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Owner's support of Bristol City tops £214m

Football finance guru Kieran Maguire reviews the latest accounts of Bristol City.

Revenue was down 39% to £16.7m.  Wages were  up 6% to £35.3m. Wages were £212 for every £100 of revenue.  Day to day losses up 26% to £44m.  Owner investment up to £214m.   Bristol City have lost £412,000 a week every week for the last ten years from day to day trading.  Bristol City's losses over time have now reached £170 million.

Losses can be offset by player sales and owner funding. Player sale profits were down from previous season but still over £6m, and along with furlough helped reduced pre tax losses to 'just' £38m.  Bristol City spent £2m on new players in 2020/21 but had sales of £7m. 

Total income has nearly halved in two years as impact of Covid hit last season with matches taking place behind closed doors.   Matchday income down 86% to just £0.7m as only taking were from season ticket holders.

Broadcast income similar to previous few seasons, EPL solidarity payment slightly up to £4.65m from £4.5m but EFL pool money fell.   Commercial income substantially down by 44% reflecting lack of activity at Ashton Gate from conferencing etc.

Wages continue to rise, staff numbers fell from 797 to 562 as matches BCD and a catering staff not needed as well as stewards etc. Playing staff were up from 83 to 97. Average 1st team wage just over £16k (a week). Club claimed furlough income of £1.6m.

Bristol City owe money to owner Steve Lansdown and companies he controls. This has increased to over £96m.  Steve Lansdown's continued support of his club has now topped £214 million.  After making all this expenditure still no sight of the Premiership.   Not Lansdown’s fault: it shows how crazy Championship finances are.

The club are within financial fair play rules.


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