SOME of the top names in national and local football have described Worcester City FC's state-of-the-art stadium bid as "visionary", "valuable" and "worthwhile".

The words of encouragement were sent by letter to the football club by FA chief executive Adam Crozier, Lord Faulkner of Worcester and Percy Rushton, president of the Worcester Football League.

The club hopes their messages of support will add further weight to the project's backing, when they are delivered to councillors at the full council meeting tomorrow.

The blue and whites need councillors to back the club's and DIY firm B&Q's development in principle and allow the team to investigate the potential of the Nunnery Way site.

According to Mr Crozier, providing a quality development to benefit the club and community is paramount.

"Within the FA's vision of leading the successful development of football at every level, the provision of quality facilities is a major priority," said Mr Crozier.

"The proposed development at Worcester City FC would represent a development that would represent such a quality facility."

He was impressed with the broad role the club plays in the community, including work with the county FA to host both the Midland Counties Youth Championship Finals and a number of county cup finals.

"I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all those involved with this visionary project," he added.

After reading the Evening News coverage about the proposed move, Lord Faulkner of Worcester was also quick to back the proposed stadium and retail development.

In his time working for the Football Trust, between 1979 and 1998, Lord Faulkner developed a special interest in the development of links between football clubs and their community.

"I have encouraged numerous schemes of this sort, which had the benefit of creating new sporting and social opportunities for everyone," he said.

He added it was clear that the project represented a realistic programme for the provision of football facilities for the club and the people of the Worcester.

He expressed his "strong support" for the project team.

President of the Worcester Football League, Mr Rushton, said he hoped a modern stadium with up-to-date facilities would enhance the reputation of Worcester as a sporting city and complement the first class cricket and rugby facilities already in the county.

The full council meeting, which is open to the public, is due to be held at the Guildhall in Worcester at 7pm.