Plaid’s Chris Franks will highlight the Fred Keenor statue campaign during First Minister’s Questions on Tuesday (18 May 2010).
He will be doing so ahead of one of the biggest games in Cardiff City Football Club’s history when they take on Blackpool in the Premiership play-off at Wembley.
The Cardiff born AM said: “The grassroots fundraising campaign launched by fans of Cardiff City Football Club has to be praised. The campaign raised over £2,500 with a bucket collection at Cardiff City’s play-off semi-final. The contributions will help the campaign erect a statue in honour of Fred Keenor and the 1927 FA Cup winning team when the FA Cup was taken out of England for its only time – one of Wales’ greatest sporting achievements.
“Fred captained the Cardiff City side but also played for Wales more than 30 times in a period when many fewer internationals were played than today. Fred’s great success came despite being injured in the Battle of the Somme when it was thought he would never play football again.
“Cardiff-born Fred is a true Welsh hero, who played at a time when footballers were not well paid. I am asking the First Minister to give his support to this very worthy fundraising campaign organised by volunteers led by Cardiff City Supporters’ Trust.”
