As far as mayor Eric van Oosterhout is concerned, Emmen is in any case a city at the Eredivisie level, whether FC Emmen plays in the Eredivisie or not. Of course he is disappointed that the club will play a step lower next season.
“I have sometimes come home happier after a match. And today when you wake up, it is the first thing in your head again”, Van Oosterhout responds the day after.
Despite the disappointment, according to the mayor, it is now especially important to look ahead. “Guys come on, shake your head and move on. On to next season, we’ve done the trick before. We have to make sure we’re back in the premier league within a season.”
Will the relegation have any negative consequences for Emmen’s image? The mayor of Emmen thinks not. “The premier league means something to Emmen, of course. But we already have that win. We don’t have to worry about that. Everyone in the Netherlands knows that Emmen is a nice club, with nice supporters and a nice image. That point is “We made it. Now we still have to stand behind it together. So just keep those season tickets and also sponsors: stay behind Emmen!”
“Next year around this time, I hope we can once again set up a stage on the Raadhuisplein for a third promotion party,” Van Oosterhout expresses hope. “Everyone remembers those parties.”
Meanwhile, there is still talk in Emmen about the arrival of a new stadium. The outcome of the study into the feasibility of the plans is still awaited. The municipality of Emmen announced in April that it needed more time. As far as the mayor is concerned, the relegation of FC Emmen does not play a role in this story.
“All stadium plans include the fact that Emmen is not just a stable premier league team, that is independent of it. The plans are not yet complete, but for the sake of clarity, the municipality does not pay for this, but thinks along. It is up to the club. I hope there will be an organization that not only ensures that we are back in the premier league soon, but is also able to think along with us about the stadium.”