Manchester United have unveiled plans for a statue to honour George Best, Denis Law and Sir Bobby Charlton.
Best's death 12 months ago triggered calls for some kind of permanent recognition of his achievements to be erected at Old Trafford.
Currently, the only statue in the vicinity of the ground is that of Sir Matt
Busby, although a clock is also attached to the East Stand in honour of the
victims of the Munich air tragedy in 1958.
But, such was the combined contribution of Best, Law and Charlton to the
United glory days of the 1960s, club officials have commissioned world famous
sculptor Philip Jackson to create a statue featuring the legendary trio.
The project will take 18 months to complete, with the statue due to be sited
on Sir Matt Busby Way, although the precise location has yet to be determined.
'The club has been looking at how to commemorate its great figures for some
time,' said Red Devils chief executive David Gill.
'Too often, we feel we have to wait until our heroes have passed away to
recognise their talent.
'So we are very excited that this statue will honour the efforts not only of
George Best, whose death came tragically early in his life, but also two of the
game's finest forwards - Denis Law and Bobby Charlton.
'Manchester United is proud of its heritage and we believe that this statue
will be evidence of that. The fact it will be on Sir Matt Busby Way could not be
more appropriate.'
