KEN DULIEU has been confirmed as the chairman of the Saints' Board.

Mr Dulieu, along with Michael Wilde, Jim Hone, Lee Hoos, Patrick Trant and Leon Crouch form the new Saints board.

Mr Wilde, the New Forest millionaire whose investment in Southampton Leisure Holdings PLC earlier this year ultimately provided the driving force behind Rupert Lowe's exit, has been appointed as chairman of Southampton Football Club Ltd, a subsidiary of the company.

The move by Rupert Lowe heads off what would have been a dramatic EGM of shareholders at St Mary's on Monday.

Mr Wilde said tonight: "Clearly we have a great deal to do, particularly in the pre-season period. We have set out how we mean to manage this great club in an open and accessible way.

"We will commence an immediate review of each aspect of the business and we will be speaking urgently to George Burley to establish the resources he needs in both the short and medium term.

"This will be an exciting time for everyone involved with the club.

"We look forward with immense anticipation to the challenges we face and to working with our new colleagues throughout the business.

"We would also like to thank fans and shareholders alike for the support they have show us during a very testing time."