After supporting the Pompey Supporters’ Trust crowdfunding campaign, Stephen Morgan MP has shared his delight over the installation of a statue commemorating Jimmy Dickinson at Fratton Park.
Jimmy Dickinson is the club’s record appearance maker, appearing more than 800 times in all competitions as a left-half between 1946 and 1965.
He played an instrumental role in the greatest era in Pompey history, which saw the team crowned back-to-back champions of England in the 1948/49 and 1949/50 seasons.
Mr Morgan previously met with the Pompey Supporters Trust to learn more about their project and crowdfunding campaign, which aimed to raise £150,000.
Mr Morgan subsequently promoted the crowdfunder, visited the proposed site, and liaised with the trust and city council to secure planning permission for the statue.
Douglas Jennings, an award-winning sculptor, was commissioned to create the sculpture, which will be cast in bronze in life-and-a-quarter size. Mr Morgan had the opportunity to visit the statue when it was being made at the artist’s studio to show his continued support for the project.
The successful installation comes as Portsmouth Football Club celebrates its 125th anniversary this year.
Following the installation, city MP Stephen Morgan said:
“I am delighted to see Pompey Supporters’ Trust’s vision become a reality, commemorating a Pompey legend while adding a new cultural landmark to our community and further enhancing the history and heritage of the club’s famous stadium.
Our football club plays a key role for our city and prides itself on its rich history, so it’s vital we continue to honour it through fantastic projects like this one, especially as we celebrate its 125th anniversary this year.
I’d like to congratulate Pompey Supporters’ Trust for inspiring the project, thank Douglas Jennings for his skill in capturing Jimmy so well, and to all those who have donated to make the project possible”.
The statue is located outside the north-west corner of the ground (the corner of the North Stand and Fratton End) and will remain on permanent display for fans to view at any time.
