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Wales Online
Wales Online
National
Ben Turner & Rhianna Benson

Rochdale Football Clubs erects statue in memory of superfan

A football superfan who left his entire estate to his local football club has been honoured with a statue on his favourite seat.

David Clough, who died aged 78, was respected as a legend at Rochdale Football Club - the team that he supported since he was a boy.

Known as 'Cloughie' at the club - David's legacy will now live on after fellow fans raised £10,000 for a life-sized statue of David to be built in the main stand at the Crown Hall Arena.

David was a lifelong supporter who helped raise £500,000 for the club after he volunteered to raise money by selling scratch cards for Rochdale FC's lottery for 25 years.

Tributes poured in for David - who worked at his local bakery before retiring - when he sadly passed away last June following a long illness.

Described as an "incredible human being" whose "passion and life were Rochdale AFC", David left his entire estate to the club.

Francis Collins, who is in charge of executing David's will, said in January: "He was a gentleman and was loved by everybody.

The statue has been built in the main stand at the Crown Hall Arena. (© Rochdale A.F.C. / SWNS)

"His intentions were clear, he wanted his legacy to be left for the fans, and for the younger generation for years to come.”

David, from Littleborough, collected money for Rochdale FC "virtually every waking hour" and worked with his wife Dorothy, who did the paperwork and counted the money, the club said.

Frances Fielding, Commercial Director, said: “Although I didn’t know David personally, I recognised him from living in Littleborough and would see him daily on his bike, collecting his Goldbond rounds.

"He really was a legend and a true superfan. His generosity to the Football Club will never be forgotten."

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