PNE hope to see some of the world's greatest players at Deepdale in 2018 after backing Liverpool's bid for host city status. The bid was announced last week with North End one of four clubs in the region supporting Liverpool's attempt to be part of England's final 2018 World Cup bid.
Premiership clubs Blackburn Rovers and Wigan Athletic and Coca-Cola League One side Tranmere Rovers joined the Lilywhites in putting their facilities forward to be part of the bid as Base Camp training facilities.
Representatives from all four north west clubs were in the city this morning as Liverpool unveiled detailed plans to England 2018 inspectors and almost 200 guests, including LFC Manager Rafa Benitez, at ACC Liverpool.
As well as identifying Deepdale, the DW stadium, Ewood Park and Prenton Park as first class stadia for visiting nations to train in, within 40 minutes of Liverpool, both Everton and Liverpool Football Club presented their plans for new stadia at Kirkby and Anfield.
The hour-long presentation, hosted by TV presenters Ray Stubbs and Kelly Cates (Nee Dalglish), also spelt out how Liverpool would put on a festival of football throughout the tournament and develop a health promotion programme in the run up to 2018.
Key to Liverpool's plans are the creation of the world cup's first Beatles themed FIFA Fan Fest™ site by rebranding the Mystery Park in Wavertree, which lies just 10 minutes from Penny Lane, as the 'Magical Mystery Park'. Newsham Park would be the other major Fan Fest site, which will host events every day of tournament, and will carry a Victorian theme to play on the roots and heritage of football.
In the city centre Liverpool would create celebration squares on match days at the Pier Head, Clayton Square, Williamson Square and William Brown Street in the cultural quarter.
Liverpool would also aim to be a green Host City by promoting a no-car transport programme to Fan Fest sites, dubbed 'You'll Never Walk Alone.'
The audience were also given a football skills demonstration, offered the opportunity to view a special football photograph exhibition, as well as photograph themselves with the 1966 World Cup Final match ball and other memorabilia from every World Cup.
Liverpool's bid to be part of England's World Cup application to FIFA is led by Liverpool City Council which also highlighting the strength of grassroots football, Liverpool's transport, hotel and tourism offer and the city's 2008 Capital of Culture success in its ability to host a month-long festival of football that will entertain thousands of fans.
Councillor Warren Bradley, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said: ''The involvement of Blackburn, Preston, Tranmere and Wigan are fabulous additions to our bidding team. These clubs, together with Everton and Liverpool, have a huge fan base and I doubt many other host cities will be able to call on such illustrious footballing support.
''We've also worked hard to develop what being a host city would mean for the fans, visitors and residents. The fan fest sites and celebration squares will draw on the very best of what people saw in Capital of Culture year with the green transport scheme and health promotion programmer will ensure the city experiences a meaningful and lasting legacy of being part of the world cup.''
North End chairman Derek Shaw said: "Preston North End is pleased and proud to support Liverpool's host city bid for 2018. As a founder member of the Football League and the first winners of the league and cup double, Preston is a club steeped in history and heritage and to be involved in this project is another fantastic opportunity to show what we are about as a City and as a club.
"We hope that bid is successful and that we can play host to one of the world's great footballing nations at Deepdale and our facilities."
After last week's inspection, which involved a presentation from the four Base Camp clubs, including North End, Liverpool has to submit a final written bid to England's World Cup bid company by November 2009. England will announce its Host Cities in December and will put forward its official bid in May 2010.
FIFA will announce the hosts of the 2018 and 2022 World Cup in December 2010.
Anyone can pledge their support for Liverpool and England's bid by registering online at: http://www.england2018bid.com/support/register.aspx.
Bid website: www.liverpool.gov.uk/Leisure_and_culture/2018_world_cup_bid/index.asp.
