Runners up to Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga and an appearance in the semi finals of the German FA Cup meant that it was not so badly hit by the lack of European football in 2010/2011. However, the club will be grateful to be back in the world’s premier club competition.

Despite a member base of 90,000 and average league attendances of 61,800 (close to capacity) at the Veltins Area, the club saw its matchday revenue fall by $5.11m from 2008/2009’s figures due to fewer home games and the lack of European football.

Broadcast revenue increased to $47.9m on the back of the annual uplift in the Bundesliga’s broadcast contract.

Commercial revenue is the club’s main source of income, accounting for more than half of total turnover. A wide ranging partnership with German sport rights agency, Infront Germany, is likely to run till the end of the 2017/2018 season. This, combined with contracts from Gazprom and adidas, helped the club report commercial revenues in excess of $106m.

Qualification for the knockout stages of the 2010/2011 UEFA Champions League should guarantee an improved placing in next year’s Money League.