Former Northampton Saints winger Jon Sleightholme has backed the side to emulate the club's success in 2000.

Saints, who won the European Cup 10 years ago, face Saracens in the Premiership semi-final this weekend.

"Saints have got to cup finals before, but the league is tougher to win," he told BBC Radio Northampton.

"It is remarkable how similar the squads are, 10 years apart. If they're disciplined, they'll get the result they deserve."

The club won their first major honours when they beat Munster 9-8 to win the European Cup at Twickenham in 2000.

This season, Saints reached the quarter-final of the Heineken Cup, won the LV= Cup, and have secured a home semi-final in the Premiership.

"I see a lot of similarities between the squad now and the squad 10 years ago," said Sleightholme.

"There's a good blend of experienced overseas players, with youth coming through.

I thought they'd be top four, but not good enough to challenge for honours this season. Jon Sleightholme

"Back then the club had never won anything. Now that they have, expectations have grown, and the ultimate prize is winning the Premiership."

Sleightholme admits he has been surprised by the club's success this season.

"Northampton could and should be at the top of the game," he said.

"I thought they'd be top four, but not good enough to challenge for honours this season. They've been fantastic and deserve their opportunity."

Sleightholme says victory against both Saracens and the winner of the other Premiership semi-final, between Leicester and Bath, would be a huge achievement.

"It'd be up there with biggest victory that the club has ever had," he said.

"Only three years ago, the team were in the Championship. The turnaround has been remarkable."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version