Clough a 'unique figure': FA boss

Football Association chairman Geoff Thompson described Brian Clough’s death as “a great loss to the game“.

The legendary former Nottingham Forest manager died aged 69 this morning at Derby City Hospital.

Thompson said: “On behalf of the FA, I would like to express my deepest sadness at the passing away of Brian Clough earlier today.

“Brian was not only a unique figure in the game but one of the most successful managers that we have ever known. We will be miss his company, his character and his insight.

“This is a great loss to football, but we will always remember his considerable contribution to the game in this country.

“Our thoughts and sympathy are with Brian’s family at this time.”

A Premier League spokesman said: "It is a sad and tragic loss for football. Brian Clough was in many people's eyes a football genius and one of the greatest managers who ever lived.''

The double European Cup winning manager had members of his family at his bedside.

A spokeswoman for Derby City Hospital said that the manager, dubbed ‘Old Big Ead’, was pronounced dead this morning.

Clough, who underwent a successful liver transplant in 2003, had been diagnosed with stomach cancer but only became seriously ill with the condition in the past week.

The hospital spokeswoman said: “It is with the deepest sadness that we announce that Brian Clough has died peacefully at the age of 69.

“Brian was an in-patient at Derby City General Hospital, and his family were with him when he passed away in hospital on September 20.”

On behalf of the Clough family, she 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.

“The family would naturally appreciate privacy at this sad time, and kindly ask members of the media to respect this.”

She confirmed that there will be a private family funeral and that a memorial service will be held at a later date, with details to be announced.