THE goal-scoring greats who played for Tranmere Rovers under Johnny King will attend a special dinner to raise funds for a sculpture honouring the legendary manager.

Organised by Tranmere Supporters Trust and Tranmere Players Foundaton, it takes place at Hulme Hall in Port Sunlight on Thursday, April 10.

The list of Rovers' heroes attending is Eric Nixon, Steve Mungall, Ray Mathias, Dave Higgins, current manager Ronnie Moore, Pat Nevin - who will be guest speaker, Johnny Morrissey, Jimmy Harvey, Kenny Irons, John Aldridge and Ian Muir.

On the night there will be comedy from impressionist Darren Farley, known for his impressions of Merseyside footballing greats.

Proceeds will be used to pay for the bronze statue, created by New Brighton-based sculptor Tom Murphy, that will stand outside the club's Prenton Park ground.

Trust chairman Ben Harrison told the Globe: "It's going to be one of the biggest events in the Tranmere calendar and, of course, a lasting tribute to Johnny King.

"It's the culmination of our fundraising campaign for the statue and tables are selling very fast, with ten of the 40 gone already."

King, 75, managed Rovers in two spells, from 1975 to 1980 and from 1987 to 1996. Under him, the club won three promotions, made five trips to Wembley and hammered on the door of the Premier League for three seasons.

Last year King accompanied his family on a visit to Tom Murphy to see the maquette upon which the bronze statue is based.

King and his family were joined on the visit by Trust Chairman Ben Harrison, and they were thrilled with what they saw.

At the time, trust chairman Ben Harrison said: "Seeing the miniature model as it nears completion has been a real buzz for myself and all the Trust board members and we are sure that all Tranmere fans will be impressed when we are in a position to unveil it.

"Throughout this process, we have been in regular contact with the King family and would like to thank them for their help and support.

"Receiving their seal of approval and adhering to their wishes has always been our first priority throughout this process, and we were so pleased to see Johnny and his family's reactions to the model that Tom has spent several weeks crafting."

Tom Murphy is one of Merseyside's best-known sculptors, with works including some of the region's most iconic sculptures, such as John Lennon, Dixie Dean, Bill Shankly, Billy Fury, Ken Dodd and, most recently, a Hillsbrough Disaster memorial. 

Speaking after Johnny King gave his latest work the seal of approval last year, Tom said: "It was a lovely day and Johnny and his family were charming and delightful.

"It is crucial that everyone is happy with the maquette before we move to the next stage.

"This will be great for Birkenhead and for Tranmere, I think having a sculpture produced is the greatest honour you can have."

Tickets for the dinner on April 10 are from the Trust website: www.tranmereroverstrust.co.uk