Wolves promotion would be ‘huge for Black Country business’

Ninder Johal, who is a Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership board member, said a return to the top flight will provide a major shot in the arm for both Wolverhampton and wider Black Country – particularly if Albion avoid relegation.

Nuno Espirito Santo's Wolves began 2018 clear at the summit of The Championship and with automatic promotion firmly in their sights.

However, their near-neighbours the Baggies are currently languishing in the Premier League relegation zone.

But if Alan Pardew's side do manage to claw their way to safety and Wolves go up, the region can look forward to the first Wolves-Albion derby since 2012.

The benefits of Wolves being promoted range from a boost to the local economy to a increase in profile for Wolverhampton's brand, according to Mr Johal.

He told the Express & Star: "If Wolves are able to maintain their current playing philosophy and do get promoted – which I hope they do – the economic impact for the Black Country are enormous.

"Firstly, for the Wolverhampton brand, which will be broadcast around the world when the club is on television.

"The current broadcast rights go all around the world so from a perception perspective the Wolverhampton brand will be reinforced, and you can't buy that kind of exposure.

"Secondly, improved infrastructure will mean bigger crowds attending from outside the city.

"Away sides from Manchester, Liverpool and London clubs will bring much bigger attendances with them which will have benefits for the local economy, both night-time and daytime.

"That will be fantastic. Together the first two points will help attract inward investment because people will want to invest in the city.

"I think there will be even more benefits if West Brom stay up because the profile of having a Black Country derby is a huge thing and certainly worth waiting for."

Wolves started the New year as short as 1/66 with bookmakers to win promotion to the Premier League.

And it is all smiles at Molineux after the club broke its record attendance earlier this season against Ipswich Town on December 23 when 30,218 watched a 1-0 win.

Over the past three years the team top of the league on January 1 has gone up, two have finished champions – Newcastle United and Bournemouth. Middlesborough finished runners-up.

In 2008/09 Wolves were top on New Year’s Day – and won the league by seven points.