Leicestershire in the black

Chief executive David Smith, playing here in a charity match, reflected on a small profit made by Leicestershire in 2009

Leicestershire have recorded a small profit of £689 for the financial year ending September 2009, the first year the county has been in the black since 2003.

It compares favourably to a loss of more than £45,000 for 2008 and almost £90,000 in 2007.

Leicestershire chief executive David Smith said: “I am expecting difficult trading conditions to continue throughout 2010, with sponsorship and advertising revenue streams in particular continuing to be under pressure.

“But we are hopeful with three Friday-night Twenty20 matches in June and July to see an increase in our corporate hospitality revenue.

“We have made the decision to substantially increase our investment into the cricket playing budget for the 2010 season, including the recruitment of England international Matthew Hoggard as club captain, and Australian Brad Hodge as our second overseas player for the (Friends Provident t20) competition.”