A TOTALLY new Ted Bates statue would only cost around half of the £112,000 which Ian Brennan's controversial monument cost.

The Daily Echo understands that if a new statue is needed to replace the one unveiled last Saturday, some parts of the existing one could be used again.

Specifically the six-foot high plinth - which contains 50 tons of concrete.

If the current statue is taken down and scrapped, it could be melted down and whoever sculpts the replacement could use the same bronze for the second attempt.

That would also save some money, while labour costs could also be less.

That's due to the fact another artist might not take the 18 months it took Brennan to sculpt Ted Bates.

The Echo can also reveal that all the money raised for the statue - around £112,000 in total - did NOT go direct to Brennan.

The Warsash-based artist was paid in instalments - the Ted Bates Trust have yet to sign off the cheque for the final payment to him - and the sculptor only got the money he needed for his own labour and materials cost.

Trust officials paid other bills, including the London-based foundry where the bronzing of Brennan's clay sculpture took place last week.

It is generally accepted that a new statue will be erected to replace the one which has been derided ever since it was unveiled. That could be taken down as early as today.

Acting Saints chairman Leon Crouch has already said he would be willing to help pay for a totally new statue.

Other options available including asking local businesses to see if they would be willing to sponsor' the statue or donating the proceeds of the pre-season Ted Bates Trophy friendly towards the cost of a new monument.