THREE accomplished Welsh-based sculptors have been invited by the Trust to tender for the job of creating a statue in honour of Fred Keenor, Cardiff City’s 1927 FA Cup Final winning skipper.
Roger Andrews, James Done and Michael Field have been asked by Trust to put forward their ideas and produce a maquette of the proposed tribute to the Cardiff-born footballer, who was also a Welsh international.
Roger, who hails from Llantwit Major, has been commissioned to produce the statue of Sir Tasker Watkins, which will be erected outside the Millennium Stadium.
Cardiff-based James created the tributes to comedian Tommy Cooper in Caerphilly and the full-size bronze statue of Merthyr Tydfil’s boxing legend, Johnny Owen.
Michael, who also lives in Cardiff, produced the statue of footballer Ivor Allchurch, which stands outside the Liberty Stadium in Swansea.
Once information has been gathered regarding the costs and a decision made on which sculptor wins the contract, the Trust will approachCardiff council for financial support. The Welsh Assembly Government and local businesses will also be asked for their backing, and a public fundraising appeal will be launched.
The location for the statue has yet to be finalised but the most likely site remains at the Cardiff City Stadium, where land is available.
Around 8,000 fans have already signed paper and online petitions aimed at winning public support for the tribute, which is supported by theSouth Wales Echo.
Mike Inker, a member of the Trust’s Fred Keenor Memorial Committee, said: “The three sculptors we have asked to present their proposals have a track record of producing quality work, and we are sure that the end product will be something every Cardiff City, and indeed Wales fan, can be proud of.
“A group from the committee has met all the sculptors and have been very impressed by their enthusiasm for this project. We look forward to receiving their proposals in due course.
“Fred Keenor and the 1927 team haven’t had the recognition their efforts justify and we’re determined to put that right. There remains a lot of work to do, including raising the necessary funds, but with City fans and the people of Cardiff and Wales behind us, we are very confident of raising the funds required,” added Mike.
The Trust has recently received permission from the Football Association to use the image of the FA Cup as part of the statue.
Trust board member David Craig is acting as project manager for the work.