A life-size statue of Jack Charlton will soon take pride of place in his hometown - in his trademark flat cap.
The tribute to the England legend will be 6ft 2in tall. So it will tower over Hirst Park in Ashington, Northumberland - just like Big Jack did in his playing days.
Award winning sculptor Douglas Jennings, whose work includes statues of Margaret Thatcher, and Fulham legends Johnny Haynes and George Cohen, has been commissioned for the statue.
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It is based on a photo of Jack, in his trademark flat cap, carrying a ball and wearing a scarf, which was taken in Hirst Park. The £50,000 figure is nearing completion and is set to be unveiled in July.
Ashington town councillor Liam Lavery, the man behind the idea, said: "I am delighted with how this project is progressing and I really cannot wait to see the statue of Jack in Ashington this summer.
"I visited the studio in London this month and the statue took my breath away. It is an outstanding piece of art.
"The statue is life-sized and is of 'Jack the Elder', so yes, it will feature the famous flat cap which Jack wore during his latter years.
"It will be located in Hirst Park where Jack played football when he was younger so it really is an ideal location."
He said the whole project had 'filled him with immense pride'.
Liam thanked well-wishers, businesses and football fans who contributed to pay for the statue. A £10,000 grant from the town council kick started the fund which has raised another £40,000 from local businesses, trade unions and members of the public.
A statue of the 1966 World Cup winner fishing was once on display at Cork Airport.
The council noted the fondness with which he was remembered 'on both sides of the Irish Sea'.
Jack, survived by wife of 62 years Pat, 87, and children John, Deborah and Peter, achieved iconic status in the game he loved – first as a Leeds Utd and England player, later as Newcastle United manager and then as Republic of Ireland boss.
He led them to their first major finals at the 1988 European Championship and also to the 1990 World Cup quarter-finals.
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