​A NATION’S hopes of hosting the World Cup rest on the shoulders of a former John Leggott College pupil.

Hassan Al Thawadi studied philosophy and general studies A-levels at the West Common Lane establishment in Scunthorpe, before studying law at the University Of Sheffield.

And he is now one of the main men behind the ambitious bid to bring the World Cup to the Middle East for the first time.

Acting as chief executive officer of the Qatar 2022 bid, Mr Al Thawadi, 31, is hoping to convince football’s governing body, FIFA, that the country in the Persian Gulf is the perfect venue for the world’s biggest sporting spectacle.

And while the plans of impressive new stadiums in the capital of Doha catch Mr Al Thawadi’s imagination, his passion for football extends to Scunthorpe United.

Despite working halfway around the world, he does his best to follow the Iron.

He said: “About six months ago I was driving down the road in Qatar and I came up behind a guy who had a car sticker saying “If you support Scunthorpe United, honk your horn”.

“I was surprised, so followed him for ten minutes and eventually managed to get him to stop. He was a bit confused as to what was going on.

“ I asked him about Scunthorpe and he said he had visited there and someone had given him the sticker. We ended up sitting there talking about Scunthorpe.

“What I miss most is the people. It was my first time away from home and my family. It was a bit overwhelming at first, but the people made me feel at home.

“I made a great number of friends and it has a place in my heart.”

Mr Al Thawadi arrived in Scunthorpe in 1997.

During his time in the town, he played for the college football team and watched Scunthorpe United in action.

Mr Al Thawadi said: “I studied philosophy and general studies for a year to finish off my A-levels before attending Sheffield University, where I studied law. I did my A-levels in Doha, back in Qatar, but I got in an accident and was unable to complete them.

“I needed one more before I could get into law. I was on a scholarship from Qatar Petroleum and it was set up for me to go John Leggott College.

“I joined the college football team and used to love going to training. I remember the crisp winter weather and loved playing football in it. I played left-back when in Qatar, but I got the chance to play in midfield in Scunthorpe.

“It was not just the football I enjoyed, it was a close-knit community in the town.

“The people were great and it gave me a different perspective to life in England. Living in Scunthorpe was an experience I really enjoyed.

“I’d certainly like to come back and visit Scunthorpe, it has a place in my heart.”