A STATUE of Notts County legends Jimmy Sirrel and Jack Wheeler won't be built as soon as originally planned.
It was hoped £75,000 could be raised by the end of the 2012-13 season so the statue could be unveiled in September.
But with less than two months of the season left, the total stands at nearly £40,000.
Iris Smith, vice-chairman of the fund board and chairman of Notts County Supporters' Club, said: "It won't happen by September, when you consider where we are with fundraising.
"Even when we have the funds, we then have to apply for planning permission and all that surrounds that.
"But it is going to happen, we are determined about that.
"Jimmy and Jack are club legends, so we are determined to honour them with this statue at Meadow Lane."
The fund was set up by fans Darren Patterson and John Semak in the summer of 2010.
The September 25 unveiling had been planned to coincide with the fifth anniversary of Mr Sirrel's death.
Mrs Smith was unable to say what date they were now targeting but added there were plans for fundraising events, including a summer bike ride.
The statue would be built outside the club's Meadow Lane stadium in one of three places – on the corner of Meadow Lane and County Road, by the stadium's main gates or outside the club shop.
Mrs Smith said: "The fans have been fully behind this.
"It's a great idea. There is a statue for Brian Clough in the city. We want one for Jimmy and Jack."
The duo masterminded Notts County's rise to the top flight of English football in the 1970s and 1980s.
So far, cash has come in from many sources, including 826 fans paying £25 to have their names on the plinth.
There are 1,000 spaces available.
Sculptor Andrew Edwards has also designed 150 miniature versions of the statue, selling them for £150.
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, a friend of Mr Sirrel, donated £3,000.
Notts County fan Alan Taylor, 70, said: "It would have been nice to have been able to unveil it in September but, as long as we get it eventually, it will be worth the wait."
