RETAILER Sports Direct has reported increased revenues and profits, despite the impact of England’s woeful World Cup and a milder Autumn.

The firm, founded by Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley, said group revenues stood at £143bn for the 26 weeks to October 26.

It added underlying pre-tax profit was nearly ten per cent higher at £160.6m, with group gross profit up nine per cent at £630m.

Bosses said although England’s early exit from the Brazil World Cup had dented sales, it had benefited from its move into Debenhams and agreements to buy interests in Tesco and online retailer MySale.

Sports Direct is trialling four concessions in Debenhams, with Mr Ashley controlling 12.7 per cent of the department store after previously setting up a complicated bet on its future performance.

Dave Forsey, Sports Direct chief executive, said: “The results were solid considering the adverse impact on performance during the period of England's early departure from the World Cup and the unseasonably mild weather during Autumn reducing footfall.

“We retain the ability to invest in margin, inventory and group marketing to deliver long-term sustainable growth and remain confident of achieving at least our full-year internal underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation target of £360m.”

The company added it has continued to expand into Europe with a further eight stores, has re-branding Austrian outlets, and opened a first site in the Baltics.

Last month, The Northern Echo reported Mr Ashley’s plans to muscle in on the fitness sector with 200 cut-price gyms.

The proposals will see customers charged £5 a month, with its first purpose-built site in Aintree, Liverpool, and other outlets in St Helens, Merseyside, and Keighley, West Yorkshire.

Bosses said they haven’t ruled out setting up North-East gyms.

A spokesman added: “This will revolutionise the market by making private gym membership a realistic lifestyle choice for millions of people.”