THE children of Warrington’s England World Cup winner and Liverpool’s top goal-scoring legend “Sir” Roger Hunt are backing a campaign to have a statue of him erected at Anfield.
An online petition has been launched calling to “Erect a Statue of Roger Hunt at Liverpool Football Club to acknowledge his footballing achievements with LFC and for England winning the World Cup in 1966.”
Still an idol on the Kop where he was “knighted” fans have questioned for years; “why isn’t there a statue of Sir Roger in acknowledgement of the contribution he made to establishing Liverpool Football Club as the successful team it is today when he served under the management of the great Bill Shankly.. it’s a travesty Roger didn’t see a tribute statue to him during his lifetime however, now would be the perfect time to build a lasting tribute to show the world how proud we are in Liverpool of Sir Roger Hunt’s achievements during his 11 years at our great club.”
At Roger Hunt’s funeral at The Anglican Cathedral a year ago this week, fellow Liverpool legend Kevin Keegan “Why isn’t there a statue of Sir Roger Hunt, at the Kop End, where he was knighted, with something like ‘244 goals – catch me if you can’ as an inspiration to everyone passing by, the kids who want to play football?”
His children Julie and David are now backing the campaign for a statue to be erected at Anfield as a fitting tribute to their dad, who never forgot his grassroots football in Warrington.
Julie said: “As anyone who knew our dad would say, Roger wasn’t all about the glory and the accolades. But we think he’d have been honoured to have a statue of himself at LFC to inspire other young kids to follow their footballing dreams – and smash his own records. Dad worked hard to make it in football. As a boy he kicked a tennis ball against the wall in his backyard for hours on end.
“He lived and breathed football; it was all he ever dreamed about. I think at one stage, when he was called up to do his National Service, he thought he would never get his chance. But he didn’t give up and we think he would have loved to pass that sentiment on to other youngsters.
“As his children, David and I would be thrilled to see a statue of him at the club, a permanent reminder of what can be achieved if you want something enough and are prepared to work for it.. Dad, or Sir Roger as he was known to the Kop, already leaves a lasting legacy. Decades on from his playing days, his flag still flies at the Kop, but a statue would be something else.
“Like many of those who have already signed this petition, we think it’s deserved.”
Roger remains Liverpool’s record league goalscorer and under the great Bill Shankly he played his part in bringing LFC back to top flight football. And he was one of only 11 men to have ever won the World Cup for England.
Most of all, he played football in the true spirit of the game, fairly and squarely and was considered a gentleman both on and off the pitch.
As well as living in Culcheth, where he ran a successful haulage business, Hunt Brothers, Roger started his playing career with Stockton Heath, later becoming Warrington Town.
Roger kept in touch with his hometown club, donating one of his England caps and often signing shirts for auctions.
As well as watching from the sidelines during his retirement years, he also attended the club’s historic FA Cup 1st Round triumph over Exeter City. He was also made an Honorary Freeman of Warrington.
To sign the petition CLICK HERE
England World Cup winner Roger Hunt in his Liverpool days – PICTURE EDDIE WHITHAM
Roger Hunt with his framed certificate after being made an Honourary Freeman – Picture Paul Jackson
Julie and David with their Dad Roger Hunt when he was awarded the MBE
