Southampton’s 2019/20 financial results covered a “successful” season when they improved their position in the Premier League from 16th to 11th under manager Ralph Hasenhüttl, but their finances were significantly impacted by COVID-19. Some thoughts follow #SaintsFC

#SaintsFC pre-tax loss widened from £41m to £76m, as revenue fell £23m (15%) from £150m to £127m and profit on player sales decreased £7m from £21m to £14m, while total expenses grew £5m. Loss after tax increased from £34m to £62m.

#SaintsFC £23m revenue fall was driven by broadcasting’s £19m (17%) decrease from £113m to £94m, mainly due to 6 Premier League games being played after 30 June accounts close. Match day was also down £2.6m (15%) to £14.5m, while commercial dipped £1.1m (6%) to £18.7m.

#SaintsFC wage bill fell slightly by £1m (1%) to £114m, while other expenses were £9m (24%) lower at £29m. On the other hand, player amortisation rose £6m (11%) to £57m and there were £10.8m exceptional costs (player impairment £6.4m and onerous contracts £4.4m), up from £2.3m.

#SaintsFC £76m loss before tax is 2nd highest to date in 2019/20 Premier League, only surpassed by #EFC £140m, but better than #THFC £68m and #MUFC £21m. Due to the pandemic, it is likely that other clubs will also post substantial losses when they publish their 19/20 accounts.