Aberdeen Football Club has unveiled the maquette for the statue to commemorate the outstanding contribution of Sir Alex Ferguson to the club.

The maquette, which has received the seal of approval from Sir Alex, will now be 3D scanned before a wax model is moulded and cast into the prototype from which the sculptor will work on creating the full‐size statue.

It is anticipated that the bronze statue will be completed and installed on the external concourse outside the Richard Donald Stand in the first quarter of 2022. The installation has been designed in such a way as to allow the statue to be moved to a new stadium.

The statue is one of a series which is being planned to celebrate and honour the Club’s heroes and is being brought forward by the Club in conjunction with the AFC Heritage Trust.

Renowned sculptor with a proven track‐record in creating lifelike sculptures of the Beatles and Sir David Attenborough, Andy Edwards of Cornovii Edwards, has been commissioned to produce the statue based on a photograph taken of Sir Alex at Easter Road in 1980. In this photograph, the legendary manager is celebrating the Dons winning the Scottish Premier Division – the first time in 15 years it had been won by a club other than Rangers or Celtic.

AFC chairman, Dave Cormack, said: “Both the Club and Sir Alex are absolutely thrilled with the maquette and cannot wait to see the next steps in the creative process.

“The statue will formally recognise Sir Alex and his achievements at Aberdeen FC which will be forever marked in our history.

“We are looking forward to hosting Sir Alex early next year for an official unveiling ceremony.”

When the concept of a statue was first announced, Sir Alex said: “I am thrilled and honoured by this recognition from Aberdeen Football Club, where I spent a fantastic and memorable part of my managerial career. I am particularly pleased with the image the Club has chosen to base the statue on and with the choice of sculptor whose recent work is incredibly lifelike. I can’t wait to see it!”

Chris Gavin of AFC Heritage Trust added: “Aberdeen’s prominent place in not only Scottish but also European football was ensured by the efforts of this great man and his players. It is fitting that he also leads the way in the Club’s plans to commemorate its greatest heroes in bronze.”

AFC began exploring the idea of a series of statues to recognise those legends who have made a lasting impact on the Club, over 18 months ago, but the process stalled due to the pandemic.

The Club and AFC Heritage Trust will work on future statues and also on exploring opportunities with third parties in which to further conceptualise the statues and to enhance them through digital storytelling and engagement.