JIM HONE has praised the "amazing job" done by George Burley.

The Saints chief executive believes the squad his manager has put together can challenge for promotion again this season.

But he admits the board is aware that new players are still needed.

Hone confirmed that Burley will have to wheel and deal to bring in new players, but insisted they will arrive before the close of the transfer window on August 31.

He said: "I think in the circumstances George Burley's done an amazing job.

"OK, he had a lot of money to spend relatively speaking at the beginning of last season and George is working with Lee Hoos at the moment burning the candle at both ends to make sure we have got a decent team to put on the pitch for the coming season.

"I look at what other teams have done and then see the websites in terms of the despondency out there, and I think we will enjoy in year two better performances from some of the players who are out there.

"I don't think we're talking about the season to come fighting relegation."

Full story in today's Daily Echo.