Mallinder has already signed 10 players for Saints' return to the big time and has promised more to come.

With 10 players leaving it is a big change around in personnel and after developing a winning spirit and culture, Mallinder will have to educate the new signings quickly in the club's ways as Saints look to make a strong start to the season so they don't get dragged into a relegation battle.

Mallinder is confident the new players, who include Ben Foden, Chris Mayor and Argentine lock Ignacio Fernandez Lobbe from his old club Sale will fit seamlessly into the Franklin's Gardens culture.

"I don't think it will be difficult integrating them at all," said Mallinder. "It will be quite easy. We know it will be tough next season, but with the players we have got in I'd like to think we will be competitive and we will be able to hold our own."

After missing out on world- class lock Victor Matfield, Mallinder is scouring the world looking for another second row and with Chris Budgen and Simon Emms leaving and Tom Smith still not committed it looks like Mallinder is after a couple of props as well.

Smith has still not signed a deal on the table, but the club are hoping to keep the 36-year-old on for another season.

Mallinder is hoping to integrate the new players into a winning spirit that propelled Saints to an unbeaten 35-game season in division one.

"Last season on and off the field, we needed to create an environment where everybody enjoyed coming to work," said Mallinder.

"We wanted to create that team spirit where we enjoyed training, enjoyed playing games and each other's company. And that willingness to work hard for each other.

"There was not one particular thing that did it, it was an ongoing process, you can't just do that sort of thing overnight.

"We worked hard every week, gave it our best shot at the weekends and we enjoyed ourselves on a Saturday night. The lads have relaxed and had a couple of beers - that has helped.

"It is important that you enjoy your wins and your success, you never quite know when the next one is going to come."