A STATUE of George Hardwick, one of Middlesbrough's greatest footballers, was unveiled yesterday on the eve of a crucial game in the reign of manager Bryan Robson.

Looking up at the 9ft statue of the man who made 166 appearances for Boro between 1937 and 1950, Middlesbrough chief executive Keith Lamb said: "How we could do with another George on the team today - and tomorrow."

Mr Lamb was referring to today's game against bottom of the table Bradford City, where Middlesbrough and the under-pressure Robson will be hoping to avoid an eighth successive defeat.

The statue, created by sculptor and Newcastle fan Keith Maddison, stands outside the Cellnet Riverside Stadium. George, 80, said he was "highly pleased" with it.

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