City need half a dozen new players to launch a promotion bid next term.

Bryan Robson feels there is the core of a successful side for Division Two. But having chopped back numbers, the squad needs to be swelled considerably over the summer if the finances allow it.

Robson, who released three more players this week, said: "There's a good base there but with the amount I've let leave the club, we need to bring in six or seven new players to strengthen the squad if we're going to make a push for promotion."

Fans will expect City to bounce back strongly from a campaign which has been hard work for everyone.

Robson admitted: "I don't think you can take any positives from a season when you're relegated. And with the situation that the club's been in, they are not nice circumstances to be working under.

"The players are worried about their families and some let that affect them more than others.

"But if this club comes out of administration and they have a sound financial footing with no threat of it happening again, then that's going to be far better for the players next season. They can get on with the job knowing exactly where they stand."

One player Robson expects to feature more is Tom Penford, who has beefed up since making his City debut a year ago at Preston.

He said: "From the ages of 18 to 21, the young players really mature and grow into men rather than boys. The Second Division is just as physical as the First and the players coming in have got to stand up to that.

"Penford wasn't overawed by the occasion against Wimbledon and was looking to get on the ball all the time. This is a good chance for him now and for the team to get used to him so you're not starting from afresh next season."