Subscribe to trusted local news
If you are accessing this story via Facebook but you are a subscriber then you will be unable to access the story. Facebook wants you to stay and read in the app and your login details are not shared with Facebook. If you experience problems with accessing the news but have subscribed, please contact subscriptions@thestrayferret.co.uk. In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.
- Subscription costs less than £1 a week with an annual plan.
Already a subscriber? Log in here.
30
Mar
Turnover up but debt increases at Harrogate Town
Harrogate Town increased turnover by £1 million but still lost £2.2 million last season, according to newly-published annual accounts.
Turnover increased by 32% from £3.1 million in 2023/24 to £4.1 million in 2024/25.
This is attributed to a 'lucrative' FA Cup match against Leeds United, higher average attendances and increased matchday income from food and drink.
However, the club posted a loss of £2.2 million, compared with £2.5 million the previous season.
The accounts, for the year ending June 2025, also reveal the club's dependency on chairman Irving Weaver continues to deepen.
The club now owes Mr Weaver, who owns 96% of its shares, £6.4 million – an increase of £1.2 million from the 2023/24 season.
But the accounts say he does not charge interest on the loans and adds:
R I Weaver has indicated his intention to continue to make available such funds as are needed by the company, and that he does not intend to seek repayment of the amounts due for the period covered by the forecasts.
Wage bill down
Harrogate Town’s wage bill decreased from £3.6 million to £3.5 million last season. Nevertheless, it still accounts for 85% of club revenue.
The average weekly wage was £1,501, which works out at around £78,000 per employee a year.
Staff numbers have, however, reduced. In 2023/24, the club employed 80 staff on average. Last season, it had 69.
Profits from player sales went down, but the club spent 83% less on players.
In 2023/24, Town spent £343,000 on new players. Last season, they spent a mere £61,000 in comparison. But their total squad cost was £403,000, a 17% increase from the previous season.
The club saw a 73% decrease in player sale profits, from £535,000 in 2023/24 to £142,000 in 2024/25.
Mr Weaver says in his strategic report:
There is still potential to grow matchday attendances and all secondary revenue streams, which is the main focus to futureproof the club for many years to come.
Town finished 18th of 24 clubs in its fourth season in Division Two of the English Football League.
This season, Town are languishing bottom with just six games to play. Demotion to the National League would prove a serious financial blow.
0