'Relegation is a possibility' - Essex chief executive

Dan Feist was appointed as Essex CEO in February, replacing John Stephenson

Essex are bracing themselves for potential relegation to Division Two of the County Championship, according to the club's chief executive.

The county are currently second from bottom in Division One and only have one win from nine games this season - the bottom two sides will be relegated.

Chief executive Dan Feist told BBC Essex, "It's definitely a possibility and you have to plan around that process.

"But it's a possibility for a number of teams in that division, I've not known it to be as competitive as it is this year."

Essex's only Championship victory since Chris Silverwood's return as director of cricket came in April when they beat Worcstershire by 28 runs at Chelmsford.

They are also bottom of South Group in the T20 Blast, with one win in 11 games, with three more to play, starting with Friday's home fixture against Sussex, also their opponents at Hove when the Championship resumes on 22 July.

Despite their position, Feist said he is positive about what is to come.

"We've got a good run of opportunities, no one knows quite what's going to happen in the next two rounds (of the Championship).

"The one thing we do know is that we are very lucky with the loyal fans and the support we have as Essex."

He continued: "I don't think it's just us, I think there's a group of teams in that division who are potentially aware of where they could end up.

"We know we've got the players and with a little bit more fortune and consistency, we will be back up where we know we can be."

If Essex were to be relegated, having last played in the second division in 2016, there would be financial implications but Feist said there was no reason to panic on that front.

He added: "We'd have to manage around stakeholders and partners, you have to be aware of that.

"It's the same as any sporting organisation that has the opportunities around promotion and relegation, it's something you have to build on."

Dan Feist was speaking to Victoria Polley on BBC Essex's Around The Wicket. You can listen to the full programme on BBC Sounds here.