Bid is big enough for our two cities

Nov 26 2009 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

Newcastle and Sunderland are rival cities in every sense of the word but Chief Sports Writer Luke Edwards argues their separate bids to be host cities for the 2018 World Cup can live in harmony together

If it is, Steve Harper feels it will be a tragedy, an injustice that would spark outrage across a region which prides itself on its love of football.

Born in Easington Colliery, in the heart of Sunderland territory, the Newcastle United goalkeeper is well aware of tribal divisions drawn along football lines, but he also knows how much they share in terms of passion for the game.

He said: “It would be a tragedy if Newcastle didn’t get it. The country as a whole has got to win the right to host the tournament first and it would be fantastic if we can win the bid. It will be 52 years since the World Cup was here and we won it and it’s overdue. It would be brilliant if football did come home again.

“If we do, then games have to be staged in the North East, it’s as simple as that in my opinion. This is the real hot bed of football and we have two fantastic stadia. If you look at St James’ Park this is an amazing place to play football so hopefully the FA can put a successful bid together and we can get a few games up here. I can’t see any way if England win the right to host the World Cup that there wouldn’t be any games in the North East.

“I think there might be a march down the A1 if that happens. We will see the second Jarrow March if the FA ignore the North East because it’s a no brainer for the North East to stage several games. The fanbases through the North East are massive and there would be so much enthusiasm for the games.” And, while other parts of the country would be lukewarm to the prospect of a game between Mexico and Poland, Harper is convinced they will be sell-outs in either Newcastle or Sunderland.

He added: “Football fans in the North East are knowledgeable about their football. It isn’t just about Newcastle and Sunderland, they know what it is going on internationally and nationally.

“The passion the fans have for football guarantees you will feel the stadiums. I don’t think that is the same for other parts of the country. Look at the crowds we have got this season, 43,000 people coming to watch Newcastle play Peterborough tells you everything.”