Warrington record slight drop in profits
Warrington Wolves remain a profitable Super League club, despite recording a small drop in their pre-tax profits for the year ending November 30 2014.
Warrington Sports Holdings Ltd’s group turnover increased £182,000, rising from £6,322,000 to £6,504,000.
Group profit before tax was £639,590. This contributed towards the funding of the club’s new indoor training facility at University of Chester, Warrington campus.
Transfer fees also meant that profits were reduced, with the latest financial accounts revealing that the business had a £250,000 net cost on transfers.
During the period in question, the number of players at the club fell from 71 to 59. The number of coaching and administrative staff also fell slightly.
“Our focus is to continue to build Warrington Wolves as one of the best Rugby League clubs in the world,” said Professor Steven Broomhead, chairman of Warrington Sports Holdings Ltd.
“This remains the shared ambition of our majority shareholder Simon Moran, the Board and everyone connected with the club.
“We have a lot to do in the months and years ahead to deliver against that ambition.
“The club is in relatively good shape but there is always more to do, whether investing in the team to deliver more on field success or creating a greater experience for our fantastic fans.”
The focus on long-term investment was also a key part of the club’s strategy moving forward.
“It should be acknowledged that the current worldwide and UK economic climate situation has been and continue to present a tough environment in which the club operates,” chief executive Andy Gatcliffe said, writing in the directors’ report.
“All club operation costs remain under constant review however long term investment in the business continues with the stadium capacity increased to 15,300 having developed two corner quadrant areas.”
Meanwhile, the Wolves have also appointed a new noon-executive director, in the shape of Stuart Middleton.
Middleton is the creative director of Card Factory PLC, and is a lifelong Warrington fan, who holds a season ticket and executive box at the club.
“It is an honour to join the Board of Warrington Wolves,” said Middleton.
“I am a Warrington lad and am looking forward to an exciting future working with our new CEO Roger Draper and the rest of the board.
“That future includes more on-field success, a much greater fan experience and extending our commercial base.”