Like father, like son for Clough at Derby
Wednesday 7 January 2009
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Nigel Clough will be an interested observer at Pride Park this evening (©Getty Images)
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When Derby County FC meet Manchester United FC in the first leg of their League Cup semi-final tonight they will be embarking on a new era with one foot firmly in the past having appointed as manager Nigel Clough – the son of the man who gave them their greatest moments over three decades ago.
Fond memories
Clough Jr will be presented at Pride Park prior to kick-off and will bring back fond memories for supporters, starved of success since his father ushered in the most successful era in the club's history after joining the Rams in 1967. Under Brian Clough, Derby won promotion from the old English second division and were crowned champions in 1972 before reaching the semi-finals of the European Champion Clubs' Cup the following year. After famously leaving Derby following a dispute with then chairman Sam Longson, Brian Clough later went one better at Derby's local rivals Nottingham Forest FC, winning the English league with them in 1978 before claiming the European Cup in 1979 and 1980.
Derby days
As a child, Nigel would sit beside his father in the dugout as Derby enjoyed their heady ascent in England and Europe. As manager, the 42-year-old will initially have the task of arresting the club's slide following their relegation from the Premier League last season. As a footballer, Nigel was also inextricably linked with his father, who died in 2004. Capped 14 times by England, he played for nine years under Clough Snr at Forest, with his father often referring to him as "The Number 9" to nip any accusations of nepotism in the bud.
'Respect'
Where Brian was outspoken and thrived on attention and public acclaim, his son has shunned the limelight, slowly building his managerial career at non-league Burton Albion FC. Like his father, however, Nigel believes in the same brand of passing, attacking football that was the hallmark of Clough senior's sides. And like his dad, according to Derby chairman Adam Pearson, Nigel has "got a presence about him and he commands respect".
I know the club inside out. It has always had a special place in mine and my family's heart
Nigel Clough
'Fantastic opportunity'
After a decade at Burton, he leaves them 13 points clear in the fifth tier of English football and poised to win promotion to the Football League for the first time. Having shunned offers from league clubs in the past, the opportunity to renew family ties with Derby was one he could not pass up. "This is a fantastic opportunity for me and one that I relish," he said. "I know the club inside out. It has always had a special place in mine and my family's heart." Likewise, the Clough family is still revered at the club.
Big games
Though Nigel will not be in charge for tonight's match against United, he could hardly have chosen a more dramatic moment to announce his arrival. Following the League Cup games against the European champions – Derby's first major semi-final since losing to United in the last four of the FA Cup in 1976 – Derby meet Forest in an eagerly awaited FA Cup fourth-round clash. For a man who has thus far preferred life out of the public eye during his managerial career, he will have to quickly adapt to being centre of attention. His father thrived in that environment and Derby fans are hoping it will be a case of like father, like son.
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