Ian Holloway has told TalkSPORT (25/05; 08:05) that Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper would be his choice for Manager of the Season.
The former Blackpool and Crystal Palace boss has won promotion twice and he believes Cooper should get the accolade but on one condition.
Holloway claimed that the job done by the Forest head coach has been quality but he needs to finish the job and win promotion to the Premier League.
The Reds take on Huddersfield at Wembley on Sunday with the winners taking their place in the top-flight next season.
Forest defeated Sheffield United over two legs, with the Terriers coming through their tie against Luton.
Holloway was most recently in charge of Grimsby in League Two but is currently unemployed.
He has been there and seen it all when it comes to the Championship and he lauded the job of Cooper this morning.
The Championship stalwart told TalkSPORT (25/05; 08:05): “When he took over the club were bottom. Chris Hughton wasn’t having a good time and what Steve Cooper has done is brilliant.
“He needs to win the play-off final at the weekend but if he does he would be my choice for Manager of the Season.”
Holloway chooses Cooper for Manager of the Season but Forest must finish the job
The former second-tier boss does have a point. Cooper has done a tremendous job but he will have won nothing if Forest are turned over this weekend.
The LMA chose to do their Manager of the Year awards last night.
With the season yet to be completed that doesn’t make a deal of sense and perhaps doing it a week later would have been better.
Cooper has already warmed himself to Forest supporters.
Whatever happens this weekend, the feel-good factor is back at the City Ground – and that is down to the former Swansea boss.
Forest will, of course, want to finish the job.
If they don’t all is not lost though and the future looks very bright on Trentside regardless.
Despite claiming Holloway’s vote, Cooper will have to wait to win Manager of the Year, with Fulham’s Marco Silva claiming last night’s award.
The Forest boss won’t care one bit if he’s rubbing shoulders with Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola next season.
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