Birmingham´s bid to overcome Wembley takes shape in Majorca

If Birmingham is awarded the new National Football Stadium then Majorca can take some credit because one of its chief architects has been busy working on plans for this ambitious project at his Son Vida home. Aston Villa Chairman and leading businessman Doug Ellis is quietly confident that “Middle England” will overcome the “London lobby” and the new Wembley will be in Birmingham. The figures speak for themselves: Birmingham is a much cheaper alternative to London, it has greater infrastructure, and it would ease the burden on the capital. Doug Ellis said yesterday “the stadium that we are planning would cost 350 million pounds, half the estimated cost of the new Wembley. We are just one mile away from Birmingham International Airport, we have great road and rail links. We have 3'000 hotel beds in the vicinity. We all know what Wembley is like. A two hour journey home after the final whistle because the transport network is overloaded.” And anyone who believes that the National Stadium would not be the same without the two twin Wembley Towers, shouldn't worry, the famous landmarks could easily be taken to Birmingham and plans are already in hand if and when the green light is given. A decision will be taken next month by the government on the location of the new stadium, and new Home Secretary David Blunkett, has already said that the stadium “doesn't have to be in the capital.” This has given Birmingham's bid even greater impetus. Commentators say that plans to build a new Wembley have already been a disaster and comparisons have been made to Cardiff Arms Park which cost just a fraction of the new Wembley plans and was completed successfully and on time. The FA Cup final was staged there last summer. Doug Ellis also believes that Birmingham should also be given a break. It didn't get the Dome or the Commonwealth Games and it is time that the city known “as the home of football” was given its share of glory. “I think for the fan, because at the end of the day it is he or she who must be looked after, Birmingham is an ideal venue.” Also, this year the Midlands area hosted probably one of the biggest games of the season, the international friendly between England and Spain. This match was staged at Villa Park and England won 3-0, and so began a new era. “It was a great atmosphere and everyone was happy,” said Doug about the match. And the Birmingham area has also hosted one of Mallorca's greatest sporting moments. The Cup Winners' Cup final, the only European Cup final that Real Mallorca has ever reached. All local fans returned speaking highly of Birmingham and what it has to offer.