A STATUE honouring Tranmere Rovers' legendary manager Johnny King will be unveiled at Prenton Park on Saturday ahead of the club's League Two match against Stevenage.

The bronze model, designed by Tom Murphy, was approved by Wirral planning committee in September.

The Trust and Liverpool-based Murphy have been working to ensure the monument is a truly-fitting tribute to King, who managed Rovers in two spells, from 1975 to 1980 and from 1987 to 1996.

During a press conference at the club this afternoon, coach and former player Chris Shuker said: "It will be an honour to be at Prenton Park on Saturday when the statue is unveiled.

"I was aware of the legacy when I used to play under the Johnny King stand, but didn't really know that much about him. I'm sure I'll find out a bit more later this week."

Under him, the club won three promotions, made five trips to Wembley and hammered on the door of the Premier League for three seasons.

Murphy is one of Merseyside's best-known sculptors, with works including some of the region's most iconic sculptures, such as John Lennon, Dixie Dean, Bill Shankly, Billy Fury, Ken Dodd and, most recently, a Hillsbrough Disaster memorial.

Last year King, 75 accompanied his family to see the maquette of the statue.

Tom Murphy said: "This will be great for Birkenhead and for Tranmere, I think having a sculpture produced is the greatest honour you can have."