Rovers disastrous 2024/25 season laid bare as club spending nearly a £1m more on wages than entire turnover
Daniel Clark Content Editor
05:18, 24 Dec 2025
Bristol Rovers chairman Hussain Al Saeed(Image: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)
Bristol Rovers’ latest financial accounts have revealed the devastating price of a disastrous 2024/25 campaign, with the club recording a near £7m loss alongside their slide into League Two.
The figures, which cover the year ending June 2025, paint the picture of the club’s struggles to balance high ambitions with on-field failure. This season, Rovers have one of the highest budgets in League Two, but sit in 22nd spot in the table.
Despite turnover rising to £8.1 million (up from £7.4m the previous year), with £5m from football income, and £3m from ‘other income’, the Gas saw their annual losses rise significantly from £5.3m to nearly £6.8m in the 12 month period from July 2024 to June 30, 2025.
The accounts show the wage bill had soared, as staffing costs, including player salaries, jumped to £8.9 million, up £1m year-on-year, meaning the club spent £1.10 for every £1 it brought in through the door. Amortisation, the accounting cost of player transfers, more than doubled to £709,306, as operating losses reached £6.47 million.
While not included in the accounts, the sale of academy graduate Kofi Shaw to Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion happened outside the reporting period. While the fee remains undisclosed, the club noted a net amount receivable of £935,000 from transfer activity since the year-end period.
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Control now rests entirely with Hussain Al-Saeed, who is currently keeping the club afloat through his company, Dwane Sports Limited. The accounts state: “The balance sheet discloses net liabilities of £13,209,151 (2024: £6,461,952). Not withstanding the net liabilities within the accounts, the financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis which assumes the company will continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.
“The company relies on the continued support of Mr Hussain Al Saeed for its day to day funding and funds its working capital requirements through a facility provided by Dwane Sports Limited, a company owned by Mr Hussain Al Saeed, that is repayable only at such time as the club is in a position to repay the outstanding loans. Mr Hussain AlSaeed has confirmed his intention to maintain support for a period of at least twelve months from the signing of these accounts.”
In the strategic report, the board admitted that results “did not go as planned” but insisted they are now focused on “stabilising the squad” and building a sustainable identity in League Two – but the club are making roughly £130,000 losses a week.
The net liability position has nearly doubled in the last 12 months, jumping from £6.4m to over £13.2m. This highlights the club’s increasing reliance on equity injections and loans from the ownership group to remain operational.
The report says: “The 2024/25 season was one of mixed emotions for Bristol Rovers Football Club. The plan heading into the campaign was to build on previous progress and continue improving the team. Unfortunately, results on the pitch did not go as planned, and the club was relegated to EFL League Two.
“While the outcome was disappointing, it has strengthened the determination of everyone involved to stabilise the club, improve performance, and develop a stronger foundation for the years ahead. The board and management team have evaluated all areas of the club and are implementing the necessary changes to support long-term stability and growth.
“Off the field, important progress continued in expanding the management team across both football and administrative departments, improving structure, communication, and operational efficiency. The club’s supporters once again demonstrated exceptional loyalty and passion throughout a challenging season.”
It continued: The strategic objectives set for the season were as follows:
1. Team Development and Stability
The focus for the upcoming 2025/26 season is to stabilise the squad, continue improving performance, and build a strong, competitive team. Recruitment and preparation are geared toward ensuring the club progresses steadily while putting in place a clear and sustainable footballing identity.
2. Infrastructure Development
Work continues on the club’s long-lerm infrastructure vision, with ongoing discussions with the local council and partners as part of the planning and development process.
3. Strengthening the Management Team
The club has continued to grow its management capacity across football operations and administration. New expertise and clearer structures have been introduced to support stronger decision-making, accountability, and alignment with the club’s long-term strategy.
4. Financial Sustainability
The club has made significant progress in strengthening its financial position. Operating costs have been reduced substantially through more efficient budgeting and operational restructuring, while revenue streams have increased through improved commercial performance, partnerships, and matchday operations. This approach ensures the club is on a more stable and sustainable footing.
5. Youth Development
Bristol Rovers continues to see positive outcomes from its commitment to youth development. Several academy players made first-team appearances during the season, and academy graduate Kofi Shaw secured a move to Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion, reflecting the quality being produced. Developing homegrown talent remains a key part of the club’s philosophy.
6. Fan and Community Engagement
The club’s connection with its supporters remains one of its greatest strengths. Strong fan engagement, season ticket loyalty, and community initiatives highlight the commitment of the fanbase. The Community Trust partnership continues to play an important role in delivering positive impact across the region.
7. Operational Excellence
The Executive Committee continues to focus on raising standards across all departments. Improvements in recruitment, player welfare, commercial operations, and governance have strengthened the club’s day-to-day operations and long-term planning.
THE NUMBERS AT A GLANCE (Year Ending June 2025):
· Total Loss: £6,747,199
· Total Turnover: £8,105,026
· Total Wages: £8,905,152
· Net Liabilities: £13,209,151
· Transfer Profit: £336,500
Financial Comparison: 2023–2025
Metric
2024/25 (Relegated)
2023/24 (League One)
2022/23 (League One)
Turnover
£8,105,026
£7,465,794
£7,200,000
Staff/Wage Costs
£8,905,152
£7,937,735
Not Specified*
Loss Before Tax
(£6,747,199)
(£5,297,458)
(£3,900,000)
Net Assets/Liabilities
(£13,209,151)
(£6,461,952)
(£7,413,896)
Transfer Profit
£336,500
£863,521
Not Specified
*Note: While specific wage figures for 2022/23 are often only fully detailed in the 2024 filing, previous reports indicated record losses due to a “competitive playing budget”.
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