FARTOWN and wrestling legend Douglas Clark has finally come home after a long grapple.

A bronze bust of Dougie, who played for Huddersfield 485 times between 1909 and 1927, has been unveiled at the Galpharm Stadium.

Dougie’s statue will now hold a permanent pride of place in the Galpharm, although a specific location within the stadium is yet to be decided.

Members of the Huddersfield Rugby League Club Players Association (HRLCPA), including Fartown legend Ken Senior, and Dougie’s niece Joyce Dempsey unveiled the statue at a brief ceremony.

The move is a victory for Mrs Dempsey, 81, who has for three years battled two museums in Dougie’s home-town of Maryport, Cumbria, for a suitable place for her uncle’s bust and memorabilia.

Douglas spent his early days playing rugby in Cumbria. He died in Birkby, Huddersfield, in 1951, aged 59.

Dougie’s bust had sat in Maryport Wave Museum while his memorabilia was in Maryport Maritime Museum.

Mrs Dempsey, of Ayr, had tried to have the bust and the memorabilia united in one museum, but to no avail.

The great-grandmother, who has undergone chemotherapy three times, said: “I’m really pleased. Someone from Maryport called about taking the bust and considering all my wishes. I told them it was too late.

“It’s ironic to think of all the fighting I’ve had to do.

“However I’m pleased he’s gone to Huddersfield because Huddersfield appreciate him more. I’m quite happy he’s come home.

“I’ve had so little response from Maryport, but as soon as Huddersfield knew they were very helpful.”

David Gronow, former HRLCPA secretary and club historian, said: “It’s been four years in coming.

“It’s good that the Giants have taken it on. He’s a legend.”

Dougie’s other memorabilia is expected to be displayed in the Rugby League Heritage Museum at the George Hotel.

Clark still holds the record for the greatest number of Fartown appearances.

Maryport-born Dougie helped Fartown to three Challenge Cups, three championships and seven Yorkshire Cups and is one of 17 men featured in the Rugby League Hall of Fame.