WARRINGTON Wolves made a small financial loss during the 2017 season, the club’s accounts have revealed.

Books submitted by Warrington Sports Holdings Ltd on Monday, August 20, showed that the club recorded a pre-tax loss of £67,684 last year.

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This compares to a loss of £262,708 during the 2016 season - the first time the club had recorded a financial deficit since 2011.

The Wire’s net spend on transfer fees was £334,507, up from £21,000 in 2016.

Meanwhile, turnover dropped slightly to £7m in 2017 from £7.2m the previous year.

Club chairman Stuart Middleton said: “The 2017 season was disappointing on the field, after missing out on the Super 8s and finishing ninth in Super League.

“Although turnover remained flat, it was pleasing to see losses had reduced significantly from the previous year due to better financial management and budgetary controls.

“The club continued to invest in modernising the business during this period - including stadium renovations, digital screens and enhanced training facilities.

“At the back end of 2017, the club made significant investment in the coaching structure, performance department and player recruitment which has resulted in a Challenge Cup final and finishing in the top four after the regular season in this current year to date.”

A strategic report submitted as part of the accounts highlights the club’s reliance on income from TV money, but points to a ‘significant investment’ during 2017.

As well as the ‘acquisition of a number of quality playing personnel’, the club recruited a new head coach and assistant coach in Steve Price and Andrew Henderson as well as a new head of rugby operations, head physiotherapist and head performance analysts.

Two digital screens were installed at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, with further renovations taking place at the ground - including an extension the Mike Gregory Lounge.

The club also invested in its youth system and training facilities.

Mr Middleton added: “The board of directors’ vision is to develop Warrington Wolves into the best rugby league club in Super League.

“The club has four long-term strategic aims that include the creation of a people-centric business that has a high-performing culture, to increase membership revenue by engaging with supporters, to consistently achieve on-field success and to achieve financial sustainability.

“The board believes that achieving these four strategic aims will lead to the realisation of the club’s vision to become the leading club in Super League.

“The club is committed to further strengthening the playing squad, and as part of the recruitment strategy we continue to invest in the youth system and training facilities.”