The Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) has donated money to finish the 10ft high bronze Celebration Statue.

Those behind the project revealed plans to unveil the £220,000 statue in West Bromwich town centre on March 4 next year.

It brings to a close the long-running saga over the statue which was first announced more than five years ago before it hit fundraising troubles.

Project organisers needed a final £38,000 to complete the delayed statue which is set to be installed next to New Square shopping centre.

And now it has been revealed that the PFA has donated the remaining cash required.

The unveiling will coincide with the 41st anniversary of ‘The Three Degrees’ - Laurie Cunningham, Cyrille Regis and Brendon Batson - playing together for Albion for the first time in the 2-2 draw at Ipswich Town in March 1978.

It depicts the trio celebrating a goal being scored.

Sculptor @ibboart is now working on the final phase of the ten foot high bronze statue thanks to a generous donation from @PFA #thankyou pic.twitter.com/crromx47si — TheCelebrationStatue (@CelebraStatue79) July 26, 2018

Advertising

PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor OBE said: “The PFA has been determined to get this important tribute to The Three Degrees over the line and mark their great contribution to football and equality for time immemorial.”

Jim Cadman, who has led the campaign for the Celebration Statue, added: “The Three Degrees were true pioneers of the game who made genuine football history in West Bromwich. The Celebration Statue will convey passion, strength and achievement to a global football audience and support the fight to remove all aspects of racism from our beautiful game.

“I would like to thank Gordon Taylor and the PFA for their support over the past six years and also record our thanks and appreciation for the contributions made to this project by Sandwell Council, The Football Association, League Managers Association, Kick It Out, the 1979 Club, West Bromwich Albion Supporters Club, WBA Former Players Association, businesses throughout the Black Country and dedicated fans of West Bromwich Albion who follow the team in good times and bad."

The Three Degrees meet the Three Degrees - the iconic photograph from 1979

Advertising

Funding already spent on the project includes £30,000 from Sandwell Council, as well as other contributions.

Hundreds of Baggies fans and special guests attended a fundraising night hosted by Baggies fan Frank Skinner at Birmingham Town Hall back in 2013.

The statue was originally due to be unveiled on July 15, 2014, to mark the 25th anniversary of Cunningham’s death at the age of 33 in a car crash in Spain.

Momentum gathered behind the project once again over recent months following the death of Cyrille Regis in January.