Latics home in on World Cup bid

OLDHAM Athletic’s controversial new stadium plan has been given a welcome boost — from England’s 2018 World Cup bid.

The proposed stadium at the bottom of Broadway in Failsworth looks set to bolster Manchester’s host city bid.

The 2018 bid team believes including Athletic’s proposed new ground as a specific training site could strengthen Manchester’s case and the overall England bid.

Old Trafford and The City of Manchester Stadium are the two grounds earmarked to stage games if the England bid is successful, but teams will require training sites in the area and that is why the new Latics stadium could play a major role in helping England secure FIFA’s nomination.

Latics chief executive Alan Hardy said: “We have been invited to a meeting with Sir Howard Bernstein, the chief executive of Manchester City Council, who is leading the bid team, to discuss the feasibility of the new stadium being included in the England 2018 Bid Book. We are absolutely delighted.

“We will hopefully have the proposed new stadium on stream by then and it is thought that our inclusion would help to enhance the England 2018 bid. It would certainly be a major boost for the club and the whole Oldham borough to be involved in the world’s biggest sporting event.”

If England win the bid it could mean world stars from the likes of Brazil, Italy, Argentina and a host of other countries would use Latics’ facilities and bring massive media exposure and prestige to the borough.

Added Mr Hardy: “With games taking place at the two stadiums in Manchester, at least four centres will be needed for training purposes and we could host one of those.

“Teams then tend to host open training sessions, meaning that people who can’t necessarily go to watch the matches can at least see some of the superstars of world football in action.

“If by being involved we can enhance the prestige and reputation of the borough and create some excitement for people, then it is a great development for the whole borough.”

FIFA decide in December which country will win the honour of hosting the 2018 tournament.

For the region this would mean a festival of football, fans and friendship as well as a significant boost to the economy.