Coventry’s bid to be the home of the new national stadium was given a welcome boost over the weekend.

Officials behind the bid are due to see Patrick Carter, leader of the Government’s task force responsible for looking at the three proposed sites, in London tomorrow. He will submit his report to ministers this week and wants to meet representatives from Coventry, Birmingham and London.

But reports over the weekend said the Government is not keen to redevelop the Wembley site and favours a Midland option. That puts it at odds with the Football Association but is a considerable boost for the region’s two bids.

Coventry is convinced it has a better case than Birmingham and can deliver a new stadium quicker and cheaper than its rivals.

Councillor Nick Nolan, leader of Coventry City Council, said today that the bid was gaining supporters in all quarters.

He said:

“We will know more when we have seen Patrick Carter tomorrow. We don’t expect him to say too much as his report has yet to be considered by ministers, but he may give some indication of where we stand.

“We are confident that our bid is gaining momentum. The fact we have a brownfield site, do not require a full planning consent or a public inquiry is finding favour with many people.

“The national stadium saga has already taken too long with all the problems of the Wembley project, and Coventry offers the quickest and most practical option.

“The first priority is to win the bid for the region and if that decision is taken first, we are convinced our case over the Birmingham bid is overwhelming. We want to create a stadium of which the nation can be proud and we can deliver it quickly, practically and in line with Government policy.”

The final decision will rest with culture, media and sport secretary Tessa Jowell and sports minister Richard Caborn, who met with Councillor Nolan and the Coventry team earlier this month.

The question does remain though about the future home of the Sky Blues. It has been reported that should the Foleshill site be chosen for the national stadium, Coventry City will not be allowed to play there and will need to find a new base.

SEE ALSO: [10 MAY 01] COVENTRY BEST FOR NATIONAL STADIUM

SEE ALSO: [03 MAY 01] COVENTRY BIDS FOR THE NEXT WEMBLEY