Cheering on Plymouth's World Cup goal

AS THE city's representatives put the final touches to the World Cup bid, The Herald asked people in Plymouth what they thought about the plan.

Would it be good for the city and would they like to see a World Cup game in a revamped 43,000-seat Home Park?

Most of those asked were positive about the idea, but some still doubted that Plymouth will have the necessary clout in football circles to succeed.

Paul Heard, 41, from Beacon Park, said: "I'm chuffed to bits. I think its brilliant. The bid has put Plymouth on the map.

"It's a good way to get infrastructure improvements for the city and a good advert for us globally."

Lisa Rickards, 49, from Devonport, said she backed the bid on behalf of her son Jordan, 11.

"It would interest him," she said. "I'm not a fan myself but I would take him to games if the World Cup came to Plymouth."

Christian Hudson, 19, from Ernesettle, said: "It would be brilliant. I've always wanted to go to a World Cup game.

"People should support the bid."

University student Laura Winzar, 19, said: "It's a cool idea, really positive for the city.

"They should get schools and young kids involved because they love football."

Paul Fletcher, 37, was visiting Plymouth from Truro and was very supportive of the bid.

He said: "It will affect Truro as well, because we will have one of the training camps.

"We haven't got any premiership clubs down here so to see that level of football would be great."

Chris Holmes, 24, from Tamerton Foliot, said: "I think it's a cracking idea. It's about time we had something like that down here.

"It would be a good excuse to expand the stadium, but unfortunately I don't think it will happen."

Matthew Douch, 18, from Pennycross, said: "I think it's a fine idea but I can't see it happening. Plymouth is too small and people won't come down here.

"But if it does happen, I would try and go to the games."

Anita Martin, 32, from Crownhill, said: "I think it's got to be a good thing. It would bring people into the city, and what they are planning to do with supporters and everything sounds good.

"Plymouth would be a good setting for World Cup games. I'm not sure how much it's going to cost but it will be worth it."

Stephen Male, 55, from Ernesettle, said: "It would be great if it did come here. I'm not a big football fan but if the World Cup came to Plymouth it would be lovely to go along. It would bring a lot of pleasure and a lot of money to Plymouth."

Nick Cattrall, 55, from Devonport, said: "I think it's a marvellous idea. It would be great for Plymouth, great for Plymouth Argyle, and great for youngsters. It could help get them involved in sport in general and especially football.

"If we do get some games I will be looking for tickets."

Plymouth Argyle World Cup Bid promotional video.

Argyle press conference: Plymouth bid to host World Cup. Filmed August 21. 2009.