HIS recent predecessors were always confident that the goals would flow - their only reservations being the security of their back line.

But Sam Allardyce goes into the new season confident that his defence is up to the job.

What he worries about - in complete contrast to the likes of Colin Todd and Bruce Ricoh - is whether the strikers can produce the goods.

"If Fulham and Blackburn get good starts, they'll be the teams to beat," the Wanderers' boss says, assessing the strength of the competition. "I'm not so sure about Sheffield Wednesday but Wimbledon and Watford will be strong too.

"We'll be up there too, if we can get enough goals. If we can't ... well, I'll just have to go out and find someone who can get them."

Big Sam is honest enough to anticipate the fans' reaction to such a statement in the light of the summer departures of Eidur Gudjohnsen and Claus Jensen - two of the brightest and most attack-minded players of last season's exciting campaign.

"They were sold to ease the financial situation," he explains, again stressing the predicament Wanderers have been in since last year's - not last season's - Play-off defeat. "But we've done good business bringing other players in."

Much, of course, will be expected of Per Frandsen on his return and of experienced defensive hands, Simon Charlton and Anthony Barness. Less will be demanded, to begin with, of Michael Ricketts who has been recruited as much for his potential as for his potency. But the 21-year-old Brummie, suspended for the first three games of course, will still be expected to make a significant contribution.

"I don't want to be seen to be putting pressure on Michael but he got goals for Walsall last season and I'll be expecting him to show that same sort of scoring form for us. Dean Holdsworth has to be looking at getting over 20 - Bo Hansen too - and I'm hoping Per can get into double figures."

Potential or not, Ricketts has certainly made an impact in the pre-season games but Wanderers haven't exactly looked like a formidable attacking force.

Defensively it's a different story.

No wonder the manager is optimistic on that score, having recruited Barness and Charlton (they would never have been 'free' transfers but for the Bosman ruling), worked out new deals with Mike Whitlow, Gudni Bergsson and Jimmy Phillips and seen Mark Fish's transfer to Charlton fall through.

With competition from Steve Banks sure to keep Jussi Jaaskelainen on the top of his form and with Paul Warhurst, Frank Passi and Frandsen all capable of putting up a midfield 'screen' Wanderers should at least be hard to beat.

"Defensively we're as strong as anybody," Allardyce says assuringly, "but we lack a little bit of flair at the moment due to the loss of the wingers. But that's something we've got to try and cope with until the right person comes along."