Northampton Saints hope to finally shrug off their reputation as perennial underachivers in this season's Zurich Premiership.

The Saints have been busy in the off-season this summer both rebuilding their stadium and reshaping their squad.

The redevelopment of Franklin's Gardens has increased the capacity of the stadium to 12,600 and it will be completed for the first home game. This along with record season ticket sales have generated a lot of positive vibes ahead of the big kick off.

At the Saints press conference today, Wayne Smith, the Head Coach, explained the philosophy behind the changes in the squad. Budge Poutney and John Leslie have been announced as co-captains for the 2002/03 season. Smith believed that it was logical to choose two captains as not only can they support each other, but Poutney as a Scottish international will miss games because of the autumn tests. He also went on to say that the co-captaincy reflected his belief that every player should take the responsibility a captain has:

"I am a great believer in creating a greater range of leaders through a team and really you are looking for everyone to play like a captain every week.

Smith also hinted that others would be given the chance during the season to captain the Saints because of injury problems or other commitments.

Smith believes that consistency is the most important aim for the squad this season as it has been crucially missing previously. Ariel skills were also highlighted as a key area that the squad have focused on pre-season. Meanwhile the new signings have also been essential for the development of the squad. Ten players have left the Saints whilst only five have been signed, but Smith believes that a smaller squad will create greater team unity and versatility.

The favourite challengers for the Premiership were the usual bunch as far as Smith was concerned with the likes of Leicester, Sale and Gloucester highlighted. Smith though wants to focus the Saints:

"I just want them to stack the wins up, taking the games one at a time.... although there is expectation in the squad."

However the fans outside Franklin's Gardens today are aiming for no less than a top four finishing position and a good performance in Europe. Smith though sees this as a good sign:

"The support of the Northampton fans doesn't add pressure. It's just an endorsement of the quality they see in the squad."