Blackburn Rovers saw a £21.9 million loss during the 2019/20 season, according to the Lancashire Telegraph.

It was a season where finances were majorly disrupted by the ongoing pandemic, but this was actually an improved figure from the season prior.

Blackburn's match-day, commercial and broadcast revenues all took a hit in a year where fans were not allowed to attend matches, whilst wages rose £3 million to reach £25.6 million in total.

The increase in wages meant that Rovers' wage to turnover ratio was at 190 per cent - up from 134% during the season before.

Blackburn's owners, Venky's lent the club £14 million during the 2019/20 season, taking their debt to them to £140 million.

The accounts also showed that the club received just over £500,000 in furlough income.

Rovers' transfer spend stood at £5.1 million, with much of that figure being generated by the arrival of Sam Gallagher from Southampton.

The verdict

It is no surprise at all to see clubs operating at a loss like this. Covid-19 has deeply hurt the finances of several clubs who will find themselves in a position that is a lot worse than Rovers' current situation.

Southampton's ongoing pursuit of Adam Armstrong would certainly boost the club's finances for the immediate future, albeit Newcastle United would take 40% of whatever fee is agreed.

The true assessment of how the pandemic has impacted football will surely show in next year's accounts - a season that was almost entirely played behind closed doors.

Football will supposedly return to a state of normality for the 2021/22 campaign, and with fans missing out for nearly 18 months, attendances will likely be soaring - something that will drive match-day and commercial revenues.