Aberdeen commission statue to honour Alex Ferguson

Alex Ferguson will be honoured in statue form by former club Aberdeen.

Ferguson guided the Dons to European Cup Winners’ Cup glory in 1983, beating Real Madrid 2-1 in the final in Gothenburg.

He also oversaw three league titles, four Scottish Cups and one Scottish League Cup during his eight-year stint at the club between 1978 and 1986.

Aberdeen announced on Thursday they had commissioned a bronze Ferguson statue, located on the external concourse outside the Richard Donald Stand at Pittodrie, which is expected to be unveiled later this year.

“I am thrilled and honoured by this recognition from Aberdeen Football Club, where I spent a fantastic and memorable part of my managerial career,” Ferguson said.

“I am particularly pleased with the image the club has chosen to base the statue on and with the choice of sculptor whose recent work is incredibly lifelike. I can’t wait to see it!”

Produced by sculptor Andy Edwards, the statue will be based on a photograph of Ferguson taken after Aberdeen secured the Scottish title at Easter Road in 1980.

“Sir Alex’s contribution to the Club was immense and it’s fitting that we honour him in this way.” #StandFree

— Aberdeen FC (@AberdeenFC) July 29, 2021

It “will be the first of a series which is being planned to celebrate and honour the club’s heroes,” an Aberdeen statement said, with the statues “installed in such a way that they can be relocated to AFC’s new stadium”.

“Sir Alex’s contribution to the club was immense and it’s fitting that we honour him in this way,” chairman Dave Cormack added.

“His arrival at Pittodrie heralded the start of the most successful period in the club’s history and put Aberdeen firmly on the football map of Europe.

“The year after next marks the 40th anniversary of our European Cup Winners’ Cup triumph in Gothenburg, along with winning the European Super Cup, so while this honour is long overdue, it comes at a fitting time.”

Ferguson went on to win 13 Premier League titles during a trophy-laden 27-year spell with Manchester United, as well as five FA Cups and two Champions Leagues.