Forest to seek family's wishes over Clough

Nottingham Forest intend to liaise with the family of the late Brian Clough over what form a permanent commemoration of the legendary Reds manger should take.

Clough passed away at Derby City Hospital on Monday aged 69 after losing his battle with stomach cancer.

The City Ground club had already named a stand after Clough and commissioned a bronze bust in his image which stands in the stadium’s reception.

But Forest chairman Nigel Doughty believes another permanent reminder of Clough’s 18-year managerial tenure at the City Ground – a golden age which featured back-to-back European Cups wins an old Division One championship and four League Cup triumphs – is appropriate.

Midlands neighbours Derby, who he had led to the Old Division One championship in 1972, are also planning to commemorate Clough with fans asked to put forward their ideas.

Suggestions have so far included renaming the A52 trunk road which links Derby and Nottingham, a statue, renaming of a stand at Pride Park and organisation of an annual charity match pitting Forest against Derby.

The campaign to have Clough knighted, which had been gathering momentum even before his death, will now see Downing Street urged to bestow the honour posthumously.

A statement from Forest chairman Nigel Doughty read: “It really goes without saying that Nottingham Forest, who owe so much to the contribution made by Brian in his 18 years with us as manager, want to make some significant tribute to him.

“We know our supporters will also want us to do that and be part of any tribute themselves but the important issue at the moment is to show our utmost respect to the family.

“At the appropriate time we will hopefully discuss with Mrs Clough and her family what we can do to place on record the club’s total appreciation of how much he meant to Nottingham Forest Football Club.

“In the meantime, we would like everyone to concur with the family’s wishes for privacy at this particular time.”