The word legend is often used and seldom warranted. But when mentioned in the same breath as the name Brian Clough, it is entirely fitting.

It is equally fitting, therefore, that a bronze likeness of the Middlesbrough-born football manager has been erected in the park he used to walk through on his way to his hometown club's ground. Chris Brayshay reports on the unveiling

JOHN McPartland remembers as a boy seeing his hero, Brian Clough, taking short cuts across Albert Park. So does Alan Peacock, who was inside left to Cloughie's centre forward. He used to meet Cloughie and Billy Day in the park on their way to Ayresome Park, the club's then ground.

The park lay between Clough's home, on the Grove Hill estate, and the stadium.

The man, known as Old Big 'Ed, who died from stomach cancer in September 2004, would walk with his boots tied together and slung over his shoulder - the very pose captured by sculptor Vivien Mallock in her statue.

The 7ft bronze image of the man, who also played for Sunderland, was unveiled yesterday by his widow, Barbara, and children Nigel, Simon and Elizabeth, in that very same park; the eyes firmly fixed in the direction of Ayresome, now buried under a housing estate.

It is 46 years since Clough played for Middlesbrough, but such is the aura around him that it took the fundraising committee, chaired by Coun McPartland, only two years to raise £50,000 from charity events and public donations.

With a hefty contribution from the Heritage Lottery Fund, it finally realised £95,000.

Coun McPartland said the response delighted him, but was not a surprise, despite competing with appeals following the Boxing Day Tsunami, in the Indian Ocean, and calls for financial help sparked by earthquakes in other parts of the world.

"It touched a deep reservoir of affection - the people of Middlesbrough and Teesside clearly still think of him," he said. "It shows what esteem he is still held in. He was one of my sporting heroes - a super hero."

Mr Peacock said the location of the statue was fitting.

"I think installing it in the park is really appropriate. He was a man of the people and it is appropriate it is in the position it is," said his former team-mate, who, like Cloughie, signed up with the Boro for just £10.

Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon was brought up on Cloughie, who as manager of Nottingham Forest won two European Cups.

While Clough was manager of Hartlepool and later Derby Vounty, Mr Mallon's parents supported the club. His father also took him to see Clough's testimonial game in 1965.

"Brian Clough has stood the test of time. He was a legend in his own lifetime," he said.

Mrs Clough said her late husband would have been "absolutely amazed" at the very idea of a statue.

Unveiling it, she said: "He was very proud of Middlesbrough. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. All our children and grandchildren, brothers and sisters, all relations, feel the same. All we can say is our heartfelt thanks."