SAINTS will pay outgoing Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore £250k as a leaving gift.

The payment comes after Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck suggested all 20 top flight clubs cough up the money so that Scudamore can depart his role next month with a cheque for £5m.

A statement released by the Premier League after the meeting yesterday - attended by Ralph Krueger - confirmed that all the clubs will contribute to the £5m over a three-year period.

The statement read: “The Premier League has today agreed the arrangements for Richard Scudamore stepping down from his role as Executive Chairman.

“The decision was made by the Audit and Remuneration Committee and the Non-Executive Directors, supported and endorsed by the clubs.

“The payments, which will eventually total £5 million, will be spread over the next three years and are in consideration of three important areas.

“It was vital that a comprehensive set of non-compete clauses were extended, to ensure the best possible protection for the future of the Premier League.

“It was agreed that it is crucial for the League’s ongoing success that Richard’s unique knowledge and experience remain available in an advisory capacity.

“The payments are in recognition of the outstanding work Richard has carried out over the last 19 years.”

Scudamore departs his role next month, with Susanna Dinnage being confirmed as the replacement after leaving her job as global president of the Animal Planet channel for media organisation Discovery.

The new chief executive won’t officially start until January 2019 but admitted her joy in being offered the position.

Dinnage said: “I am excited at the prospect of taking on this fantastic role.”