Blackburn Rovers chairman John Williams has revealed how the signing of Michel Salgado last summer meant the club had to finish at least 11th to meet their budget.

Rovers went one better in the end, finishing tenth.

Williams told the Lancashire Telegraph: "Despite our financial constraints a top 10 finish; 50 points; a Carling Cup semi-final, beating Chelsea along the way; superb home form; beating Arsenal; draws with Man Utd, Liverpool and Chelsea; doubles over Villa and our local rivals Bolton and Burnley; three clean sheets; and only three home defeats.

"Not bad!

"Sam achieved an excellent return of 1.3pts per game in his first half season, we knew if we could sustain that level a mid-table finish was achievable.

"Our wage costs also suggested mid-table. We actually budgeted to finish 13th but Sam put up a compelling case for Michel Salgado.

"This meant we had to re-forecast to 11th. A tall order but we did it with a bit to spare and only goal difference denying us ninth."