SAINTS have moved quickly to reassure fans they are confident the August 11 opener against Espanyol at the Friends Provident St Mary's Stadium will go ahead.

Although the ground is not finished - there is still some internal decoration and finishing to complete - the club is sure that by August 11 Saints will be ready for their big kick-off, unless there is a major change in weather.

And the club are pleased with the way ticket sales have gone so far for the first ever game at the new ground. Seats are now on sale to season ticket holders, who get to buy their own seats at £15 for adults, £8 for teenagers and senior citizens and £5 for children - but only up until 4.30pm next Friday. Members will be able to buy seats from 9am a week today at £20, £10 and £5 before tickets go on general sale at the same price as for members. Phone bookings will be taken from 8.30am-7pm Monday to Friday while fax bookings continue to be taken on 023 8023 0882. The number will be the same at the new ground but will not operate between August 3-7.