HULL KR: £900k losses, but Hudgell says Robins are on a firm footing

CHAIRMAN Neil Hudgell insists Hull KR remain on a firm financial footing despite losing £925,000 in two years.

Accounts for the last financial year show Rovers made an operating loss of £447,000 during the 2008 season – their second in Super League.

But despite admitting it will be a similar figure for the 2009 campaign, Hudgell says the figure is not too bad when put into context.

The deficit was £31,000 lower than the loss recorded for the 2007 season – and over £100,000 better than the average loss incurred by Super League clubs.

Despite boasting a £10m turnover, even champions Leeds recorded an operating loss of around £325,000.

Rovers will be fined by Companies House for the late submission of their accounts, but Hudgell has allayed fans' fears of a financial crisis.

He told the Mail: "The financial picture in the medium to long-term is challenging for the game as a whole.

"There are average losses in excess of £540,000 across the Super League clubs. As a collective, we must work harder to reduce those losses. In isolation, that does not help us address our deficit.

"I do anticipate some improved income streams and further cost cutting measures over the short to medium term. However, to fundamentally reach the break even and positive position, we need to play in front of a core 10,000 audience."

Rovers' latest set of accounts has been filed late to ensure tax write- offs are approved by the Inland Revenue, which cannot be done retrospectively.

Although a tight rein has been placed on finances at Craven Park, the Robins are still hunting for new signings.

But with the club already operating near to the salary cap of £1.65m, they recently turned down the chance to sign an unnamed ex-Australian international prop.

However, Hudgell insists resources are available for coach Justin Morgan to strengthen his squad if and when he sees fit.

"We need to maintain our momentum but in the context of that, we also need to look at the medium and long-term picture," he explained.

"We have been a club that has been patient over the years and have got to where we are with a good deal of sustained deliverable planning.

"That progress will continue as will our continual search for the right players at the right time for the club."

Off the field, Rovers have made some recent redundancies to streamline their ground maintenance operations.

But they are still looking into how to keep ambitious plans to expand the North Stand on track.