“Of that, only £50,600 is a net shortfall, meaning that we only have a cash deficit of that particular amount. The rest of the loss was due to depreciation,” Geoff continued.

“We’ve still to get in better order, but the target now is to wipe out these losses and get ourselves into profit.

“That can be achieved if we finish top of the Bell’s First Division.

“The financial state of the game in general is not healthy at all and I hope other clubs cut their cloth accordingly.”

Meanwhile, Saints open their First Division account for the season at Airdrie United tomorrow, knowing they travel west with their squad likely to be depleted.

Left-back Ross Forsyth is very doubtful with a thigh injury and it’ll be tomorrow before manager John Connolly decides if defender Sean Webb and forwards Chris Hay and Stephen McConalogue are fit enough to play.

John will be hoping both strikers, or at least one, is fit, as the only other forwards he has available to him are Michael Moore and Ryan Stevenson.

Peter MacDonald, a long-term injury victim, is now back in training, but it’ll be a few more weeks yet before he’s ready to play.

However, on the credit side, Paul Bernard is free of suspension and Lee Hardy is fit again. Both are in the squad.

John handed Stevenson a two-year deal soon after he took over as team boss last season and he’s hoping the youngster proves to be a shrewd investment.

“Folk forget that Ryan is only 19. He’s a player that can excite the fans, but he has a lot to learn.

“We’re working with Ryan daily and are hopeful he’ll do well.”