Stan Mortensen Statue Unveiling 23 August 2005

A life-sized statue of Blackpool FC legend Stan Mortensen was unveiled by Stan's widow Jean and former England captain and BBC summariser Jimmy Armfield. on the 23 August 2005 before the 1st Round Carling Cup-tie against Hull City.

The unveiling of Stan's £25,000 statue was featured on BBC1's North-West tonight and also included an interview by Dan Walker with Jean, Jimmy and Sir Tom Finney who was also in attendance.

Stan Mortensen played 345 times for the club and scored 222 goals including three in the 1953 FA Cup "Matthews" Final victory over Bolton Wanderers.

The England star remains the only player to score a hat-trick in an FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium.

Morty - as he was known - also managed to score 23 goals in 25 England appearances.

The South Shields born centre forward became a a firm favourite with fans.

The statue cost £25,000 to make and was funded by the club, the town council and Blackpool FC fans.

"Stan was a truly great man in football and also humanitarian terms," said statue organiser Chris Hull.

"His legacy in Blackpool transcends just football as he became an inspirational figure in the local community.

"The life-size statue was made by local artist Peter Hodgkinson and shows 'Morty' in typical pose - firing another spectacular goal.

"The statue is positioned outside Blackpool Football Club's North Stand - which, appropriately, is also known as the Mortensen Stand."

Jean Mortensen commented: "I am delighted that the moment has arrived.

"People have been talking for years about something like this and now the town has delivered and I feel quite emotional."

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