Maidstone United have reported a 10th successive season of profits.

Financial results for the year ending June 2022 - covering the Stones’ National South title campaign - show a pre-tax profit of £99,000.

However, co-owner Oliver Ash has warned next year’s figures are not looking so bright.

This is due partly to the increased playing budget in the National League, combined with lower ticket sales as the team struggle on the pitch.

Ash said: “We are pleased with the financial performance for our promotion season 2021/22.

“Success on the field for the men’s first team resulted in good attendances and helped sales.

“Very few professional football clubs can claim to be breaking even consistently without owner subsidies.

“However, satisfaction is muted because the current year 2022/23 is not looking so good, impacted negatively with increased playing squad costs and decreasing ticketing revenues as performances have been disappointing.

“Additionally, there have been significant increases in costs of utilities and services due to inflation and high maintenance costs as the 2011-built stadium begins to show its age.

“Further revenue decline in bar sales due to pitch-side drinking restrictions and higher travel costs in National League have not helped.

“The club is working hard to increase other revenue sources and prepare properly on and off the field to enable us to get back on track next season and preserve the financial health of the club.

“We anticipate meeting any current cash needs with the support of our key business partners and by increases in director loans where necessary.”

The business comprises two companies - Maidstone United FC Ltd and Maidstone United Ground Ltd - with the figures combined to return an overall profit.

Group turnover was just over £1.7million, which includes income and costs from football-related activities, such as ticketing, food and drink, room hire, pitch hire and academy operation.

This is in line with pre-Covid seasons.

On the balance sheet, director loans represented just over £2.5million, again in line with previous seasons and consistent with valuations of group assets.

The loans cover the initial outlay of building the Gallagher Stadium.