Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper has been honoured at the city's Winter Wonderland with an ice sculpture. The manager has been described as a “miracle to Nottingham”.
Mellors Group Events, organisers of Winter Wonderland on Old Market Square, are behind the idea. The idea is for people to take selfies with the sculpture, which is located at the Christmas market's Ice Bar.
This year's theme at the Ice Bar is ‘miracles’ and the sculpture is to celebrate Nottingham Forest’s return to the Premier League. Edward Mellors, director at Mellors Group Events, said: “The theme of the Ice Bar each year is different but this year it’s ‘I believe in miracles’ so we have sculptures that include the gingerbread man, Cinderella and Steve Cooper - who’s a miracle to Nottingham."
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Mr Cooper is aware of his ice sculpture. He is yet to visit it.
Mr Mellors added: “What he’s achieved this year is incredible and I know we have a Brian Clough statue but I think a Steve Cooper statue is definitely on the cards. We’re delighted to unveil this magnificent ice sculpture of Steve Cooper.
"We’re all huge Forest fans at the Mellor group and what he has done for our club, and our city – putting us back in the big time – really does feel like a miracle. This is our way of saying thanks to Steve for making the city believe once again.
"We’re looking forward to welcoming Forest fans along to the Ice Bar and we hope we’ll be seeing Steve, and Forest, in the Premier League for many years to come”.
Shoppers at the Winter Wonderland shared their thoughts on the ice sculpture. Ian Clarkson, 44, is a carpenter. Now living in London, he is a Nottingham Forest fan.
He said: “It's been a fantastic year for Nottingham Forest, that will always be my team. Mr Cooper deserves all the ice sculptures in the world. I was here to celebrate in the square back in May - truly fantastic.”
Kallum James, 23, is an IT support assistant from West Bridgford. He said: “I’m a big Forest fan and I haven’t actually been to the Ice Bar this year - so with my Forest hat and scarf, I’ll have to pay it a visit. I’ve never met Steve Cooper but taking a selfie with his ice sculpture will do!”
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