Grimsby Town Football Club has published its financial accounts for the 2024/25 season, reflecting a year of clear progress both on and off the pitch.
The campaign marked a positive shift for the Mariners. The Men’s First Team climbed from 21st to 9th in League Two – the Club’s highest finish in 19 years. The Women’s First Team also enjoyed a strong season, finishing third in Tier 6 and attracting a record-breaking crowd at Blundell Park, highlighting the continued growth of the women’s game.
At youth level, the Academy reached the Fourth Round of the FA Youth Cup, underlining the strength of the Club’s player pathway and the quality of coaching in place.
Off the pitch, supporter engagement remained strong. A total of 139,550 fans attended home league fixtures across the season, averaging 6,067 per game.
Financial Overview
The Club recorded a loss of £1.9 million for the 2024/25 financial period. However, the reporting period covered 13 months rather than the usual 12 due to a change in accounting timelines. This included two months of June, traditionally the most loss-making period due to limited income but ongoing operating costs.
As a result, the Club’s underlying financial position remains broadly consistent with the previous season, with a continued focus on reducing losses over time while investing responsibly in football operations.
Continued Owner Support
Owners 1878 Partners have continued to demonstrate their long-term commitment. During the year, £1.3 million of loans were converted into equity, following £3.4 million the previous year. This significantly reduces debt and strengthens the Club’s balance sheet, reinforcing a sustainable long-term approach.
Revenue Growth
Total turnover increased from £5.7 million to £6 million. This growth was primarily driven by higher EFL distributions following the league’s new broadcast deal with Sky Sports. However, this was partially offset by a 45% reduction in streaming revenue due to changes in domestic streaming rules.
Commercial income also grew, reflecting stronger partnerships with both existing supporters and new businesses.
Investment in the Squad
The playing budget continued to be carefully managed despite financial pressures across the division. Investment in players and staff remains essential to maintaining competitiveness, balanced against the need for financial sustainability.
Player Trading
The Club recorded £148,000 in player trading income. This included fees from the sales of Toby Mullarkey to Crawley Town and Alex Hunt to York City, as well as sell-on income from Danilo Orsi and John McAtee.
Investment in Facilities
A total of £241,000 was invested in infrastructure improvements at Blundell Park and the training ground. Some work was required to meet Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA) standards, while other upgrades focused on maintaining and improving facilities.
In recent years, around £1.4 million has been invested in infrastructure and repairs, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to improving the Club’s environment.
Commitment to the Academy
The Academy remains central to the Club’s long-term strategy. Recent seasons have seen players such as Evan Khouri, Cameron Gardner, Seb Auton and Henry Brown progress into senior football, highlighting the importance of developing homegrown talent.
CEO Comment
Grimsby Town CEO Polly Bancroft said: “The 2024/25 season represented an important step forward for the football club, both on and off the pitch. Finishing ninth in League Two showed the progress being made by the Men’s First Team, while we also saw encouraging developments across the Women’s team and our Academy pathway.
“Like many clubs at this level, we continue to operate at a loss as we invest in the squad, our people and our facilities. However, we are committed to managing the club responsibly while continuing to grow revenue, strengthen partnerships and build a sustainable future for Grimsby Town.
“I would like to thank our supporters, partners and the local business community for their continued backing.”
The 2024/25 season reflects a positive direction of travel, with the Club focused on building continued progress in the years ahead.
You can access the full financial statements by clicking here.
Hear from Polly Bancroft to talk through this year’s accounts:
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