Following supporter feedback and consultation with the family of the Club’s all-time leading marksman, the statue will now stand proudly outside of the bet365 Stadium’s Franklyn Stand, adjacent to the Club Store.
The statue, which was carved by local sculptor Andy Edwards and installed behind the Boothen End in 2008, also includes a miniature figure of Ritchie celebrating following his FA Cup semi-final goal against Arsenal.
Signed by Tony Waddington in 1962, Ritchie’s first full season in the Potteries coincided with City’s return to the First Division and, during the following four campaigns, he scored 81 goals in 135 appearances to earn him cult status.
Following a three season stay at Sheffield Wednesday, much to the adulation of Stoke City supporters, Ritchie returned to the Potteries in 1969 to lead the attack and deliver more goals and heroic displays.
Ritchie’s second spell at the Victoria Ground included the 1972 League Cup final at Wembley and runs to two FA Cup semi-finals before his career was cut short due to injury in 1974, by which time he had scored more times than any other Stoke City player with 176 goals in 351 appearances.
Stoke City’s Chief Operating Officer, Simon King, said: “It is a great pleasure to have found a wonderful new home for the John Ritchie statue at the bet365 Stadium.
“Supporters and members of John’s family have voiced their desire to see the tribute relocated to a more prominent location and that’s exactly what we’ve now been able to do.
“The move will lead to the tribute being observed by more people, something that will see John’s story and achievements shared with future generations for years to come.
“We are delighted that John’s family and several of his former teammates will be joining us to mark the occasion at this weekend’s match.”
A short ceremony to acknowledge the relocating of the John Ritchie statue at the bet365 Stadium will take place on Saturday at 1pm, prior the Potters’ Championship clash with West Bromwich Albion.
Family and friends of John, including several of his former teammates, such as Eric Skeels, Jimmy Greenhoff, Terry Conroy, Harry Burrows, Mike Bernard and John Ruggiero will be in attendance for the unveiling, which will be hosted by Nigel Johnson with supporters welcome.
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