News

Only two years after the Moatmen almost went to the wall with debts of more than £100,000, chairman Mark Evans will tell members at this week's annual meeting the club is trading profitably again.

Rovers' accounts for the year ended May 31st 2000, reveal an operating profit of more than £16,000 despite a reduced turnover because of relegation from the Dr Martens Premier Division.

Gresley's prudence under Evans' chairmanship means their debts have been reduced to £75,000.

But the Rovers chairman warned there was plenty of financial rebuilding yet to be done.

"These accounts are a good, positive set of accounts and for the first time in five or so years the club is in profit," he said. "We're building strong foundations and we can see the way out of our difficulties but we can't get carried away. We have to remember how close we came to severe financial difficulties and people will have to understand why we have to keep our eyes on financial matters. Never, ever again will we take the reins off strict financial control at the club."

Evans conceded attendance receipts had "fallen slightly" since the period covered by the accounts which had included a spell in the Dr Martens Premier Division before relegation to the Western Division.

But the chairman insisted Rovers' support had remained strong since and commercial revenue was also on the increase.

He said: "We're the fifth best supported club in the Dr Martens League structure and the second best in the Western Division, proving we have a good core of support. And Gresley increased its exposure as a football club and received fantastic support from the local business community."

The accounts will be presented at the annual meeting to be held at the club's social club on Wednesday 16th May, 7.30pm.