SHEFFIELD MP Richard Caborn has launched his own bid to replace the iconic Tinsley towers with what he hopes will become the city's answer to the Angel of the North - a giant stainless steel football.
The former Sports Minister, who is in charge of England's campaign to host the World Cup in 2018, announced the proposal last night at a dinner to mark the 150th anniversary of the world's oldest football club, Sheffield FC.
The football, imprinted to look like the earth, would be supported by a stainless steel lattice tower in the design of giant leaves.
The shape of the sculpture bears a close resemblance to the World Cup trophy - which depicts two human figures holding the globe.
Mr Caborn said: "It's an opportunity to celebrate what Sheffield has given to the world. We have the world's oldest football club and produced the first stainless steel.
What do you think of Mr Caborn's idea. Post your comments below."Both inventions had a profound impact globally."
He added: "It would be at least as high as the M1 and I think it would become Sheffield's equivalent of the Angel of the North."
Mr Caborn announced his plan during a dinner at the Cutler's Hall attended by famous names from the world of football, including FIFA president Sepp Blatter, Sir Bobby Charlton, Sir Tom Finney and Sir Bobby Robson.
The event was preceded by a 'Thanksgiving to Football' service at Sheffield Cathedral.
Mr Caborn is putting forward his idea to power generator E.on, which owns the Tinsley site and has opened up a competition inviting ideas for a piece of public art on part of the land.
The company decided to demolish the cooling towers - once part of the Blackburn Meadows power station - earlier this year, despite a campaign for them to be retained.
But Mr Caborn's proposal has received a mixed reception.
One of the leading campaigners to save the towers, Tom Keeley, aged 25, of Nicholson Road, Heeley, said: "I think what Sheffield needs is something of outstanding artistic quality that hasn't been done before.
"But for that to be worthwhile it has to come through the proper process, involving artists, not an amateur idea from a sportsperson.
Sheffield's football heritage should be celebrated, but I think it should be done elsewhere in the city."
Sheffield Council leader Jan Wilson said: "It's an interesting idea." And Sheffield football legend Derek Dooley added: "I would be all for it. I think it would probably be something most Sheffielders would like to see.
READ MOREOur reader panel gives its verdict: Click here.FIFA president's anniversary tribute.The full article contains 464 words and appears in Sheffield Star newspaper.
