Saints’ income has rapidly deteriorated since they were relegated from the cash-rich Premiership in May 2005.

Their income for the financial year ending May 31 that year was a whopping £44.8m.

Three years later it had dropped to under £15m.

Last year the club announced a loss of £4.9m for the year ending June 2008, despite bringing in £12.7m from selling players.

How Saints’ annual income has decreased following relegation: Financial year ending summer 2003 - £48.8m.

2004 - £49.8m.

2005 - £44.8m.

2006 - £25.7m (including parachute payment of £6.7m).

2007 - £23.3m (including parachute payment of £6.7m).

2008 - £14.9m.