Essex have reported a loss of £40,000 in 2010, a £176,000 improvement on the previous year.

But club treasurer Keith Brown has expressed his disappointment with the figure, and has warned 2011 will be an equally difficult year.

He said: "It was another challenging year with a loss of some £40,000. While this was an improvement on the £216,000 loss in 2009, it is unsatisfactory.

"There were positives with strong membership and match income."

He added: "One-day matches contributed 90% of our gate income, and the club is financially very dependent upon Twenty20 games.

"Sponsorship and advertising income has been under pressure while our retail operation in High Chelmer made a loss - this has now closed.

"2011 will again be a difficult year especially in the light of the current economic environment. Uncertainty over the future of one-day games, particularly Twenty20, brings added pressures on our income in 2012, which will require us to look at all areas of expenditure."

Meanwhile the club have revealed a move to sign an overseas bowler for the new season has fallen through.

Coach Paul Grayson said earlier this month that a deal had been agreed, but it is now believed the player has opted against the move.

Essex are looking elsewhere to strengthen their bowling line-up ahead of the start of the County Championship season against Kent on 8 April.

After relegation last summer, the county are back in Division Two.

Essex have opted not to retain Pakistani leg-spinner Danish Kaneria, who has been their overseas player for five of the last six seasons.

The squad have recently returned from a pre-season tour of Barbados.

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