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.

Previous ArticleNext Article

Mito, Nagasaki and Chiba step up: will they prove themselves in J1 football?

Avatar
Image Credit: JLeague.co

The Meiji Yasuda J1 100-Year Vision League begins in a matter of weeks.

Mito Hollyhock, V-Varen Nagasaki and JEF United Chiba will all feature in Japan’s top flight following their second-tier campaigns last season.

Mito’s historic breakthrough and Nagasaki’s return

For Mito, it marks uncharted territory. The Ibaraki outfit have never played first-division football, having operated exclusively in J2 since their founding 26 years ago. Last year’s title, secured on goal difference after a 70-point haul, changes that.

Arata Watanabe anchored their attack despite an injury-interrupted season. He netted 13 times and created seven more. Sho Omori provided width and service from left-back, appearing in every match and registering the team’s highest totals for passes and crosses.

Nagasaki return after an eight-year absence. Their second-place finish came in their inaugural campaign at PEACE STADIUM Connected by SoftBank. Takuya Takagi, who previously guided them into J1 in 2017, regained control midway through last season. His side dropped just one match in 19 under his leadership. 

Matheus Jesus carried the attacking burden. The Brazilian struck 19 goals and was named J2 Player of the Year. His output alone accounted for much of Nagasaki’s upward trajectory.

Chiba’s journey back has taken 17 years. Once part of the J. League’s inaugural cohort in the early 1990s, relegation in 2009 began a prolonged exile. Third place in the regular season sent them into the play-offs.  A 4-3 comeback from three goals down against RB Omiya Ardija in the semi-final preceded a 1-0 victory over Tokushima Vortis in the final. Carlinhos Junior’s winner in the final capped one of the most dramatic promotion campaigns in recent J. League history.

Each club brings distinct narratives into the top flight. For Mito, Nagasaki and Chiba, survival will mean validating years of ambition, while success could redefine their place in Japanese football. Momentum from promotion campaigns will be tested when fixtures commence in early February.

Coach Education Exchange unites Football NSW and Japan FA

Avatar
Football NSW

The education program was a roaring success for the 14 coaches who made the trip, demonstrating Japan’s high-quality infrastructure and development systems from which football bodies across Australia can take inspiration. 

 

A valuable partner

The 2026 FNSW Japan Coach Education Exchange comes as the latest display of the strong connection between footballing worlds in Australia and Japan. 

14 Football NSW coaches travelled to Japan for unique insights into what makes the J-League and WE League tick. With both of these leagues being renowned for their distinct footballing identities, elite development pathways, and technical excellence, the program serves as a valuable opportunity for Football NSW to gain new ideas and know-how moving forward. 

During the visit to Japan, the coaching cohort visited several different clubs, including: 

  • Cerezo Osaka
  • Tokyo Verdy
  • JEF United Chiba
  • Urawa Red Diamonds
  • Gamba Osaka

Learning from international expertise

The trip was not, however, merely about uncovering the secrets to club or commercial success. 

Visits to the JFA Academy Sakai emphasised Japan’s commitment to creating elite pathways for talented young players across the country. They believe in nurturing players not only to be talented footballers, but to be confident leaders through their education and lodging system. 

“He or she being gifted does not always have his or her talent blossom. By providing those who have a talent with a good environment and encouraging them to make efforts, we nurture players who can shine in the world,” they explain via the JFA official website. 

Further meetings with Director of Coach Education at the JFA, Kimura Yasuhiko, as well as Head Coach of Japan’s Men’s National Team, Hajime Moriyasu, highlighted the wealth of knowledge which Australia can access during collaborations with the JFA. 

“The opportunity to meet and hear from a national team head coach operating at the highest level of international football proved both humbling and motivating, underscoring the value of global connection and shared learning in coach development,” Football NSW said via press release. 

Following the success of the 2026 FNSW Japan Coach Education Exchange, the objective should now be to transform insights into action. For Football NSW, or any other football association in Australia seeking to develop the game for current and future generations in the region, the lessons learned from international partners must be applied with real conviction and commitment.

 

Most Popular Topics

Editor Picks

Send this to a friend