George Burley was disappointed to see Chris Baird leave - but admitted the money is important for the club.

Burley stressed that Saints were not looking to sell Baird, but the £3.025m fee they have received from Fulham will go further towards balancing the club's books.

Baird, the fans' Daily Echo player of the season for 2006/07, turned down a move to Sunderland to make the switch to Fulham and to link up with Lawrie Sanchez, his former international manager with Northern Ireland.

It was Fulham's initial interest, and "derisory" £1m offer, that prompted Baird to hand in a transfer request.

Though Baird held talks with the Black Cats it is understood he was hoping that Fulham would come back and match their bid as he didn't want to relocate his young family.

Burley said last night: "I've enjoyed working with Chris.

"He's a smashing lad, a very good professional and I'm pleased in the last 18 months he became very much a regular feature in the team and a big crowd favourite and player of the year.

"It was disappointing to see him leave but we wish him all the best.

"When I think how far Chris has come in the 18 months I took over, it's pleasing.

"It's a good fee - we weren't looking to sell him but 18 months ago you probably could have signed him on a free transfer so £3m is a good fee.

"That money is important for the club to stabilise things.

"He's a smashing lad and I certainly hope he does well".

Baird is the 10th Saints player to return to the Premiership following the club's relegation in May 2005.

The others were Kevin Phillips (£1m), Peter Crouch (£7m), Fabrice Fernandes (free), Antti Niemi (£1.5m), Theo Walcott (£5m downpayment), Matthew Mills (£250,0000), Nigel Quashie (£1.2m), Gareth Bale (£5m downpayment) and Martin Cranie (£400,000).