Northants in the black

Northamptonshire have announced a profit of £22,000 for the financial year ending September 30 2011.

Steelbacks announce profit despite decrease in turnover

Northamptonshire have announced a profit of £22,000 for the financial year ending September 30 2011. The positive news comes despite the county recording a slight decrease in turnover due to the difficult trading conditions. Chief executive David Smith insists Northants are a side heading in the right direction - both on and off the field. He said: "Overall, the club is pleased with the progress made during the year and I believe we are well placed to benefit from the investments made. "On the cricket front, many of our players at various different stages this winter have enjoyed cricket abroad. "Many of our younger players have also had spells of cricket out of the country, so we feel we will be very well prepared for our first four-day championship match of the season on April 5."