Jan Poortvliet is hoping the next Saints transfers will be players coming in rather than going out after the massive disappointment of Stern John’s departure last week.

Following an angry reaction to the move by fans, the Saints head coach admitted he wanted John to stay and that the striker did not want to leave.

But, with Poortvliet not able to guarantee the striker would play every week, a financial decision was taken by the club’s hierarchy to let the Trinidad & Tobago international move to Bristol City on loan until January.

Saints looked desperately short of firepower in their 3-0 defeat to Swansea and a vocal section of the 1,000-strong away support made their feelings clear.

They chanted John’s name and ‘we want Rupert out,’ as they blame Rupert Lowe for the striker’s departure.

When asked directly why John left against his and the Poortvliet's wishes, the head coach said: “The actual reason you all know. We talked at the beginning of the season of the wage bill and that’s still a problem."