Mallinder is the former England Saxons and England Under-21s coach

Northampton Saints head coach Jim Mallinder says that his side should improve on last season's campaign.

Saints finished eighth in the Guinness Premiership and beat Bourgoin to win the European Challenge Cup.

Mallinder told BBC Radio Northampton: "It was a modest finish in the Premiership, and we'd like to progress to the top half.

"The [Heineken Cup] games will be very difficult. If we can qualify to the quarter-finals, we'll have done well."

Saints lost more games than they won in the Premiership last season, and Mallinder has targeted his side's away form for improvement.

"We were satisfied last season. League form at home was good, but away was a bit hit and miss. But there are 11 good sides that we're up against," he said.

Winning the Challenge Cup allowed Saints entry into the Heineken Cup, and a tough group containing 2008 winners Munster, French champions Perpignan and Italian side Treviso.

He's matured on and off the field. He's become a mighty fine rugby player Jim Mallinder on captain Dylan Hartley

"The draw is challenging, but it's where we want to be. Any game against Munster will be difficult, and to go away to Perpignan is quite daunting. But we're excited about it," he said.

Saints have five pre-season fixtures lined up, starting on 13 August away to Bordeaux. The new players at the club - including Phil Dowson, Shane Geraghty, Brian Mujati and Santiago Bonorino - should feature.

"We've got some young, relatively inexperienced players who we think will provide energy and creativity, and a few older players to provide leadership and experience," Mallinder continued.

"We'll be getting people playing together, looking at units and partnerships. Everybody will get a chance and it'll only be before the Worcester game that we'll finalise our starting 15."

Mallinder has named 23-year-old hooker Dylan Hartley as club captain.

"He's matured on and off the field. He's become a mighty fine rugby player, as we know from his performances with the Saints and England.

"He loves the club, he'll play and lead by example, and the experienced players will help him," Mallinder added.

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