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Crisis talks pledge over Ted Bates statue
6:44am Monday 19th March 2007
Comments (189) Have your say »
SAINTS officials have pledged to hold crisis talks with the Ted Bates Trust after hundreds of supporters condemned the £112,000 statue of the club stalwart.
Since being unveiled outside St Mary's on Saturday night, scores of fans have flooded the Daily Echo website saying the 16ft statue is out of proportion and does not bear a strong enough resemblance to Bates, who gave the club 66 years of unbroken service.
Critics have likened the statue to 80s TV entertainer Jimmy Krankie, US president George Bush and even former Pompey owner Milan Mandaric. Representatives of the Ted Bates Trust, which commissioned the project, gave up countless hours to raise money towards the statue, which was sculpted by Saints fan Ian Brennan.
The final £10,000 was raised at an unveiling dinner on Saturday night attended by more than 450 guests and 30 former players.
After approaching Saints for help the club have agreed to meet with the Trust in the near future to see how the problem can be resolved.
Mr Brennan, who spent 18 months sculpting the statue before it was completed at the Bronze Age Sculpture Casting Foundry in London, said: "This was more than a commission, it was a passion. I am a Saints fan through and through and I am very sorry a number of supporters do not like the end result and I would be very happy to work with the Trust and club to resolve any issues."
Speaking on behalf of the Bates family, Ted's daughter Jackie said: "Dad's statue represents an artists impression of Ted. It was commissioned by the Trust with the club's support and if they feel it needs to be removed for further work, then we are perfectly happy for this to happen."
Mary Bates, the widow of the man known as Mr Southampton, unveiled the £112,000 statue on Saturday night in front of other family members, former players, club officials and fans.
Dave Ford, chairman of the Ted Bates Trust, which commissioned the project and shared the cost with the club, said: "Ian has done a tremendous job. It's very rare I'm lost for words but I saw the statue last week and it's awesome - a tremendous tribute to a great man.
"Fans have waited a long time for this and it's fantastic."
Ted Bates served Southampton FC for 66 years in several guises before his death in November 2003, at the age of 85.
He signed for the club as a teenage striker 60 years ago and formed a prolific partnership with Charlie Wayman before becoming a coach when his playing career ended in 1952.
Ted managed the club for 18 years before handing the reins to Lawrie McMenemy in 1973, but spent a further 20 years as a club director before stepping down in 1993.
In 1998, he received an MBE in recognition of his services to football and was made club president before being made a Freeman of the City of Southampton a year later.
Your Say YourDaily Echo
David Crook, Wakefield W.Yorkshire says...
8:58pm Sat 17 Mar 07
Long Distance Saints Fan,
David Crook.
Pat Welch, says...
4:14am Sun 18 Mar 07
Matt, says...
10:37am Sun 18 Mar 07
kev, southampton says...
11:52am Sun 18 Mar 07
Paul, says...
1:43pm Sun 18 Mar 07
Its totally out of proportion, why has Teds head been built so big, and his legs are so small?
It looks like a joke and should be improved asap. Compare the statue to the likes of Bill Shankley etc it looks like ours was built by people doing community service.
Ryan, Hedge End says...
2:35pm Sun 18 Mar 07
His arms too big.
His legs to small.
Its awful, whoever comissioned this should hang their heads in shame, it looks terrible and we are going to be a laughing stock!
Please take it down and re-do the whole thing straight away!
Gary, Derby says...
2:35pm Sun 18 Mar 07
Everyone involved should be ashamed of themselves.
A disgrace to the memory of the father of the club.
Tris, says...
2:36pm Sun 18 Mar 07
Who gave the go ahead for this hideous cartoon caricature to be put on the plinth?
Dan Grey, Southampton says...
2:36pm Sun 18 Mar 07
It has to go before the Pompey fans have a fiels day.
The Boardrooms a mess the managers a mess the teams a mess.
And now this !!!
Jr, Southampton says...
2:56pm Sun 18 Mar 07
LM, Blackfield says...
3:05pm Sun 18 Mar 07
Tim, Southampton/London says...
3:14pm Sun 18 Mar 07
maggie, says...
3:22pm Sun 18 Mar 07
Danny, London says...
3:28pm Sun 18 Mar 07
Whatever the reasons, it is makes us a laughing stock (again!) and tarnishes the memory of a Saints legend. It MUST come down ASAP and be remodelled.
