John Atyeo is widely considered the most accomplished footballer who has played for Bristol City. It is therefore fitting that when the new Ashton Gate is completed in autumn 2016, the final piece to be put in place will be a 1¼ life-size statue of ‘Big John’.
The statue has been commissioned by the Supporters Club & Trust.
We are very pleased and proud that Liverpudlian Tom Murphy, who has produced a body of work of the highest quality, including world famous sculptures and memorials, many of them football related, notably the Hillsborough Memorial, Billy Fury, John Lennon, Bill Shankly and Dixie Dean, agreed to create our statue.
This last year, Tom has been working on our statue and has visited Bristol several times bringing a 2½ ft model and busts of the statue, gradually refining the detail each time.
Tom will show his latest versions in public for the first time in the Sports Bar at Ashton Gate before the game vs. Fulham on Saturday 31st October at 11.30am.
The occasion will be graced by the presence of a number of the Atyeo family.
Tom aims to begin work on the statue itself in November.
Copies of the model and bust will be made available to order for delivery immediately after the unveiling of the statue in autumn 2016.
Names on the plinth
Fans wanting to have their name, or that of a relative or friend, on the statue plinth can still purchase a plaque to be appear there appropriately inscribed. Full details can be found on this page.