Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club has announced a profit for the year ended 30 September, 2001 of £136,619. The profit for the previous 12 month period was £27,027.

Commenting in the club's Annual Report, Nottinghamshire Chairman Albert Bocking stated: "There is no doubt that our income in 2001 would have been significantly higher if the Trent Bridge Test had taken place over four or five days rather than three.

"Despite this setback, we were still able to reduce our long term liabilities by a further £130,000 and at the same time maintaining our ground and facilities in an excellent state of repairs."

Nottinghamshire Chief Executive David Collier added: "We recognise the importance of long-term investment in the excellent spectator facilities for which Trent Bridge is world renowned.

"The club has commenced development of a new 2,300 seat stand at Trent Bridge at a cost of £1.9million which is scheduled for completion in time for the NatWest Series match between England and Sri Lanka on June 27, 2002.

"During the past five years the club has invested £10 million in creating one of the world's best Test Match grounds and it is critical that we continue to generate annual profits to fund these developments whilst continuing our investment in Youth Development programmes and the Nottinghamshire playing staff.

"Trent Bridge was awarded ECB Academy status in June, 2001 and the fact that four Nottinghamshire Academy cricketers are part of the England Under-19 squad for the World Cup demonstrates the success of cricket development in the County."

© Nottinghamshire CCC