Nigel Pearson is targeting a greater consistency from his team if he is Saints boss next season.

Pearson is continuing with his planning for next season despite not being sure whether he will be retained as manager by the new incoming board - either led by Michael Wilde or Rupert Lowe - or potential investors.

The Saints players have been at Staplewood this week for end of season fitness checks and have been sent off on their summer holidays with strict plans to adhere to.

They will all be required to check back in during their time off for further tests to ensure that when they reconvene for pre-season training everybody is in good shape.

Pearson is also drawing up ideas of what positions he would like to make additions in during the summer.

That's despite the fact that he is clearly not able to make any moves yet with an EGM scheduled for next week that leaves his future - and the playing budget of the club - in question.

However, he remains focussed on the task ahead and is certain that if he is still there next season he can ensure the club won't be scrapping to stay in the Championship again.

He said: "I do believe we can be better.

"If people know what's expected of them and starting afresh, we can make sure of that.

Full story in today's Daily Echo