My wife, who has no knowledge of the late, great Ted, when seeing a picture of it just burst out laughing and exclaimed "My God, it looks like a munchkin!".
It has to go, and go quickly.
James, Southampton says...
3:31pm Sun 18 Mar 07
Kev, Eastleigh says...
3:34pm Sun 18 Mar 07
Adrian, Eastleigh says...
3:37pm Sun 18 Mar 07
JB, Southampton says...
3:38pm Sun 18 Mar 07
Marcus, Bitterne says...
4:12pm Sun 18 Mar 07
Lee Marchant (Saintlee), Southampton says...
4:21pm Sun 18 Mar 07
Darren, Ocean Village says...
4:22pm Sun 18 Mar 07
However, i'm gutted.
It looks like the work of a total amateur and is not fitting of the great man
Red Rob, says...
4:27pm Sun 18 Mar 07
Chris, Woolston says...
4:33pm Sun 18 Mar 07
I know the Trust meant well, but didnt anyone see it before hand?
Tony, Totton says...
4:33pm Sun 18 Mar 07
This is not the time for finger pointing, please just remove it as quickly as possible.
Jason, Regents Park says...
4:40pm Sun 18 Mar 07
Forest Saint, Brockenhurst says...
5:10pm Sun 18 Mar 07
Sorry Ted.
I'm appalled.
Nothing surprises me about this club anymore.
Phil, says...
5:15pm Sun 18 Mar 07
Keith Johnstone, Montpellier France says...
5:47pm Sun 18 Mar 07
A Hobbit, The Shire says...
5:48pm Sun 18 Mar 07
Jimmy Krankie, Glasgow says...
5:51pm Sun 18 Mar 07
Olly Oompah Loompah, The Chocolate Factory. says...
5:53pm Sun 18 Mar 07
TFS, Southampton says...
5:56pm Sun 18 Mar 07
Gary wrote:I don't think it is the organisers fault. The artist has clearly got it wrong. Yes it is a fitting tribute to the great man, however the statue is awful.
I\'ve seen the pictures on the web - not, funnily enough on the Official Site or the Ted Bates Trust site - and the statue is absolutely terrible. Everyone involved should be ashamed of themselves. A disgrace to the memory of the father of the club.
Embarrased Saint, says...
6:10pm Sun 18 Mar 07
Milan Mandaric, Leicester says...
6:11pm Sun 18 Mar 07
Is he waving at the duck?
could do better myself, says...
6:42pm Sun 18 Mar 07
Ash, Bitterne Park says...
6:58pm Sun 18 Mar 07
Harry Redknapp, portsmouth says...
7:03pm Sun 18 Mar 07
Eddie, Shirley says...
7:04pm Sun 18 Mar 07
diaster, Portswood says...
7:07pm Sun 18 Mar 07
KEITH DURNFORD, SANTA ROSA, CALIFORNIA, USA says...
7:11pm Sun 18 Mar 07
I just wanted to say how terribly disapointed I am at the new statue of Ted bates. It is a shocking representation of this great man and what he has meant to this club. The face looks more like Milan Manderic than Ted. His right arm is out of proportion and seems to be made of rubber. The legs make him look like a midget. To see how a statue should be made of a great manager/player, see Man Utd, Leeds utd, Sunderland and Liverpool. This is an utter discrace to Ted Bates and SFC. I would like to know did anyone use quality control over the statue, and who gave the final go ahead for it to be cast? Tear it down. Away fans will laugh at this pathetic attempt to capture a legend. Tear it down now.
Keith Durnford
Avrom Shalom, Israel says...
8:07pm Sun 18 Mar 07
Andy Grace, says...
8:37pm Sun 18 Mar 07
Mark, West End says...
9:10pm Sun 18 Mar 07
Pompey Fan, Southsea says...
9:13pm Sun 18 Mar 07
David M, Southampton says...
9:19pm Sun 18 Mar 07
Clive A, Zurich, Switzerland says...
9:29pm Sun 18 Mar 07
baggins, the shire says...
9:31pm Sun 18 Mar 07
Embarrased Saints Fan, In my shed making another statue out of play doh says...
9:57pm Sun 18 Mar 07
I took my mum with me, and she could not believe her eyes and was disgusted at such a terrible insult to such an amazing man, like we all are as it seems. I do feel empathy for all those who were involved in the raising of the monies and can only imagine that no one saw the statue in it's entirety before allowing it to go on display....this is definitely not what I was expecting and feel sad we have (yet again) become the laughing stock of all football fans around the country!
clipperty, Botley says...
