From Legends to Landmarks: 10 Iconic Football Statues Worldwide (And How Stoke-on-Trent Stands Tall)
A new statue of John Rudge, posed in his familiar “Dickie Bird” stance, was unveiled at Vale Park this week, honoring his legacy in football. Known for his 14-year tenure as Stoke City’s director of football, Rudge remains beloved at Port Vale, where he managed for nearly two decades. The tribute, crafted by local sculptor Mike Talbot, has already drawn hundreds of fans to the Hamil Road stand, with many more expected to pay homage to this cherished figure in the years to come.
This statue joins other notable football monuments in the city, such as the iconic 9-foot Sir Stanley Matthews memorial at Stoke’s bet365 Stadium, which celebrates Matthews’ transformation from local talent to global legend.