The statue of Pat Jennings unveiled in Newry on Wednesday afternoon will ‘inspire young people’ to achieve great things, says former Tottenham star Ledley King.
King, a legendary centre half and now club ambassador with Tottenham, was in Newry to celebrate with family, friends and former team-mates of Pat Jennings.
Jennings has retained close ties with his former club and like King, performs an ambassadorial role for Spurs. He took ill before the club’s game against Chelsea on Monday evening, but was well enough to travel to Newry for the unveiling ceremony.
“It’s probably 12 years ago that I retired and really had an opportunity to get to know Pat on a personal level. First of all, what a gentleman and an icon of the football club,” said King
“I love hearing his stories about the great players he has played with and against.
“One of my favourites was when he represented his country at 41 years old at a World Cup and his last cap was against Brazil, which is amazing to hear.
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“It’s amazing to be here and what this statue will hopefully do is inspire young people that, no matter where you come from in the world, you can achieve anything and you can go on to be the best.
“And that’s a testament to Pat and the hard work throughout the years he has put in and it’s a pleasure to be here.”
Gerry Armstong scored a famous goal for Northern Ireland in their win over hosts Spain in the 1982 World Cup, but he was in no doubt as to who the star of that team was.
“I’ve always said he’s our greatest ambassador and we’re proud of him so much,” Armstrong said.
“In 1982, when that team went over to play in the World Cup, Pat was the one world class star we had. We unified the country, which is something the politicians couldn’t do, after we beat Spain and we had a fantastic journey and a lot of that’s down to big Pat. He was just superb.
“Another four years later, he kept himself for another World Cup in 1986. He’s just an amazing person.”
Amazing indeed, as he managed to move between the two north London rivals while remaining popular with both sets of supporters.
Former Arsenal team-mate Liam Brady was also there to pay tribute to Jennings:
“He has been a great friend down through the years. He was probably the best goalkeeper in the world at one time, without any doubt.
“He is just unique, because he is loved by both Tottenham and Arsenal supporter and I think he’s the only one in the world who can say that.
“The [1980] European Cup Winners’ Cup final, unfortunately we lost that [against Valencia]. Pat saved the first penalty from [Mario] Kempes, I missed my penalty. I’m not allowed to forget that.”