10:04pm Sun 18 Mar 07
Bloody stupid, to small by miles makes Saints look very foolish, it's the size of a bowling ball for Christ's sake!!!
Asc Ummer, Totton says...
10:11pm Sun 18 Mar 07
Stumpy, Keymarkets says...
10:18pm Sun 18 Mar 07
Diana Rigg, Top Secret says...
10:20pm Sun 18 Mar 07
Elsie Tanner, Wetherby says...
10:22pm Sun 18 Mar 07
Boris Yeltsin, Moscow says...
10:31pm Sun 18 Mar 07
Aidan Mills, Southampton says...
10:42pm Sun 18 Mar 07
Sarah Bown, Southampton says...
11:13pm Sun 18 Mar 07
Who on earth expected the outcome to be like this? This is not what we were expecting.
Francis Benali, Bengal Palace says...
1:03am Mon 19 Mar 07
Dave Jones, Cardiff says...
1:08am Mon 19 Mar 07
RIP Ted, your class will always outshine this pitiful little Close Encounters of the Third Kind statue.
At least it takes some of the heat off George Burley's current surrendermonkeys
Paul, Plymouth says...
1:31am Mon 19 Mar 07
Tex Basler, The Moggery says...
7:37am Mon 19 Mar 07
...Ted would turn in his urn.
Steve Good, says...
8:11am Mon 19 Mar 07
G.Ayhard, says...
8:51am Mon 19 Mar 07
Freda Wheeler, says...
8:53am Mon 19 Mar 07
Killers Knee, Southampton says...
8:56am Mon 19 Mar 07
Ted Bates, 6ft under says...
9:01am Mon 19 Mar 07
My hands were never that big!
Mark, Netley says...
9:24am Mon 19 Mar 07
Alex, Romsey says...
9:31am Mon 19 Mar 07
Pat, Suffolk says...
9:38am Mon 19 Mar 07
Avrom Shalom wrote:Everyone in football respected Ted Bates, he was not only a father figure for Southampton FC, but a true ambassador for game we all love.
It's pathetic, just like your club.
In return for his lifelong work for the game he was honoured by a MBE.
Now Southampton FC have rewarded this paragon of loyalty and devotion with a statue outside our new stadium. Very fitting as Ted's hardwork and devotion was the prime reason the stadium was built in the first place. He played, coached and managed, a what was then, lowly 3rd Division club. His managment skills saw this club climb and establish itself in the very top division, and this club has lived on the back of his success since.
Since his death the club have slipped back, unfortunatley. But, even though we are struggling to get back to our former status, we have a lot to thank Ted for.
Yes, no other person from Southampton FC deserves to have a statue outside StMarys, than our beloved Ted.
An unseemly who pays what, and who should pay, row dogged this worthy tribute. But that controversy apart, it was deemed by all a fitting, and just reward to the debt owed to this man by all of us.
The long awaited statue was unveiled this weekend. Instead of fatherlike figure overlooking the stadium with dignity, we got a caricture so gross in it's conception, and creation that it makes our hero look ridiculous. We expected dignity, and got an insulting lump of scrap metal. It is embarrassingly disrespectful, and holds the great man up to ridicule.
The creator of this, note I don't say sculptor, should be thourghly ashamed. The person who allowed such a lump of expensive metal to be unveiled should be be sacked forthwith, and the club should issue an unreserved apology to Teds family, and to all of it's fans. Then the 'lump' should immeadiatly covered until it is removed. They don't even have to replace it, because they proved they can't even oversee such an important project, leave that to us fans.
The creator of this monstrous insult, should return all of his fee, then never show his face at the ground again.
To all those of you mocking Ted over this creation, remember although you may wish to take the micky out of this club, its board, and fans, dont mock the man, he deserves respect from everyone in the game, like Shankly, like Busby and the likes.
Snow White, The New Forest says...
9:52am Mon 19 Mar 07
Howie, Totton says...
9:52am Mon 19 Mar 07
H
Paul, Portsmouth says...
10:00am Mon 19 Mar 07
Daren Wheeler, Southampton says...
10:06am Mon 19 Mar 07
It was a golden opportunity to leave a lasting tribute to someone who is up there with the likes of Shankly and Busby for the effect he has had on his football club. It's ended up a ghastly eye sore.
Please, please.... take it away...
