Hull bounce back from the brink

The future looks brighter at Hull

Former Leeds United commercial director Adam Pearson has been confirmed as the new chairman and chief executive of Hull City.

Pearson had to resign from his position at Elland Road as Football Association rules prohibit individuals from holding an interest in more than one club at once.

Pearson is now the sole owner of Hull City and is ploughing his own money into the Boothferry Park club.

The main thing is to stabilise the club and I think that's what I've done

  Adam Pearson

My first task is to put together a new board and there will be some on-executive board appointments made by 27 March," he said.

"There will be funds available for Brian Little in the summer to bring in players and in the short term before the end of the season."

Pearson promised that the players who have not received their wages for around two months will be paid in full, hopefully within days.

"The main thing is to stabilise the club and I think that's what I've done. And I'm going to ensure the players are paid every penny that they are owed," he said.

"The biggest advantage the club has is the relationship with the council in regard to the construction of the new stadium, which will be completed by August 2002."

Little staying on

Hull City was put into administration at the start of February after surviving a winding up order issued by Customs and Excise and the Inland Revenue for unpaid debts, totalling £1.5m.

The administration order was extended to 30 April while the case was listed for a further hearing in Liverpool on 26 April.

Pearson has agreed a deal with the club's administrators - but it is still subject to agreement from the Football League.

We have had a tough time of it but it all looks to be sorting out. I hope this is the start of something positive

  Brian Little

"I have put together a two-year business plan and hope to break even within 14 months," said Pearson.

On the pitch, Hull have been going from strength to strength with Little leading the the club to the fringe of the play-offs zone.

"I believe that with six years at Leeds United I am capable of running a football team off the pitch and I'm very happy leaving Brian Little in charge of the on-the-pitch activities," said Pearson.

"I am delighted that Brian has agreed to stay on as manager as I believe he is one of the best in the country.

Little said he was delighted with his new owner.

"We have had a tough time of it but it all looks to be sorting out. I hope this is the start of something positive," he said