Sunderland World Cup bid reaches new heights

Nov 25 2009 by Adam Jupp, The Journal

NewcastleGateshead's promise of a special time

CIVIC leaders were joined by league leaders to back NewcastleGateshead’s World Cup bid yesterday.

Newcastle and Gateshead Council chiefs met with players and staff from Newcastle United to give Tyneside’s bid to be included in England’s World Cup an official send-off.

Defender Steven Taylor said: “You see Newcastle and think of it as a football city – it’s very passionate. We’ve got experienced players and the atmosphere is amazing. It would be a special thing.

“We have to be amongst the best bids – you just have to look at the stadium and what NewcastleGateshead brings.”

Newcastle City Council leader Coun John Shipley said: “It will be special for all the fans who live here and who visit. I went to Germany in 2006 and it’s a tremendous festival. It’s enormous for everybody and it’s a good occasion for a city to be involved.

“In terms of a legacy it’s terribly important, such as in women’s football and having thousands of coaches trained. All that will provide benefits to football for Newcastle and Gateshead. Then of course there’s the economic benefit.”