Stewart Light, Romsey says...
10:27am Mon 19 Mar 07
Czeslawa Petronela Tadeusz, Shirley says...
10:36am Mon 19 Mar 07
Everyone I know who has seen it, has just broke out in fits of laughter.
If this is having that effect, then why wasn't it picked up before.
Absolutely disgraceful to portrait T Bates in such a humorous demenour, unforgivable
Czeslawa
Fratton Fred, North End says...
11:00am Mon 19 Mar 07
I've got a complaint, Ipswich Fan says...
11:03am Mon 19 Mar 07
Why's he kneeling in prayer? Any significance?
Matthew, Southampton says...
11:04am Mon 19 Mar 07
Andy Jackson, Southampton says...
11:07am Mon 19 Mar 07
Are there any comments from the Sculpter, Mr Bates family, or The Ted Bates Trust to counter the negativity.
We need a way forward, that delivers a statue, and lasting tribute, befitting of a man who represented our club so professionally during his lifetime.
J. Adam, southsea says...
11:23am Mon 19 Mar 07
big dan, eastleigh says...
11:29am Mon 19 Mar 07
Paul, London says...
11:53am Mon 19 Mar 07
Steve Sevier, Portsmouth says...
12:05pm Mon 19 Mar 07
Should be taken down right away.This is no way a tribute to a great man
Snow White, Magic Forest says...
12:12pm Mon 19 Mar 07
Gordon Bennett, Midlands says...
12:46pm Mon 19 Mar 07
I feel very sorry for you all.
lake, southampton says...
12:56pm Mon 19 Mar 07
LOL, says...
12:59pm Mon 19 Mar 07
Wintonian, Winchester says...
1:01pm Mon 19 Mar 07
Chris, says...
1:04pm Mon 19 Mar 07
Jon, says...
1:04pm Mon 19 Mar 07
CHRIS NEWMAN, MIDANBURY, SOUTHAMPTON says...
1:12pm Mon 19 Mar 07
baz, southampton says...
1:12pm Mon 19 Mar 07
I think the"sculptor" must be a closet Pompey supporter - either that or lousy at his job!!
PHIL REYNOLDS, SALISBURY says...
1:30pm Mon 19 Mar 07
Remove it now.
Reg, Lordshill says...
1:35pm Mon 19 Mar 07
Pompey Fan in fits of laughter, Utopia says...
1:50pm Mon 19 Mar 07
LUKE GLASSPELL, millbrook says...
1:51pm Mon 19 Mar 07
trust & explain how this complete joke has
happened, the fans have donated more than
£50k towards what adds up to just more
embarrassment for the club & our city. the only
saving grace is that Ted himself was not there
to see it. It must come down before
the next home game. not a good month is it?!!
Nick Kenchington, cadnam says...
1:56pm Mon 19 Mar 07
Ted Bates, a true legend. The most vital of all the cogs in the machine, and now we get this. It really does feel like we've been kicked in the stomach.
Awful. A joke.
Get it down, NOW !
PompeyHero, PORTSMOUTH says...
1:58pm Mon 19 Mar 07
Matt Terrell, Hamble says...
2:04pm Mon 19 Mar 07
Tony Blair, London init says...
2:06pm Mon 19 Mar 07
Matt, Liverpool says...
2:15pm Mon 19 Mar 07
Many Thanks
Mr Williams, Southampton says...
2:29pm Mon 19 Mar 07
lee, southampton says...
2:52pm Mon 19 Mar 07
Sauron, Mordoor says...
3:26pm Mon 19 Mar 07
Swiss Pompey, Swizzyland says...
3:34pm Mon 19 Mar 07
ray, somerset says...
3:50pm Mon 19 Mar 07
Elaine, Southampton says...
3:53pm Mon 19 Mar 07
tim dunne, horton heath says...
3:54pm Mon 19 Mar 07
IFourOne, Gosport says...
3:58pm Mon 19 Mar 07
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
-Ted Bates they were a joke club before you, and just have a guess what they are now.
maria gathy, southampton central says...
4:04pm Mon 19 Mar 07
simon olden, city centre says...
4:14pm Mon 19 Mar 07
Can the original one be melted down so I could use the bronze again, I'm sure I could do a better job in 18 months.
I have no formal, or informal training.
John Benyon, Leicester says...
