Wolves Sir Jack Hayward statue will be unveiled by summer

The statue was commissioned a year ago and is due to be built near to the subway entrance at the top of Molineux Street, overlooking the stadium.

Plans are coming together and a design has been finalised, although it's not yet been revealed what pose the legendary former owner will take.

Wolves will fund the vast majority of the £250,000 cost. Fans were invited to donate when the project was announced but so far only £17,000 has been raised, including gate receipts from the pre-season Swansea friendly.

The club was forced to apologise for any confusion caused by its original announcement for the 'tenner for Sir Jack' campaign with many supporters left outraged, believing they were being asked to fund the entire cost, before Wolves clarified that they would underwrite any shortfall.

A special plaque to reflect the contribution of supporters is due to be erected alongside the statue.

Renowned sculptor James Butler, who created the Billy Wright and Stan Cullis statues, is working on the Sir Jack statue. He has worked closely with Sir Jack's family on a preferred design.

A committee of supporters was set up to oversee the statue project.

The group's chairman Kevin Rogers, who is CEO of Paycare, said: "We'd like to thank all those who've chosen to contribute to the fund, with many choosing to donate the symbolic amount of £10.

"Our aim was always to say that fans and a grateful community had played their part in making the Sir Jack statue a reality, and that goal has now been achieved.

"The statue is progressing well and we're looking forward to the unveiling, which will hopefully be around summer 2017."

Contractors are currently investigating two potential locations for the statue in the area by where the old Wanderer pub used to be housed.

In a statement, the club added: "Wolves have worked close with City of Wolverhampton Council on the project and are confident the statue will provide a fitting and lasting memorial to a man who was a much-loved figure both at the football club and across Wolverhampton and beyond.

"Wolves invited supporters to become involved with the fundraising and many fans have provided donations via a Just Giving page and also online whilst renewing their season tickets last summer.

"This extensive city memorial project, which is underwritten by the football club, will provide a lasting legacy to Sir Jack, honouring his commitment to Wolverhampton, thanks to significant club investment, backing for local stakeholders and donations from supporters, local businesses and the community."

Sir Jack died almost exactly two years ago today on January 13, 2015, aged 91.

Tributes flooded in from across the globe, including from then Prime Minister David Cameron.

Thousands of Wolves fans lined the streets of Wolverhampton for his funeral the following month.

Wolves then renamed the Jack Harris stand as the Sir Jack Hayward stand last year.

Supporters can still donate to the Sir Jack statue fund at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sirjackhayward