Source: Eurosport
Beardsley backs north-east bid
Former England star Peter Beardsley has thrown his weight behind Newcastle-Gateshead's bid for host city status at the 2018 World Cup finals.
Beardsley, who represented his country at the 1986 finals in Mexico and again in Italy four years later when they lost to Germany in the semi-finals after a heartbreaking penalty shoot-out, was present at the launch of the twin cities' campaign at St James' Park.
He said: "The north-east has a totally unique passion for football. As a former England international footballer, I can honestly say there is no greater honour than to be selected to play for your country.
"However, being chosen to play for your country in your own country where football is a religion would be an amazing experience. If Newcastle-Gateshead was to become a host city for the World Cup, the twin cities would come alive with a sense of carnival.
"It is this level of excitement combined with investment that would be sure to inspire the region's young footballers and will create a sporting legacy for generations to come."
The bid will be formally submitted by a delegation from the north east to the England 2018 team at Wembley Stadium on Wednesday and the Football Association's technical team are due to visit the region next Monday. Fifteen cities, including neighbouring Sunderland, have applied to be part of the bid.
