Swindon Town legends could get statues at revamped County Ground

A recent Supporters Trust meeting showed that it was considering installing at least two statues on on the entrances of the County Ground - one of Don Rogers and one of John Trollope. 

The statue of Rogers will focus on his influence in the 3-1 victory over Arsenal to lift the Leage Cup in 1969 - the club's greatest achievement. It will also have a plaque commemorating the rest of the team. 

Cup winning team-mate Trollope's statue will be to celebrate his record-breaking 770 appearances for the club over two decades.

Each statue is set to set the Trust back roughly £52,500 and it has been in talks with renowned sculptor Alan Beatie Herriot since 2015.

The initial brief shows they would be a 115 per cent life-size statue, possibly cast in bronze. It will be mounted on a plinth with a bronze plaque and elevated on a stone base, granite or brick construction. 

Or the statue could be stainless steel instead. 

A CGI mock-up of the two finished products shows them forming an entrance to the ground close to the Magic Roundabout.

The process of getting the statues approved started this week with a membership consultaton. Trust members are being asked if they support the idea, if they approve of the choice of subject fo the statues and where they'd like them to go. 

If the statues are given the green light by trust members the first one - of Rogers - could be commissioned immediately, finished and in place as early as March 2023, with Trollope's complete in December the same year. 

Don Rogers and John Trollope

The statues would be funded by the monthly donations of trust members. 

A statement from the trust to members says: "Please consider supporting this idea, any additional suggestions or feedback also appreciated.

"If we go ahead, further consultations will follow around design and placement.

"This is something for all supporters, we want everyone to feel involved and part of this exciting project."

The plans also include using the statues for commercial opportunities, with the maquettes free to use as part of planning applications.

The trust/club would also look to sell miniature limited edition versions of the statutes  and create a range of marketable items such as fridge magnets, keyrings and t-shirts.