Aberdeen FC commission "larger than life" Sir Alex Ferguson statue
Chairman Dave Cormack revealed the news on a live stream, from the Ullevi stadium in Gothenburg.
Last updated 29th Jul 2021
A "larger than life" statue of Sir Alex Ferguson has been commissioned by Aberdeen football club.
Dons Chairman Dave Cormack revealed the news in a Twitter live stream from Ullevi Staidum in Gothenburg, where Sir Alex managed the team to a European Super Cup, against Real Madrid, in 1983.
Cormack said the statue should be ready by the end of the year.
The bronze statue, which will be located on the external concourse outside the Richard Donald Stand, will be the first of a series which is being planned to celebrate and honour the Club’s heroes.
The series of statues will be brought forward by the Club in conjunction with the AFC Heritage Trust.
The statue will be based on a picture of the legendary manager "arms aloft" approaching travelling away fans at Easter road in 1980, after his team had just sealed a league title victory.
Commenting on the plans for his sculpture, Sir Alex said: “I am thrilled and honoured by this recognition from Aberdeen Football Club, where I spent a fantastic and memorable part of my managerial career. I am particularly pleased with the image the Club has chosen to base the statue on and with the choice of sculptor whose recent work is incredibly lifelike. I can’t wait to see it!”
Dave Cormack, said: “Sir Alex’s contribution to the club was immense and it’s fitting that we honour him in this way.
“His arrival at Pittodrie heralded the start of the most successful period in the Club’s history and put Aberdeen firmly on the football map of Europe. The year after next marks the 40th anniversary of our European Cup Winners Cup triumph in Gothenburg, along with winning the European Super Cup, so while this honour is long overdue, it comes at a fitting time.
“We began exploring the idea of a series of statues to recognise those legends who have made a lasting impact on the Club, over 18 months ago, but the process stalled due to the pandemic. It’s now very much back on our agenda and, when it came to deciding the subject of the first one, there was of course only one option, Sir Alex Ferguson.”
Chris Gavin of AFC Heritage Trust said: “We are delighted to be involved with this project. Sir Alex is not only the greatest Aberdeen manager, but one of the great living Scots, known throughout the World for the top‐class boss that he is.”