A STATUE commemorating Charlton's all-time appearance record holder Sam Bartram has been given the go-ahead to be built at The Valley.

The Charlton Athletic Centenary Committee has announced that more than £50,000 of donations, sponsorship and pledges have been received after just nine months of fundraising.

It means the nine-foot tall bronze likeness can be unveiled at The Valley on Thursday, June 9 – the day of the club's 100th birthday – opposite the main west stand.

The tribute to Bartram, who was born on January 22, 1914, and made 623 appearances during a 22-year stay with the Addicks, is set to be officially unveiled by his daughter, Moira, who will fly in from her home in Canada to be part of the day.

The finishing post was reached sooner than anticipated thanks to a significant donation from 34-year-old David Smith, a season-ticket holder in the west stand and a supporter since 1976.

Renowned Blackheath-based sculptor Anthony Hawken, a Charlton fan who studied at the Royal Academy and has work displayed in the British Museum and the Victoria & Albert, has already begun work on the project.

Charlton chief executive Peter Varney said: "This is a magnificent gesture by David Smith and I can't thank him enough. Thanks to his donation, the statue will now be built and unveiled on the day we had always hoped for – June 9 – a feat that may well not have been achieved without his generosity."

Fundraising for the statue, which has been backed by the Bexley Extra, has included a bucket collection at the home match against Newcastle in October, regular postal donations from fans of all ages and auctions of football memorabilia.

There have been dinners and functions hosted by branches of the supporters' club, fundraising by the Former Players' Association and offers of sponsorship from firms such as Aggregate Industries and Bronze Age Foundry.

Steve Sutherland, Centenary committee chairman, said: "We want to thank the literally hundreds of fans who made donations, of whatever amount, although particular thanks must go to David Smith, whose support for this venture goes well beyond what could be expected of any individual.

"Many months of hard work behind the scenes are coming to a close, and I am sure it will all seem worthwhile when the statue of Sam is unveiled.

"This statue will stand forever as a tribute, not just to the man himself, but everyone who has worn the red shirt, and every fan who has ever cheered them on."

Bartram played for Charlton from 1934-56 and was part of Jimmy Seed's famous Addicks sides that finished runners-up in the First Division in 1937 and won the FA Cup 10 years later.

Mr Varney also paid tribute to the centenary committee, saying: "I would like to thank Steve and everyone else on the committee who had the belief and energy to drive this project. They deserve this happy outcome."