Meeting to generate fundraising ideas for statue to Sunderland legend Charlie Hurley

Black Cats supporters who want to see the idea become a reality are meeting at St Mary’s Church, in Bridge Street, Sunderland city centre.

Campaigners first spoke about the idea to create a statue to the Irish international earlier this year.

They have now set up a committee to raise between £75,000 and £80,000 for the tribute.

Charlie, who arrived at Roker Park in 1957 and was captain when the team won promotion into the First Divison in 1964, will celebrate his 80th birthday this October.

Nicknamed “The King”, he was voted the club’s Player of the Century in 1979 by fans.

Martin O’Neill, who runs sweet shop Sweet Home Alabama in the city, is one of those involved in the campaign.

“We’ve had an initial meeting and this event is to look at potential fund-raising ideas,” said Martin.

“If anyone would like to come down and donate any unwated items of Sunderland memorabilia which we could sell to raise money for the appeal, it would be really appreciated.”

The meeting will start at 6.30pm and run till no later than 8.30pm.

For more details, contact secretary of the committee, Tracey Hawkins on 07736 464023 and [email protected], Martin on 07723 814983 and [email protected] or Mark Metcalf, author of Charlie

Hurley’s authorised biography, on 07952 801783, at [email protected] or by tweeting @Charliehurleystatue.