JJB Sports has blamed the weather for the slight decline in sales

In a trading statement ahead of its annual general meeting on Friday, it said sales in the 23 weeks to 4 July were 1.1% lower than in 2003.

Despite the strong increase in replica shirts, other clothing fell by 15%.

JJB Sports blamed this decline on the weather being consistently warmer, from spring onwards, during 2003.

But the Wigan-based company said it was particularly pleased with the growth of its leisure, or health club, division.