Brian Clough's widow Barbara says statue is 'perfection'

BRIAN Clough's widow Barbara says a statue of him to be unveiled in Nottingham next month is "perfection".

Mrs Clough will unveil the statue near Old Market Square on November 6.

She was delighted with it when she visited the studio of world-renowned sculptor Les Johnson to see the final touches being made to it.

"My daughter Elizabeth and I travelled to Hampshire to see Mr Johnson and the statue and we just looked at each other and said 'It's perfection'. It took our breath away," she said.

"Les has done a marvellous job and captured Brian's personality so remarkably well. I know the facial features of a statue can often be hard for a sculptor to recreate and we were asked if we wanted to suggest any changes but I can honestly say that it did not need any improvements. It's Brian exactly."

She added: "The sculpture will be a fitting tribute and I look forward to unveiling it next month. I am sure the many fans who supported the statue fund and the small group of volunteers who worked hard to organise it will be very pleased with the final result too."

The seal of approval from the Clough family delighted Mr Johnson.

He said: "To hear their comments meant everything. It's been a very exciting project for me."

The statue is the result of a fund-raising campaign by a small group of volunteers from the Brian Clough Statue Fund, who raised £70,000 in just 18 months.

Fund chairman Paul Ellis, described the sculpture as "superb".

"I have been to see the clay version of the statue and I was extremely impressed. The likeness is perfect – it sent a tingle down my spine

"I'm delighted that Mrs Clough and Elizabeth thought it was perfect too. The approval of Brian Clough's family has been vital every step of the way and I am sure we will have a statue that everyone can be proud of."

The statue will stand where King Street meets Queen Street, near the Square.

The city centre location was chosen in recognition of the unprecedented worldwide acclaim that Cloughie brought to Nottingham.

He was made an Honorary Freeman of the city in 1993.

Nottingham City Council leader, Coun Jon Collins said: "The statue fund and volunteers have done a tremendous job to get to this stage. I'm really looking forward to the unveiling and hope people will come along on the day to celebrate the enormous contribution Brian Clough has made to Nottingham".