'Compelling case for World Cup bid

PLYMOUTH World Cup bid director Keith Todd insists he and his team have put together a “compelling case” for the city to become one of England’s host venues for the 2018 World Cup.

Earlier today, Mr Todd led the Plymouth delegation – which also included Olympic diver Tom Daley, former England international and current Plymouth Argyle head coach Paul Mariner and current Pilgrims and New Zealand striker Rory Fallon – to Wembley Stadium, where they handed over their detailed 18-chapter submission to officials of England’s 2018 bid.

Bid hopefuls Paul Stapleton, Keith Todd, Tom Daley, Paul Mariner and Rory Fallon

On hand to receive the Plymouth documentation were Lord Brian Mawhinney, chairman of the Football League, Lord Triesman, chairman of the Football Association and Andy Anson, chief executive of the England World Cup bid.

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Following the handing over, Mr Todd said: “Today is a very special day for Plymouth and it’s magical that we have been able to deliver our bid here at Wembley. We have just gone through the delivery of the bid, which I have to say is just compelling.

Balloon backing for Plymouth's World Cup bid

“We know the quality of this bid and, as I have said many times before, our location is simply one to die for. The legacy that will be left with the World Cup being held in our region, both economically and socially, is going to be phenomenal.”

Full report and reaction in Friday’s Western Morning News.