League One CEO upbeat for 2024 despite confirming £45k loss

League One side Hunslet RLFC have offered an update to their fans regarding their financial situation, the club CEO offering a positive update in spite of a significant £45k loss in the past year.

Hunslet failed in their bid for promotion from League One, falling short in the play-offs to North Wales Crusaders, however they’re set to go again this season in a hugely competitive competition.

League One has seen Keighley Cougars return whilst Oldham look incredibly strong with plenty of new recruits as well as new head coach Sean Long, however the club remain positive heading into 2024.

They offered an update to fans via their club website with CEO Neil Hampshire discussing the club’s finances, reviewing 2023 and goals for 2024.

Hunslet’s statement read: “Despite reporting a £45k loss for the year ending November 2023 Hunslet CEO Neil Hampshire has been quick to assure supporters that the Club remains in good financial health.”

CEO Hampshire said: “Our medium term strategy had seen us plan for this loss as we invested more into the playing squad in 2023. We had posted profits for the previous 3 years and it was a conscious decision to use our reserves for a concerted promotion bid”.

Although promotion eluded the Parksiders, they were defeated by North Wales Crusaders in the Play-Off semi-final, Hampshire was keen to draw on the positives, stating: “Finishing second in the regular league with a 100% home record was our best season since being promoted in 2014. Off the field we also saw an upturn in all our revenue streams, with the exception of RFL Central Funding.

“We are in relatively good financial shape but take nothing for granted. We have kept the same playing budget for 2024.

“We know there will be clubs that have spent more but we are confident we will be in the mix come the end of the season.

“As a supporter owned club we are very transparent with our finances. We have knowledgeable staff, supporters, members and sponsors who understand the challenges we face.

“Together we will continue to work hard to grow our income streams and control our cost base. It is a challenge we are all looking forward to.

“As ever, the Club are always keen to bring new partners, sponsors and investors to the Hunslet family, so if anyone out there is interested then please get in touch as we’d love to meet up with you.”