DESIGNS for a sculpture to mark Saints’ 125th anniversary have been exclusively revealed to the Daily Echo.
Depicting players wearing Saints shirts through the decades, the work of art doubles as a bench and will allow fans to have photos taken in a pose that mimics the traditional team picture.
Supporters can relive the club’s win against Manchester United in the 1976 FA Cup final, as the trophy takes centre stage in the work.
Commissioned by Southampton Solent University, the original sketch for the sculpture was produced by their director of marketing and communications, Trevor Thorne.
He said: “We wanted to mark the club’s long history with something novel and fun. The crucial objective though, was to create something that Saints fans can get involved with.”
The university says the work is likely to be placed in the heart of Southampton’s new cultural quarter, close to Guildhall Square.
Vice chancellor Professor Van Gore said: “It’s imperative this landmark celebration is given a place in history in the city centre and we are delighted to be a part of that.”
Developers Barratt provided initial funding for the project and Swansfield Engineering in Fareham will now make the sculpture.
It’s due to be finished by the end of the year and unveiled in February.
COMPETITION
SAINTS’ 125th anniversary sculpture has not yet been named.
Daily Echo readers can send ideas to saintsbench@lpgevents.com.
The closing date for entries is Friday, October 22, and a panel of judges will pick the name.
The winner, who will be notified by email, will be announced in the Daily Echo and have a photograph taken at the official unveiling ceremony as a memento.
