THREE decades after scoring one of the greatest goals in World Cup history Archie Gemmill stood in the magnificent surroundings of the new Wembley stadium.

"It would be great for Derby fans to see world class football," said the former Rams hero.

Archie had joined the team which submitted its bid to host matches for the 2018 or 2022 World Cup in Derby.

Yesterday they lodged their 522-page submission with the Football Association.

"I'm pretty sure Derby will be picked,'' said Archie.

"Everything about its bid is first class, the infrastructure it offers, its stadium, transport – everything is just right."

Members of several city organisations have spent the past seven months researching, compiling and completing Derby's campaign to host the global spectacle.

Now they have less than three weeks to wait before they find out whether or not Derby has earned World Cup host city status. The team was one from 15 cities which made the trip to Wembley yesterday to officially deliver a final submission.

Awaiting were FA representatives, who have already paid two visits to Derby to assess its credentials.

The FA must now choose the 12 venues most suited to hosting the World Cup in 2018 or 2022, before submitting England's own bid to stage the tournament.

Rams mascot Rammie, who is, of course, normally speechless, even managed to get in a word of support.

He said: "The legacy this tournament would leave in Derby and to the children would be incredible."

Thirteen members of Derby's bid team went to London, including members of the city and county councils, Derby County FC and Derbyshire FA.

They met with the selection panel of Lord Mawhinney, chairman Lord Triesman, 2018 chief executive Andy Anson and chief operating officer Simon Johnson.

Lord Mawhinney told the Derby Telegraph: "You can see the quality of the cities represented here and that's very good news for the bid to FIFA.

"Whoever is selected is going to be creme-de-la-creme."

The bid was delivered despite a legal agreement over the expansion of Pride Park stadium remaining unsigned.

One key FA requirement is potential host cities have a stadium with a capacity of 40,000-plus.

But Richard Williams, city assistant director of regeneration, said talks between Derby County and the city council over a £26m contract to expand Pride Park are continuing.

He said: "The FA will check to make sure each one of the required elements is completed within the bid and ask cities to provide anything that is still missing.

"It is aware we do not yet have a stadium agreement and the council and the club are working flat out to complete this.

" A number of other cities are having similar issues and we have promised to get back to the Football Association within the next two weeks."

Derby is now competing against 14 other venues to host the global tournament, after Portsmouth dropped its bid at the last minute.

More than 200,000 football fans would pass through the city during the four-week tournament, while millions from around 200 countries could see it when tuning into their televisions.

Frank McArdle, of Derbyshire FA, said: "We have an excellent bid. and you can see all the effort and professionalism that has gone into it.

"My understanding is that Derby's bid is very much up there in the selection process so I just wish it every success."

Derbyshire county councillor Carol Hart said: "We have so much to offer and it would brilliant to earn host status."

Derby will find out in December if it has been chosen but will then have to wait a further year to learn whether England has been successful in its bid.

Council leader Hilary Jones said: "It's been exciting to take the bid to London and to show it to the FA because a lot of hard work has gone into it."

Councillor Harvey Jennings, leader of the city's Conservative group, said: "The day went very well and we just have to keep our fingers crossed now."

And Labour councillor Ranjit Banwait said: "It's a great honour to be submitting Derby's bid because its something to be proud of."

Readers can continue to show their support by visiting www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/bid and www.therams.co.uk

You can also pledge your support on www.derby2018bid.com and www.england2018bid.com