 John Ritchie is Stoke City's all-time leading goalscorer |
The family of former Stoke City striker John Ritchie have asked fans to give money towards a bust celebrating his career with the Potteries club. A bronze sculpture of Stoke's all-time record goalscorer will be unveiled at the Britannia Stadium on February 23.
His son, David, says they are still short of their �9,500 target, despite a donation from the club.
He told BBC Radio Stoke: "We've managed to raise about half, but we're not quite at that final point yet."
He added: "The club have donated an amount, but that's left us with still a large amount to find. Supporters groups and local businesses have kindly helped.
"Anything above the amount we raise will go to my dad's charity, which helps Alzheimer's and local care charities."
Ritchie is the Potters' all-time leading goalscorer with 176 goals in 343 appearances during two spells at the Victoria Ground, from 1962 to 1966 and 1969 to 1975.
He died on February 23 last year, after a long battle with illness. The memorial will be unveiled on the first anniversary of his death, before Stoke's home game with Ipswich.
"He loved the place and was always part of this community. My dad would have walked to Stoke-on-Trent to sign for the club," said David.
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