Blackburn Rovers’ financial results for 2021/22 cover a season when they finished 8th in the Championship, the club’s best performance since they were promoted from League One in 2018.
Despite narrowly missing out on the play-offs, head coach Tony Mowbray left in May, replaced by former Danish international Jon Dahl Tomasson.
Rovers’ pre-tax loss increased by £4.6m from £6.6m to £11.2m, despite revenue rising £2.1m (15%) from £14.5m to £16.6m, mainly because prior year included £13m profit from the sale of the training ground.
In addition, other operating income fell £3.0m to £0.3m, while operating expenses increased by £0.8m (2%). On the other hand, profit from player sales shot up from £0.6m to £10.1m, while interest swung from £0.5m payable to £0.2m receivable.
Rovers’ higher revenue was largely due to the return of fans to the stadium following the removal of COVID restrictions, which helped drive increases in match day, up from £0.8m to £3.4m, and commercial, slightly up from £4.8m to £4.9m. However, broadcasting fell £0.5m (6%) from £8.9m to £8.4m.
Rovers’ improved performance in the league was achieved even though staff costs were cut. The wage bill decreased £1.3m (5%) from £25.7m to £24.4m, while player amortisation fell £0.1m (2%) to £4.0m.
