Although turnover was down by £1.23m to £10,092,595 the company instigated a cost reduction programme which reduced total expenditure by £1.78m and enabled the company to make a net profit before tax of £9,284.

"This is the eighth year in succession that the company has made a profit, a record we are extremely proud of," said Northampton Saints chief executive Allan Robson. "It demonstrates that we are able to manage our own business in the most difficult of circumstances and is essential in order to maintain the club's ongoing financial stability."

Following relegation at the end of the 2006/07 season former European Cup Winners Northampton Saints were unbeaten in National Division One setting a record points total and scoring a record number of tries. They also won the EDF Energy National Trophy at Twickenham in April.

Chairman Keith Barwell paid tribute to the 7,286 season ticket holders who helped the club to break new attendance records for the national divisions and achieve the third highest average home attendance in the country.

"It is both humbling and inspiring," he said. "One day soon, I hope we will reward you by adding to our silverware."

Northampton Saints' return to the Premiership continues with warm-up matches against Super 14 side Western Force and Italian Super 10 runners-up Benetton Treviso at Franklin's Gardens on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 31st August respectively.