We can't afford any spirit doubts...

Rumours of unrest have been mounting in recent days, with some national newspapers even claiming that new manager Paul Sturrock will be given only six games this season to prove himself in the Premiership.

Chairman Rupert Lowe has dismissed these stories as "poppycock", while Benali yesterday said that Saints' great strength has traditionally been an unbreakable spirit of togetherness.

"There has always been a fantastic team spirit and atmosphere," he said.

"It was a very large factor in our favour when I was a player. You have to be fighting for the same cause.

"The last thing you want is cliques. You have to be pulling together to have a chance. There are always pessimists out there, but I'm sure everything is fine.

"There is a strong mentality among the staff and players at the club and everyone will be eager to get started and get as many points as early as possible.

"We want to improve and not go backwards and we are heading in the right direction. Gordon Strachan brought great success and I am sure Paul Sturrock will take us onwards and upwards."

Loyal Benali played under nine different managers during 17 years with Saints and admitted it was sometimes difficult when there was a change at the top.

"It can be unsettling when a new manager comes in," he said.

"You wonder how you are going to fit into his plans and you have to prove yourself all over again.

"You do get used to working with a particular person but, at the end of the day, you are professionals and you have to just go out and do your job."

He added: "The club has been written off many times, but the truth is that we have made tremendous progress.

"We have established ourselves in the top flight and we are on a stable financial footing.

"We have not been kamikaze and things have been well run.

"That is why we got to the cup final and qualified for Europe."

See this Saturday's Pink for the full Francis Benali interview