Wanderers believe they will have a head start on some clubs in next season's relegation shake-up.

The Reebok men are confident two years of Premiership experience and beating the drop will stand them in good stead when battle recommences.

Chairman Phil Gartside is counting no chickens but he expressed his hope that Wanderers could even savour the delights of "mid-table mediocrity".

Experience, quality players and the promotion to the Premiership of two top flight rookies has left the chairman hoping that things have got to start getting easier.

He said: "We have budgeted for finishing 17th in the past but we would hope to be finishing much better than that next season.

"In fact if we can be a mediocre mid table side that would be fantastic.

"We have had two great seasons when we have been involved in the relegation fight. The third year in the Premiership has got to be easier.

"There are two teams coming up who will be learning what it is all about in the Premiership.

"If we can secure the players we had on loan last season and we can get a good start we have got to have a chance of doing better next season."