Thousands of City fans have shown their support for Bristol's World Cup bid by signing the official Bristol2018 ball.

The giant inflatable - four metres in diameter - was on show at the Ashton Road entrance to City's home ground prior to Saturday's game against Middlesbrough.

And it also made an appearance on the pitch during the half-time interval, when it was signed by chairman Steve Lansdown.

The ball will now go on the road across the Bristol region, starting with Sunday's Bristol Half Marathon, in a bid to collect even more signatures ahead of the city's final presentation to the FA in November.

Bristol2108 spokesman Guy Price told bcfc.co.uk: "The support shown by City fans on Saturday was inspirational.

"We didn't have to drum up any support, people simply came up and signed the ball in their hundreds.

"We aim to cover the ball with signatures before taking it with us to Wembley when we make our final presentation to the FA in November.

"So, if you have yet to sign it, keep an eye on the ball - it will be making appearances in and around Bristol over the coming couple of months."

The city is competing against a host of other cities for the right to be included in England's bid - and the England 2018 Bid Team will make their final decision in December 2009, just over three months now.

Back Bristol's bid to become a 2018 World Cup Host City today by visiting bristol2018.net and register your support.

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