Former Aston Villa chief Chris Heck has responded to the club’s 2024/25 accounts
Aston Villa’s former president of business operations Chris Heck(Image: PA)
Chris Heck has responded to Aston Villa’s 2024/25 accounts on social media.
Villa published their accounts for the period on Tuesday night, showing a £17 million profit after tax, with total revenue up 37 per cent to £378.1 million. The primary driver was their return to the Champions League, which boosted broadcast, matchday, and prize money income.
Sponsorship revenue also rose by 31 per cent to £28.6 million, while other commercial income jumped an impressive 69 per cent to £70 million.
Capital expenditure quadrupled to £69.3 million, funding hospitality refurbishments at Villa Park, new retail stores, and the opening of The Warehouse, a 3,500‑capacity entertainment venue that opened in December.
Meanwhile, Bodymoor Heath also received upgrades, including a new rehab centre, and preparatory work has begun on the North Stand redevelopment, which will push capacity above 50,000.
It was the last financial period with Heck as the club’s president of business operations, before Francesco Calvo replaced him in June.
Heck spent roughly two years at Villa but came under criticism for ticket pricing, with Champions League matches for adult non‑season-ticket holders costing an average of £91, and season-ticket holders £76 on average.
The now LIV Golf president of business operations took to X to respond to one fan, who had given their take on the club’s accounts.
The supporter posted: “Highest turnover the club’s ever seen, driven hard by the UCL run to the quarter finals plus commercial income exploding 69%> to £70m. Sponsorship alone up 31% to £28.6m. The commercial machine under Heck is chugging along as he intended. Especially from a £89.5m loss the year before, they’ve swung to a £17m profit after tax.
“Bottom line: These are strong accounts. Villa have turned a corner financially. Record top line, first profit in ages, heavy but targeted investment in the future, and actual PSR flexibility heading into the next window. No more “we must flog Watkins or Rogers” nonsense every close season. The club is in a far healthier spot than 12-18 months ago.”
In response, Heck wrote: “You nailed it. Now we need to see smart spending to keep this juggernaut going.”
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