'He's the man' - Managers heap praise on Steve Cooper ahead of Nottingham Forest play-off final

Former Nottingham Forest striker Dean Saunders believes Steve Cooper is "the man" to take Nottingham Forest back to the Premier League after 23 years outside the top flight.

Ahead of the play-off final against Huddersfield Town at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, Saunders has been singing the praises of his former colleague Cooper and believes the Forest head coach deserves to be called Manager of the Year with a win at the weekend.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Saunders said: "Steve Cooper, who I know really well, was my youth team coach at Wrexham - I did my Pro Licence with him. Forty-four games, eight defeats (as Forest head coach). He's got them from nowhere to where they are now.

"I heard Ian Holloway talking about getting the right momentum at the end of the season. Forest have beaten Premier League teams. It's in their hands.

"Thirty managers later, since they got relegated, Steve Cooper looks like he's the man to take them up. Manger of the year if he does."

Renowned manager Ian Holloway has similar thoughts on Cooper, telling the same radio station: "For me, the manager of the season would be Steve Cooper if he wins this play-off. When he took over Nottingham Forest, my mate Chris Hughton wasn't having a good time - and I know Chris is brilliant.

"So what this man (Cooper) has done with Nottingham Forest, who for years were struggling, he would be the man. But he hasn't done it yet."