HUGHES CAN SPLASH CASH

Huddersfield v Stoke Kick off 3pm

MARK HUGHES is looking to spend in January to keep Stoke in the top flight.

Hughes is being backed by his board and has been told money is available.

The vital win over West Brom ended a run of five defeats in six games that sent the Potters plunging down the table.

Owner Peter Coates and his vice-chairman son John have stood firmly by Hughes and now they will back him with cash.

Hughes (above) needs a win at Huddersfield today to continue to take the heat out of the situation – and then he will look to bring in three players.

“We’ve got two or three viable targets which are encouraging and if we can do something we will,” said Hughes.

“They can help us in the short term as well as the long term. There’s a will to do things, a recognition we need a couple more. Cash is available.

“We hope to do something to make us more resolute when we lose key people because we need seven, eight, nine key players playing week in, week out.

“If we lose one or two it affects us adversely. We just need a little more strength,

“We’ve had injuries, bad luck, refereeing decisions in recent weeks. That’s why the pressure has risen.

“It’s been edifying and reassuring that the ownership wants everybody to succeed. I’ve been in places where that hasn’t been the case and it’s a complete contrast.”

Key man Joe Allen said: “We were aware of the pressure building. It’s been a frustration that we have not done better. That’s the word that sums up the season – frustration.”