The man who first brought Rupert Lowe to Saints has backed his return- but has warned major cuts will have to be made to stabilise the club's finances.

Guy Askham, who was chairman at the time of Lowe's reverse takeover of Saints in 1997, has spoken out to explain his support for the return of Lowe along with another former chairman, Michael Wilde.

There is a clear divide of opinion over the state of the finances of the club between the outgoing board led by Leon Crouch and the new one of Lowe, Wilde and Andrew Cowen.

Both parties also apportion the blame for perceived problems to different places.

What does seem clear is that Lowe and Wilde are bracing themselves to make unpopular cuts that could include reducing the wage bill of the first team squad, though they are keen to put cash into the academy.

Askham, who rarely speaks publicly, issued a statement to the Daily Echo in which he explained his reasons for siding with Lowe once again.

Guy Askham's statement - see today's Daily Echo.