SAFC11
Striker
It is frustrating that we were selected for that list. I know its over 5 countries this time, but it is a shameI was part of the successful Bid Team for Sunderland to be a host venue for the 2018 World Cup. This was a true partnership bid with the Club and the City Council driving the application. Middlesboro, Hartlepool, Darlington, Maiden Castle in Durham were all identified training venues, with letters for support from each of these clubs, respective LA’s and also South and North Tyneside Council’s. Travel times from Durham Tees Valley and Newcastle Airports were all within FIFA tolerance times. Fan accommodation / bed space, was much worse in the city in 2010 when we started the bid and is obviously much better now. That said, teams were obviously allocated to high class venues such as Rockcliffe,Matfen Hall, Seaham Hall etc….I recall that Lumley Castle was discounted as FIFA guidelines stipulated air conditioning was required !! Sports development was a key component and our football history and passion were brought alive in the bid. Local media too, and I recall a fantastic photo in the Echo of Nissan arranging thousands of their cars with an overhead photo showing the cars positioned as ‘2018’.
The Stadium was to be increased in capacity to circa 64k….only trouble was Sept Blatter !!
I’m not sure of the application process this time, but without the Council and the Club working together, or indeed having the appetite, it would never work. Since 2010 there is a much better stock of world class facilities in England.