THE SCULPTOR behind Portman Road's new Bobby Robson statue fears a pregnant pause could spoil the unveiling.Sean Hedges-Quinn, better known as Coach, has spent months creating the work of art.

CREATOR of the new statue of Sir Bobby Robson at Portman Road, fears a pregnant pause may mean he misses its unveiling.

Sean Hedges-Quinn, better known as Coach, has spent months sculpting the work of art.

But he could miss the moment when Sir Bobby unveils the statue on Tuesday as heavily-pregnant wife, Hayley, is due to present a special unveiling of her own.

He said: "She's due any time now, but the last one was ten days late so we're a bit worried.

"We've been eating hot curries and driving over humpback bridges – anything to get her going."

Coach also sculpted the memorial to Ipswich Town's other football knight, Sir Alf Ramsey.

And there is obviously something about fashioning football figures that gets him going – Hayley was seven months pregnant when Sir Alf's statue was unveiled.

He said: "Obviously, I'm desperate to be there, it'll be one of the best moments of my life.

"Being there with Bobby and some of the great players from the past, I'm really excited.

"We're just hoping that Hayley goes into labour as soon as possible. Or at least a day before the event.

"She's saying if it's only just started when the ceremony is due to go on, then I should go.

"But really, if it's the evening before or the actually day then I'll miss it."

Even if Coach is forced to miss the statue being revealed, it's certain he will be making more trips to Portman Road in the coming months.

The Ipswich Town fanatic has moved home and work back to Suffolk. An old army cinema near Wattisham has been converted to provide a huge studio as well as a home for Hayley and 19-month-old daughter Niamh.

And Coach will be making good use of his proximity to his beloved football club – he's already bought his season ticket.

n When Sir Bobby comes to Ipswich for the unveiling of his statue he has promised to add his name to the list of Town players who have signed the car of Ipswich man, Barry Andrews.

Mr Andrews survived bowel cancer surgery and recovered enough to organise a 30-mile bike ride to raise money for the Bobby Robson Jubilee Appeal. The signed car is to be auction off to add money to that fund.

The bike ride is taking place on July 21 and anyone who wants to take part or to sponsor Barry should call him on 01473 431202 or his partner, Josie, on 01473 421169.