CHAMPIONS League success helped Newcastle United score a success on and off the field as the club registered record profits.

Operating profits were up 183 per cent from £7.1m to £20.1m while pre-tax profits rose from £1.4m to £11.5m, according to interim results.

Freddy Shepherd, chairman of Newcastle United plc, said record results "reflected both the club's participation in the Champions League and a continuing concerted effort by the directors, management and staff to make the club one of the best in Europe".

Turnover increased by 57 per cent from £35.8m to £56.2m, match revenues were up by 41 per cent and television and broadcasting revenues were also up by 126 per cent from £9.5m to £21.5m.

There was also a huge increase in wages - climbing by 47 per cent from £15.6m to £22.9m.

The club claims this jump was due to strengthening the squad for the Champions League. However the overall wages-to-turnover ratio is still below 50 per cent - a figure seen by many City analysts as vital to avoid cash problems.

Mr Shepherd said: "Keeping a talented squad of players together is the key to long-term success. The services of all the club's high-profile players are now secured in the medium term.

"Our team performances this season have proved that our squad is more than capable of competing successfully in both the Premier League and the Champions League."

He added: "Following the completion of what has been an extensive capital expenditure programme stretching over ten years, combined with one of the finest squads of players seen at St James' Park for some time, I believe we are ideally placed to challenge for honours in the next five years."