A Nottingham Forest fan who has been a season ticket holder for 32 years has launched an online petition for head coach Steve Cooper to be given the freedom of the city. The Reds secured promotion to the Premier League after beating Huddersfield Town 1-0 in the Championship play-off final at Wembley on Sunday (May 29).
Marcus Alton, 55, who lives in Nottinghamshire, has been a season ticket holder at The City Ground in 1990, and was there to see the historic moment in person at the weekend as well as the Old Market Square celebrations. He said he wanted to set up the petition as a "symbolic gesture that would have lasting recognition".
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Speaking to Nottinghamshire Live, Marcus said: "I've not witnessed such joyous scenes in many years; Steve Cooper's connection with the fans has been special, not many managers have been able to do that. He's well known for punching the air in victory after matches, and this would be Nottingham's own giant fist bump for Cooper.
"The sheer impact of the success is huge for Nottingham, for local sport, the economy and civic pride. This would be a small way of being able to say thank you."
Marcus says it's been special to have been a part of the celebrations. He can't wait to see some of the biggest clubs in the world play at The City Ground in the Premier League.
Marcus said: "I was at Wembley with my brother-in-law and nephew, and I haven't seen anything like those scenes for years and years. And I've been a season ticket holder since 1990, my first match was all the way back in 1977 when we were in the old Second Division and Brian Clough was in charge.
"The Old Market Square celebrations were breath-taking too - I was there in the middle of it all, it was a privilege to have been a part of. To see the players there on the balcony felt like the clock was turned back.
"It will be great to welcome teams like Manchester City, Liverpool and Spurs to Nottingham, you still have to pinch yourself to believe it's happening. Hopefully the team can do itself justice."
Nottingham Forest, and football, fans have said they want to see it happen too.
Ann Kendall, from Hucknall, said: "We're not Forest fans, but why not? We can remember when Forest was a really great club and Cooper has brought back all the pride for the supporters.
"He's putting Nottingham back on the map."
Michael Bailey, 37, said: "Why not? He can have what he wants surely."
Wayne Attenborough, 33, from Eastwood said: "Obviously it's good for the city. My partner supports Forest.
"I just think he has made a good achievement. What he has done with the players and the coaching.
"What he needs to do now is keep the consistency going into the Premier League. He has brought the city back to life.
"He's inspired more people, younger people to play football."
A spokesperson for Nottingham City Council said: "While there's no question that Steve Cooper and his players pulled off an incredible feat to take Nottingham Forest from the bottom of the Championship into the Premier League where they belong, there's a process to go through before talking about granting Honorary Freedom of the City. This is the highest honour the council can bestow and Freemen of the City have displayed longstanding commitment to and service in their chosen field.
"For example, Brian Clough who received the distinction in 1993 had managed Nottingham Forest for 18 years and taken them to unprecedented European Cup glory two years running, among other notable victories. We are extremely proud of Nottingham Forest’s achievement under Steve Cooper and marked that with a civic reception the day after their Wembley victory, which we believe is a fitting way to recognise the club’s first promotion to the Premier League after 23 years."
