Aston Villa pulled out because they could guarantee to London 2012 officials that the stadium would be ready in time.

 

 

It has left the Ricoh Stadium in Coventry as the favourite to host matches in the Midlands, although Derby County's Pride Park, Leicester City's Walkers Stadium and Nottingham Forest's City Ground are also expected to bid to replace Villa Park.

 

But Mike Whitby, the Leader of Birmingham City Council, has written to London 2012 officials in the hope that St Andrew's, home of Aston Villa's bitter rivals, can step in.

 

The stadium meets the International Olympic Committee (IOC) criteria of having a minimum capacity of 30,000 but is generally considered to be one of the worst grounds in the Premiership.

 

St Andrew's is also unlikely to be offer the facilities needed to entertain corporate guests under guidelines laid down by the IOC and London 2012.

 

If Villa Park had taken part in the Games it would have made it the only ground in Britain, outside Wembley, to have hosted matches in the World Cup, European Championships and Olympics.

 

It was also used the 1966 World Cup and Euro 96 when England staged those events.

 

Aston VIlla withdrew because they were unable to guarantee if work to extend the ground's capacity from 42,640 to about 50,000 could be completed in time for London 2012.

 

A spokesman for Birmingham City Council confirmed that Whitby has written to London 2012 putting forward St. Andrew's and that he hopes Aston Villa's training group at Bodymoor can still host an overseas football team preparing for the Games.

 

Whitby told insidethegames: “We are disappointed to hear this news and hope that Aston Villa can still be part of the 2012 Olympic Games, and that the parties concerned will find a way to provide Olympic football in the West Midlands."

 

Aston Villa's decision is neverthelss a masive blow to Birmingham's Olympic plans.

 

They have already agreed for the United States track & field team to base themselves in the city before London 2012 and are close to agreements with several other leading countries.

 

But it does not want to lose the opportunity of being able to call itself an Olympic Host City, especially to near-neighbours Coventry.

 

Whitby said: “Birmingham City Council and its partners have put many measures in place to maximise the benefits of the 2012 Olympics to the city and the region.

 

"These include: promoting opportunities for business to win contracts for 2012; attracting high profile teams and countries to hold training camps here, in an effort to forge greater business and cultural links across the world; and develop facility plans to create a real legacy from the games.

 

“The Olympic Games are a once in a lifetime opportunity and Birmingham City Council will continue where possible, to maximise the economic benefits and inspire more residents to participate in sport and physical activity.”
 

Nottingham City Council have already declared that they will be seeking the opportunity to replace Villa Park.

 

Graham Chapman, the Councillor in charge for resources, economic development and reputation at Nottingham City Council, said bringing Olympic football the City Ground (pictured), which also hosted matches during Euro 96, to the city would be a major boost.

 

He said: "It would be great news if we can bring the Olympics to Nottingham.

 

"We are already seeing a significant amount of investment in the city, especially over the past six months.

 

"Hopefully it is a good sign that things are improving since the recession.

 

"Nottingham is getting a really high profile.

 

"Sven-Goran Eriksson arriving at Notts County has provided a lot of interest.

 

"The World Twenty20 in cricket was a big success.

 

"And we are bidding to host the football World Cup.

 

"This really gives us confidence.

 

"Even if we don't actually get to host games in the Olympics, it is terrific that the city should even be considered."