Wage cuts for Saints stars

Southampton chairman Rupert Lowe has revealed the club will avoid getting into financial difficulties as the players will take wage cuts following relegation.

Saints dropped out of the Barclays Premiership following yesterday’s 2-1 defeat by Manchester United at St Mary’s but Lowe has disclosed the players had a clause inserted into their contracts where their wages would be reduced should they go down.

Lowe told the club’s official website, wwwsaintsfc.co.uk: ”The players have a clause in their contracts which cuts their wages so we will not suffer the same problems as some of the previously relegated clubs.

“Our wage bill – which was bigger than that of West Brom, Palace and Norwich - will not come into line with our income.”