Essex record large financial loss

Essex have recorded an "immensely disappointing" loss of £216,000 for 2009 but are confident they will be able to withstand the tough financial conditions.

Their position is in stark contrast to Surrey, who announced a profit of £752,000 on the same day, and Essex's sums show the split that is start to appear in the county game - largely between those with Test grounds and the other, smaller, venues.

On a positive note for the club was an increase in membership income and strong attendance at Twenty20 games. They are hopeful that their position in Division One of the Championship will provide a boost along with tour matches against Bangladesh and Pakistan.

"It is immensely disappointing to announce a six figure loss of 216,000 pounds for 2009 after investment results and a tax rebate," said Keith Brown, the club treasure. "Cricket is not immune from the recession and this impacted our corporate income, including sponsorship and advertising.

"However, our membership income was up and we attracted high attendances at the Twenty20 matches. Our cricket costs were impacted by the absence of exceptional ECB income we received in 2008 and additional contract payments at the end of 2009".

"While other counties have produced similar losses this is no consolation and our 2010 budget process has been very robust with the aim to return to profit."

But Brown took the opportunity to issue a further warning about the potential listing of the Ashes and the subsequent reduction in broadcasting revenue. "However, there is one word of warning. If cricket is forced onto terrestrial television it will have a devastating impact on our income, which will mean we will have to make some very hard decisions."

"Promotion achieved one of our objectives for 2009 and it was pleasing to see our home grown players make an impact on the international stage," added chairman Nigel Hilliard. "Financially the club has had a difficult year, importantly there were no surprises in the accounts the committee were aware that 2009 would be loss making and the final result was a considerable improvement on our budgeted numbers."