Brian Carney believes Hull FC's new financial 'footing' will help propel the club up the Super League table—although a Grand Final appearance or even a top four finish is still a long way off.

The Black and Whites, aware of the huge rebuild ahead, finished in a dismal 11th place last season but have since secured financial stability in the shape of new owners Andrew Thirkill and David Hood, who acquired the club from Adam Pearson last December. Two successful businessmen, the duo are worth in the region of half a billion pounds and have already declared that all income and profit made over the first 'three years' of their ownership will be put back into the club.

Meanwhile, Carney, a former winger at the club, believes it's 'hard to see' Hull not going in the right direction not only with that new ownership but also with the new experienced signings—John Asiata, Jordan Rapana, Zak Hardaker, and co.—added to John Cartwright's squad, with the Sky Sports host also declaring that the club are 'under pressure to deliver results.'

READ MORE: Callum Kemp's Hull FC maturity shown as half-back assesses big 'pride' and family first

READ MORE: Richie Myler outlines Hull FC success stance as CEO adressess 'remarkable' members

"The most important thing is that they're on a sound financial footing," Carney told All Out Rugby League, the new sister website of Hull Live. "They are highly unlikely to find themselves in a Salford situation, so they can plod along and balance the books. They appear to have an ownership group able and willing to spend what it will take to get to the top and make sure last year doesn't repeat itself. That's the best news.

"It's going to take time, but I won't be overly perturbed if they finish fourth from bottom. The fans might be, and Richie Myler might too, but so long as they build for a more successful future, I'm okay with it.

"They're under pressure to deliver results, and I think that's why Myler has recruited as he has. You sign Asiata and pay him more than Leigh was willing because he's a proven individual. They're trying to buy tried and trusted. Have they bought a side that will be Grand Finalists? I don't think so. Top four? I don't think so. But the right direction, it's hard to say that they're not."

Carney has also stated that Hull, who do have ambitions to nurture and bring through their own talent, have the scope now to spend big while said young players learn their craft, with the club going to the maximum of the salary cap allowance and all of the loopholes that go with it, while, at the same time, bringing through their young players.

He added: "The important thing is that it's the first time in a long time they can spend for the long term. When you're investing in academies and production lines, that doesn't immediately produce results. Pressure at the top takes a very brave person to prioritise that and a wealthy person to do both at the same time. I think Hull has the resource now."

All Out Rugby League launches this Monday with our new season supplement out this week. We have exclusive interviews with every Super League club, as well as a big feature with Brian Carney, Jenna Brooks, and more.