THE cost of Ipswich Town's playing and coaching staff rocketed by more than �3 million last year, it has been revealed.

THE cost of Ipswich Town's playing and coaching staff rocketed by more than �3 million last year, it has been revealed.

Figures released to shareholders show that the cost of the football side of the club increased from �8.3 million to �11.9 million in the financial year ending in April.

During the year, Town brought in some high wage-earners, including Ivan Campo, Ben Thatcher, Richard Wright, Gareth McAuley and David Norris, which contributed to the rocketing wage bill.

Overall, the club lost more than �10 million in the year. Since then, a further �7.2 million has been spent on buying players, including Tamas Priskin, Lee Martin, Colin Healy, and Damien Delaney.

The finances reveal the extent to which multi-millionaire owner Marcus Evans is prepared to financially support the club in an effort to reach the Premier League. Ipswich Town are currently bottom of the Championship table.

- See tomorrow's paper for the full story.