With the dust having settled on promotion to the Premier League, thoughts are already turning to what Saints can expect in the top flight next season.

At the forefront of fans’ minds, as well as manager Nigel Adkins, will be what needs to happen to his squad to compete with the best teams in the country.

The Saints boss has already said the squad will evolve, and there will be signings.

But what of the players that remain?

Only a handful are nailed on to be ready for the Premier League – Kelvin Davis, Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert – but many have earned a chance to prove themselves Some will remain as squad members while there are quite a few – about a third of the players, in fact – that face a real battle to stay in the mix.

Chief sports writer Adam Leitch takes a look at who will stay and who could be heading for the St Mary’s exit door in today’s Daily Echo.