4:19pm Mon 19 Mar 07
I was brought up with Ted Bates and gave donations towards the statue in memory of my Dad who saw his first Saints game in 1928 and was a great admirer of Ted. I do think steps should be taken to make the statue more realistic of how Ted looked.
Pompeymark, Portsmouth says...
4:39pm Mon 19 Mar 07
I think the great man deserved a little better don't you?
Delboy, Canadaland says...
4:41pm Mon 19 Mar 07
dr.dolittle, says...
4:42pm Mon 19 Mar 07
the proportion is obviously wrong.
The resemblance is wrong.
More worryingly is that anyone who has watched sport would know that people don't hold a football at arms length with a straight arm.
I'm not sure the sculpter can get it right next time either, surely he's done his best, and if that'best' has to be returned for modification to the faults in it, how is he going to acheive that, he can't be better than his best can he?.
I wonder if this is a case of the Emperors New Clothes, where everyone involved on the comittee was too scared to say what they actually felt about it when it was a work in progress?
I say give the rework to the chap a few posts above me.
IFourONE, Gosport says...
5:00pm Mon 19 Mar 07
I kept typing "it's either an oompah-loompah or Milan Mandaric" and it wouldn't let me post.
I reckon you should just start again - but this time if one of the people bidding to build it is called S. Wonder and is wearing sunglasses then choose someone else.
raymondio, soton says...
5:24pm Mon 19 Mar 07
Gordon Mockles, Southampton says...
5:32pm Mon 19 Mar 07
The proportions look wrong which, I believe, any professional sculptor should have noticed. The likeness is not great and the hands, head and upper body seem out of proportion whereas the legs and feet look too small. It looks top heavy. It's a shame, especially considering the cost.
I can't see the problem being resolved since you can't extend the statue or add to it. Maybe I am wrong. However, being a Saints statue, you couldnt expect it to go well. Its following in the clubs footsteps though, disappointing and a let down to the fans. Sorry Ian, but Im not enamored with the sculpture.
Gordon Mockles, Southampton says...
5:36pm Mon 19 Mar 07
Ronald McDonald, Gosport says...
6:39pm Mon 19 Mar 07
Ronald McDonald, Gosport says...
6:42pm Mon 19 Mar 07
David Crook, Wakefield W. Yorkshire says...
7:03pm Mon 19 Mar 07
David Crook
Concerned Royal, Reading says...
7:10pm Mon 19 Mar 07
I dread to think what the "Tribute to Mick Channon Wind Turbine" will look like...
Red Rob, says...
7:49pm Mon 19 Mar 07
Pompey Fan wrote:You're a fine one to mention 'embarrassing', 'insulting' and 'dignity'. I recall the minutes 'silence' in memory of Ted bates that your 'sorry shower' wrecked in the presence of this great mans grieving family. It was so appalling that it had to be repeated at the Charlton game the follwing Saturday.
Funniest thing I've seen since your sorry shower were sent down to fizzypopville. Truly embarrassing. If your club had any dignity they'd sort this insulting statue out.
Now there's something 'truly embarrassing'.
Red Rob, says...
7:54pm Mon 19 Mar 07
Red Rob wrote:P.S. We went on to hammer you in that game too.
Pompey Fan wrote: Funniest thing I\'ve seen since your sorry shower were sent down to fizzypopville. Truly embarrassing. If your club had any dignity they\'d sort this insulting statue out.You\'re a fine one to mention \'embarrassing\', \'insulting\' and \'dignity\'. I recall the minutes \'silence\' in memory of Ted bates that your \'sorry shower\' wrecked in the presence of this great mans grieving family. It was so appalling that it had to be repeated at the Charlton game the follwing Saturday. Now there\'s something \'truly embarrassing\'.
tim cull, Angola says...
7:59pm Mon 19 Mar 07
PJ, East Boldre says...
8:02pm Mon 19 Mar 07
Please get rid of it and let's have a proper work of art in it's place.
Robin Davies, says...
8:18pm Mon 19 Mar 07
Holy Land Saint, Irael says...
8:19pm Mon 19 Mar 07
Very Sad indeed! Get it down As soon as possible!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Morepoles Debetter, Shirley says...
8:46pm Mon 19 Mar 07
Morepoles Debetter, Shirley says...
9:20pm Mon 19 Mar 07
Pompey fan, Southsea says...
