Duffen with manager Phil Brown

The target remains what it has always been - to retain our Premier League status.

Paul Duffen
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Hull City chairman Paul Duffen insists survival remains the club's No.1 priority regardless of their stunning start to life in the Premier League.

The East Yorkshire side are currently riding high in sixth spot six games into the new campaign despite being tipped by many for a season of struggle following promotion via the Championship play-offs.

One might be surprised to hear a club in sixth place worrying about the drop, but Duffen insists that until the club's Premier League status is secured for another season their goal will not waver.

"A point a game across the season means you usually stay in the Premier League, whereas we are close to two at the moment," he told the Yorkshire Post.

No change

"It is encouraging, of course it is. But the target remains what it has always been - to retain our Premier League status. That will not change.

"Before last season, we set the target of a top-half finish and that never wavered because, as a club, we are not in the business of moving the goalposts during a season. Anything else was a bonus, as it would be this season.

"What we have to remember is it is a long campaign with 38 very difficult games to get through. And I am sure that, at some stage, we will hit a dip in form."

Premier League clubs have been targeted by foreign investment in recent years, including the likes of Aston Villa and Liverpool and more recently Manchester City, but Duffen insists there has been no interest in the KC Stadium outfit.

Sign of strength

The Tigers supremo believes lack of interest demonstrates a sign of strength as the club are not available on the cheap and that interested parties would have to pay an inflated price to get their hands on the club.

When asked if the club had been contacted by potential suitors, he replied: "No, none at all and I believe that is because people don't see us as vulnerable.

"You only get buyers chasing something that is for sale because, otherwise, they won't get it. Or if they do, they will have to pay an unrealistic price.

"It is good from our point of view that no-one has shown any interest as it shows what a position of strength the club is in."