Actions, not words, are needed from Acun Ilicali

CITY'S FINANCES ARE UNDER MICROSCOPE AS ANOTHER SUMMER SHAMBLES PLAYS OUT

- By BARRY COOPER

The subject of Hull City's finances has become a significant talking point in recent weeks.

A spotlight has been placed on the club, its operation and most notably, its finances.

It's felt like a body blow, in truth it's likely to be the best thing that could happen, providing what happens next is a course correction.

With Acun Ilicali suggesting he would welcome investment back in May, to him saying the club were in good financial fettle at a press conference to officially unveil Sergej Jakirovic, it's fair to say it's been a tumultuous couple of weeks for all at the club, including the supporters.

Throw into that the transfer punishment handed down by the EFL, City's situation is anything but ideal and anything but the ideal preparation going into a season as important as this on the back of last term's shambles.

There has been raised concern following reports of City having significant transfer commitments outstanding of over £20m.

Having outstanding transfer commitments is nothing new, and the majority of clubs will be in a similar position.

Those payments will be staggered across a period of time, and in some cases, for the duration of the player's contract. The level of debt there is nothing new, the club's ability to pay those commitments is the acid question. Ilicali says there is no issue, and the club can do so.