9:42pm Mon 19 Mar 07
Red Rob wrote:lol. You are the only sad case who likes it. A one off dinlo compared to a 100 years of that embarrasment outside your ground. pmsl
Red Rob wrote:P.S. We went on to hammer you in that game too.Pompey Fan wrote: Funniest thing I\'ve seen since your sorry shower were sent down to fizzypopville. Truly embarrassing. If your club had any dignity they\'d sort this insulting statue out.You\'re a fine one to mention \'embarrassing\', \'insulting\' and \'dignity\'. I recall the minutes \'silence\' in memory of Ted bates that your \'sorry shower\' wrecked in the presence of this great mans grieving family. It was so appalling that it had to be repeated at the Charlton game the follwing Saturday. Now there\'s something \'truly embarrassing\'.
Rich in Sydney, Australia says...
9:50pm Mon 19 Mar 07
Gary Trestump, Soton says...
10:16pm Mon 19 Mar 07
I mean, why did no one at the club say anything sooner? They MUST have approved the model that the casting was made from and MUST have known how dreadful it looks.
nick, woolston says...
11:01pm Mon 19 Mar 07
Matthew wrote:Matthew, couldn't agree with you more.Surely someone was responsible for 'signing off' this monstrosity.Stevie Wonder perhaps?
Its dreadful; an utter embarrassment yet sadly indicative of the football club (possibly the city) and how it has gone downhill over the last five years. No other club or group of supporters would allow something like this to be put up as a tribute and that says all we need to know. When will Saints fans stop accepting rubbish? I hope this is taken down immediately as it is simply not appropriate to a man of such standing.
butch dingle, scumpton says...
11:21pm Mon 19 Mar 07
graham memphis, usa says...
11:45pm Mon 19 Mar 07
Knobbly Knees, Cornwall says...
1:22am Tue 20 Mar 07
But seriously. This is an insult to a man who gave so much to his club. It's an insult to his family, and it's an insult to the fans of Southampton FC.
Rob Pickle, Ventnor says...
1:37am Tue 20 Mar 07
Rob Pickle, Ventnor says...
1:42am Tue 20 Mar 07
Knobbly Knees wrote:What a po-faced load of rubbish. It's only a little statue. If this is how easily you are offended, here are four asterisks ****.
I have never seen such a well sculpted toupee!
But seriously. This is an insult to a man who gave so much to his club. It's an insult to his family, and it's an insult to the fans of Southampton FC.
Robert, says...
1:57am Tue 20 Mar 07
Andrew lowe, Darwin, Australia says...
3:07am Tue 20 Mar 07
To Ian Brennan - You are a JOKE and a DISGRACE.
To the board of S.F.C. - You need to make a public apology to not only the supporters and all other people with eyesight, but especially to the Bates Family.
How could you? Tear the monstrosity down and sack whoever gave the go ahead for it to be accepted. Absolutely disgusting.
Bob Carolgees, Florida says...
3:52am Tue 20 Mar 07
Albert Steptoe, Oil Drum Lane says...
7:21am Tue 20 Mar 07
Johnny, southampton says...
8:18am Tue 20 Mar 07
Surely this shows that he himself knew it wasn't quite right. so shouldn't we be asking why it was allowed to be unveiled when the sculptor himself didn't think it was ready. it's the clubs fault for giving it the go ahead, which not only insults ted an his loyal fans, but it insults mr brennan who usually produces such a high quality of work. if you google him and take a look at his website you will see that he is no ameteur.
so i blame the club, they, should take full responsibility.
IFourOne, Gosport says...
8:52am Tue 20 Mar 07
There was a hobbit called Ted
He had very short legs
And a great big head
His arms were so long
They reached the ground
And he cost a hundred thousand pound.
See, we can all do this art thing:-)
bl, west wellow says...
9:01am Tue 20 Mar 07
Green Cross Code Man, Central reservation says...
9:10am Tue 20 Mar 07
Queenie, On The Throne says...
9:16am Tue 20 Mar 07
Dale Huddlesceugh, Carlisle says...
9:28am Tue 20 Mar 07
Orriblecnut, Portsmouth says...
10:29am Tue 20 Mar 07
Biggus, hythe says...
10:44am Tue 20 Mar 07
Emily Redbond, Whitchurch Canonicorum says...
10:51am Tue 20 Mar 07
Frank Cousins, Arundel says...
11:30am Tue 20 Mar 07
SaintUTT, Birmingham says...
11:36am Tue 20 Mar 07
The club are being run shambolically - no suprise that this was allowed to be put up without someone saying "um thats spot on" more like "that'll do." which is what or players seam to be using as their motto!
