Retained list raises as many questions as it answers

The sad departure of Marian Pahars had already been announced and Kenton has been no more than a bit part player, but it was a surprise to see Brennan released. He was solid, if not spectacular on the left flank for Saints, providing valuable options within the squad as well as a decent left foot.

This leaves 16 year old Bale, another unproven youngster in Critchell and centre back Danny Higginbotham. Mr 'I'm too good for the Championship' Jelle Van Damme is set to return from his injured-plagued loan at Werder Bremen, although it is by no means certain that he will not be sold with Anderlecht in the frame. The loss of Brennan suggests that the left flank is an area Burley is looking to strengthen in the transfer window.

Also released are youngsters Craig Richards and Eddie Anaclet, although suprisingly Yoann Folly has been offered a new contract. However, this may be more to do with ensuring we receive a transfer window from his loan club Sheffield Wednesday. Tenacious midfielder Simon Gillett has been offered another year to make his mark with Saints following his solitary appearance this season.

Matthew Oakley has been offered a one year deal to prove his form and fitness to Burley, although he will weigh up any offers from Premier League clubs before making a decision.

There was positive news that injury-plagued Michael Svensson and Djamel Belmadi have been offered 6 months and a year respectively. If Burley can get them fit and firing then they will add vital Premiership quality to the side. Saints always look a better side with Belmadi's magic in midfield and he will be key to unlocking stubborn defences next season.

There is still no news over the loan players, with Wright, Kosowski, Potter, Chaplow and Peter Madsen all back at their clubs now. Certainly Kosowski and Madsen are unlikely to return, but West Brom may be open to an offer for Chaplow following their relegation. Wright may return if Leeds are willing to release him from the final year of his contract.

Potter may well try and impress back at Liverpool, but the fact that they agreed to sell him to Hearts under Burley means that a decent offer may tempt them into releasing a talented and improving player.

Then of course there is the question of who Saints will be bringing in over the summer. With a decent war chest for the Championship and several failed million plus bids in the previous transfer window, it is going to be a busy summer for Burley.

He has several more scouting trips overseas lined up and has his eye on former players Idiakez and Skacel, the free scoring Czech winger who is involved in a tug of war with Hearts.

It's going to be another busy summer on the south coast.