RUPERT Lowe’s former boardroom supporter Mike Richards has revealed why he has joined forces with former Saints rival Leon Crouch.

The pair have signed a letter which will be given to all corporate hospitality guests at St Mary’s today.

It asks for donations to help keep Saints alive, and Richards told the Daily Echo that himself and Crouch have both made a financial contribution to help keep the club going.

“I won’t say how much because different people can afford different amounts,” said Richards.

“The message I want to get across is that all donations are vital.

“We want to see a packed stadium this weekend because that will show potential buyers what potential we have.

“Myself and Leon are putting petty differences behind us and are just concentrating on the future.

“It’s all about how we can go forward now. The past has gone, we have to look forward.”

The Echo have obtained a copy of the letter that has been signed by Richards and Crouch, and the wording is as follows: ‘We are writing to you, not as past Directors or now past Shareholders but purely as fans of Southampton Football Club.

We have put all past differences behind us and would fervently hope that all other supporters will do the same.

The position the club is in is now absolutely clear and we are focussed on doing all we can to help in its hour of need.

As well as filling the ground this afternoon and for all the remaining home games we all need to get behind the manager and the team and cheer them to success on the field.

We can also help the financial problems off it by making cash donations to get the club through to the end of the season and beyond if necessary.

We urge you to give whatever you can, whether corporate or personal - No amount is too small or too large!!

We have arranged with the club to have this letter posted on the club website and in future programmes and to list all those donating £1,000 or more by way of thanks, although even the smallest amount will be equally valued.

Donations can be made by cash, card or cheque in the hospitality suites and boxes today. Please make your cheques payable to Southampton Football Club Limited and send them direct to David Jones at the club.’