Reds director Barry Taylor has defended his decision to speak in favour of Hull City owner Assem Allam's controversial plan to change the club's name and says he wishes Barnsley had had similar investment.

 

Taylor was among several figures within football who backed the plan to change the name to Hull Tigers at a meeting of the FA Council this week.

 

He told the Chronicle: "I love the tradition of football but money is the most important thing now. "This gentleman rescued Hull from financial trouble and has given them £74million which has helped them back into the Premier League and to the FA Cup semi-finals with a chance of winning it.

 

"I wish it was Barnsley. If someone bought the club from Patrick Cryne (Barnsley owner) and put that amount of money into it but wanted to call it Barnsley Tykes for commercial reasons, why would our fans complain if they were in the Premier League?"

 

The Reds director – who is also Life Vice President of the FA – was not eligible to participate in the vote, which went against Allam by 47 to 27, as he no longer represents clubs.