Fundraising efforts completed for statue for Peterborough United legend Tommy Robson after over £140,000 raised

The climax comes after six years of fundraising to build a new bronze statue of the club’s record appearance maker outside of the club’s Weston Homes Stadium.

Fundraising efforts concluded on Thursday evening (September 4) with an ‘Evening with Barry Fry and Ron Atkinson.

The event saw the reunion of the club’s former owner and current Director of Football with the former Manchester United manager; the two protagonists from the infamous ‘Big Ron Manager’ documentary on Sky One in the early 200s. The documentary chronicled Posh’s struggles in the 2005-06 season as they batted relegation to the Conference. The event took place at The Fleet in Woodston.

TR11 Committee Chairman Adi Mowles said: “A full house enjoyed a fantastic evening with two of football’s biggest characters, Barry Fry and Ron Atkinson, who entertained everyone with some brilliant stories, memories and plenty of laughs. It was a fitting and unforgettable finale to six remarkable years.

“A huge thank you to Barry Fry and his good friends Ron Atkinson and Pat Murphy for their incredible support and generosity, and for giving up their time to be with us Thursday night. It is very much appreciated.

“Now the fundraising is complete and the final preparations are underway. Very soon, Tommy will be back where he belongs.”

Club legend Robson- who was awarded the freedom of the city of Peterborough during his lifetime- sadly passed away at aged 76 in October 2020 after a short battle with motor neurone disease.

The left winger made 559 Posh appearances and scored 128 goals in a 13-season spell at the club between between 1969 and 1981. He was the first inductee into the club’s Hall of Fame and was a well known in the city for his business interests as well as on a matchday for his work in the hospitality suites.

Following his passing, the TR11 Committee was set up to raise funds for a statue, the same away a statue for legendary manager Chris Turner was funded a few years earlier and still sits outside the front of the stadium.

Efforts began with the launch of the TR11 Club; where fans could sign up for a monthly donation of £11 to support the fund. This has formed the bulk of the £140,000 that has ultimately been raised.

A whole host of events, including quizzes, golf days, discos and functions have been held over the last six years leading up to the Big Ron Manager reunion.

Adi added: “At times, if we’re honest, it felt like a task we might never complete. Six years is a long time.

“There have been moments of frustration, exhaustion and sheer disbelief at how much still needed to be raised but a small group of incredibly committed people never gave up.

"Quiz nights, discos, golf days, raffles, events of every description and, above all, countless incredibly kind donations from people who simply wanted to help.

"It has been emotional. It has been gut-wrenching. It has been exhausting.

“Thank you to every single person who has played a part in helping us.”

Details about the unveiling and statue design are set to be announced in the coming weeks.