Standing tall at over 4 metres high, the bronze statue of footballing legend and reigning Queen of the Jungle Jill Scott has been unveiled today, with the much-decorated defender being joined by the Mayor of Gateshead and players from Gateshead FC and Boldon Girls, Jill’s former teams, to mark the momentous occasion.
Jill Scott:
“It’s not everyday you get to unveil a giant statue of yourself. It’s massive and incredibly lifelike. I could have done with those few extra feet back in my playing days! But the crowning glory for me? It’s got to be seeing Rom and Jamie’s faces when this lands on their doorstep in London – the banter has already started and I know I will get a lot of stick when I kick off my tenure as a team captain”.
With over 160 England caps and 27 goals, the Tyneside legend’s statue celebrates the latest adventure in her glittering career, as captain of the blue team, on series 18 of flagship Sky Max show A League of Their Own. In the brand-new series Jill will go up against rival captain Jamie Redknapp, hosted by Romesh Ranganathan.
Arms outstretched reliving that unforgettable moment she celebrated the 2-1 victory against Germany at Wembley, the Lioness, who started her playing career at Sunderland, has been erected on the football pitch adjacent to the Angel of the North, as anticipation for the World Cup reaches fever pitch.
Measuring the height of two Football Association goal posts and weighing in at 500kg, equivalent to three lionesses, the lifelike statue adorns the former home of Gateshead FC, a club and community close to Jill’s heart after starting her footballing journey with Gateshead College Footballing Academy in 2003.
The statue celebrating the much-decorated defender will stand side-by-side with the Angel Of The North from 4th July through to 9th July before starting its southerly pilgrimage, dribbling its way to its final position, resting pride of place in opposing team captain Jamie Redknapp’s back garden.
Jamie Redknapp, opposing team captain:
“What can I say – Jill Scott, a proper champion and England hero. I can’t wait to go head to head with her each week on A League of Their Own – she might have won a European Cup with the Lionesses, but does she have what it takes to win against the Red team?!”
Sky Max will air The Lionesses: A League of Their Own Special available from 12 July, before the main series begins later this year.
It was also announced today that Jill will be the face of Good Morning Britain’s Women’s World Cup coverage. She also revealed she would be reporting on the upcoming Women’s World Cup for ITV Sport.
Speaking to GMB Jill said:
“I’m so excited, obviously, to be out there [for ITV/GMB] and hopefully giving people back home a little bit of an insight into what’s going on in the games and behind the scenes. The fans were the reason that we brought that Euros trophy home [last year] so I really feel like the fans can make the difference.
“So with the time difference, hopefully I can provide a little bit of a connection and a good relationship between the fans and the players.”
