Southampton have always been cautious in the transfer market, or stingy as some would have it. Due to the limiting capacity of the Dell, every manager has operated on a shoe string budget. Fortunately, we have a shrewd chairman at the helm who has ensured that the move to St. Mary's hasn't brought along any policies of overspending.
Perhaps overspending isn't the right word. Overextending would be a better match. It certainly sums up the current disasters at so many clubs such as Leeds, Derby, Chelsea etc. etc.
Spurs spent all their money on Rebrov and Richards and are now flat broke which is why they're in trouble. At least the others have, or rather had, a squad to show for their money rather than two players.
Yet at all of these clubs, there is still pressure from fans to see new faces to change fortunes and bring success. After all, they certainly pay enough for tickets and merchandise.
However, there is increasing pressure on the manager not to spend, this time from the board. The current financial crisis at so many clubs has been caused by the mismanagement of so many boards and chairmen. The lack of budgeted ITV digital money simply meant that they had been caught spending money they didn't have.
For Premiership clubs such as Leeds or Chelsea they have finally realised that success at any price simply isn't a feasible option. Both clubs will undoubtedly be stronger for the experience. Chelsea are already reaping the benefits of having to stick by their current squad.
Southampton have found that their approach of slow and steady improvement is by far the best policy of ensuring lasting success. Of course, that has to be coupled with excellent coaching and management. Again, in trying to look for long term appointments Saints have a very settled back room staff.
Rupert Lowe has made no secret that he believes the player wage bill should be lower. Assisting this, is Gordon Strachan's knowledge that a club really should have a rough maximum of available first squad players. To have a huge squad not only wastes the players' skill in both less individual attention in training and simply not playing, but affects the clubs ability to invest in both infrastructure and youth development. Having forty full time professionals doesn't leave much room for youngsters to develop.
Saints have released El-Khalej, Bleidelis, Chala and Moss. This sensible clearing out of dead wood keeps the squad fresh and allows the progression of younger players. With the removal of players who will never feature in the first team, morale will probably also increase.
The end result is that Saints have a robust squad with practically everyone fighting for a first team place. This competition may well bring out even better performances from the first team.
It's undoubtedly a great time to be a Saints fan and there's every sign that the current club policies will take us even further. It's not often that chairmen get support let alone compliments, but Rupert Lowe deserves nothing but praise for the way he has avoided the pitfalls that so many other clubs have fallen into.