First GBRf will today name one of its Class 66 locomotives 'Derby County' to commemorate their contract with Bombardier Transportation, for the delivery of new underground stock.
The naming ceremony will be attended by representatives from First GBRf and Bombardier Transportation as well as Derby County's President and CEO Tom Glick, Vice President of Commercial Tim Hinchey, Vice President of Finance Mal Brannigan, Manager Nigel Clough as well as ex-players Phil Gee and Archie Gemmill.
Tom Glick and John Smith, MD, First GBRf will name loco 66729 "Derby County", with another former player, Roger Davies, acting as MC for the event.
Tom Glick commented: "Our supporters will be delighted to see the club honoured in this way; we are delighted to be involved with it. Trains and the rail industry are integral to Derby and plays a huge part in the life of this region."
Loco 66729 is named "Derby County"
Rams boss Nigel Clough said: "This is a great gesture and something we are all delighted about at the football club. The rail industry is extremely important to Derby and therefore has always had a big impact on Derby County itself. It will be a proud moment to see a locomotive emblazoned with our name on it; I am looking forward to being one of the first to ride in it."
Colin S Walton, UK chairman of Bombardier Transportation, said: "This is a great way to celebrate our close partnerships both with Derby County and with First GBRf. With Derby County, we are working on many local community projects as part of our commitment to the area. The naming of this locomotive further underlines our close ties with Derby."
After the naming ceremony, guests will be taken to the football ground for lunch, which will be followed by a tour of the football club or a train trip to Melton Mowbray.
Ashley Stower, head of business development and marketing, First GBRf, and dedicated Derby supporter, said: "As a lifetime supporter of Derby County this event is particularly special for me and is also a great way to mark the hard work that has been displayed on the contract with Bombardier Transportation."
). Last season the Rams had the highest average attendance for the 2008/2009 season, both years about 29,000 plus change, more than a lot of teams in the Premiership .
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