PLANS are being made for a football club memorial to Sophie Lancaster.

The manager of Bacup Borough has pledged to pay tribute to Sophie, who was murdered in the town in 2007.

Brent Peters said he was in talks with Rossendale Council about a major revamp of the club’s facilities and has insisted Sophie’s memory will live on at West View stadium.

He said: “As the senior football club in Bacup, we felt it was fitting to make a lasting tribute to Sophie, who was killed tragically in a park less than a 10 minute walk from the club.

“In life, things tend to slip from people’s minds, but as a football club, we want the people of Bacup and the wider region to remember the innocence that was stolen in Sophie’s death.

“We also cannot forget Sophie’s boyfriend Robert Maltby, who was injured in the same attack.”

Sophie, 20, was set upon by a gang of youths as she cradled her boyfriend Robert, who had been attacked in Stubbylee Park, Bacup.

The pair, former Haslingden High School pupils, were targ-eted because they were dressed as goths.

Bacup Borough football club has hosted various events in conjunction with the Sophie Lancaster Foundation since its launch in 2008.

Club bosses hope to erect the Sophie Lancaster memorial at the end of the season in May.

Brent said: “We are waiting for the council too get back to us on a 99-year lease proposal we have submitted.

“As well as a memorial to Sophie, we will host community facilities for the town on a brand new third generation pitch which would be open seven days a week.”