PLYMOUTH ARGYLE once had ambitious plans to host matches at the 2018 World Cup.
However, England‘s failed bid to host the World Cup that year – instead being handed to Russia – ultimately saw the plans fall flat.
Plymouth Argyle once had ambitious plans for a stunning 46,000-seater stadium[/caption]
It would have hosted four World Cup matches[/caption]
And in the present day, the club are in a relegation battle in the Championship under Wayne Rooney.
In a parallel universe, The Pilgrims now play in a stunning 46,000-seater stadium after leaving Home Park, where they have played since 1901.
This is surrounded by a £150million project of shops, cinemas, restaurants, a hotel and an ice rink.
State-of-the-art tramlines, as well as a new pier and stunning Drake‘s Island would attract the super-rich.
The city’s rejuvenation would also see it playing host to other major sporting events such as the America’s Cup – sailing’s own version of the World Cup.
The ambitious project would have created 3,700 jobs and £292m in investment for the city.
Argyle would have hosted four World Cup matches, along with training camps around the region and “Fan Fests” on the Hoe and at Stonehouse Creek costing over £15m over 31 days.
There was widespread support for the bid from locals, while politicians jetted to South Africa to try and promote Plymouth‘s campaign.
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However, the light of ambition became shrouded in the darkness of the ashes that nearly became Plymouth Argyle.
The Plymouth Herald revealed the city council itself lost £700,000 in the failed bid.
Plymouth City Council alone spent £147,000 with another £250,000 being underwritten by Argyle.
The Home Park outfit owned £17m due to the project, sending the club into administration in 2011.
James Brent’s Akkeron Group eventually agreed a deal with administrators to buy the club, with former chairman Peter Ridsdale leaving the club when the deal was completed.
Argyle sold Home Park back to the city council for £1.6m and agreed to pay £135,000 a year in rent.
If this project had not been axed by Fifa, Plymouth may well have been among the first names when considering who might host games for Euro 2028.
However, the tournament – which will be across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland after Northern Ireland pulled out – will not feature any trips to the West Country.
