Chairman proud of Saints' unique approach

Speaking at the Player Awards night, Krueger believes the club has a unique way of achieving success on the pitch and says it’s important to take time out to celebrate such a positive campaign.

“The spirit here is so strong,” Krueger said. “It has been a special season. It’s nice to step out of the season, take a deep breath and think about the past.

“It’s important to take time to celebrate. We didn’t have a lot of that with all the cups and matches and the pressure we put on ourselves to build on what we had last season and be even better.

“We’re proud of the way we operate as a group.

“It’s a family and a club that wants to grow and be special while also having a good time and taking care of the people that are part of it.

“That is what makes us unique. What is happening on the pitch is a by-product of what’s happening off the pitch.”

The club’s unique way of doing things was highlighted none more so than a trip to Switzerland midway through the campaign.

Instead of sun and sand and it was snow and skiing for Saints’ players and staff, and Krueger believes that brought the team even closer together.

“That was a special time. We saw a gap in the schedule with not playing in the FA Cup that weekend,” he added.

“Ronald and I had a little chat and we spoke about the possibility of taking them into the snow. It was truly an outstanding trip.

“The players were all in. It turned out to be a bonding experience. The players got to know each other better and it was important to have a time like that.

“I think we want to do things differently. It shows the way our players are, going our own way and making the best out of what we have.

“Everything we’re doing is unique. Our brand is growing, people know we’re on the map and we want to continue to work on that.”