By Martin Walker

Raj Singh says the North-East has helped England put together a "winning" bid to stage the 2018 World Cup.

Sunderland, Middlesbrough and Newcastle were wooing FIFA delegates this week, who were visiting the region as part of their inspection.

And Quakers chairman Singh has congratulated everyone involved, saying they've given the nation every possible chance of winning the bid, which is announced in December.

In his match programme notes for tomorrow's game against Gateshead, Singh said: "I've said before that it's a crying shame this country hasn't hosted the World Cup since 1966.

"We have the best stadiums and the best infrastructure in place to put on the best tournament for 2018.

"My counterparts at Middlesbrough and Sunderland, Steve Gibson and Niall Quinn, greeted the delegation team at Rockliffe Hall hotel and they were shown around the place and Boro's training complex.

"We were very much part of Sunderland's bid as a potential training base for one of the competing nations, so obviously we have our fingers crossed.

"But I'd like to congratulate Sunderland and Newcastle for the bids they put together. I believe they've given the FA every possible chance of winning.

"As I've said before, to welcome the World Cup to the North-East again would be a mouthwatering proposition.

"We all wait with baited breath now until FIFA make their decision in December, but I'm confident we have put the best bid together."