Football finance expert gives verdict on Doncaster Rovers’ latest accounts

Rovers posted losses of £1.85m for the financial year to June 30, 2019, with an increase in debt - mainly to the owners - to £7.41m.

Maguire, who lectures in finance at the University of Liverpool, believes the club’s situation is not too concerning, given the on-going support of the owners.

“They’ve racked up losses of £33m over the years which I think reflects just how incredibly difficult it is to run a club and break even,” he said.

“Whilst those numbers look horrendous, they are not alone.

“I think they are quite fortunate to have owners that have put money in as shares and loans.

“They’re reliant on the owners so provided they continue their support, that is to be welcomed.”

Maguire says last season’s run to the fifth round of the FA Cup helped to ease the losses at the club while the sale of John Marquis to Portsmouth should provide a considerable boost when the next set of accounts are entered.

“They lost money last year but they’ve been losing money over the last few years so it is not surprising, operating in the divisions where they are,” he said.

“It is tough going.

“Without that, things would have been a lot worse because they got the prize money, the TV exposure and things of that nature.

“It does show the importance of a decent cup run to a club.”

Matters such as wages were not included in the club accounts with Rovers opting to post an abridged version.

“If a company is below a certain size in terms of turnover and employees, it’s allowed to send in cutdown versions,” Maguire explained.

“It’s a battle between fans who have a bit more interest in the club and the board of directors who think ‘we put the big money in so it’s none of your business.’

“It’s a bit of a standoff. I know the Football Supporters’ Association are trying to get clubs to show a bit more information.”