AFC Bournemouth
AFC Bournemouth Limited has filed its annual accounts for the year ending 30th June, 2018.
The club recorded a loss after tax for the period of £10.9million, compared to a profit of £14.6million the previous year.
Turnover was down by £1.6million. from £136.5million in 2017 to £134.9million in 2018. This slight decrease is mainly attributed to a lower Premier League finish of 12th place. However, non-Premier League revenue increased to £15.6million from £12.3million in 2017, which demonstrates the club’s continuing off-field progression.
Player registration cost additions for the period were £55.8million, compared with £9.3million in the previous 11-month financial period. This variance can be largely explained by the change in period-end date last year, which meant there was no month of July included within the reporting period – historically the month where a large proportion of player transfers occur.
Staff costs increased from £71.5million in 2017 to £101.9million in 2018. This reflects the club offering competitive remuneration packages to attract and maintain the calibre of playing and team management staff necessary to allow the club to compete in the league, with the aim of maintaining Premier League status.
During the year, the club completed the purchase of the 57-acre former Canford Magna Golf Club, for £3.75million plus fees, with its intended use being a new training complex. The club also reached a £4.75million settlement with the EFL, relating to a Financial Fair Play charge incurred in the 2014/15 season.
AFC Bournemouth chief executive, Neill Blake, said: "The 2017/18 season saw the club competing in the Premier League, finishing in 12th place with 44 points. That was enough to secure Premier League status for a fourth consecutive season.
"During the financial year, the club's focus was to consolidate its position in the Premier League through targeted expenditure on assets and expertise in the playing squad and supporting infrastructure.
"The directors continue to maintain close control over cash flow and continue to develop and maintain policies with the aim of ensuring the club is run in a sustainable and successful manner.
"These policies are seen as vital in order to keep control over all expenditure that the club commits to.
"The club sees retention of key staff as a key ingredient to success and the directors considers the financial position of the company to be satisfactory."
The club’s accounts in full can be read here.
