Barwell is targeting an immediate return to the Premiership

The Saints dropped out of the top flight despite winning their final match against London Irish.

"I blame myself. I don't wear boots and run on to the pitch, but I am the guy who picks the coaching team, so I will take responsibility for that," he said.

"There are lots of options, but there won't be a knee-jerk reaction."

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Northampton will hold a board meeting on Monday to plan their future and Barwell insisted the outlook is positive.

606: DEBATE I hope this relegation will give us the chance to rebuild our team relying more on homegrown young talent RI

"When I walked around the pitch after the game, the supporters were all telling me not to worry and that they would be here next season," he said.

The chairman has come in for criticism for taking his eye off the ball, with former Northampton and England hooker Steve Thompson telling the BBC that Saints had paid the price for focusing on business rather than playing matters.

"With the support and facilities we've got it's a disaster, but one that's been waiting to happen," Thompson told the Sportsweek programme.

I stand on the ship's bridge so I will take the flak Saints chairman Keith Barwell

"The chairman has actually said they put too much emphasis on getting a great stadium and a great business, and put the playing side to one side."

Barwell admitted he could have done things differently but insisted there were other factors at work as well.

"We have done some things right, but as far as getting the team organised we haven't got it right," he said.

"Sometimes, we've had bad luck, but I am not moaning about that.

"We've had great coaches like Ian McGeechan, who went to Scotland, while Wayne Smith went to New Zealand.

Northampton's fans are facing up to life out of the top flight next season

"Those setbacks were not easy to take. But we don't shy away - I stand on the ship's bridge, so I will take the flak."

Thompson said he was not sure if Paul Grayson will continue as head coach.

"They have got a big decision on their hands but you can't just sack someone - you've got to have someone to come in and at the moment I don't think there's anyone linked with the club," he said.

However, Barwell said he expects Grayson to remain, although he may bring someone in over the former England fly-half's head.

"A director of rugby coming in is one of the options. Almost certainly, Paul will stay," said Barwell.

"We need to make sure we can win National League One next season and make sure we have a good squad that can immediately survive and do well in the Premiership.