Businesses back Newcastle World Cup bid
Aug 18 2009 by Adam Jupp, The Journal
FROM soccer stars to business bosses, all have rallied behind moves to bring World Cup football to the region.
Sunderland and Newcastle Gateshead want to be included in Englands bid to host the 2018 or 2022 tournaments.
Both cities have launched high-profile campaigns and need to demonstrate to FA chiefs they have widespread public approval.
On Tyneside, businesses have shown their backing by displaying window stickers urging customers to Back the Bid.
Winning the contest could bring a s25m cash injection to the region, with tens of thousands of fans from all corners of the globe descending on the North East during the month-long spectacle. The hospitality trade is expected to benefit the most and David Collins, owner of The Telegraph bar in Newcastle city centre is among those pledging his support.
He said: We wholeheartedly support the bid. Bringing the World Cup to the twin cities would be a huge benefit to the licensed trade in the city.
Meanwhile, Black Cats stars Danny Collins and Lorik Cana have backed Sunderlands campaign, as a new service allowing people to text their support for the bid was launched.
Since the Wearside campaign was kicked-off, thousands have signed special books located at businesses, libraries and at major events, while others have been voting online.
The new text message service is designed to offer a quick and easy way to voice support for the bid and all messages received will be captured in a document that will be submitted to the FA with the final Sunderland proposal later this year.
