Huddersfield Town will honour lifelong supporter Sir Patrick Stewart with a statue at the club following his death last week at the age of 86. The club confirmed the tribute to the actor, who was a fan for over 70 years and a proud Yorkshireman from Mirfield.
Stewart passed away on 28 October, prompting an outpouring of tributes from the club he supported since childhood. Huddersfield Town posted an emotional message on social media, calling him "a titan of his craft and a legend and hero to millions worldwide". The club added, "Fiercely proud of his Yorkshire roots, Sir Patrick was a Terrier in every sense, and we're proud to have counted him as one of our own."
A lasting legacy
A source close to the club said Stewart's connection to Huddersfield Town was profound and deserved permanent recognition. "He wasn't simply a famous actor who happened to support Huddersfield Town," the source explained. "His extraordinary connection to the Terriers deserves something lasting." The statue is seen as a fitting way to recognise the loyalty and pride he brought to the town throughout his six-decade Hollywood career.
His final public appearance supporting the club was at the John Smith's Stadium on 9 November 2024, when he watched a match against Crawley. Beyond his fandom, Stewart served as chancellor at the University of Huddersfield from 2004 to 2015, and the university's drama building and theatre bear his name. He was also a patron of Refuge, supporting survivors of domestic abuse.
Club on the pitch
The tribute comes as the team enjoys a strong start to the season, sitting first in League One with 28 points from 13 games. They are two points clear of Stockport County and head into their next match against fourth-placed Luton at home on Tuesday on a four-game winning run. Their latest victory was a 3-0 away win at Bradford on Saturday, with goals from Joseph Low, Derensili Sanches Fernandes and top scorer Joe Taylor, who has nine goals this season. The team's recent form is underpinned by a potent attack, with their goals coming at a rate of one every 39 minutes over the last six matches.
Stewart is survived by his wife, Sunny Ozell, and his children Daniel and Sophie. The club's simple tribute captured the sentiment: "Once a Terrier, always a Terrier." The statue plans will be developed in the coming months as a permanent memorial at the ground.
This story first appeared at RadarOnline.com
