The return of supporters and increased revenue helped Middlesbrough Football Club to a drop in annual losses.

The club's accounts for the year up to June 2022, released today, show pre-tax loss down to £19.4m from £30.8m last year, when Boro's finances took a huge hit from the impact of the global pandemic.

The return of fans last season meant gate receipts were up to £6.4m from just £36,000 the campaign previous.

READ MORE: Kieran Scott - 'Things are different with Michael - everyone wants the same thing now'

Boro also pocketed just over £3m from cup competitions after beating Manchester United and Tottenham on a run to the quarter-final of the FA Cup. Income from commercial and sponsorship deals was also up to just over £6.5m last season, a £4m increase compared to the season previous.

That all contributed to a total turnover of £26.9m, up from £14.5m the year earlier.

The results cover the 2021/22 season, when Chris Wilder replaced Neil Warnock and Boro finished seventh, just outside the play-off places.

The accounts once again highlight Steve Gibson's immense ongoing support, with the chairman's total investment up over £200m.

The accounts state: "The biggest risk to the club is failing to perform competitively in the league in which it competes. This is managed by developing and recruiting a first team squad suited to the relevant league and employing a management team and support team with the requisite knowledge and experience."

The report adds: "The club continues to compete in the EFL Championship in the 2022/23 season. It will continue to keep control of operating costs and make as much income as possible available to invest in the football team. The club will continue to strive for progression and promotion to the Premier League."

The total number of playing staff at the club was up from 69 to 82 last year, which resulted in wages going up from £27m to just under £28.5m. The number of non-playing staff at the club also rose, from 129 to 143.

Transfers since the end of June have resulted in a net income of £13m for Boro. Those deals include four permanent and three loan signings as well as three player sales, including Djed Spence to Tottenham and Marcus Tavernier to Bournemouth, four players leaving after their contracts expired and five players going out on loan.

Since the end of June, Boro have also received £2.7m from "ongoing disputes with third parties".

The accounts state: “The going concern basis of the company depends on the support from the Gibson O’Neill Company Limited, the ultimate parent undertaking, who will continue to provide that support, if required, to the company for the foreseeable future."

READ MORE: