EPL side Everton announced in its annual report that it made a record profit of £28.2M in '13-14 and reduced its debt by more than £17M ($27M) to £28.1M, according to Andy Hunter of the London GUARDIAN. Roberto Martínez’s first season as manager "brought a record points total for the club in the Premier League era, a fifth-placed finish and featured more games live on television, enabling Everton to increase gate receipts" by £1.9M ($3M) on '12-13's figures to £19.3M. Sponsorship, advertising and merchandising revenue "also rose" from £7.6M to £8.4M. But it was the "first year of the record-breaking broadcasting deal that had the greatest impact on finances at Goodison Park." The club enjoyed a 39% increase in turnover "thanks mainly to the new TV deal," from £86.4M in '12-13 to an Everton record of £120.5M in '13-14, while its "operating profit before player trading increased" from £700,000 to £23M (GUARDIAN, 10/30). In London, Jack Wilson reported Everton Chair Bill Kenwright said, "It was a special season that blended the optimism of youth, a much talked-about, bold new style, individual brilliance and an enduring team spirit. ... It was a season that, quite simply, we didn't want to end." The current set of results "do not include the club record" £28M purchase of Romelu Lukaku or the signings of Gareth Barry, Muhamed Besic and Samuel Eto'o (DAILY STAR, 10/31). The BBC reported Everton made a profit of £28.2M on player trading. But staff costs "also went up -- largely as a result of squad strengthening -- by 10%," from £63M to £69.3M. Everton CEO Robert Elstone: "Our financial results highlight growing revenues, costs remaining under control and debt reducing. When we combine that solid financial base with a playing squad that continues to improve and increase in value, we have every right to be confident and positive on future prospects" (BBC, 10/31).
