SAINTS fans raised over £5,000 for the Ted Bates statue at the home match with Millwall.

As a result, the Ted Bates Trust are now just a few hundred pounds short of their £45,000 target.

When they reach it, Saints chairman Rupert Lowe has pledged to donate a similar sum.

As reported in last Saturday's Daily Echo, sculptor Ian Brennan (pictured right) has started his bronze statue of the Dell legend, who gave 66 years unbroken service to Saints until his death in November 2003.

Ted Bates Trust official Janet Formby said: "Thanks to all fans for their generous donations prior to the game with Millwall. Not only did the team get a good result but the Trust collected £5,052.

"Other pledged donations are still to be counted and there are non-monetary pledges of services such as the Bronze Plaque being donated by David Witt of Wessex Casting.

"Special thanks go to all those that gave up their time on Bank Holiday Monday to help with the collection and the Saints directors and staff for their support and help throughout the campaign.

"We are hopeful the memorial to 'Mr Southampton' will be ready for unveiling by the end of the year.

"Ian, being a lifelong Saints fan, is meticulous with every detail of the statue - even down to the creases in Ted's shoes. It has to be exactly right!"