Rochdale fans' statue tribute to ‘superfan’ David Clough installed at Crown Oil Arena

The statue of late ‘superfan’ David Clough has been unveiled at the Crown Oil Arena (Saturday 18 September) after football fans raised over £10,000 to honour his legacy.

David Clough, 78, devoted his life to Rochdale Football Club and on his death in June 2020, he bequeathed his entire estate to his beloved Dale.

 

Read more: Dale ‘superfan’ David Clough dies aged 78Published: 26 June 2020

 

David, known affectionately as ‘Cloughie’, lived in Littleborough and worked at the former Whittles Bakery. He was a goldbond agent for over 25 years and served an incredible 800 members. During his time as a goldbond agent, it is estimated he raised over half a million pounds for the club.

In memory of his gesture and support of the club, Dale fan Mark Cryer set up a JustGiving page to raise funds to commission a statue of Cloughie as a lasting tribute.

 

 

 

Read more: Rochdale fans' statue tribute to ‘superfan’ David CloughPublished: 02 February 2021

 

The statue was unveiled to fans on Saturday and is seated in David’s spot in the main stand where he held a season ticket for many years.

The idea was taken from Spanish side Valencia, who did something similar for a supporter of their club in 2019. The club commissioned a bronze statue of fan Vicente Navarro Aparicio to be installed in his seat at their Mestalla Ground after he devoted his life to the club and still watched matches, despite losing his sight.

 

 

The target of £10,000 was achieved in less than two weeks, allowing work on the statue to commence.

 

Read more: ‘Cloughie’ fundraiser reaches £10k markPublished: 18 February 2021

 

David's estate has funded a new electronic scoreboard, an air conditioning system and a new ceiling in the 1907 Lounge. David was a season ticket holder in the main stand, and he would be delighted that supporters will be able to take advantage of the upgraded facilities.

 

Read more: New scoreboard to be installed at Crown Oil Arena in memory of 'superfan'Published: 29 January 2021

 

David’s legacy also enabled the Dale Supporters’ Trust to purchase an additional £25,000 shares in the club, bringing its very first trust director, Murray Knight.

 

Read more: Dale Supporters Trust representative appointed to RAFC board of directorsPublished: 02 July 2021