Arsenal players celebrate winning this year's Premiership

Total wage increases for the country's top footballers have risen by the lowest amount since the formation of the Premiership, a report said.

The study, by accountancy firm Deloitte and Touche, found that the total Premiership wage bill for the 2002/2003 season rose by just 8% on 2001/2002.

This compared with an average annual rise of 25% over the past 10 years.

For the 2002/2003 season - the most recent for which the figures are fully available - total players' wages and off-field staff salaries grew by 8% to �761m, with an average of �38m per club.

Manchester United had the highest total wage costs of �79.5m, and West Bromwich Albion the lowest at �11.5m.

High spenders

The amount of turnover taken up by total wages fell 1% on the year to a Premiership-wide average of 61%, with three clubs enjoying ratios below 50% - Manchester United, Newcastle United and West Bromwich Albion.

Sunderland, Fulham and Leeds United were the highest wage spenders when calculated as a proportion of turnover - each more than 80%.

Leeds United has subsequently got itself into well-reported financial difficulties brought about by high spending, and only a recent takeover avoided it going into administration.

Deloitte partner Dan Jones said the slowdown in the growth of players' wages was a good sign of growing financial prudence.

"These are real signs that stronger financial management is being exercised by club boards," said Mr Jones

"The challenge will be to maintain that strength, which we applaud, even in the face of the inevitable calls from some quarters to increase spending."

Broadcasting bonanza

Turning his attention specifically to Leeds United, Mr Jones added: "The media coverage of the financial difficulties at Elland Road should not overshadow the good work of management at the majority of Premiership clubs, whereby costs are being better balanced with revenue."

Overall turnover of Premiership clubs remains the highest in Europe, the Deloitte and Touche report said.

For 2002/2003 this was �1.25bn, up 10% on the �1.13bn in 2001/2002.

Manchester United had the highest revenue - �175m - followed by Liverpool and Arsenal (both �104m).

However, despite the giant revenue streams, most Premiership clubs are still struggling to make a pre-tax profit.

For the 2002/2003 season this was only achieved by Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Newcastle, Chelsea and Birmingham.

The revenue generation of the Premiership has increased eight-fold since its inception in 1992, driven by broadcasting, which now accounts for 44%.