Reduced player trading inflated Huddersfield Town's loss

Head coach David Wagner’s men upset the odds to reach the Premier League last May when triumphing in the play-off final against Reading.

That success earned the Terriers a minimum windfall of around £92m from TV, but none of this sum appears in the latest financial figures, which were lodged with Companies House yesterday, due to falling outside the 12 months to June 30, 2017. It is understood the first of two major payments from the Premier League to cover those broadcasting fees came in July.

Town’s turnover soared from £11.3m in the previous year to £15.8m on the back of increased matchday revenue and payments from the Football League.

But the annual wage bill, comprising players and staff, rose by 73 per cent from £12.53m to £21.732m last season.

This overall salary figure includes all bonuses relating to the club’s promotion, which were all paid before the end of the financial year.

The statement accompanying the accounts reads: “The operating loss (before profit on sale of player registrations) increased from £9.6m to £21.9m, principally reflecting the costs of promotion totalling £11.9m.

“The reduced contribution from player trading resulted in the overall loss before tax for the year increasing significantly to £19.6m.”

Town, meanwhile, head to Newcastle United tomorrow with Wagner expecting Aaron Mooy and Philip Billing to be available despite returning from international duty with “minor” injuries.

Terence Kongolo. the loanee from Monaco who has missed the last two Town fixtures due to a hip problem, is also fit for a clash that pits against each other two teams promoted together last season.

“We are now into the most exciting part of the season,” said Wagner, whose side triumphed 2-1 on Tyneside last term. “The last yards of the marathon are in front of us and we are in a wonderful position to get over the line.

“Our first step is Newcastle away. A great occasion and we have good memories of St James’ Park.”