Gloucestershire make healthy profit

Gloucestershire have announced an operating profit of £164,000 for 2004, to go with the C&G Trophy that they won last summer. Although financial support from the ECB was reduced, they spent £100,000 less than in 2003.

Gloucestershire have repurchased the county ground at Bristol, and have upgraded a number of their facilities to increase the club's income. They have refurbished the indoor cricket school and invested in IT as well as improving the turnstiles and the club lounge.

Jim Harris, Gloucestershire's honorary treasurer, explained their priorities: "It has been our policy to endeavour to marry the provision of sufficient financial resources to field a competitive and well-coached team with the requirement to protect the financial viability of the club.