Leeds United legend Billy Bremner has statue campaign stepped up as hometown follows Elland Road example

Plans to erect a statue honouring one of Scotland’s greatest ever football players in his home town have been stepped up.

Campaigners have begun the process of selecting an artist to commemorate Leeds United legend Billy Bremner in Raploch, Stirling. The project, started by Leeds United supporters groups, is backed by the Scottish Football Supporters Association (SFSA), Raploch Community Council, the University of Stirling and Stirling Council.

A statue of Bremner already graces United’s Elland Road ground where the fiery midfielder made his name. Alexander Gibb, project manager, said: “Leeds and Stirling are two great cities in which Billy Bremner is revered. While he has been immortalised in Leeds, it is about time Bremner is further recognised north of the border in his home town. It is an honour to be part of the project commemorating the man voted as ‘Scotland’s Greatest Ever Captain'.” Three artists, David Annand, Malcolm Robertson and Kenny Hunter have been shortlisted to create the Scottish statue which organisers hope can be erected in Stirling’s Weir Street where the star grew up.

The campaign was started by Leeds United fans who approached Raploch Community Council. Professor Richard Haynes of the University of Stirling then created the video “Fae Raploch to Elland Road” which charted Bremner’s career.

Professor Haynes said: “We were very proud to work with the local community on the cultural heritage project about Bremner. We are delighted to be working with the SFSA and other partners to take the development of a memorial of Bremner in his hometown to the next stage. It is an honour that is more than rightful for a man of Billy Bremner’s stature.”

Current Leeds skipper Liam Cooper and Bremner's former teammate Eddie Gray have signed replica Leeds shirts to support the campaign, which has also been backed by Scotland and Elland Road legend Joe Jordan. Born in the Raploch in 1942, Bremner headed south at the age of 17 to start his professional career with Leeds United, where he went on to make almost 600 appearances in a glittering career.

Bremner would go on to win 54 caps for Scotland and captain the national side at the 1974 World Cup in Germany. After his playing career, he also managed Leeds between two spells at Doncaster Rovers. He died in 1997 aged 54.

Bremner would join some of the biggest names in Scottish football history to have had statues erected in their honour. Lisbon Lions Billy McNeill and Jimmy Johnstone are commemorated outside Celtic Park.

A statue to Rangers captain John Greig stands proudly at Ibrox Stadium while another Rangers stalwart Davie Cooper is remembered in Hamilton. Sir Alex Ferguson is honoured at the homes of both Manchester United and Aberdeen where he achieved greatness.

The achievements of legendary striker Denis Law are also marked in Manchester and Aberdeen. Another Lisbon Lion, Bobby Lennox, has a statue in Saltcoats, Ayrshire. Dundee United boss Jim McLean is captured in bronze at Tannadice Park while another great Scot, Bill Shankly, is immortalised at Liverpool’s home Anfield. Matt Busby is represented at Man United.