His first period as chairman was from 30 June 2006 to February 2007, gaining his position following pressure on Rupert Lowe to resign, the club's previouschairman of ten years. Shortly after his arrival as chairman, the club's Director of Football, Sir Clive Woodward left by mutual agreement as the club went about trying to restructure its finances. A number of new players were brought into a depleted squad including Rudi Skacel, Kelvin Davis, Jermaine Wright, Bradley Wright-Phillips, and Iñigo Idiakez, but despite the Saints being in a play-off position in the Championship under Manager, George Burley, Wilde resigned, reportedly due to a lack of promised investment from outside investors.