JJB SPORTS, the multi-million-pound business created by former Blackburn Rovers star David Whelan, has announced record profits of £110million.

The UK's largest sports retailer said turnover at its 435 stores has risen by more than 10 per cent to £739million for the year up to the end of January.

The pre-tax profit figure of £110million was 31 per cent higher than the £84 million achieved in the previous year.

Mr Whelan launched his business career with a stall on Blackburn Market after a broken leg ended his football dreams. And in his annual report to shareholders, he announced a deal with the world's richest football club.

JJB has signed a four-year deal with Manchester United to become the club's 'Official Sports Retailer,' which will give it exclusive rights to sell merchandise in its stores.

Mr Whelan also confirmed that JJB would be pressing ahead with its £42 million bid for T J Hughes, the discount department store group with outlets in Blackburn and Burnley.

T J Hughes' shareholders have been given until April 19 to accept a final offer of 140p per share.

Announcing the company's results, Mr Whelan said 2001 had been another year of success for JJB Sports.

"We have generated solid growth in total turnover and like-for-like sales while our policy of targeted price campaigns has resulted in an increased gross margin," he said.

"Although we anticipate trading conditions to be more difficult this year, we remain confident that our business will continue to generate growth and long-term value for our shareholders."

"With the sales opportunities to be created as a result of events such as the World Cup and from the Manchester United contract, I am confident of another satisfactory outcome in the current year."