Hodgkinson scores with statue
Businessman Ian Hodgkinson - whose company was chosen to play a main role in the construction of the Pride Park memorial to Derby County legends Brian Clough and Peter Taylor - has spoken of his “tremendous pride at being able to help honour two national soccer icons”.
At the unveiling of the memorial this week, life-long Rams fan Hodgkinson, managing director of Hodgkinson Builders (Midlands), said: “I remember visiting the Baseball Ground as a youngster with my father and used to stand on the terrace watching Clough and Taylor in the dugouts. To be involved in this project is a real honour."
Hodgkinson project-managed the construction of the memorial and has been praised by John Vicars, vice president of operations at Derby County. He said: “It is an absolute pleasure doing work with a company who deliver what they say, when they say and in a very professional manner.”
The memorial depicts Clough and Taylor in 1972 when they became League champions.
The Clough and Taylor figures stand on a circular stone podium in an octagonal terrace with low-level planters and bench seating as a place for meeting and reflection. Special accesses have been included to benefit less mobile visitors.
Hodgkinson has previously played major parts in honouring two other greats from Derby County’s past. His company built the brick plinth for the Steve Bloomer pitch-side memorial and the Lionel Pickering entrance to the stadium.
