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Managers not obsessed with money

Tue 20 May, 05:30 PM


Phil Brown and Gary Johnson are adamant that the kudos of playing in the Premier League will be all that matters when Hull face Bristol City.Brown and Johnson insist it is not the financial rewards of reaching the top flight that will inspire their teams at Wembley on Saturday.

The Championship play-off final is billed as the most lucrative game in club football, with promotion thought to be worth in the region of £60million.

Hull manager Brown is confident his players will be inspired by the prospect of playing in the Premier League for the first time in the club's history, and not be sidetracked by the windfall they will land by beating the Robins.

"I don't think it is really of any concern to any of the players how rich the final is," said Brown.

"You can mention £50million, £60million or £80million to any of the players, but it means nothing to that individual.

"It is all about the personal development of wanting to play at the highest level. They all want to play in the Premier League.

"These players as a group - regardless of the targets I have set - are motivated by getting to the Premier League."

Bristol City boss Johnson, whose side finished one place below Hull in fourth in their first season back in the Championship, concurred with Brown.

The former Yeovil manager also believes that it will have untold benefits for the surrounding area should Bristol be victorious at Wembley.

"It is true, regardless of how much the media build it up as the £60million match, that it doesn't matter to us as players or me as a manager," said Johnson.

"We are all aware of the monetary rewards on Saturday but it is about what it could mean to this club on a weekly basis next season.

"You can't put a price on having the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal or Liverpool at Ashton Gate every other week.

"Not only that, but we would be the only Premier League club in this part of the country.

"That opens up a huge catchment area for us and gives people in the surrounding areas a rare chance to come and watch top-quality football on a regular basis."

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