Millwall v Hull City: Tigers avoid going into administration after striking bank deal

The Tigers have endured a difficult summer since being relegated from the Premier League after over-spending during two years among the elite.

Just last week, there were concerns the Premier League were considering withholding the first parachute payment of 9m due to worries over the club's financial state.

The money was, eventually, paid as planned on Friday but with a tax bill of around 4m still outstanding, there were concerns among supporters as to whether Hull might be forced into administration.

Now, however, Bartlett has moved to ease those fears by revealing that Hull have secured a refinancing package with Investec, the club's bank, to replay a loan of around 15m over a two-year period.

Bartlett said: "We are pleased to announce that Hull City have received approval from Investec Bank plc for the renewal of the club's existing banking facility.

"The revised terms for a period of up to two years provide the club with long-term financing support and we can now look forward to a period of sustained financial stability."

Bartlett has also thanked the club's football creditors for agreeing to accept rescheduled payment plans.

Hull still owe money to Stoke City for the transfers of Ibrahima Sonko and Seyi Olofinjana, and Fulham for Jimmy Bullard.

La Liga outfit Celta Vigo, who sold Kamel Ghilas to Hull last year, are another club still waiting for cash, as are Villarreal (Jozy Altidore) and Boulogne (Steven Mouyokolo).

Bartlett insists all outstanding monies owed to football creditors by Hull, who yesterday signed former West Bromwich Albion midfielder and Slovenia captain Robert Koren, 29, on a two-year deal, will be paid in full by this time next year.

The Tigers' owner added: "The club is also grateful to the significant number of other creditors and stakeholders who have agreed to and participated in extended payment arrangements during the financial restructuring process.

"In the meantime, the club will continue with its programme to reshape the playing squad in order to meet overhead targets."

Hull today step into the Lions' Den with manager Nigel Pearson admitting how his players deal with the volatile home crowd will be key.

The Tigers travel knowing that there will be a frenetic atmosphere as The Den hosts Championship football for the first time in four years.

Millwall won promotion last season via the play-offs after claiming 56 points on home soil – the highest tally in League One.

They also beat Huddersfield in the play-off semi-final second leg so Pearson knows Hull are in for a rough ride.

"It will be interesting to see how we deal with a pretty volatile atmosphere away from home," he said.

"It is always a tough game when you go down there but I am sure they will know it's a tough game for them as well."

Hull are hoping to claim a first away win in 17 months, their last success on the road in any competition having come at Fulham in March, 2009, when a last-minute goal from Manucho clinched the points.