Source: Eurosport
Shearer backs Magpies bid
Newcastle legend Alan Shearer has thrown his weight behind the city's bid to host matches in the 2018 World Cup finals.
Like neighbours Sunderland, Newcastle-Gateshead are among 15 cities hoping to be chosen as venues if the Football Association is successful in landing the tournament.
Shearer said: "Leading out England during the 1998 World Cup Finals in France was a great honour for me.
"To play in the biggest tournament of all is a dream for every footballer.
"To see St. James' Park named as a World Cup venue for 2018 would be fantastic and fitting for such a great stadium.
"Fans coming to Newcastle for World Cup matches would be guaranteed the warmest of welcomes and be able to experience the passion we have for football here in the North East."
