Sussex have spent £8m on Hove in recent years © Getty Images Enlarge
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Sussex have announced a £124,000 loss for 2011. The figure was a marginal improvement on the deficit for the previous year.

Chief executive Dave Brooks said the results showed steady progress for the club who have embarked on an £8 million ground improvement project. Operating revenue rose 7% leading to an operational surplus of £12,000, but depreciation brought down the overall figure to a deficit.

"We are proud of our achievements over the last three seasons," Brooks said. "We remain determined to be one of the leading counties in all aspects of our business."

Sussex are coming to the end of the ground redevelopment which has seen the replacement of the much-maligned Gilligan Stand, a revamped pavilion and a new south-west stand. The development was made possible by a £12 million legacy left by former club president Spen Cama, who died in 2001. The new pavilion was named in his honour.

"Our timing in investing the vast bulk of the legacy in ground improvements has been fortunate," Jim May, Sussex chairman, said. "While 2012 may be challenging economically, we look forward to the season with optimism at our lovely redeveloped ground. We are well placed with a settled team on and off the field which has the capability to deliver continued growth and success for the club."

Sussex begin their 2012 season against Surrey at the Oval. They have signed Scott Styris for the Friends Life t20 campaign, which begins on June12 against Kent at Tunbridge Wells.