John Rudd (Newcastle Falcons), Grant Seely (retired), Mark Soden (Capitolina, Rome), Brett Sturgess (not known), Andy Vilk (Sale Sharks).

FANS’ GUIDE

WHAT DOES FRANKLIN’S GARDENS OFFER FANS?

The musical village area provides a variety of facilities and entertainment, including bars and food outlets, plus coaching and face-painting for children.

HOW ARE SEASON TICKET SALES FOR THIS SEASON?

There has been a small rise on last year, now heading for 8,700. Half-season tickets should be available at Christmas for fans who can’t commit themselves at this stage.

HOW MANY TICKETS DOES THAT LEAVE FOR NON-SEASON TICKET-HOLDERS?

About 1,000, so booking in advance is essential. The club and fans always insist that there are no bad seats in the stadium, so don’t worry about getting the last ones.

ANY CELEBRITY SAINTS?

Earl Spencer occasionally comes to watch his namesake, Carlos. Ian Bell, the England cricketer, also follows the club’s fortunes.

SQUAD

BACKS: D Akinluyi (nationality: Eng), G Appleford (Eng), J Clarke (Eng), B Cohen (Eng), R G Davies (Wales), P Diggin (Eng), J Howard (Eng), R Kydd (NZ), R Laird (Eng), S Lamont (Scot), S Mallon (Ire), L Myring (Eng), D Quinlan (Ire), B Reihana (NZ), M Robinson (NZ), C Spencer (NZ), N Starling (Eng), I Vass (Eng).

FORWARDS: P Barnard (SA), Daniel Browne (NZ), Damien Browne (Ire), C Budgen (NZ), M Easter (Swaz), D Fox (Eng), D Gerard (Fr), S Harding (NZ), D Hartley (Eng), M Hopley (Eng), B Lewitt (Eng), M Lord (NZ), J Percival (Eng), D Richmond (Eng), C Short (Eng), T Smith (Sco), S Thompson (Eng), S Tonga’uiha (Tonga), P Tupai (Sam).

ONE TO WATCH



PAT BARNARD The South Africa Under-21 prop qualified for England and is already in the senior national academy

FIXTURES

September

3 Newcastle Falcons (h)

9 Sale Sharks (a)

16 Bath (h)

23 Gloucester (a)

30 Worcester (h)

October

7 NG Dragons (a)

14 Leicester (h)

22 Biarritz (a)

28 Borders (h)

November

4 Harlequins (a)

11 Worcester (a)

18 Saracens (h)

26 London Irish (a)

December

2 Leicester (h)

9 Overmach Parma (a)

16 Overmach Parma (h)

22 London Wasps (h)

27 Saracens (a)

January

1 Worcester (h)

7 Bristol (a)

12/13/14 Borders (a)

19/20/21 Biarritz (h)

27 Bristol (h)

February

17 Harlequins (h)

24 Leicester (a)

March

3 Gloucester (h)

10 Bath (a)

17 Sale Sharks (h)

April

6 Newcastle Falcons (a)

15 London Wasps (a)

28 London Irish (h)

KEY

Premiership

EDF Anglo-Welsh Cup

Heineken Cup