Fans and players pay tribute to legendary football manager Clough

ALWAYS outspoken, often outrageous and loved by football fans, legendary manager Brian Clough died in hospital yesterday morning, aged 69.

The double European Cup winner, who underwent a successful liver transplant in 2003, had been diagnosed with stomach cancer and became seriously ill last week.

His family was at his bedside when he died.

Fondly dubbed Old Big ‘Ead, the manager’s career saw him claim back-to-back European Cups with Nottingham Forest, two League Championships with both Forest and Derby County and a total of four League Cups.

Nicknamed Cloughie and renowned for his abrasive outbursts, he was also known for his long and public battle with alcoholism and doctors had given him just two weeks to live before his transplant operation.

In a statement issued on behalf of the Clough family, a Derby City General Hospital spokeswoman said: “The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Dr Jan Freeman and the staff of Ward 30 for the wonderful care they gave him.

“They would also like to thank the donor family for allowing Brian to have 21 months of health and happiness.”

Clough claimed he wanted “no epitaphs of profound history” following his death, but former players last night paid warm tributes to the outspoken boss.

Former Forest star Garry Birtles, who played under Clough between 1978 and 1980, said: “We thought he was indestructible. When somebody like Brian Clough dies, it’s hard to put in words how you feel ... It’s like a member of your own family dying.”

Clough, who was married to Barbara, had children Libby, Simon and Nigel, an England international who played under his father in Nottingham.