A STATUE could be built in the North-East to commemorate football legend Brian Clough.

Middlesbrough Football Club supporters have organised a meeting to look at how money can be raised for the memorial.

The Middlesbrough-born former player and manager died on Monday, aged 69, after a battle against stomach cancer.

Clough, who played for both Boro and Sunderland before injury cut short his promising career, went on to guide Nottingham Forest to two European Cup wins.

Football fans and officials from Middlesbrough Council will gather next month to discuss how the estimated £40,000 can be raised to pay for the statue.

Middlesbrough councillor John McPartland said: "It has to be a public memorial because he was so loved and respected by everyone here.

"The purpose of this is not to have one massive donation, but that it should come from many different groups.

"It should be a memorial from all the people of Teesside for future generations to see."

Meanwhile, a reader of The Northern Echo has recalled her family's encounter with Clough when he suffered his career-ending knee injury in 1963.

Andrew Goulden, from Crook, County Durham, was a five-year-old Sunderland fan at the time and wrote to the striker to wish him well as he recovered in hospital.

"It was very kind of you and I was pleased to receive it," Clough wrote back. "I have received quite a lot of cards and letters and they have really helped to cheer me up. Be a good lad."

Andrew's mother, Laura, contacted the Echo to say: "I always maintain Brian Clough was a fine young man.

"The letter has always been a treasured souvenir. Andrew was thrilled to receive a reply."