BELEAGUERED North End manager Gary Peters got a whopping vote of confidence yesterday - £1 million to spend on his injury-hit squad.

Peters, under-fire from fans after a string of bad results, remained tight-lipped about possible new signings, but is clearly delighted the cash will put an end to speculation about his imminent sacking.

Peters said: "This money demonstrates I have the continued support of the directors. It shows we are an ambitious club."

The club's five biggest shareholders have stumped up more than £3.5 million to spend on the team and to start work on the new North Stand next year. The cash has been raised by a new shares issue and by borrowing £600,000. Chairman Bryan Gray said: "We are aiming for the First Division."

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