WITH the South Stand nearing completion, Bloomfield Road officials have been given a welcome boost - from England's 2018 World Cup bid.
The home of the Tangerines is set to bolster the countries bid to stage the 2018 World Cup.
The 2018 bid team believes including The Seasiders' Bloomfield Road ground as a specific training site could strengthen England's bid.
Liverpool's planned Stanley Park Stadium, Old Trafford and The City of Manchester Stadium are the three grounds in the North West earmarked to stage games if the England bid is successful, but teams will require training sites in the area and that is why Pool's Bloomfield Road could play a part in helping England secure FIFA's nomination.
Pool secretary Matt Williams said: "We have been approached by the bid team with a view to discussing the feasibility of using Bloomfield Road as part of the bid and we are absolutely delighted.
"We hope to have the new Armfield Stand online in the coming weeks and the bid team think that, our inclusion - given our history, location and continuing development, would help to enhance the England 2018 bid. It would certainly be a major boost for the club and the whole of the Fylde Coast 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 Blackpool's facilities and bring massive media exposure and prestige to the area.
"With games taking place in both Manchester and Liverpool, at least six centres will be needed for training purposes and we could be 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 area and create some excitement for people, then it is a great development for the whole town."
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.
