Former Bristol Rovers player and manager Ian Holloway reaffirmed his backing of Bristol's 2018 World Cup bid when he returned to the city in charge of Blackpool.

The Bristolian, who played more than 400 games for the Pirates and went on to manage them between 1996 and 2001, got behind the bid this summer in the Evening Post.

Back in his home town on Tuesday night with his current side Blackpool, who were undone 2-0 at Ashton Gate by Bristol City, the charismatic manager put aside club loyalty, applauded the City fans and waved an England 2018 scarf and Back Bristol board.

He said: "As a very proud Bristolian, I'd love to see the World Cup come to Bristol. The city has a great deal to offer and it's not only a fantastic place to live but also a fantastic place to visit.

"Bristol has improved a great deal in recent years and every Bristolian should be very excited about showing off their home city to the world.

"It will also be a fantastic boost for the kids of Bristol and football across the region. To have the biggest sports event in the world come here will provide inspiration to a whole generation of young Bristolians and that can only be a good thing for the city.

"I'd be delighted to see the best teams in the world training and playing here in a few years time. It'll put us on the world map."

Bristol is one of 16 English cities campaigning to become a host venue for the 2018 tournament. The England 2018 team will decide which 12 venues to include in their bid on December 14.

● Leader of Bristol City Council Barbara Janke has released a YouTube video in support of Bristol's 2018 World Cup bid.

The film, called Barbara Janke Bristol 2018 Bid, is hosted on the council's YouTube channel and features the giant football which has been touring the city attracting signatures of support from football fans, City footballers, Wallace and Gromit, Bristol 2018 ambassador Gary Mabbutt MBE and many more.

To register your support, go to www.thisisbristol.co.uk/worldcup or www.bristol2018.net.