An appeal is being launched to raise £100,000 for a statue of Barnsley footballing legend Tommy Taylor and an annual football tournament in his memory.
Tommy Taylor was one of eight Manchester United footballers who were killed in the Munich air crash 55 years ago.
Now a group of enthusiasts wants a permanent reminder of Tommy Taylor in the town centre and an annual under 18s' football contest to keep his memory alive.
The groups of fans have started off by raising £250 to finance a blue plaque to be erected on or near Taylor's birthplace.
They have also already spoken to local sculptor Graham Ibbeson, a huge Tommy Taylor fan, who has said he would be thrilled and delighted if the funds could be raised to finance the statue.
So all they need now is the money. Spokesman for the group, Jack Brown, said: "If a businessman wants to sponsor the blue plaque then the money we have already chipped in could start off the appeal.
"It's a lot of money, but Tommy Taylor is an absolute legend and we all feel very strongly that he should be remembered. I am sure there are individuals and organisations out there who would like to get involved."
Anyone interested should contact Jack Brown on 07801 964739.
• Tommy Taylor is regarded by those who saw him play as the greatest centre-forward ever to represent Manchester United and England.
He was the finest header of a ball in his era, his control and first-time passing immaculate, his scoring rate for club and country extraordinary. In fact, he was so good that the great Alfredo Di Stefano of Real Madrid dubbed him 'Magnifico'.
The big Yorkshireman’s path to Old Trafford was an unusual one in modern terms. At the age of 14 he was working at the Wharncliffe Colliery, a job he left to begin a professional football career with Barnsley FC.
Taylor left Barnsley to join Manchester United for £29,999 in March 1953 - a fee agreed so that Taylor would not be burdened with the label of a £30,000 player – a tea lady getting the extra pound.
In 189 appearances for United he scored 131 goals, giving him a goal ratio - of two every three games - that remains unsurpassed.
He won championship medals in 1956, scoring 34 league goals, and 1957 and netted an impressive 16 goals in 19 internationals for England.
Tragically in February 1958, along with seven of his team-mates, Tommy lost his life in the Munich air crash. The world at his feet, his future had been snuffed out at just 26, leaving many to reflect on how he good he could have become.
© 2013 Barnsley Chronicle Ltd