Stephen McPhail wants Cardiff's new backers to give boss Dave Jones the financial clout to revive their Premier League dream next season.

Malaysian backer Dato Chan Tien Ghee saw Blackpool beat the Bluebirds 3-2 in the Championship play-off final at Wembley to reach the top flight.

McPhail said: "The gaffer's obviously had no money over the year to spend and he's done a great job.

"So hopefully he gets the backing now to put some money back into it."

McPhail expects to be among those who return to the Championship with Cardiff next season.

But local hero Joe Ledley is out of contract in the summer and widely tipped to move to the Premier League.

The gaffer's been unbelievable since he's come here and I don't think anyone can question him Stephen McPhail

Striker Jay Bothroyd is also among those expected to rekindle interest from top-flight clubs after the Bluebirds' hopes were dashed.

On Thursday shareholders are expected to rubber-stamp the Malaysian investment which will officially end chairman Peter Ridsdale's tenure and put Chan in charge.

McPhail added: "I think we've come such a long way with such a small squad. I've got a year left and we'll speak in the summer with the gaffer - everyone will - and I hope I'm here next year."

However, Cardiff's future could be difficult, having missed out on the estimated £90m that comes with promotion to the Premier League.

The club has already survived four winding-up orders as Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs demand repayment of a £1.9m debt.

The club's total debt is estimated at £15m, with the new Malaysian investors represented by Chan expected to step in before a fifth trip to the High Court.

Against that backdrop manager Jones has been courted by other teams, although McPhail hopes Jones will stay but would understand if Ledley moves on.

"The gaffer's been unbelievable since he's come here and I don't think anyone can question him," commented McPhail.

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"He's got better and built and the league position's got better every year so I just hope we can go one more step next year.

"He's a great manager, there's no doubt about it. He hasn't spent so much money in the five years he's here and we're always challenging him, playing some great football and he knows a good player when he sees one.

"We're just gutted we couldn't get over the line.

"Joe's [contract is] up and in the summer and he's got to look after himself, there's no doubt about that, and we hope he stays.

"But the players that have got a year left, we've got to hope that we get another chance to put things right."

Centre-back Mark Hudson echoed McPhail, adding: "I hope we can keep as many bodies as possible together, have a good summer, a good break, and look forward to next season.

"It's vital that Dave Jones stays, he's the one who has driven us here and hopefully we can do it again next season."

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