Myler reflects on massive year for Saints

TRY GUY - Stephen Myler scored for Saints in their Premiership final defeat to Leicester

And he believes they are in a great position to make the new year a very special one at Franklin’s Gardens.

Northampton have progressed markedly during the past 12 months, making their first Premiership final and starting the new season in style.

They currently sit second in the league standings, second in Heineken Cup Pool 1 and top of their LV= Cup group.

“We’ve taken some massive strides,” said Myler.

“Getting to the Premiership final for the first time in the club’s history was a massive achievement. It didn’t end the way we wanted it to, but it showed us what we’re capable of, particularly in those big games.

“Saracens in the semi-final we were dominant and it shows when we’re on our game we’re more than a match for anyone.

“That gave us confidence going into this season and given a good pre-season and good training we were ready to go.

“We’re in a decent league position now, but we’re not going to win anything in December.

“We’ve got to put ourselves in a decent league position come April and May and be ready to strike.”

Key to Saints’ progression during the past 12 months has been the form of Myler, who has established himself as first-choice fly-half.

The 29-year-old signed a new deal at the club in February and is currently the top goalkicker in the Premiership.

And he said: “I was delighted to sign a new deal for the club. It’s been my home for the past seven years.

“I was delighted to extend my stay and I’m happy to have had an influence on the team this year and played as much rugby as I can.

“I’m looking forward to improving, individually and as a team. I think we’ve got a lot more to show, a lot left in us and we can do something really special this year.”

So just what are Saints’ expectations for 2014?

“The expectations are that we stay humble as a group and when we do things wrong we put things right as soon as possible,” said Myler.

“We’ve got a decent squad, a confident squad and we’ve got strength in depth that we need and we’re looking forward to what challenges lay ahead.

“Hopefully we can put ourselves in a position for the play-offs at the end of the season and the prize is on the line because that’s what we play rugby for.”