European qualification and FAI/Government support and subsidies were the main factors in Sligo Rovers healthy financial showing in 2021.
The accounts for last year were presented to Rovers online AGM on Monday night by club Treasurer David Rowe.
This loss of normal income and increased costs during another pandemic-affected season were more than off-set by FAI and wage subsidy supports, all supplemented by European qualification.
The club’s overall surplus for 2021 was €199,000.
Income for 2021 was €1.46 million with expenditure for the same period totally €1.27 million.
The 2021 figures do not include the money received for the recent transfers of Johnny Kenny and John Mahon to Scotland.
Rowe said the club’s finances were in a strong position but warned they would deteriorate from here on as the various supports have finished.
He said challenges on the horizon include player wage inflation (same squad costing significantly more money), financial support of the development plan, added to the normal challenges that running a Community funded club in the North West of Ireland present.
The main income breakdown for 2021 was:
- Wage subsidies/other supports €503k
- FAI support €394
- Prizemoney €295,000
- Season tickets/associate sponsors €38k
- Gate receipts €31k.
Expenditure overall increased from €985k in 2020 to €1.26m last season.
The breakdown here was:
- Player salaries & expenses €674k
- Management & Coaching €207k
- Administration staff €93k
- Matchday expenses €78k
- Medical costs €72k
- Insurance €51k.
Fundraising, while lower last year than in 2020, still returned an impressive €258,258.
Rovers new Masterplan also featured prominently.
The club confirmed that it has commissioned Rhatigan Architects to developed detailed construction drawings on the Showgrounds redevelopment which, it’s hoped, will be submitted for planning permission in the next 4-6 months.
Treasurer David Rowe also informed the meeting that Rovers had received ‘substantial’ sponsorship offers from at least one gambling company in recent seasons – but Rovers turned them down.
The club is close to finalising a policy document which will preclude Sligo Rovers FC from accepting any form of gambling sponsorship or advertising, including stadium signage.
Two members of the Rovers management committee stepped down from their roles on Monday night: Club Licensing Officer Stephen Gilroy and Rovers long-standing PRO Rory Houston.
