When Saints go to Watford this Sunday, it will be 632 days since they last travelled to Vicarage Road for George Burley's baptism as manager.

But despite the loss of many star players since, he believes the squad is stronger than ever.

Burley's first game in charge, on Boxing Day 2005, resulted in a 3-0 defeat and was followed by two more depressing losses.

Since that time, a mixture of Burley wanting to change the squad around and the club's financial need to do so has seen him sell players for a total of £25m, spending less than £10m himself on replacements.

That means Burley has netted Saints a cool £15.4m in that period of time - with a potential £13m more to come in potential add-ons for some of the deals.

Even with that loss - including the departures of the likes of Antti Niemi, Nigel Quashie, Theo Walcott, Gareth Bale, Chris Baird and Kenwyne Jones - Burley believes his squad now is stronger than at any point during his rein.

He said: "There has been a lot of change.

"We were well and truly hammed that day I thought and I knew in an instant we had to change things round, so it will be interesting to see how we get on on Sunday.

"You're dictated a little bit by circumstances but I'm pleased with the squad.

"There has been a lot of comings and goings and a lot of finance has been brought into the club.

"But the key is getting a squad of players at your club that you're happy with and we can have a shot at promotion.

"We still need one more defender but I'm very happy with the squad and there's a good spirit".

Full story: See today's Daily Echo.