George Best statue plan under threat -
10-28-2007, 10:42 AM
Appeal for £80,000 George Best statue nets justs £2,000
Family: Sister Barbara (left) and second wife Alex cuddle up to the late George
Quote:
Originally Posted by Daily Mail
More than 100,000 people lined the streets of Belfast for the funeral of one of the world's greatest footballers, George Best.But almost two years after his death a fund set up to build an £80,000 statue of Belfast's favourite son has raised just £2,000 – and half of that was donated by Northern Ireland striker David Healy.
Organisers of the George Best Trust admit they are on the verge of giving up the project because of a lack of interest from former fans. They had hoped to unveil the statue on the second anniversary of Best's death – November 25.
Belfast City Council set up the trust in the outpouring of emotion after the star's funeral, which was watched on TV by 100million people worldwide. But money has barely trickled in to the fund since it opened last December.
Trust spokesman Eamon Deeny admits he is disappointed.
He said: There has been very little interest from businesses or corporate groups and, even though there is still great affection for George, people don't seem to be donating."
Best enjoyed a dazzling career at Manchester United, where he started playing at the age of 15, but off-the-field temptations took their toll and he left in 1973 aged just 27. Despite appearing for Fulham and several American clubs, his career never hit the same heights and he began to spiral into a life of womanising and alcoholism.
Best was married twice – to Angela MacDonald-James and then to Alex Pursey.
I am quite suprised that 80,000 pounds cant be raised for a statue. He has so many fans, friends and a lot of them are very rich.
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I'm from Belfast, and went back to visit recently. The city airport has been renamed after George Best, but I really think the city council should pay for a statue to commemorate Best. The tourist industry is booming there at the moment, and a George Best statue in the city center would be a great addition to the sights already on offer.
yeah exactly. i'd be shocked if united went to its fans, and if they did, that they wouldn't come up with required donations to get the statue. just proves that united>>>>belfast
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There is a reason I bleed red. United until I die.
It's always amuses me when a United player has had a bad time playing for England, and the opposing fans/media has a go at them. Old Trafford, which still is occupied by mostly English born fans, simply sing "stick your England up yer arse !" Club versus country? no contest, there's only ONE UNITED!