AFC Telford in profit for sixth year

AFC Telford United has posted a profit for the sixth year in a row, football club bosses revealed today.

Club chairman Lee Carter said he was delighted with the profits despite it being the "toughest year yet" for the non-league side.

And it was a double celebration for the New Bucks Head club with the supporters' trust, which appoints the board, also reporting a profit.

Mr Carter confirmed that the club made a very small operating profit for the year 2009/2010. This was despite a 20 per cent drop in turnover, a £100,000 drop in income from gate receipts, a record provision for doubtful debts and a hit to income due to the financial collapse of other clubs.

He said: "With further income derived from new developments, improved focus on generating commercial revenue and all round better levels of interaction with stakeholders, the outlook looks very positive despite what has been the toughest year yet.

"We should perhaps be more excited about the future, both short and longer term, than we have allowed ourselves to be for a good while."

Mr Carter will deliver the report to trust members at tonight's annual general meeting, which will be held at 8pm in the Learning Centre at Telford United's ground.

Despite the falling levels of income Telford United has supported its second highest ever expenditure on players' wages in the last 12 months.

And, off the field, the club has secured a new 150-year lease on the New Bucks Head, agreed plans to develop a new five-a-side centre and expanded its base of sponsors.

The AFC Telford United Trust also posted a profit for the year ending May 31, 2010.

The trust reported a nine per cent rise in turnover while donations to the football club rose from £20,000 to £26,000.

The trust also maintained a cash balance of more than £10,000.

The Blue Square Bet North club, which was formed in the summer of 2004 after the old Telford United Football Club went bust, has made a profit every year since its formation.

By Alex James