Morecambe & Luton will be playing for unique silverware to mark special occasion of unveiling the restored Eric Morecambe statue
Morecambe FC & Luton Town FC have today announced a little added significance is riding on the 13th December match.
The Shrimps and Hatters will be aiming for more than just three points in League 2 in next month’s game at the Globe Arena.
Let us explain: You may have read, or heard, in the news in October that the iconic statue of arguably our most famous fan Eric Morecambe was vandalised on Morecambe promenade. Poor Eric was carted off on a stretcher. A sad sight and a heinous crime.
Thankfully, however, there is now good news to report, because, two days before the Shrimps and Hatters meet at the Globe Arena on 13th December, the restored statue of our beloved Eric will be unveiled back in its rightful place.
To mark the special occasion, and following Football League approval, the League 2 fixture between Morecambe and Luton Town will also see the inaugural Eric Morecambe Trophy contested – a piece of unique ‘silverware’ designed by the statue’s own sculptor Graham Ibbeson.
Graham Ibbeson commented: I made the Eric Morecambe Trophy specifically for this day. Based on my statue on Morecambe Promenade it depicts a ‘golden’ Eric doing the ‘sunshine dance’. Whoever wins on the day I’m sure Eric will be smiling down. On the pitch it will be highly competitive but hopefully Eric’s warmth and humour will be reflected by both teams and their respective fans to bring a warm glow over the Globe Arena.
Both clubs are urging their sets of supporters to embrace the day’s significance. Fancy dress will be the order of the day, and if you decide to don a cap and black-rimmed glasses you could land up taking part in the pre-match or half-time entertainment. Go on, you know it’s what Eric would want (well, apart from a Morecambe win of course!).
Eric’s Daughter Gail said “ I can’t help wondering, what would he think of it so far? This is so exciting and everything that Dad loved about life. Regardless of the result it is a win, win for us when it comes to Morecambe and Luton playing a match. I hope all the Eric’s that take a penalty shot show England how it’s done in true Eric style! “
Luton Town chief executive Gary Sweet told lutontown.co.uk: “I was absolutely gobsmacked when I heard the news about the vandals attacking ‘our Eric’ and we’re delighted that not only will he back on his feet, but we’re able to join Morecambe in celebrating Eric’s tie with both clubs.
“Eric did so much to raise the profile of Luton Town, he is our most famous of supporter of all-time and we’re proud to have such an affinity with a man whose legacy still very much lives on at Kenilworth Road.
“The day of the Morecambe match promises to be a marvellous occasion for both clubs. Luton was his team and Morecambe was his town, and we’re looking forward to witnessing a League match with a little bit more riding on it…Eric will be counting on us!”
Morecambe FC Chairman Peter McGuigan commented “some might say that fate played a hand in Morecambe v Luton being scheduled so close to the unveiling of the iconic statue back where it belongs. Eric means a huge amount to people from all walks of life but in football terms this is the Eric Morecambe ‘derby’. Two clubs he had a huge affinity with, we are delighted to be hosting the inaugural Eric Morecambe Trophy game at the Globe Arena. We look forward to welcoming those Hatters fans who make the journey alongside Eric’s family who will be making their first visit to our new home”
More details about the arrangements on the day will be made in due course through the official website and local media.