Brian Clough statue returns to park after repairs

A statue of footballing legend Brian Clough, which had to be cut above the ankles to be moved for repairs, has returned to "its rightful home".

The 7ft (2.1m) bronze sculpture of the player and manager was installed in Middlesbrough's Albert Park in 2007, but was removed in May due to a crack in its standing leg.

The council said contractors had tried to move the statue along with its base but were unable to do so, so they sliced the statue above the ankles.

Repair and restoration work saw the feet reattached to the rest of the figure and a new flower bed placed around the base to "gently deter visitors from climbing on or putting weight on the structure", the council said.

The Clough sculpture was also set in a new foundation block to strengthen it, the Labour-led authority said.

Born in the town in 1935, Clough made more than 200 appearances for Middlesbrough FC between 1955 and 1961.

The local authority said he would often walk through the park on his way to the club's former ground, Ayresome Park.

He went on the great managing success, being described as a "sporting miracle maker".

The statue, placed back near the park's Dorman Museum entrance, was the original in its entirety, the council said.

Mayor Chris Cooke said: "Cloughie is one of Middlesbrough's most famous sons and a footballing giant, so it's fantastic to welcome the statue back to its rightful home in Albert Park.

He said it was a brilliant tribute to "one of the greatest players and managers ever to grace the beautiful game".

The statue had been fenced off for several years and was previously repaired after a crack was discovered above its ankle.

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