How can we show our kids and grandchildren this.... meantime, Ted I'll show them photo's and take my family round the stadium the long way - round the Kingsland stand.
S Wonder, USA says...
12:31pm Tue 20 Mar 07
Stevie
Punkrockcherry, Poole says...
12:43pm Tue 20 Mar 07
Perhaps they're going to use the rest of the money on something to go with it........
like a yellow brick road !?
Truly, truly awful - it also bears a passing resemblance to Alan Ball !!
Ronnie Corbett, Putney says...
1:25pm Tue 20 Mar 07
Sylvester Stallone, Hollywood says...
1:29pm Tue 20 Mar 07
Sensible Dave, Earth says...
1:49pm Tue 20 Mar 07
So many people will be compelled to make pilgrimages just to have their photos taken next to the statue that Southampton tourism is likely to increase 4-fold overnight.
This will enable the financing of the multi-coloured laser beams from the Civic Centre clocktower some of which can be directed at the statue to make it even more prominent.
Andy Field, Chandler\'s Ford says...
2:16pm Tue 20 Mar 07
Martin Orford, Bishops Waltham says...
2:43pm Tue 20 Mar 07
At last Southampton has got it's "wow" factor tourist attraction - people will come for miles to see this. And all for only 112k! Come on Saints fans - where's your sense of humour? Our football club may not be anywhere near good but it's as funny and entertaining as all the best TV soaps.
Lionel Richie, Motown says...
3:14pm Tue 20 Mar 07
Neil Oursoles, Southampton says...
4:05pm Tue 20 Mar 07
Surely he deserves more than this?
It is a mockery and a sham, I reckon Tony Hart could have fashioned a better likeness than this out of putty.
Another classic example of some ecentric artist earning way over the odds for an end result worthy of a primary school assembly hall.
18 months work! when?, after the pub!
I've just driven down to see it and I didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
I feel sorry for the artist as he's obviously done his best.
Surely whoever was in charge of managing the project and quality control should be to blame. Have a look at Middlesborough FC's fantastic statue complete with fountain that they got for 90K.
Once again Southampton FC executes maximum expenditure for minimum quality.
Start again.
It Sucks.
Andy Babington, Havant says...
4:05pm Tue 20 Mar 07
As for the statue itself, sadly it has been so poorly executed as to defy belief and opinion seems to be unanimous on that, not "split" as suggested in some parts of the media. I do feel sorry for everyone concerned, including the trust and the artist himself to a certain extent. I do feel the artist should do the decent thing and hand back as much of his fee as he can afford so that a different artist can be commissioned to make a replacement.
Nora Sainess, Totton says...
4:14pm Tue 20 Mar 07
Red Rob wrote:Can i just point out... The Pompey Fans were NOT making any noise in the ground at Ted Bates minutes silence . I was there and i am an embarrased Saints Fan who witnessed. a few "Late arrival Pompey Fans" singing on there way into the stadium, unaware there was a minutes silence. Other Pompey Fans said SSSHHH and they did SSSHHH. But our OWN SAINTS FANS were the ones then making all the noise in reply to the Pompey Fans error. I was impressed with theor fans that night , and disappointed in our owm
Red Rob wrote:P.S. We went on to hammer you in that game too.Pompey Fan wrote: Funniest thing I\'ve seen since your sorry shower were sent down to fizzypopville. Truly embarrassing. If your club had any dignity they\'d sort this insulting statue out.You\'re a fine one to mention \'embarrassing\', \'insulting\' and \'dignity\'. I recall the minutes \'silence\' in memory of Ted bates that your \'sorry shower\' wrecked in the presence of this great mans grieving family. It was so appalling that it had to be repeated at the Charlton game the follwing Saturday. Now there\'s something \'truly embarrassing\'.
kim, Bitterne Park says...
4:47pm Tue 20 Mar 07
their previous work researched? Who made the final decision to commission him or was it a committee decision ? Was an independent art consultant appointed to guide them on commissioning the right person and ensuring this huge sum of money was spent on a proper and fitting tribute?
Whoever it was and however the artist was chosen, it will prove to be a monumental and costly mistake.
Mutt, M27 East says...
5:07pm Tue 20 Mar 07
Sculptor - deaf, dumb and blind and I have no idea about his pinball ability but suspect it is not great.
bl, west wellow says...
