Hull's returning executive chairman Adam Pearson insists the club is "in no danger of going out of business." Hull's accounts - released last week, five months behind schedule - showed borrowings of £22million, prompting accountants Deloitte to predict the Tigers will have to raise £23million to balance their books should they be relegated, and £16million if they survive.

He told the Hull Daily Mail: "If I felt the club was in imminent danger I'd have thought long and hard about coming back.

"Every problem at this club is solvable and the supporters should rest assured the club is in no danger of going out of business or going into administration."