THE future of Town will never be put in jeopardy again.

That's the pledge of chief executive Andrew Watson, a lifelong fan and former player who was brought back at the start of the season to run day-to-day McAlpine business.

His contribution has included the launch of the Blue and White Foundation, overall control of a revitalised commercial operation and continual liaison with manager Peter Jackson about all aspects affecting the club in the run-up to the play-off final in Cardiff a week on Monday (3.00).

"The club has moved forward in so many ways this season and we are determined to keep that going," said Mr Watson.

"All the commercial departments have grown and box-office sales have been incredible, especially in the closing weeks of the season, for the play-offs and on our cut-price season-ticket offer which has been extended to June 11.

"It is a real credit to the supporters, because they have already helped us reduce our major debt on wages by more than half, from £1.4m to just £600,000.

"That is still a vast amount of money which we are duty bound to find and repay, but we have made fantastic inroads."

The Ken Davy regime set out with the aim of making Town a `Top 30' club by their centenary in 2008 and that objective remains firm.

"Peter Jackson and his backroom have done a marvellous job with the squad and the team on the field of play," said Watson, who played his League football with Exeter City before moving into the commercial side of the game.

"Gerry Murphy and his staff at the Academy also deserve enormous credit, because to have 15 home-grown lads come through that Academy to be involved in the first-team squad this season is a magnificent achievement.

"Best of all, there are many more lads in the younger age groups who are showing tremendous promise, so it's very exciting for the future of the club."

The 37-year-old, who lives at Fixby, has also been amazed by the extra support generated throughout the season.

"To average over 10,000 fans each game is just wonderful considering what this club has been through in recent years," he said.

"And to have crowds of 18,000-plus and 19,000 for our last two McAlpine appearances is just outstanding.

"Obviously there were some elements disappointed by the fact we failed to go up automatically, but we know that 99% of fans are happy to see the club in existence, playing matches and delighted that progress is being made, because we are back on a much firmer footing for the future and with a lot to be positive about.

"The main thing which I hope everyone can be thankful about is that we will never put the club at risk again.

"Huddersfield Town will run off their own income in future because that is the only sensible way to go about it.

"Included in that will be continuing to build the Academy, because it's working fantastically for us at the moment and all being well will continue to do so.

"Ken Davy has provided brilliant backing for the club - far and above what was originally intended - to make sure this season has gone as well as it has, but if anyone thinks we are going to put the future of the club at risk again they are sadly mistaken.

"There is no way we want to end up in a Bradford City situation and fall back into administration, which is very sad indeed.

"We want to build properly and move forward from firm foundations, ones we believe we are creating here.

"That is the policy we will employ and, if we can press ahead from the excellent start which has been made in all sectors of the club, it should pay off for us for future generations."