CHIEF operating officer Andy Oldknow has left Saints this afternoon by mutual consent, the Daily Echo can reveal.

Oldknow was brought back into the club for a second spell following Markus Liebherr's takeover in the summer.

The appointment is understood to have been intended as a short-term one and Oldknow is now pursuing other options, having helped the club find its feet under the new ownership.

Oldknow was previously commercial director under Michael Wilde, but left when the SISU deal was blocked and no further outside investment was forthcoming.

The Daily Echo understands that Saints are not planning on replacing Oldknow.