THE Faithful City today welcomes some of the greats of British and world football.

They will be atttending a service at Worcester Cathedral paying their respects to former FA Chairman Sir Bert Millichip.

Current Premiership manager Sir Bobby Robson is one of the names confirmed to attend the event, having rushed 200 miles from Newcastle United's game with Middlesbrough last night.

Others from the world's most popular game confirmed to attend include Gerald Aigner chief of UEFA, the governing body of European football.

There are likely to many other prestigious guests who became acquainted with Sir Bert, who was FA Chairman for 15 years, including many from West Bromwich Albion, the club with whom Sir Bert maintained a strong bond right up until his death.

It is not often that we can welcome such sporting greats to our city, and can expect a suitable media posse to follow.

With three Premiership clubs within an hour's drive or Worcester and a love of the beautiful game very much the main sporting interest of many residents, we should feel honoured that Worcester has been chosen to host such a service.

We can be sure the Faithful City and cathedral will provide a fitting occasion for the football world to pay their respects to Sir Bert.