ROGER WILSON believes the Saints squad will be bigger and better than ever next season – despite his exit.
The Irish No.8 leaves Northampton this summer as he rejoins former club Ulster after four years at Franklin’s Gardens.
Wilson is joined on the exit list by the likes of Chris Ashton and James Downey, but Saints have already moved to replace the departed starts.
The likes of Cameron Shepherd and Ken Pisi have been snapped up, while more signings, particularly in the centre positions have not been ruled out.
And Wilson believes Jim Mallinder will get things right this summer to continue the club’s ‘slow and steady’ progression since promotion back to the Premiership in 2008.
“Year on year we improved a little bit,” said Wilson. “If you look at the year they got up from the Championship it was just about stabilising themselves as a team and not getting relegated.
“We went on to win the Challenge Cup which gave us quick entry into Europe the next year and from then we got into the play-offs and the Heineken Cup and a year after that we got to the final of the Heineken Cup.
“Each year has been slow and steady improvement. They’re building a bigger squad each year as well and allowing players to rotate a little bit more, which is crucial in the way the league is set up over there.
“It does take a bit of time to create a big, successful squad but it’s something they really are getting right at the moment.”
Wilson will enjoy a reunion at the Gardens next season with his Ulster side set to meet Saints in the Heineken Cup.
And the 30-year-old is hoping for a good reception when he returns to the club where he established himself as a first-team fixture.
“I think I left on good terms and everyone’s been really supportive since I left,” he said.
“It’s all been very positive and hopefully I will get a good reception and can meet up with everyone after and have a catch up with a beer.”