SAINTS chairman Leon Crouch will dip into his own pocket and fund a replacement Ted Bates statue - if that is what has to be done to ensure a "fitting and lasting" memorial to the club legend.
The Echo has been told the club's second largest shareholder will contribute "if necessary" towards a totally new statue ... if it is decided that Ian Brennan's controversial £112,000 sculpture has to be totally scrapped.
Crouch last night took on his second new chairmanship inside a month when he agreed to replace Dave Ford as chief of the Ted Bates Trust.
The Lymington-based businessman, Saints' second largest individual shareholder, recently succeeded Michael Wilde as chairman of the club's football board - though only in an acting role with no executive powers.
But Crouch will have overall control of the challenge to erect a second statue in place of Ian Brennan's controversial £112,000 sculpture unveiled to a barrage a criticism last Saturday night.
And if a new statue is needed, Crouch said he would pay - "if necessary" - for a secnd memorial.
Full story: See today's Daily Echo
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article