Sir Alex Ferguson backs England 2018 as FIFA inspectors head north

By Andrew Warshaw in London

August 24 - FIFA’s 2018 World Cup inspection team headed north today as Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson became the latest figure to pledge his support to the England bid.

Speaking ahead of delegation’s visit to Old Trafford tomorrow, Ferguson added his voice to the chorus of approval hoping to influence FIFA’s assessment of England’s case.

“The facilities for both players and fans are magnificent, from training grounds to stadia and the passion of the English people for the game would ensure that everybody would be made to feel welcome,” said Sir Alex.

“It would be a memorable occasion and would inspire people all over the world.”

FIFA’s six-man team, led by Harold Mayne-Nicholls conducted a range of venue visits in the capital today, meeting representatives from all of the Host Cities, including the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy, Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis, and Liverpool chief executive Christian Purslow.

The group then flew by helicopter for two days of inspections at Middlesbrough, Sunderland and Newcastle, with Manchester to come on Wednesday.

Before they left, a boat journey across the Thames provided the inspectors some of London’s iconic landmarks and was followed by a visit to the proposed venue for the Final Draw if England are successful, the O2 Arena.

In Manchester, where they will visit both the City of Manchester Stadium and Old Trafford, the group will be met by Howard Webb, the Englishman who refereed the 2010 World Cup Final.

Sir Alex and Sir Bobby Charlton will be on hand at Old Trafford for a tour of the stadium.

Contact the writer of this story at zib.l1734807282labto1734807282ofdlr1734807282owedi1734807282sni@w1734807282ahsra1734807282w.wer1734807282dna1734807282