A giant new mural at the John Smith’s Stadium captures the passion, loyalty and history that surrounds Huddersfield Town while remembering a former player who tragically lost his life.

Artist and Town fan Peter O’Toole is already well known for doing fantastic murals about the club and its players … but this time he’s gone even bigger with the mural that runs along the South Stand.

The striking mural features many big figures from the club’s recent and past history from the iconic image of Christopher Schindler moments after he scored the winning penalty at Wembley in 2017 to illustrations of legends like Andy Booth, Frank Worthington, Ray Wilson and Clem Stephenson.

Images of fans from the South Stand, including the Cowshed Loyal, blend seamlessly into the mural which covers the entire section of the home end. It includes messaging from the club’s Everything Together campaign as well as a map style image of Huddersfield.

 

 

 

One of the most important elements of the artwork is a tribute to Jordan Sinnott, the Town Academy graduate and player who was tragically lost in 2020 and the image is based on the flags produced by the Cowshed Loyal to show their love for Jordan.

The 25-year-old, who played for Town’s youth team, died in hospital after a brutal assault in Retford, Nottinghamshire, in January 2020. Midfielder Jordan also played for Bury, Altrincham, Halifax Town, Chesterfield and Alfreton Town and was on loan at Matlock Town when he died.

His fiancée Kelly Bossons and Jordan’s family wanted something positive to come out of the tragedy so set up grant-giving charity The Jordan Sinnott Foundation in November 2021 to make sport more accessible for people who are less privileged.

Jordan’s best friend, Huddersfield Town striker Danny Ward, is a trustee of the charity. For more on the charity go to https://www.js25.co.uk/

 

 

Peter O’Toole’s previous work with Town includes the mural at the Canalside training complex as well as the tribute to Jonathan Hogg on Leeds Road, plus many collaborations on merchandise.

He said: “This new mural is a bit of history and something a bit freer. We’ve got some modern legends and a few timeless ones with a bit of the Cowshed Loyal intertwined.

“It’s nice to be able to cover the whole area and it really gives a different dynamic when you come into the South Stand. It’s like a fresh start.”

Head of supporter experience Robyn Kennerdale added: “We’ve looked to improve every area of the John Smith’s Stadium for fans ahead of the new season and we’re delighted with the outcome of the South Stand in particular.

“Peter’s style immediately felt like a natural fit to make this part of the stadium – which was previously very dark and unwelcoming – feel like a home that Huddersfield Town fans can be proud of.

 

 

“Peter’s done a fantastic job blending so many different aspects of the club in his design with the pinnacle being the tribute to Jordan Sinnott.

“The improvements in all areas of the stadium continue at pace and we’re excited for everyone to see all the changes at our home league opener against Stevenage on August 17.”

Further improvements to the South Stand experience are still in progress with two large covers being installed to keep home fans dry as they enjoy food and drink pre and post-match.

Written by ANDY HIRST who runs his own Yorkshire freelance journalism agency AH! PR (https://ah-pr.com/) specialising in press releases, blogging, website content and copywriting. 

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