Bid chiefs in charge of Plymouth’s 2018 host city bid are attempting to persuade Exeter to back the campaign which would bring economic benefits to the whole of Devon.

If Plymouth were successful with their efforts, thousands of supporters would travel to watch the games ensuring a need for extra facilities.

Exeter could potentially host a fan park where 5,000 – 10,000 supporters could gather to watch matches on a big screen. They also stage open training sessions at the club’s St James Park stadium.

Exeter City’s vice chairman Julian Tagg encouraged Grecians fans to put aside Devon rivalries and get behind the bid. He said: “Everybody’s got to look past that. Exeter is a community club and it’s about Exeter and the surrounding area. Anything that benefits the region as a whole is advantageous to everybody that lives here. To bring a world event like this to the area will ensure that more people become interested in football. It’s an absolutely fantastic opportunity.”

Cllr Adrian Fullam, Exeter City Council leader, said: “Securing the World Cup for England in 2018 would be a fantastic national boost for the game, for the economy and for tourism.  But achieving host city status for Plymouth would be the icing on the cake for Devon and Cornwall, providing a huge economic injection to the area and providing a global showcase for what is undoubtedly the most attractive region in the country.”