Saints’ staff have been informed they will not be paid their monthly wages today – but have been asked to stay on and work for another week while Mark Fry tries to generate the cash to pay them.

Administrator Fry called an emergency meeting at St Mary’s today to explain to staff why they hadn’t been paid their May wages.

He asked for their continued goodwill to stay on at the club for a further week while he tries to bring the current situation to an endgame and he has called a further meeting for next Friday by which time he hopes to be able to confirm they will be paid.

The Daily Echo understands he told them that he was still hopeful of concluding a deal to sell the club with four parties still interested.

He will also investigate other possible ways to raise funds.