Leeds United hero makes ‘unique’ gesture for Howard Wilkinson statue campaign — Leeds Live 10/10/25
He is far from the first Leeds United icon to get involved with the project
Former Leeds United title winner David Batty is the latest
club hero to show his support for the campaign pushing for a Howard Wilkinson
statue to be installed at Elland Road.
The ex-England midfielder played 289 games for Leeds across
two spells, with 166 of them coming under Wilkinson. Batty played in all but
two league matches in the glorious 1991/92 season which saw Leeds lift the
First Division title.
Wilkinson remains the last English manager to win the
top-flight. Campaign group 'Wilko92' is aiming to get a statue for the club
icon chiselled and installed at Elland Road. The club itself has shown its
support for the initiative.
Speaking to Leeds Live upon its launch in June, Wilkinson
described being "embarrassed" and “honoured” when first learning of
the campaign. “It also makes me realise that what I did is considered my job,
but I never worked a day in my life.”
Around £140,000 will need to be raised by supporters in
order for a statue to be erected, with a rough aim date of 2027, though this is
not fixed.
The hope is that British sculptor Peter Hodgkinson will
chisel the bronze, having gained plaudits for the Sir Tom Finney statue
situated outside Preston North End’s stadium, Deepdale.
The likes of Gary McAllister and Tony Dorigo, among others,
have shown their support for the project and Batty is the latest to do so. The
56-year-old has signed a "unique collection" of artwork prints to be
sold, with profits to go towards the statue campaign.
Dave Tomlinson, one founder of the Wilko92 project, said:
“David Batty is one of the most admired figures in Leeds United history.
“For him to back this campaign in this way is an indication
of the respect he has for Howard Wilkinson - the man who guided Leeds United
through one of the greatest eras in the club’s history.”
A spokesperson for the group added: “The print is a limited
edition numbered from 1 to 120 only, and it will come with a Certificate of
Authenticity showing David signing the prints at his home. No further copies of
this signed print will be issued.
“All profits from the sales of this print will be donated to
the fundraising project for the Howard Wilkinson statue. Price [is] £92 plus
£6.50 pp [post and packaging].”
More information on the Wilko92 campaign can be found on its
website.
