Source: Daily_Mail
Premier League managers lend their support to England's 2018 World Cup bid
Premier League managers came out in force today to lend their support to England's 2018 World Cup bid.[LNB]In a film shown to The FIFA Executive Committee and the FIFA Inspection team each manager declared why they felt England would be perfect hosts for the tournament. [LNB]It is a timely boost for the bid's organisers ahead of FIFA President Sepp Blatter's visit to Downing Street later this week. [LNB] Visit: Sepp Blatter will meet Prime Minister David Cameron later this week [LNB]Richard Bevan, Chief Executive of the League Managers Association, said: 'The LMA and its managers are fully committed to bringing the World Cup to England in 2018 and it is pleasing to see how many managers have given their time to assist with the campaign.' [LNB]FIFA will make their final decision on the 2018 and 2022 World Cups in Zurich on December 2. [LNB]Arsene Wenger (ARSENAL)'In the last ten years English football has developed so much and sowell. The structures of the game are absolutely fantastic everywhereand the facilities that England can offer the world are truly firstclass. [LNB]'I have been involved with this bid personally as I strongly believeit would benefit football here and around the world for years to come.I hope we all have something to celebrate in December when FIFA makesits decision.'[LNB] Say your prayers! Arsene Wenger and Carlo Ancelotti have voiced their support [LNB]Gerard Houllier (ASTON VILLA) 'I have found an admiration and affection for English footballwherever I have been. In the past few years the profile of the BarclaysPremier League has reached new heights. It is to their credit that thepeople in English football are using this popularity as a platform forfootball, social and human development projects around the world.'[LNB]Alex McLeish (BIRMINGHAM CITY)'The level of support and love of the game is what makes Englandsuch a special place to play and watch football. Every week we seethousands of fans from every walk of life supporting their teams acrossthe country, creating the amazing atmosphere that really inspires theplayers. I fully support England's bid for the 2018 World Cup.' [LNB]Sam Allardyce (BLACKBURN ROVERS)'The passion for football in England can be seen at all levels ofthe game with every step the players take and every cheer heard fromthe crowds. Football is part of who we are and that would make a WorldCup in England a tremendous experience for all.[LNB]'The benefits of a World Cup in England would be felt all over thecountry. It would help create more coaches, inspire young people toplay the game and give us the chance to raise standards everywhere. I'm sure the public will get behind the bid just like they get behindtheir teams and give us a great chance of bringing the World Cup herein 2018.'[LNB] Picture perfect: Arsenal's Emirates Stadium would be among the stadias used in 2018 [LNB]Ian Holloway (BLACKPOOL)'Football is huge all over England and we would be great hosts for aWorld Cup. The enthusiasm for the game we experience up here in theNorth-West is remarkable and there is a real football tradition in thisregion. [LNB]'I would also like to say that as a very proud Bristolian, I'd loveto see the World Cup come to Bristol. The city has a great deal tooffer and it's not only a fantastic place to live but also a fantasticplace to visit. Every Bristolian should be very excited about showingoff their home city to the world. [LNB]'Hosting the World Cup will also be a fantastic boost for the kidsof Bristol and football across the region. To have the biggest sportsevent in the world come to Bristol will provide inspiration to a wholegeneration of young Bristolians and that can only be a good thing forthe city. [LNB] Proud: Ian Holloway insists England would be great hosts for the World Cup [LNB][LNB]'I'd be delighted to see the best teams in the world training andplaying in Bristol in a few years time; it will put us on the Worldmap.' [LNB]Owen Coyle (BOLTON WANDERERS)'The crowds in this country embrace exciting football and love to beentertained. A World Cup in England would not only give fans the chanceto watch the best players on their own doorstep but also see countriesbring their own unique styles of football with them. [LNB]'The enthusiasm fans have for football in England and the superbfacilities on offer would ensure a World Cup in this country would befantastic for the world's players and supporters alike.'[LNB]Carlo Ancelotti (CHELSEA)'London is full of different cultures and traditions both on thefootball field and on the streets. What everyone in the city has incommon is the universal language of football and this is the same allover England. Fans and players from all over the world would find acountry in love with the game and I think this would create theenvironment for fantastic football. England would be a perfect settingfor a World Cup.'[LNB]David Moyes (EVERTON)'Football really matters to the people in the City of Liverpool;it's something which is much more than a pastime - it is a genuinepassion.[LNB] Manager's unite: David Moyes and Roy Hodgson have lent their support to the bid[LNB]'If England were to stage a World Cup then there is no doubt thisCity would be a key player. I would urge every football supporter inthe area to get right behind this bid. We can't afford to miss out onwhat could be a magnificent event.'[LNB]Mark Hughes (FULHAM)'It would be magnificent if the World Cup came back to England. Itcan create so much interest not only in the host country, butworld-wide as well. Everyone then talks about football and wants toplay the game and watch matches. [LNB]'There are some tremendous stadiums and playing facilities here now,as well as iconic venues steeped in history and tradition. Everythingis here to put on a great show if England get to stage the World Cup.'