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FAMILY, friends and ex-colleagues have praised the new statue of Saints legend Ted Bates.

The tribute to the former player, coach, manager and director, affectionately dubbed "Mr Southampton" for his 66 years of service to the club, was unveiled before Saturday's game against Coventry.

The bronze statue, depicting a striding Ted with his right arm aloft, waving to the crowds, now stands proudly outside St Mary's.

It replaces the widely-derided first effort by sculptor Ian Brennan last year.

Chairman Leon Crouch personally funded the new statue.

Ted's daughter, Jo Bates, said: "It is an absolutely fitting tribute to him, he would be so pleased. It really is a great honour for us as a family. He would be absolutely amazed people have done this for him, he really wouldn't believe it."

Daughter Jackie Jarvis added: "They have caught the essence of dad and it really shows him in his prime."

Sadly, Bates' widow Mary was unable to attend the unveiling, due to health reasons.

Ted's former team-mate Bill Ellerington, 84, who is another man that devoted his entire career to the club, was delighted with the statue.

"I think it's magnificent," he said. "It's wonderful and everything looks just right on it.

"I knew Ted for 50 odd years and that is him. It's beautiful."

A number of footballers who played for Saints during Ted's managerial reign were present for the ceremony.

Saints legend Mike Channon said: "It's a great improvement on the last one and that is a great tribute to the man.

"All credit to Leon Crouch for the hard work he and others have put into it. Ted's enthusiasm was amazing. I played here for 20 odd years and not one day did that enthusiasm ever waver.

"He was a very special person."

Defender Jim Steele, who was Ted's last purchase when he signed for £85,000 from Dundee in 1971, said: "I think it's brilliant and much better than before. Ted was a terrific person."

Midfielder Hughie Fisher, who he signed from Blackpool in 1967, said: "It's terrific and well justified for Ted. It's tremendous and we're all really pleased with it."

Former striker Norman Dean said: "It's a big improvement on the last one and it really is very good. Ted was a gentleman and it's a great tribute."

Sculptors Sean Hedges-Quinn and Stan Mitchell said they were thrilled with the response.

"We are very pleased with it," said Sean. "When the cover came off and all the whoops went up I think it summed up how we felt."

The sculptors also presented a bronze bust of Ted to Crouch and miniature sculptures to Dave Ford, of the Ted Bates Trust, and Ted's family.

Leon said: "It's a fantastic resemblance of Ted and we have got it right the second time.

"He was a remarkable man and this is a proper, lasting memorial to him."

Former Saints manager Lawrie McMenemy said: "The reaction said everything. It even captures the humility and the shyness of the man."

4:21pm Monday 24th March 2008

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