Derby World Cup loss a 'surprise'

Bid officials said they were surprised Nottingham was chosen ahead of Derby

World Cup bid officials in Derby said they were surprised the city was not chosen for the 2018 event.

Tom Glick, President of Derby County Football Club, said his team wanted an explanation from the FA as to why their "strong and compelling bid" lost out.

Twelve stadia out of 15 were named on Wednesday as hosts as part of England's official bid for the 2018 event.

Derby's team leaders said they would now concentrate on attracting the extra World Cup visitors to the area.

'Strengthened relationships'

A team from Derby City Council, Derby County Football Club, Derbyshire County Council, the University of Derby, the East Midlands Development Agency (EMDA), the Derby Telegraph and Marketing Derby have been working on the bid since June.

Mr Glick: "We're as surprised as we are disappointed. Derby presented a very strong and compelling bid."

He added: "The FA told us they wanted the lowest risk bid possible, so from my stand point I can't see where a proposed stadium without a site or funding can be lower risk, but that's not for me to decide."

England will find out if the bid to host the World Cup is successful in December 2010.

City council leader Hilary Jones said: "Obviously we're very disappointed, as we believe that Derby has everything that is required to host some games in 2018, but this has been a valuable experience for us and has strengthened relationships across various organisations in both the city and the county.

"We wish all the cities that have been chosen to host the World Cup every success, and of course, we'll continue to support England's bid to be a Host Nation for the World Cup in 2018 or 2022."