Saints were one of nine Premier League clubs to pay a seven figure salary to their highest paid director in 2012-13.

Nicola Cortese’s salary of just over £1.96m made him the highest paid director in the top flight, according to a round-up of every club’s accounts compiled by the Guardian.

Behind Cortese was Ivan Gazidis, Arsenal chief executive, who earned £1.825m.

The clubs that paid seven figure salaries to their highest paid director, including bonuses in Norwich’s case, are Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, Norwich, Saints, Tottenham, West Brom and West Ham.