The need for Saints to get into their new ground has been re-emphasised by the latest accounts which show they made a loss of £2.4 million for the financial year ending May 31, 2000.

The figure, confirmed at yesterday's annual general meeting, was a big reversal on the profit of £1.5 million for the previous 12 months brought about mainly by the sale of Kevin Davies to Blackburn for £7.25 million.

But the bright spot for the club is that they cut their operating loss from £1.1 million to £200,000 and chairman Rupert Lowe is confident the new stadium will overcome that trend.

He said: "We are embarking on an ambitious plan to build the new stadium and to drive our turnover so that players' transfer fees and wages become less significant.

"Player costs are still the biggest element of the figures which show just how heavily we have invested in new signings in recent years.

"The Dell has been a great ally to us but we need more bums on seats, more corporate facilities and a stadium fit for the Premier League. The hope is that the company would then generate a profit from a growing turnover."

Meanwhile the new ground is about to get a new name with Friends Provident poised to give the fans their wish.

Supporters were upset that no historical element was included in the original title of the Friends Provident Stadium but club chairman Rupert Lowe told yesterday's AGM that an announcement will be made in the next few days.

He said: "Friends Provident are decent people who do listen and are concerned to do the right thing and I think people will be pleased with what they have to say."

The favourite title for inclusion alongside the sponsor's name is St Mary's although it seems fans would also be happy with the New Dell.

The Echo poll attracted a huge pile of votes with St Mary's scoring 51 per cent ahead of the New Dell on around 33 per cent with other suggestions taking the remaining 16 per cent.

These ranged from Chapel to Spitfire or just the Saints Stadium. One even suggested naming the new fortress the CitaDell!

Saints Reserve defender Richard Dryden has had his loan at Northampton extended by another month.

Dryden has impressed during his four appearances with the Division 2 club who are hoping that the move could yet become permanent with no prospect of the centre back forcing his way into Glenn Hoddle's reckoning.

Dryden cost Saints £150,000 from Bristol City just over four years ago.