Inside the World Cup

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Sheffield United launch 2018 World Cup plans

June 22 - Sheffield United plan to redevelop Bramall Lane and increase capacity to 44,000 in time for the 2018 World Cup.

The Championship club, who hope to carry out the work in two phases, have already submitted proposals to revamp the kop end, which will initially increase the seating to 37,000 and include a new concourse and toilets, executive boxes and improved facilities for the disabled.

Plans for the redevelopment of the ground's south stand include a further increase of capacity by 6,000, an exhibition and conference centre, banqueting facilities and even private housing.

The club are hoping to be considered as a potential venue for the 2018 World Cup.

The Football Association, which is bidding to host the tournament, will have to choose 11 out of 15 cities which have applied to hold World Cup games if England's bid is successful.

Special exhibitions, when there will be opportunities to view the Sheffield United plans and see computer generated images of the future look of the stadium, will be held today and Wednesday in the John Street stand.

Jason Rockett, Sheffield United's chief executive, said: "We are keen to receive the views of the local community and our fans.

"The second stage plans are exciting not only for United but for the city and the areas near to the stadium.

"The second phase is part of a long-term strategy, subject to achieving success on the pitch, aimed at generating additional income off-the-field which we have already seen with the development of the hotel and the business centre.

"We believe our plans for the stadium will meet the criteria of a Sheffield bid to be a host city for the 2018 World Cup which as a club we are committed to supporting."

Bramall Lane is the oldest stadium in the world still staging professional football having been opened in 1855 and shares the distniction of being one of only two grounds in the country to have staged an England international football match and a Test match [the other is the Oval].

When England last staged the World Cup in 1966 Hillsborough, the ground of United's rivals, Sheffield Wednesday, was used.

It staged three matches, including West Germany's 5-0 victory over Switzerland.

Hillsborough was also used during the European Championships in 1996 when defending champions Denmark played all their group matches there, including a 3-0 win over Turkey.