Pre-tax losses more than doubled and turnover fell at rugby league giants St Helens during its latest financial year because of the Covid-19 pandemic, new documents have revealed.
The Super League side have reported losses of £1.1m for the 12 months to October 31, 2020, compared to losses of £493,079 during the prior year.
Their turnover also fell from £8.6m to £5.9m over the same period.
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The club received £976,174 in furlough support during the year and made cost savings of £872,153, according to documents filed with Companies House.
A statement signed off by the board said: "St Helens had a successful year on the pitch winning the 2020 grand Final in spectacular fashion for a second consecutive season.
"The Covid-19 pandemic restrictions meant that the final, and the majority of the season, was played behind closed doors without any supporters in attendance.
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"The pandemic, and subsequent lockdowns, have had a detrimental effect on income streams across all areas of the business.
"Tax liabilities were deferred following agreement with HMRC. Employees took a voluntary pay cut in order to assist the company to manage its cash balances during the year.
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"The group's focus in the short term is to manage through the effects of the pandemic with a view to fans fully returning for the 2022 season with revenue streams returning as a result.
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"The brand of rugby club, together with the quality and facilities of the stadium, mean it is well placed to perform well financially in the long term."
The Totally Wicked Stadium has been used as a vaccination centre since the end of the financial year, generating additional income for the club.