Work starts on Rams legend statue

Steve Bloomer was one of the most prolific goalscorers of his day

Work is to start on installing a statue of Derby County legend Steve Bloomer at Pride Park Stadium.

Made of bronze, it will stand on a brick plinth near the dugouts.

The bricks are from the Rams' former home the Baseball Ground, replaced by Pride Park in 1997 and demolished to make way for housing in 2003.

Bloomer was a prolific goalscorer, netting 317 times in 536 English First Division games and scoring 28 goals in 23 appearances for England.

He is regarded as a hero at Derby County and the club's anthem, Steve Bloomer's Watchin', is played at every home game.

Bloomer, who became a coach after his playing career ended, died in 1938 at the age of 64.

Work on the statue should be completed in a fortnight. It is due to be unveiled at the Championship game against Queens Park Rangers on 17 January.

It will be the first of a series of events to mark the club's 125th anniversary.

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