The statue of Boro legend Brian Clough has been a hit with footie fans and visitors since it was unveiled in the town’s Albert Park in 2007.
The striking bronze sculpture by artist Vivien Mallock depicts the young Clough walking from his Valley Road home to Boro’s former Ayresome Park ground.
But its popularity has seen the 7ft statue suffer structural problems, leaving it fenced off for some time.
An initial repair in 2009 to a stress fracture to the standing leg appeared to have resolved the issue, but in 2016 Cloughie was sidelined again after a fresh crack appeared in the same leg.
Further work to strengthen and support the base of the figure in 2016 provided a temporary solution, but the issue returned and further treatment has become unavoidable.
Yesterday (May 19) contractors removed the statue, cutting the figure away just above the ankle when attempts to lift the structure on its base proved unsuccessful.
The parts of the statue will be joined together again by specialist repairers, and will be returned to the park with a new foundation block. The work is expected to take between six and eight weeks.
Brian Clough made more than 200 appearances for Boro between 1955 and 1961 and would often walk through Albert Park on his way to the club’s former Ayresome Park ground.
Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke said: “Brian Clough is giant figure in the town’s history, and the Albert Park statue is a fitting tribute to one of the greatest players and managers ever to grace the beautiful game.
“We’re hopeful the current repair will provide a long-term solution, and that Cloughie can once again be enjoyed by visitors to Albert Park for generations to come.”
