Saints captain Kelvin Davis admitted it came as little surprise when the players were told the gravity of the club’s financial situation.

Manager Mark Wotte explained the severity of Saints’ predicament to his squad yesterday morning – but Davis was ready for it.

He said: “It’s not a great day but I don’t think it was a masive surprise.

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“There have been rumblings all season.

“The timing was a surprise but not one that knocked us off our feet.

“The club have been moving on the better-paid players and they were only doing that for one reason.

“But the manager explained to us what the situation is with the holding company and the football club so we’re happy to know we won’t be getting a ten-point deduction.

“I’m sure there are a few teams in this league that aren’t happy about that, but the rules are there for a reason.”