Location change for League HQ

Left to right: Graeme Sharp, Mike Phelan, Danny Wilson, Alex McLeish, John Duncan, Bryan Douglas, Ian Lenagan, Frank Clark, Shaun Harvey, Nigel Adkins and ex-PNE boss Alan Irvine

Former North End boss Alan Irvine was among the special guests at the opening of ‘EFL House’ which is situated at the junction of West Cliff and Fishergate Hill.

The rebranded EFL –  formerly the Football League – moved to the city centre location from their former home on the docks at the end of last year. For the official opening, a number of former managers and football dignitaries were in attendance.

Shaun Harvey, the league’s chief executive, said: “The EFL has grown and we felt it was the right time to find a new building.

“What was important was to stay in Preston as many of our loyal staff are local.

“We have found a good home for the organisation and believe we can deliver the best service here for our 72 member clubs and the very many communities we represent.

“We are delighted to be here, going forward we want to go from strength to strength and raise the profile on the EFL through different areas of work.”

The official cutting of the ribbon was conducted by Lord Shuttleworth, the Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire and EFL chairman Ian Lenegan.

Among the guests were Mike Phelan, Graeme Sharp, Danny Wilson, Bryan Douglas, Frank Clark, Nigel Adkins and John Duncan.

Chairman Lenegan said: “The EFL is proud to be the world’s original league football competition.

“It has a unique history and heritage but innovation sits at the heart of the EFL and it is therefore fitting that our new home matches and supports a bright future for the organisation.”

Historically, the league’s offices have been in Preston and Lytham St Annes.