Fans have voted in favour of a design created by Roger Andrews for the statue in honour of the Bluebirds’ FA Cup winning skipper Fred Keenor.
In a poll organised by Cardiff City Supporters Trust, in conjunction with the South Wales Echo and theTrust website www.ccfctrust.org, Roger Andrews polled 725 votes, Michael Field 510 votes and James Done 410 votes.
Roger, who is based in Llantwit Major, created the statue of Sir Tasker Watkins, which now stands outside the Millennium Stadium.
Fans were given almost three weeks to choose their favourite design and voting closed on Saturday, December 12th. Postal votes were counted on Tuesday, December 15th, and added to those who voted on the website.
The three sculptors were asked to produce a maquette of their tribute to the 1927 FA Cup winning captain and Welsh international.
Roger said: “It is an honour and privilege to be appointed as the sculptor for the Fred Keenor statue.
“I am sure the statue will be seen as iconic by fans of Cardiff City Football Club and an outstanding memorial to Fred and the 1927 FA Cup winning team.”
Fred’s nephew Graham Keenor, who is a member of the Trust, said: “The fans have made their choice and the sculpture chosen is an excellent likeness of Fred. The hard work now starts in the new year to raise the necessary funds. But I’m confident fans, businesses and people across South Wales will get behind this hugely worthwhile fundraiser.”
Mike Inker, a member of the Trust’s Fred Keenor Memorial Committee, who originally launched an online petition in support of a tribute, said: “The quality of the maquette submitted by all three artists was a testiment to their craftmanship and creativity and it proved a difficult choice for fans.
“I’ve always felt a little embarrassed that nothing had been erected after more than 80 years to honour the 1927 FA Cup winning team and the legend that is Fred Keenor. An important milestone has now been reached and I look forward to progress being made in 2010 to make the statue a reality.”
The Trust will now discuss the work contract with the successful sculptor. It plans to launch a public appeal for funding in the new year and will approach Cardiff council, the Welsh Assembly Government and local businesses for financial support, along with football fans. City chairman Peter Ridsdale has given his total support to the campaign.
The location for the statue has yet to be finalised but the most likely site remains at the Cardiff City Stadium, where land is available.
