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 wages 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, pictured, 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.