SOME people are on the roundabout... they think it’s all over... it is now!
They are perhaps not quite the immortal words uttered by football commentator Kenneth Wolstenholme at the end of England’s 1966 World Cup victory over West Germany, but yesterday workers on Bolton’s most iconic roundabout were adding 50 new faces to the town’s Spirit of Sport sculpture.
And among them was the Wanderers fan and former Farnworth Grammar School pupil who commentated on 23 FA Cup Finals and was best known for arguably the most famous piece of sports commentary ever heard.
He now stands proudly alongside former Bolton Wanderers greats Nat Lofthouse, Tommy Banks, John McGinlay and Sam Allardyce, who were among the 650 faces already on the 30-metre high, trophyshaped statue next to the Reebok Stadium in Horwich.
Other faces added yesterday were Lancashire and England cricketer Sajid Mahmood, and cyclist and Olympic gold medallist Jason Kenny.
Sajid said: “It is fantastic to be placed alongside some of the sporting heroes of Bolton. It is a very proud feeling and I owe it to all the people, my family and my friends, who have supported me throughout my career.”
Paralympian swimmer Rachael Latham also took her place on the statue yesterday.
She was joined by Tony Griffin, from Great Lever, who led the way for today’s disabled athletes, winning 38 international medals in a 10- year career in the 1970s and 1980s.
Mr Griffin, aged 50, said: “It is amazing to be recognised alongside people like Amir Khan, Sajid and Jason Kenny.
“It is also great recognition for Paralympic athletes.”
The mirrored photo-etchings are, however, not just of famous faces.
The statue also recognises the achievements and contributions of people working in grassroots sport.
One of those unsung heroes added was volunteer athletics coach Mark Dacre, who works with youngsters at Horwich RMI Harriers.
Mr Dacre, aged 48, of Westhoughton, said: “When I started out, I was only teaching nine or 10 kids, now there is an amazing team of volunteers coaching dozens of youngsters.
“Without the rest of the team, I wouldn’t be up there on the statue.
“I got into it because of my daughter Tiffy. She is 16 now and she has started coaching the younger children now.”
Bolton Council has recently secured sponsorship for the statue for the next three years, thanks to the Emerson Group, which owns and operates the adjoining Middlebrook and Parkland schemes.
Graham Bee, assistant group planner, said: “The statue is iconic and represents the endeavours and achievements of Bolton sportsmen and women.”
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