By Andrew Topping, Local Democracy Reporter
Nottinghamshire councillors say there is a “phenomenal” expected financial boost to the city and county ahead of Nottingham Forest’s Premier League return next month.
The Reds will kick off their first top-flight campaign for 23 years on August 6 when they head to St James’ Park for a clash with Newcastle United.
It follows the club’s triumphant return to the top tier in May after the 1-0 win over Huddersfield at Wembley, which came after Steve Cooper’s men rose from the bottom of the league in September to secure the vital play-off win.
Now Nottinghamshire County Council has held a ‘motion of congratulations’, with many councillors praising the economic boost due to be felt following the long-awaited promotion.
Councillor Ben Bradley (Con), leader of the council and Mansfield MP, led the congratulations as he proposed the motion during a full council meeting on July 7.
He said: “The Premier League is just about the world’s biggest shop window and brings cameras, visitors and money to our city and county.
“It’s worth many, many millions to the local economy and puts Nottinghamshire very firmly in the shop window for billions of people every single week.
“For that, whether you’re a football fan or not, I think we should all be very pleased and proud and grateful to the club and everybody there, because that transcends football.
“It’s a boost for our whole community, our investment, growth and public services.”
Cllr David Martin (Ash Ind), who represents Selston, is a life-long Forest fan and said the revenue boost will be “phenomenal”.
“This past season has been absolutely magical,” he said.
“On the economy drive, not only for the city but for all over, we’re in that league now and the relevance of the revenue it will bring in will be absolutely phenomenal.
“This will be the first of many seasons where I’m watching the transfer window on an hourly basis.”
Cllr Mike Pringle (Lab), who represents Ollerton, is a Newcastle United supporter – the club Forest will play in their first game back in the Premier League next month.
He said: “The revenue from this – it’s difficult to taste funding but when it comes because of somebody’s efforts, it’s fantastic.
“There will be shopkeepers, manufacturers, everybody can recoup something from the success of Forest and long may that last and continue.”
And Cllr Keith Girling (Con), cabinet member for economic development, also praised the revenue boost expected from the club’s promotion.
Cllr Girling, a Notts County fan, said: “The benefits it’s going to bring in are phenomenal, and it’s just not about the money but the feel about Nottinghamshire and in the city.
“I truly do hope they stay there for a very long time because the reality is, it’s good for us [as a county].”
The promotion is also expected to speed-up the club’s ambitions to redevelop its West Bridgford-based City Ground home.
The Reds put out a notice to fans last month stating the Peter Taylor Stand is expected to be redeveloped this coming season, though planning permission has not yet been granted by Rushcliffe Borough Council.
The council said last month, however, that it is working with partners to bring the planning process “to a conclusion”.
