Saints Marching
Fansided

Southampton receive financial boost ahead of 2021/22 season

By Marc Walker

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 13: General view inside the stadium as fans take their seats inside the stadium socially distanced and wearing face masks during the Premier League match between Southampton and Sheffield United at St Mary's Stadium on December 13, 2020 in Southampton, England. A limited number of spectators (2000) are welcomed back to stadiums to watch elite football across England. This was following easing of restrictions on spectators in tiers one and two areas only. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 13: General view inside the stadium as fans take their seats inside the stadium socially distanced and wearing face masks during the Premier League match between Southampton and Sheffield United at St Mary's Stadium on December 13, 2020 in Southampton, England. A limited number of spectators (2000) are welcomed back to stadiums to watch elite football across England. This was following easing of restrictions on spectators in tiers one and two areas only. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Southampton have received a potentially vital financial boost ahead of 2021/22 with full capacities expected in the Premier League this season.

A statement from Saints confirmed that they were “delighted” to confirm that supporters could return without restricted numbers taking their place in the stands.

Matchday revenue will become a key source of income for the club once again after its value fell during the pandemic. The majority of games from March 2020 were played behind closed doors.

Via Saints’ financial statement for the 2019/20 season, four home matches were played without fans present and this saw matchday revenue drop from £17m to £14.5m. The drop for 2020/21 will be considerably more given that only a few fixtures had limited capacities allowed.

A general view of the St Mary’s stadium (Photo by GLYN KIRK/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
A general view of the St Mary’s stadium (Photo by GLYN KIRK/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

Southampton securing some vital funds ahead of a crucial campaign

This increase in income to near normal levels will provide an ability to put forward funds towards everything that is needed, including more transfers this summer.

More from Saints Marching

Saints have already started to clear some deadwood from their first-team. Angus Gunn was sold to Norwich City for an initial £5m fee that could rise to around £7m, whilst Wesley Hoedt also joined Anderlecht on a permanent deal.

Kayne Ramsay and Jake Vokins have also take loans at Crewe Alexandra and Ross County respectively, with small loan fees potentially received for both.

Money has been allocated to signing Romain Perraud and Theo Walcott permanently and more action can be expected up until the final day of the market. Depth remains a problem in areas of the squad and this needs to be addressed to ensure injuries do not cause so many problems in this season.

More importantly overall, the club can fund more provisions for the return of supporters, including making sure that the stadium is safe and ready for things to return to normal.

Hard work will be going on behind the scenes to ensure the experience for supporters makes it like they were never away.

Next. Big developments in Saints' search for new striker. dark

Home/Southampton FC News