6:42pm Tue 20 Mar 07
The 'thing' is not a complete disaster at least the papier-mâché or plastic can be recycled.
Ian Brennan, Burj Al Arab Hotel Dubai says...
6:48pm Tue 20 Mar 07
Dean Cutler, Totton says...
8:46pm Tue 20 Mar 07
Im glad its being taken down & hope to god that what replaces it does the great man a bit of justice
Rob Pickle, Ventnor says...
10:37pm Tue 20 Mar 07
Dean Cutler is a complete goose, with bells on.
Kelv, Romsey says...
12:40am Wed 21 Mar 07
richard gray, barnsley says...
9:48am Wed 21 Mar 07
Michael, Finland says...
2:11pm Wed 21 Mar 07
salvador dali, heaven says...
2:28pm Wed 21 Mar 07
stuff the prolitariate,long live free art,
all football fans are working class scum, & will live for ever in their working class ghetto`s
nick, sussex says...
5:04pm Wed 21 Mar 07
The statue is crap however.
Gerry, andover says...
9:27am Thu 22 Mar 07
David Blunkett, Westminster says...
1:16pm Thu 22 Mar 07
Noel Blake, jamaica says...
1:34pm Thu 22 Mar 07
Nora Sainess wrote:I was there too from the blue side. i remember exactly the same. one or two made a noise as they were coming in but it was generally good silence - i'd heard worse. saints fans caught the slightest noise and went ballistic, assuming it was intentional. it just escalated badly from there, and was a real shame.
Red Rob wrote:Can i just point out... The Pompey Fans were NOT making any noise in the ground at Ted Bates minutes silence . I was there and i am an embarrased Saints Fan who witnessed. a few \"Late arrival Pompey Fans\" singing on there way into the stadium, unaware there was a minutes silence. Other Pompey Fans said SSSHHH and they did SSSHHH. But our OWN SAINTS FANS were the ones then making all the noise in reply to the Pompey Fans error. I was impressed with theor fans that night , and disappointed in our owmRed Rob wrote:P.S. We went on to hammer you in that game too.Pompey Fan wrote: Funniest thing I\\\'ve seen since your sorry shower were sent down to fizzypopville. Truly embarrassing. If your club had any dignity they\\\'d sort this insulting statue out.You\\\'re a fine one to mention \\\'embarrassing\\\', \\\'insulting\\\' and \\\'dignity\\\'. I recall the minutes \\\'silence\\\' in memory of Ted bates that your \\\'sorry shower\\\' wrecked in the presence of this great mans grieving family. It was so appalling that it had to be repeated at the Charlton game the follwing Saturday. Now there\\\'s something \\\'truly embarrassing\\\'.
funniest statue i've ever seen by the way.
roy, lincs says...
3:19pm Sun 25 Mar 07
what has he won,done or been famous for?
Tony Hart, a coma after taking LSD with Morph says...
2:35pm Mon 26 Mar 07
Of all the Ted Bates pictures and sculptures I received on my time on television I never saw something quite that hideous.
Chaps, Australia says...
3:43pm Tue 27 Mar 07
Mushtie, Isle of Man says...
9:20pm Tue 27 Mar 07
It can be re-commissioned. The funds should be available. Surely the 'sculptor' - an avid Saints fan, would have the decency to reimburse his fee (or if it hasn't yet been paid, stop it altogether)
Some of the comments have been hilarious and the person that coined the phrase "TOULOUSE LE TED" should be given a season ticket for life. Priceless!!!
LeedsLeedsLeeds, Leeds says...
1:03pm Thu 29 Mar 07
WWW.OURSOLES.CO.UK SAFETY FOOTWEAR, says...
2:12pm Sat 31 Mar 07
DOWN WITH THE STATUE
Lazlo Benares, Yorkshire says...
8:18pm Sat 31 Mar 07
There are even dreadful statues dotted around our capital city.
There are plenty of first rate portrait sculptors in this country who would have loved to sculpt the figure for you and need the work!
With someone so important to the club and with 'proper' money available, they should have really looked for a professional.
Sincerely
Lazlo Benares
Lt Columbo, Newcastle says...
3:23am Tue 5 Jun 07
Gary Action, Scum says...
6:24pm Thu 24 Jan 08
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Forest Saint, Brockenhurst says...
2:37pm Sat 17 Mar 07
I suggest the current playing squad read 'Dell Diamond' and realise what the club meant to him, and what he made the club.