Commenting on confirmation of Derby County’s relegation from the EFL Championship yesterday (18 April), East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “Derby County’s relegation marks a very sad day for the people of Derby and the club’s legion of fans across the world, while many businesses in the city will consider it a huge blow for them.
“The club is an integral component of the city’s heritage, make-up and economy, with the prosperity of both intrinsically linked.
“A successful football team competing at the top of the sport creates a healthy atmosphere across the whole area and this will always have positive economic consequences.
“Businesses located in and around the city benefit from the tens of thousands of people who turn up every match to support their club – pubs, cafés, restaurants and shops will be packed before each game, while local transport networks rely on the increased number of passengers to remain viable.
“But it’s also much more than that. Derby County is a part of the city and county’s fabric, and it’s now critical that attentions turn towards protecting the future of the club by ensuring the swift and safe completion of a takeover that will achieve this ultimate goal.
“While relegation is inevitably a deep disappointment, the communities and businesses who rely on this sporting institution now just want to be freed from the damaging state of limbo they find themselves in, and offered renewed hope there will continue to be a club they can throw their support behind.”
