SIR Clive Woodward says Saints want to attract world class players - and the new training dome at Staplewood will only help their chances.

The director of football admitted to being appalled by the off-pitch facilities at the club's Staplewood training ground when he first saw them in 2004.

But after overseeing a £1.25m improvement project, he feels they are now far better equipped to compete with the best in the land.

Speaking on a tour of the new dome for the media, he said: "It's two years work in terms of thinking about it and saying we need to improve.

"Obviously I'm biased, but for the cost we've done a remarkably good job and in the long term the benefits will come through.

"To run a professional organisation as a sport you need a real quality gym, a room for understanding and a room to put your feet up because you can't train all day.

"We came in just under budget at £1.25m, which is good and it adds to the club.

"It's a great place to work and people like it.

"In terms of results, these things aren't measurable.

"To me it's a no brainer. We won't win matches because of this but because of George Burley's training and the players on the pitch.

"We want world class players and to do that and attract them you have to have the facilities."

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