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Chairman defends lack of 'big name' signings
By Hutchy
August 1 2005
Hull City Chairman Adam Pearson has hit out at fans who have criticised the club over the lack of 'big name' signings this summer, and is keen to dampen expectation in the run up to the big kick off on Saturday

Speaking in an interview with the Yorkshire Post which was published today, Pearson said:"We have spent as much money this summer as this football club could possibly afford – we have a wage bill that is in the top 10 in the Championship and yet I still get comments from fans like, 'Why are we not signing big name players?'.

"Some of the rumours that have gone round have been ridiculous – Nicky Butt will be on at least £30,000-a-week. You cannot afford to pay wages of more £4-5,000 per week until you get the £20m of Sky money that comes from being in the Premiership.

"But, what is a big name player? I find it ridiculous because the way this club has been successful has been through bringing in young players and developing them – that is one of the managers skills.

"I have heard some fans complaining they have never even heard of our summer signings, but I expect them to realise what Peter Taylor's recruitment has been all about once the season begins.

"People had never heard of Stuart Elliott when he came. Or Bo Myhill and Damien Delaney. And yet they have done well for us.

"We buy players with a sell-on value. With the exception of Nick Barmby, who was a special case because he was a local lad prepared to accept a League One wage, we have not signed Premiership players."

With the expectation building in the run-up to the big kick off against QPR at the KC Stadium on Saturday, Pearson is asking for the fans to be realistic:"To be honest, I do not feel we have been able to manage the expectation.

"I think lip-service has been paid to it both from within the football club and from supporters. Ultimately, everyone wants to push on but it is going to be very difficult to do that this season – half the squad were playing regularly in Division Three two years ago and people should not lose sight of that.

"Personally, I would like to see us emulate what QPR did last season and finish in mid-table.

"They did very well after coming up and this summer have brought in some very good signings. QPR are doing it the right way and I expect them to push on towards the play-offs this season."

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