SAINTS' Championship trip to fellow strugglers Watford tomorrow has been postponed due to the adverse weather conditions in Hertfordshire.

Speaking on behalf of Watford FC, Head of Operations Paddy Flavin said: "We have a social responsibility to make the decision earlier rather than later - and tomorrow would have been too late.

"Because we are accountable and responsible for the safety of all people coming to our stadium, the responsibility for this decision solely rests with the football club's safety and operational team.

"We'd made great efforts to make sure the pitch was in good condition for the game tomorrow, and sadly it would have been, but with freezing temperatures forecast for this area overnight, and specifically a forecast of minus four degrees at 6am tomorrow morning; given all of those circumstances this was a clear-cut decision to have to make concerning the safety of our supporters.

"We had the added concern of over 1,000 Scouts and Guides joining us tomorrow from throughout Hertfordshire and the risk to young children in such conditions is considerably increased."

He added: "Furthermore, due to the weather conditions, it was by no means clear we could make sure we had the requisite number of staff on site, including those of the medical profession, to meet our legal requirements to open the stadium given that they too would have to travel to the venue.

"Clearly we're as upset as any of our fans would be as the Manager and the team were very much looking forward to the fixture, but as a Club we will never compromise safety under any circumstances."

The decision was taken before the Saints team were due to travel from St. Mary's at 2pm this afternoon and takes into account those supporters of both teams who would otherwise be forced to travel across country with the risk of further treacherous road conditions when the authorities are already asking people not to make non-essential travel plans.