Football club board “more than satisfied” with accounts

Rochdale AFC Ltd recorded a loss of approximately £27,000 for the year ending 31 May 2010 – a huge reduction from the previous year where they recorded a loss of approximately £260,000.

The reduced loss has been put down to player transfers. In the accounts ending May 2010 the club received £480,000 from transfers compared with £176,000 in 2009.

The club saw a turnover of £2.7million, up from £2.3million the previous year. Financial Associate Director, Paul Hazlehurst described the increase as “good.”

Speaking to Rochdale Online about the accounts, Mr Hazlehurst said: “We are more than satisfied, especially based on the performance on the field.”

The accounts show reductions of approximately £4,000 in gate receipts compared to the previous year.

In the financial year ending 31 May 2010 gate receipts were at £760,000 down on the previous year’s figure of £764,000.

This is partly due to the club playing in the plays off finals the year before and receiving a share of those gate receipts.

Mr Hazlehurst said: “The board is aware of the gate receipts drifting down and steps are being taken to review this.”

The prize money received by the club has also reduced. In 2009 the club received £36,000 prize money and in 2010 this figure was £25,000 despite being promoted.

The promotion prize money was just £5,000 and £20,000 came from the fair play award.

The players’ wages bill has also risen, because of promotion bonuses.

Mr Hazlehurst said the club’s aim for the current year is to continue to live within their means and only spend the money they have.

“Our philosophy continues,” he concluded.