I agree with those that it's not going to be easy next season, however, considering what has been achieved this season with a handicap of a slow start and -10 points we would have been challenging for automatic promotion, regardless of the odd bad result (tranmere, oldham) which occur to all teams. The only issue for next season is to manage the high expectations.
For that reason I expect Saints to get promoted next season. The biggest risk to that is the lose of the manager as that can effect the squad, but we are at least in a good position to attract a manager that is just as capable as Pardew.
Players can be replaced and at least we can hold out for a top end valuation for our players. I was staggered that we could attract Fonte in January when promotion was only a slim possibility so there is hope current players will stay for another season or at least decent players would be interested in joining Saints to replace those wanting to leave.