Statue of Peterborough United legend Chris Turner is commissioned

Sculptor Sean Hedges-Quinn, who has created statues of iconic managers Sir Alf Ramsey and Sir Bobby Robson, has been given the go ahead to create a lasting tribute to Posh’s former player, manager and owner who passed away aged 64 last year after a long battle against dementia.

Chris played 364 times for Posh then managed the club between 1991 and 1993 and led Posh to successive promotions and a place in the second tier of English football for the first time.

Chairman of the Chris Turner Statue Fund Committee, Adi Mowles, said: “It’s a big deal for us. When we first sat down and came up with the idea we did not envisage it being this quick, but we are absolutely delighted.

“If people can attend our functions, organise functions of their own, and join the CT5 Club, that’s going to make us fulfil our dreams.”

CT5 Club members receive a number of benefits if they pay a £10 monthly contribution towards the fund.

So far, over £44,000 of the £80,000 needed for the bronze statue has been raised. Mr Mowles added: “The hard work’s really going to start now. We have a race against time to get the money but we are confident we can get it.”

Mr Hedges-Quinn will begin his work in January next year, and a late 2017 completion deal is possible. The design of the statue will be based on a photo of Chris at Wembley in 1992 giving his thumbs up to the crowd.

Future fundraising events include a golf day on June 24 at Toft Country House Hotel and Golf Club. For more information, visit http://www.thechristurnerstatue.co.uk/.