Sports Direct has revealed today that trading is in line with expectations, but that it continues to be the hardest the group has ever experienced.

The sports retailer, which this week snapped up a 5 per cent stake in struggling rival JJB, said that trading in the year to date is in line with the group’s expectations. It added that the board forecasts full-year underlying EBITDA of£135 million, broadly in line with market expectations.

In its interim statement on September 10, Sports Direct gave a stark warning about the state of trading conditions after recording flat profits and sales in the 13 weeks to July 27.

The retailer will post its interim results for the 26 weeks to October 26 on December 17.