Jack Ross says he'll be patient in his pursuit of new players to give himself the best possible chance of getting the right type in for next season.
The Buddies manager was speaking to stmirren.com after picking up a second Ladbrokes Championship Manager of the Month award in a row.
He admitted that a lot of business will depend on what players currently at the squad decide to renew their contracts.
However, with work underway to tie up current players and identify new talent the gaffer also confessing that he is close to bringing in a new face.
We've had lists of players for a long time now because of the extent of our planning," he said. "But some will be determined on players that remain because there are players here that I don't want to change.
"There's one that we are hopefully not far away from that I have spoken to for a while.
"We've done a lot of hard work already but again some of it will be dependent on what happens with the current squad and we can progress things from there.
"There are also a couple of areas where I will be patient because I want to make sure it's the right calibre of player and the right type of character we get in as well.
"In that sense I want to be a little more patient because there are obviously still games to be played in Scotland in the Premiership.
"Finishing the season at this time it helps," he continued. "James [Fowler], Allan [McManus] and I have already spent a bit of time this week going over players and it means we can make real considered decisions which is helpful. It means you have more chance of getting it right."
Adam Eckersley became the first out of contract Buddie to commit his future to the Saints as he agreed a new two-year deal with the club on Tuesday.
He was joined by Jack Baird who, this morning, put pen to paper on a one-year extension and the manager is relaxed about others following suit after speaking with the squad.
I'm quite comfortable about where we are at after initial conversations with a lot of the players," he said. "A lot of them are very positive about wanting to stay. I know that can change when other things come into the equation. But my initial thoughts are that it's a good starting point for us.
"Adam committing already is a real positive sign because he is a real quality player who absolutely had options elsewhere, but he wanted to stay here. He's thoroughly enjoyed it and wants to play a part in us being promoted because he is an ambitious guy as well.
"The players are in a brilliant place. The challenge is just keeping the bulk of the squad together and the changes I have to make is about getting the right types in again.
"That process for me begins right away. I want to have things settled as quickly as possible and know where we are at for the start of pre-season.
"I think when the players come back they'll come back with a spring in their step. There will be a feel good factor around the place and the challenge is to keep that going. I absolutely believe we can keep doing that particularly if we keep the bulk of the squad together."
Speaking on his second Manager of the Month award, Jack acknowledged it was a nice accolade to receive but was quick to praise his backroom staff for all the work they do.
He said: "It's always nice to have your work recognised but it's very much a reward for the players and staff.
"I'd like to pay tribute to the work of James and Allan in particular because they've been a huge help to me this year.
"They fly under the radar at times in terms of how much attention and credit they get for it so I'm delighted for them as well."
