By Hutchy
April 8 2005

With the Tigers now looking almost certain to gain promotion to the Coca Cola Championship, Hull City chairman Adam Pearson has this week outlined the club's ambitions and budget for next season.

Speaking at the Fan’s Liaison Committee meeting this week, the man regarded as the club’s savior - having rescued them from the brink of financial ruin 4 years ago, Pearson has stated the club will be seeking to consolidate in the division above. However he is determined the club will be competitive and aim for a top ten finish.

The chairman, who is a former Leeds commercial director, intends to set a budget of £3.75m for player’s salaries. Pearson came to this figure after looking at other championship club’s finances. For example Stoke started last season with a budget of £3m but found the need to increase this to £3.7m to maintain their squad size and be competitive. Cardiff suffered with a budget of £7m and had to borrow using the ground as security – something the Tigers cannot do considering the KC stadium is owned by the Council.

Pearson stated that there will be money available for transfers, although due to transfer market conditions, he reckons few players will be moving for large fees in the summer. He also added payment of any transfer fees can be spread over a period of time and would not affect the wage budget.

Although no signings will be discussed until promotion is assured, the chairman expects at least 6 new players to be introduced into the squad before the start of next season. With the step up to the Championship expected to be a bigger one than last season, Peter Taylor must be reviewing his squad and assessing each player’s ability to make the grade in the division above. Areas on the pitch that are expected to be strengthened are in central midfield, upfront and possibly at the back.