THE largest Saints supporters group are seeking answers from club directors this week after expressing "concerns" over the lack of transfer window activity.

The Saints Trust boast directors Michael Wilde, Leon Crouch and Patrick Trant among their 700-plus members.

But the Trust are worried about the lack of investment since Wilde's regime took control of Saints last July.

Today the Daily Echo prints the answers the Trust received to a series of questions submitted in writing to Wilde's board following last November's AGM.

Trust officials are seeking more information - specifically with regards to the new investment heavily hinted at last summer.

On asking Saints how they would attempt to plug the £6m shortfall from the parachute payment on failing to go up this season, the Trust were given an extract from chief executive Jim Hone's statement in last year's accounts.

This included the comments that every practicable endeavour is being made to provide the necessary resources and create the ideal environment for continuous success on the field.' Regarding those words, Trust vice chairman Gavin Egan told the Echo last night: "Given the current injury crisis and lack of activity in the transfer window, it is hard to come to that conclusion at this time."

Egan added: "The Trust believe this is the most important season in the club's history given the substantial increase in payments just announced for clubs competing in the Premiership.

"It makes it even more imperative that we achieve promotion this season.

"We are seeking a further meeting with the club to discuss this and other matters such as new investment".

Trust chairman Steve Godwin added: "It would be nice to know what plans there are to fund any new players in the current transfer window given that George Burley has said he can't buy anyone.

"We would also like to know what plans there are if the club does not go up this season".

Godwin added: "We are pleased that the club have now responded in full to the questions we raised last year.

"I am sure it will create much debate amongst supporters.

"Some may be happy, others may not but ultimately the club should be applauded for providing a frank and comprehensive response".

Godwin, Egan and a third Trust committee member, Brian Bennett, are planning to meet Hone, operations manager Lee Hoos, finance director David Jones and commercial manager Andy Oldknow later this week.

Saints have also confirmed that NO new investment monies from outside parties are available to Burley this month.

There are also no plans to invite new blood onto the club's PLC board - even though Paul Thompson left the board last November and Brian Hunt is standing down at the end of this season.

Saints also told the Trust they are still eager to appoint a fan - a voice of the people' as it were - to the club's Football Board chaired by Wilde.

That person is expected to come from the Trust committee.

Egan said: "We agree that the club have improved communication with supporters groups and the fan base as a whole through a number of new initiatives that we hope will soon come to fruition.

"We are also pleased with the very positive response to the matter of placing a supporter on the board of Southampton FC".

Saints reply to Trust's questions - full story, with Q & A, in today's Daily Echo