A HAMPSHIRE sculptor has been chosen to create a bronze statue of one of the country's most famous football managers.

Les Johnson saw off competition from two other sculptors to win the prestigious job of designing a £70,000 statue of former Nottingham Forest manager Brian Clough, who died in 2004 aged 69.

Mr Johnson, 58, who made the bronze statues outside the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service headquarters in Eastleigh, was told yesterday that he had been chosen as the successful candidate.

A selection panel including Mr Clough's widow Barbara agreed unanimously that the commission should be awarded to Mr Johnson.

He was also the most popular choice in a public consultation which involved an exhibition at Nottingham's Council House and as well as email views submitted to the Brian Clough Statue Fund website.

Mr Johnson, now based in Andover, said: " Brian Clough is such an iconic figure. He was unique and deserves to be commemorated."