Brighton & Hove Albion have filed their accounts for the 2020/21 season, the club's fourth in the Premier League and one played almost entirely behind closed doors due to the global pandemic.
The accounts show a reduction in the losses against the previous season, despite the figures once again being severely affected by the pandemic which meant only three competitive home fixtures were played with extremely limited numbers of supporters in the stadium.
Turnover for the period was up by 13.4% to £151.6m, against £132.9m in 2019/20 – and losses reduced to £53.4m from £67.2m – and the figures do not include the transfer of Ben White to Arsenal, which was concluded after 30 June 2021, and end date for these accounts.
Deputy chairman and chief executive Paul Barber said, "While we are once again reporting a loss, which is never ideal, we have seen an increase in turnover and reduction in the losses, despite the pandemic impacting the entire season. The figures are testament to the careful, diligent and professional approach of so many across the club, who adapted to the global situation, and to the stability that Tony Bloom's financial investment gives the club.
"Our matchday, commercial and event turnover was all but wiped out for the entire season, and we incurred various additional costs for providing a Covid-secure environment for players, officials, staff and fans. Inevitably, these factors combined to have a significant bearing on our results, and roughly half of our total loss can be attributed directly to the coronavirus pandemic. Thankfully, we have now emerged from that uncertain period, and we hope we can move forward with more certainty.
"As ever we are greatly indebted to Tony for a further increase in an already very significant investment in Brighton & Hove Albion. He provides a level of stability rarely enjoyed by other clubs, and this has enabled us to continually grow and progress under his chairmanship and ownership.
"On behalf of everyone connected to the club, but especially the board, our staff and all of our supporters, I would like to once again place on record our thanks and appreciation to Tony, for his incredible and ongoing financial commitment to the club."
Despite the tough landscape, the accounts show that the club fully complied with Premier League Profitability and Sustainability (Financial Fair Play) regulations for the period.
The club has once again taken the step of making the annual accounts – including an annual statement from chairman Tony Bloom – publicly available to all supporters.