WILF MANNION'S glittering future was foretold by a gipsy - when he was only two years old.

Pat Wilson, Wilf's niece, said: "I remember my father told me when Wilf was only a little boy a Romany gipsy came to the door. The gipsy said there was gold in his boots and one day he would meet royalty. He was only two years old."

The prediction was remembered last night as 'Gentleman George' Hardwick, 80, unveiled a life-sized bronze statute in memory of his old friend, dubbed "Golden Boy".

Wilf died in April aged 81, still loved by Teessiders 40 years after he retired from football and an illustrious career on the pitch, which saw him play 26 times for his country, score 110 goals and play 368 games.

He was the Boro's most capped player and his statue shows him on the ball outside the entrance to the Cellnet Stadium.

The 8ft tall tribute took sculptor Tom Maley six months to create. Its unveiling was witnessed by the legend's son, also called Wilf, and other family members.

One of his daughters, Anthea, said: "I think it is marvellous. They say he was one of the finest players of his time but he was so down to earth and ordinary."

Last night it was Wilf's humility that people remembered as they gazed through the slanting rain at the statue depicting Golden Boy in his footballing hey-day - about to slam home a goal.

His statue was unveiled two hours before the kick-off of Boro's match.

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