The statue of Dundee United’s most successful manager, to stand tall outside Tannadice, has been unveiled.
A campaign to raise more than £60,000 to immortalise Jim McLean outside Dundee United’s stadium was smashed late last year.
Sculptor Alan Herriot has now finished creating the tribute and The Courier has been given a sneak peek inside his Edinburgh studio.
The footballing legend is posed holding the Scottish Premier Division trophy and sits at about 6ft 3in — slightly taller than McLean’s real-life height.
Video with pictures of the statue is above this article
A plinth base is still to be constructed, on which the statue will stand.
A clay maquette miniature version of the trophy winning United boss was revealed in August last year. Mr Herriot then used it to create the full size version.
The figure is still to be bronzed, a process which will begin next week, before it is placed at its ultimate home outside Tannadice.
George Haggerty and other members of the project steering group are travelling to Mr Heriot’s studio in Edinburgh on Friday to see the statue.
They will be travelling with Jim’s wife, Doris McLean.
Mr Haggerty said: “On behalf of the fans it is an outstanding achievement.
“Just seeing the statue before it gets cast is a huge step. I think it’s going to be a very impressive statue. The bronze will catch the light.
“It will be everything that the maquette was but with a lot more detail because of the size difference.
“We’re certainly delighted with it. It will be everything the fans want.”
The group are making preparations for a grand unveiling at Tannadice on May 14, the anniversary of the club becoming league champions in 1983.
George said: “We’ve got to get planning permission cleared, but there is still three months to go so we are fairly confident of getting it sorted.
“It will be a big day for fans.”
Mr Herriot will work with Cupar firm Carmichael and Baxter Groundworks to complete the plinth.
The campaign for a statue in honour of McLean – who retired in from managment in 1993 before a seven-year period as club chairman – saw early support from his great 1980s managerial rival, Sir Alex Ferguson, who described the United legend as “one of the greatest”.
Deacon Blue singer Ricky Ross, from Dundee, also threw his support behind the campaign.
