A square deal! Leeds United plan stylish revamp of area around Bremner statue

It has become one of the most famous landmarks in Leeds and across English football.
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And now United have announced plans for a stylish revamp of the area around the imposing nine-foot bronze statue.

It is being redeveloped and renamed as Bremner Square, with new stones dedicated to another 10 Leeds legends due to be put in place.

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Fans will be given the chance to vote on which players are chosen to line up alongside King Billy in the Bremner Square XI.

Billy Bremner lets Johan Cruyff know who's boss as Leeds United take on Barcelona in 1975.Billy Bremner lets Johan Cruyff know who's boss as Leeds United take on Barcelona in 1975.
Billy Bremner lets Johan Cruyff know who's boss as Leeds United take on Barcelona in 1975.

Supporters will also be able to purchase their own granite stones – complete with names and personalised messages – for inclusion in a new-look base for the statue.

United managing director Angus Kinnear told the Yorkshire Evening Post that Bremner Square would be a “celebration” of the club’s history.

He went on: “The reaction from supporters has been wonderful, with hundreds of fans already taking up the opportunity to have their own engraved stone.”

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The Bremner statue was inspired by its subject’s goal celebration on the night Leeds beat Barcelona en route to the 1975 European Cup final.

An image of how Bremner Square could look.An image of how Bremner Square could look.
An image of how Bremner Square could look.

It was sculpted by artist Frances Segelman, who had to strengthen the floorboards of her east London studio to take its weight.

Speaking in 1998 as she worked on the project, she said: “Every part of my room is covered in YEP photos of Billy.”

Bremner made more than 750 appearances for United between 1960 and 1976, captaining the Whites to two league titles, an FA Cup triumph and a host of other silverware.

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He also managed Leeds as they reached the FA Cup semi-final and Division Two play-off final during the 1986-87 season.

King Billy lifts the FA Cup in 1972.King Billy lifts the FA Cup in 1972.
King Billy lifts the FA Cup in 1972.

Memorably described as “10st of barbed wire” in one newspaper headline, he died in 1997 from a heart attack at the age of just 54.

The players picked for inclusion in the new Bremner Square XI will be announced at a gala dinner taking place at Elland’s Road’s Gowing Law Centenary Pavilion early next year.

Next Thursday, December 7, marks the 20th anniversary of Bremner’s death and we want your personal tributes for inclusion in a special YEP commemoration of his life and times.`

E-mail [email protected] or write to Paul Robinson,Yorkshire Evening Post, No.1 Leeds, 26 Whitehall Road, Leeds LS12 1BE.