Award-winning Horsham sculptor helps immortalise footballing legend

Sculptor Hannah Stewart has created a life-size bronze statue of former Stockport County FC manager Danny Bergara – and the artwork was unveiled by the Ambassador for Uruguay at County’s ground at Edgeley Park on Monday

Danny Bergara – known as The Man From Uruguay – holds a special place in the heart of Stockport fans after he put Stockport County on the footballing map, winning promotion for the first time in 24 years and leading the team out at Wembley on four separate occasions.

Now, more than 25 years after Danny left County, the legendary former manager has been honoured by the club and supporters with the bronze statue.

And the fans are loving it. “It’s been extremely well received by the club, fans and Danny Bergara's family,” said Hannah, who grew up in Horsham and still lives in the town.

She is the creator of many well known local sculptures including the St Leonard's Forest Dragon in Horsham Park, the Iguanodon dinosaur in Lintot Square, Southwater, a memorial to the poet Shelley that was unveiled at Collyers Sixth Form in Horsham last year – and many others further afield.

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Her statue of Danny Bergara was unveiled on May 8 by the Uruguayan ambassador to the UK, Cesar Rodriguez Zabala, and now proudly stands outside the Cheadle End at Edgeley Park.

Hannah says she ‘has always loved sculpture.’ She studied at the City & Guilds of London Art School and has been commissioned to create many major artworks for various councils and colleges, along with major retailers such as Tesco.

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