BLACKPOOL FC AND TRIBUTE TO JIMMY ARMFIELD CBE

That this House pays tribute to Jimmy Armfield CBE, former England and Blackpool Football Club captain on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of his retirement as a player; congratulates the Blackpool Supporters Associationfor commemorating this by commissioning a nine foot bronze statue of him in his playing days by international sculptor Les Johnson which Jimmy unveiled outside the Bloomfield Road ground on May Day; and considers it a worthy accolade to a man who as a player, manager and commentator, and as a legend in Blackpool for his tireless work for charities and in the local community, has exemplified the finest traditions of modesty and sportsmanship in the game.