Chris Hughton backing Newcastle's World Cup 2018 bid

Nov 25 2009 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

CHRIS Hughton describes the prospect of a World Cup in England without games in Newcastle as unthinkable as he declared St James’ Park had to be part of the Football Association bid.

A combined bid from Newcastle- Gateshead is just one of 16 from English towns and cities aiming to be considered as a venue should the FA win the race to hold the tournament in 2018 or 2022.

Sunderland are also looking to stage games with a separate bid, but Hughton is confident Newcastle-Gateshead will triumph as he insisted St James’ Park was arguably the most stunning football location in Europe.

Nevertheless, while some believe only one of the North East bids will be successful, Hughton does not see any reason why Sunderland cannot also play a part in the biggest football show on the planet.

Hughton said: “A World Cup bid, without Newcastle and St James’ is unthinkable.

“This is one of the stadiums in my time as a manager, player or coach I have always regarded as one of the massive venues you look forward to coming to.

“It is not just about the size of the stadium, it is also the atmosphere, the passion.

“We always knew about how the fans got behind the players who play here.

“St James’ is synonymous with good teams. However far you want to go back, even in fairly recent years with Kevin (Keegan) and the side which almost won the Premier League.