West Ham record UK£28.8 million loss for 2018/19

Liam Watson
English Premier League side West Ham United have posted a pre-tax loss of UK£28.2 million (AU$54.5 million) for the year ending 31st May 2019.

The Hammers’ turnover climbed from UK£175 million (AU$338.3 million) to UK£190.7 million (AU$368.3 million) last season – of that amount, UK£127 million (AU$245.3 million) came from broadcasting and a further UK£27 million (AU$52.1 million) from match days.

However, this was offset by the wage bill rising by almost UK£30 million (AU$57.9 million) to UK£135.8 million (AU$262.3 million). This took the Hammers’ wages-to-turnover ratio to 71 per cent, a year-on-year jump of ten per cent.

The club also invested heavily in the playing squad, spending UK£107.9 million (AU$208.4 million) on signings. UK£4 million (AU$7.7 million) was also spent on improving their Rush Green training ground and a further UK£600,000 (AU$1.2 million) on their women’s team, which now competes in the top-flight Women’s Super League (WSL).

Vice Chairman Karren Brady’s salary rose by nearly UK£250,000 (AU$482,825) to UK£1.14 million (AU$2.2 million), while co-owners, David Sullivan and David Gold, were paid a combined UK£1.9 million (AU$3.7 million) as interest on their loans to the club of UK£45 million (AU$86.9 million). A total of UK£1 million (AU$1.9 million) was also paid to them in partial repayment of their loans.

West Ham made UK£26.9 million (AU$52 million) in 2015/16, their final season at the Boleyn Ground before moving to their current home of Olympic Stadium which seats 60,000 people. That increased to UK£28.6 million (AU$55.2 million) in 2016/17 but fell to UK£24.5 million (AU$47.3 million) for 2017/18.

Despite the substantial outlay on wages and signings, the club have slipped to 18th in the Premier League, joining Watford and Norwich City in the relegation zone.

‘Retention of our status in 2019/20 season is an absolute necessity for the future wellbeing of the club,’ said West Ham in their accounts, adding there will be ‘serious financial consequences’ should they be relegated into the Championship.

A 3-3 draw with Brighton means the Hammers are still without a league win since thumping Bournemouth 4-0 a month ago, but West Ham are only two wins away from 14th-placed Crystal Palace.

With 25 rounds played, there’s still time for West Ham to turn around their form.

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WA announce TV series for Sam Kerr’s children’s novels

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Image Credit: James Ross/AAP

A new TV series based on Sam Kerr’s children’s books ‘Kicking Goals’ is set to begin filming in early 2027 in Western Australia.

The show follows a young Kerr before she became captain of the Matildas and a star at Chelsea FC. Set in her home state of WA, the story sees her navigate her way through growing up and chasing her dreams, alongside her family and friends, and the adventures that entailed.

Speaking to Screenwest, Kerr said, ‘It’s pretty surreal knowing that Kicking Goals is being adapted into a TV series. These stories are all about believing in yourself and having a go, so it feels really special that a whole new generation will get to experience them on screen.’

Co-authored by Fiona Harris, the books have been a success since their initial release in 2021, a period which has coincided with Kerr and her Matildas teammates growing from beloved within Australia’s football community, into a team of genuine national appeal and recognition. They are available nation-wide, sold at major retailers such as Big W and Dymocks.

The television adaptation will beproduced by Orange Entertainment for Paramount+.

‘Kicking Goals’ is set to inject AUD 5million into the WA economy and provide over 130 local jobs.

Creative Industries Minister of WA, Simone McGurk, said via WA GOV, ‘The series will showcase all that Western Australia has to offer – including our world-class talent, crew, and diverse locations – while celebrating the story of one of our sporting greats.’

Casting is currently underway, with a search for a young Kerr and her mates ongoing.

The months after the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australian and New Zealand saw an 11% increase in women and girl’s participation in football compared to the previous year, showing the direct impact the biggest stage can have on grassroots football.

Kerr has managed to build on that success and begin a new chapter, inspiring kids both on and off the field.

Former Socceroos captain set to headline coaching conference

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Mark Mulligan. Credit A League

Mark Milligan – former Socceroos captain and Newcastle Jets Premiership-winning manager – is set to be the guest of honour at the 2026 Football NSW Coaching Conference, held at Valentine Sports Park from November 21st–22nd.

The annual conference represents Australia’s largest gathering of football coaches, and is set to include expert insight into coaching, practical sessions and development plans for attendees. Milligan will partake in a Q&A session with MC Stephanie Brantz on November 21, adding significant gravitas to the conference.

Chris Gallo, Football NSW Coach Education Manager spoke highly of Milligan via Football NSW.

‘Opportunities to hear from people who have experienced the game at the highest level are incredibly valuable for our coaches. Mark brings a unique perspective on leadership, performance and the demands of elite football, and we want our coaches to be able to take those insights back into their own environments,’ he said.

Milligan traversed the globe across a near-twenty year professional career that started in the old National Soccer League, concluded in the A-League, and took in time across Europe, the UK and Asia.

He represented the Socceroos with distinction across 80 appearances, selected by four seperate managers in World Cup squads, and was captain of the Olympic team in 2008. His nascent managerial career has already seen two trophies at Newcastle, where he is presently leading them in the Asian Champions League.

But it all began on the local pitches of Bankstown. Milligan is an authentic, home-grown product of Football NSW, and emblamatic of the rewards that can be reaped from investing in the beginning of a player’s journey.

With the conference already selling out, attendees can now expect to learn plemty from one of Australia’s most exciting, up-and-coming coaches.

The opportunity Football NSW are providing showcases their commitment in helping coaches develop, and their continued pledge of giving back to the game at its foundation.

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