Mabbut, a former Bristol Rovers player, who was born and raised in the area, is also an ambassador for
South Africa, who are hosting the 2010 World Cup.

Mabbut's father, Ray, played for Bristol Rovers, making more han 400 appearances over the course of a decade at the club.
 

His elder brother, Kevin, played for the red half, Bristol City, when they were last in the top flight, earning his place in the hearts of the City faithful with a hat-trick against Manchester United at Old Trafford – only the second player to do so in Football League history.

Mabbut moved toTottenham in 1982 and went on to lift the 1984 UEFA Cup, the 1991 FA Cup during nearly 500 appearances.

He also earned 16 caps for England.
 

He worked on South Africa's successful bid for the 2010 World Cup and subsequent planning to stage the event.

Bristol is one of 16 cities and towns across England hoping to be involved if England are chosen to host the World Cup for the first time since 1966.
 

Mabbut said: "I think Bristol has got an excellent opportunity.

"Bristol should be the gateway to the South West.
 

"One of my favourite parts of the country is Exmoor and North Devon, and if you are bringing people over to see the World Cup they can share these splendours between games.
 

"The fact I have been asked [to be an ambassador for Bristol] is an honour for me.
 

"It is very nice to be involved and, if we are successful, working on a World Cup in this country would be a tremendous thing to be part of.
 

"There's a lot of work that needs to be done to get people out there onboard and we need the people of Bristol and the South West to really show their support for the bid."