Brentford FC has reported a record annual turnover of £15.3 million and a pre-tax loss of £8.5 million during their Premier League promotion.

The turnover increased by £1.4 million on the previous year, according to their annual financial results for the year ending 30 June, 2021.

The club said this was driven by increases across English Football League and Football Association revenues, commercial income and other avenues such as live TV coverage.

It is also despite a sharp reduction in ticketing income due to many matches being played behind closed doors, with the estimated negative financial impact of Covid-19 during the 2020/21 season approximately £2.8 million - compared to £1 million the previous year.

The current year's loss is lower than the previous annual report (2020: pre-tax loss of £9.1million) and includes one-off bonuses paid out to players and staff following their Premier League promotion in May.

The sale of Ollie Watkins to Aston Villa and Saïd Benrahma to West Ham United drove a signification profit on the disposal of players, which increased by over £20 million, to £44.3 million.

"Our fans also deserve a special mention"

The report praised the support of fans who, "made a huge difference" with over 11,000 premium and season tickets sold in 2020.

2020 was a significant year for Brentford FC with their historic promotion to the Premier League, bidding farewell to Griffin Park, and moving to their new home at Brentford Community Stadium.

Cliff Crown, Chair, said: "The 2020/21 season was a momentous one for Brentford FC, on and off the field with the Club realising its ambition of promotion to the Premier League.

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank Matthew Benham for his unwavering commitment to the Club and congratulate Thomas Frank, Brian Riemer, the players and all the Club staff, both on and off field, my fellow Board Directors and everyone who has contributed to the best season the Club has experienced in the last 75 years.

"Our fans also deserve a special mention. Their support made a huge difference on and off the park and we will continue to do our very best to make them proud.

"On behalf of the Club, I want to thank each and every one of them.

"It has never been more self-evident that our togetherness and determination to achieve our goals was the key factor in our success."