PHIL Gartside believes Wanderers are financially coming to terms with life outside the Premier League.

The chairman is optimistic about the season ahead and the business done by the Whites so far in the transfer market.

Dougie Freedman takes his side to Rotherham United for their opening pre-season friendly tonight – which gives fans a first glimpse of new arrivals Marc Tierney, Alex Baptiste and Rob Hall in a Whites shirt.

And while Gartside has hinted further signings are likely to follow before the close of the window, strengthening Wanderers’ chances of a promotion chase, he stressed the work that has gone on in the last 12 months to bring costs down.

Last year’s figures showed a £136.5million debt, and, heading into a second season outside the bright lights of the top flight, Gartside maintained a sensible attitude to spending must continue.

“We are very lucky to have Eddie Davies who has put a massive amount of money into the football club over the last few years,” he said.

“Contrary to what people say, we rely on his generosity but he has also structured it in such a way that we have very little bank debt.”

The chairman is happy the club is in no financial peril, but admits work is still ongoing to get it back on an even keel.

“We are not under pressure from banks,” he said.

“It is tough outside the Premier League that is for sure.

“The parachute payments help because they cushion the blow but they don’t solve the problem.

“We have got to get our finances in order now – but we are getting there.”

In announcing a new three-year radio commentary deal with BBC Radio Manchester, Gartside confirmed the imminent arrival of Leicester City striker Jermaine Beckford.

He also turned his attention towards tonight's game at the New York Stadium, which gives Freedman's new-look side a first competitive run-out of the summer.

“We have done okay in the last few weeks and have got some younger players in, along with a couple who add a bit of experience,” he said.

“I'm not a big fan of friendly games, they don't do a lot for me, but they do for the coaches. “They are practice games to get a bit of fitness into the legs as well as some tactics.”