[LNB]Roy Hodgson (LIVERPOOL)'I have had the privilege ofworking in countries around the world where football plays a key rolein peoples day to day lives. However, in terms of the level of passionfor the game, nothing compares to that of supporters in England. [LNB]'I am constantly amazed by the interest in English football when Itravel around the world and foreign players who join the Premier Leagueare always excited by the prospect of playing in a country that is sopassionate about football. [LNB] Perfect host: Capello speaks to FIFA's inspection team at Wembley earlier this year [LNB][LNB]'Hosting a World Cup in this country would not only inspire the nextgeneration of football enthusiasts here but also children around theworld. The power of football can play a crucial role in the lives ofpeople of all ages and the England 2018 Bid can help to deliverpositive change for millions of people. [LNB]'I fully support the Bid and with the decision date fast approaching I would urge people to give their support as well.'[LNB]Roberto Mancini (MANCHESTER CITY)'In England there are fantastic stadiums and training venues andit's the depth and variety of these facilities that would make Englanda fitting host for the World Cup. In Manchester the people lovefootball and a World Cup here would be very exciting for fans and teamsfrom across the world.'[LNB]Sir Alex Ferguson (MANCHESTER UNITED)It's always been part of Manchester United to open our doors to football people across the world. It's a family here and if England was to host the World Cup fans would be made to feel part of that family. [LNB] 'The facilities in England are superb which gives players the chance to perform to their highest levels.' [LNB] History: Wembley would be in line to host a World Cup final for the first time since 1966[LNB]Chris Hughton (NEWCASTLE UNITED)'On behalf of Newcastle United Football Club, I would like to saythat we are all enthusiastically behind the bid. We would be honouredto host World Cup matches at St. James Park stadium and wish the bidevery success in bringing the World Cup to the incredibly passionatefans in the North East of England.'[LNB]Tony Pulis (STOKE CITY)'The prospect of bringing the World Cup finals to the midlands is anexciting one for everyone associated with the game in the region.Football is buoyant in the midlands at the moment with so many of ourclubs in the Barclays Premier League and I am sure it will be amassive, massive boost if we have the chance to stage the biggesttournament of all here on our doorstep. [LNB]'Even as a proud Welshman, I fully appreciate that it's a great timefor England to host a World Cup again, so we as a Football Club aregiving our wholehearted support to a bid that could bring the 2018finals to the region'[LNB]Steve Bruce (SUNDERLAND)'A World Cup in England would be a magical thing. Everyone in the country would get behind it and it would be a wonderful spectacle. English football clubs already do such good work for football both here and across the world and hosting the World Cup would give us the opportunity to do more of this.'[LNB]Harry Redknapp (TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR)'Coming to train and play here as part of a World Cup would be a joy for any manager and player - everything you need is here. [LNB] Backing the bid: Current England manager Fabio Capello [LNB][LNB]'Every football fan in England would love to see the World Cup hereand I really believe that we would put on a fantastic tournament forthe world.'[LNB]Roberto Di Matteo (WEST BROMWICH ALBION)'The stadiums in England are perfect for football as the supporters are close to the pitch which makes for a great atmosphere. [LNB]'Because of the passion and culture, the fans sing and support for the whole game. It's not just pockets of support, it happens all over the whole ground which is just great. When I played for Italy at Wembley, I can still remember supporters singing the national anthem and it was very special.' [LNB]Avram Grant (WEST HAM UNITED) 'What has struck me from my time in England is how passionate the fans are for football. The crowds really drive the players on the pitch to perform to the best of their ability, which helps create the exciting football that England is so famous for. A World Cup here would be a really special event.' [LNB]Roberto Martinez (WIGAN ATHLETIC)'The FIFA World Cup is the biggest and most prestigious football competition in world football and for Wigan as a club and a town to be able to play our part would be marvellous. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Wigan to become involved in such an amazing event.' [LNB]Mick McCarthy (WOLVES)'There is a huge appetite for football in England which is demonstrated across the country and throughout every level of the game. Football is much more than just a game - it's a way of life to so many people. The unrivalled enthusiasm for the game is what I believe would make England a fantastic host for the 2018 World Cup.'[LNB] Cameron's charm offensive to help win 2018 World Cup bidEngland's 2018 bid could be sabotaged by dodgy deals and dirty tricksCharles Sale: US World Cup chief backs England bid for 2018 [LNB] [LNB] Explore more:People: Alex Ferguson, Ian Holloway, Steve Bruce, David Moyes, Mark Hughes, Harry Redknapp, Roberto Di Matteo, Sepp Blatter, Mick McCarthy, Sam Allardyce, Gerard Houllier, Alex McLeish, Roy Hodgson, Owen Coyle, Carlo Ancelotti, Roberto Martinez Places: Liverpool, Manchester, London, Bristol, Italy, United Kingdom
