Local Heroes

Former England manager Kevin Keegan, helped Sir Stanley's daughter, Jean Gough, take the wraps off at Stoke City's Britannia Stadium on Saturday 27th October 2001.

Three nine-foot statues have been made by local sculptors, depicting Sir Stan at different stages of his 30-year career.

The Sir Stanley Matthews' Foundation enlisted the help of England captain David Beckham, the Professional Footballers' Association and the Football Association to raise funds for the tribute.

Foundation committee chairman and Stoke City commentator Nigel Johnson said "The committee has worked tremendously hard to reach this stage and appreciates the support it has been given from many quarters."

Although the figures are at Stoke's Britannia stadium, they point towards the club's old Victoria Ground, where Sir Stanley played.

The statues, fashioned from local clay before being cast, took a year to complete.

Sir Stan's daughter, Jean Gough, was delighted to see the finished memorial. She said "It's absolutely magnificent. It's so lifelike and the movement and balance is there. It kind of makes me want to cry. It's come home."

What do you think about Sir Stan, or any of Staffordshire's other heroes or heroines?

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