Mainz coach Jorn Andersen was given good news as he was told that he has money to spend for squad strengthening.

The Bundesliga newcomers were welcomed back to training by almost 8,000 fans - one of the largest followings to any side at the start of pre-season training so far this year - and Andersen soon found out he was working with an ambitious club.

President Harald Strutz announced that the budget for the playing staff next season has been increased to a club record level of 15 million euros as they look to establish themselves as a top flight club after being relegated two years ago.

"It is a fantastic feeling to be president of a Bundesliga side again," said Strutz.

"I hope that we can avoid relegation together."

Andersen, who is embarking on only his second season as coach of Mainz after leading them to promotion in his first year, believes he knows how to keep them up in the Bundesliga, even though he is entering uncharted waters.

The Norwegian coach even admitted life in the top flight "could be easier" than in the second division.

"There won't be any of this hectic fighting that there was in the second division," he explained.

"We are measuring ourselves against the creme de la creme. Therefore, we will have to be more stable in defence and quicker on the attack.

"Our aim has got to be to play as a unit and we will have to work a lot and hard on that."