While we are going through this difficult patch I ask no more than that every player who puts on a Saints shirt plays with passion and pride, and gives his all. I don’t mind us being the underdog, but we need to be a terrier not a poodle. Similarly, we ask our supporters to keep the faith; we are doing everything we can to improve our performances both this year and next. We are holding discussions with several players, three of them current England internationals, to strengthen our squad for next season. I can’t divulge names but I can tell you Tim Rodber will not be coming back as the new recruitment director and Steve Thompson is not going to Toulouse. The internet is a fabulous form of spreading information quickly, but of course when people can hide behind their handles, they can say what they like without having to be accountable for it, truth or otherwise, a somewhat devalued currency. As always we try to keep you in the picture as much as we can. It is not a secret that we have advertised for a director of recruitment. We have a short list which will be interviews in January. One of the candidates is James Sinclair, our Academy Director. As soon as we have made an appointment you will know.

This is a time for us all to stand together. We have fantastic support; the envy of most clubs. I was here last Sunday night for the club’s carol concert – so were 2,500 of you – brilliant, a tremendous community event.

Talking of supporters, let me welcome all the folk here tonight from Wasps, and especially my old friend Ian McGeechan. Wasps are a good side who will be coming to Franklin’s Gardens with only one thing in mind – to win. We need to give it everything and really want victory if we are going to overcome them.
 
We are coming to that time of year when we draw to a close the old year and look forward to the new. We have to look forward, the Guinness Premiership is a great league, and it is a battle not decided until the end of April. We can finish in the top four, we can win the Heineken Cup, yes there may be set-backs along the way, but that’s sport.
 
Let me wish you all a wonderful Christmas and a very happy New Year.