WARRINGTON Wolves recorded a loss of more than £250,000 for the 2016 season, it has been revealed.

In accounts registered by Warrington Sports Holdings on Friday, July 21, the club posted pre-tax losses of £262,708.

It is the first time since the 2011 season that Warrington Wolves have made a pre-tax loss.

The club enjoyed a successful year on the pitch in 2016, winning the League Leaders Shield and reaching both the Super League Grand Final and the Challenge Cup Final.

Turnover increased from £6.7m to £7.2m year-on-year, with merchandise sales boosted to £785,062 from £519,684 in 2015.

But an increase in administration expenses from £6.7m to £7.2m was a large factor in the club recording a pre-tax loss.

Chairman Steven Broomhead attributed this rise to the investment in training facilities and the stadium, as well as the club's rebranding.

He said: "There has been a lot of investment in things to help the matchday experience, which will hopefully improve fan engagement.

"During the year, we did undertake a considerable amount of investment in such things as a new sound system, a new reception area and a new IT suite.

"We're very keen to enhance the matchday experience for people, and we've just relaunched the fan's forum.

"We've made significant investment in the youth team and the training facilities and our facilities at Padgate are probably the best in the Super League, and as good as anything you'd find in the NRL.

"The other big thing we invested in during this period was the rebranding, which was a considerable investment."

Warrington Wolves' accounts set out a goal of developing a 'self-sustaining' business model and making the club 'the best in Super League'.

Mr Broomhead also stated that the club had looked to cut down on the use of outside consultants.

He added: "The board is obviously aware of the small pre-tax loss but we're not that concerned about it, and compared to other clubs we're doing quite well.

"Turnover, and retail in particular, went up as we went to two finals and won the League Leaders Shield.

"We probably have the second highest turnover in the Super League now behind Leeds Rhinos, and we're a growing club."