Derby County Chairman Pearson Appoints Clough As Manager

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Paul Jewell - Derby County (PA)

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Derby County have appointed Nigel Clough as their new manager. Clough, the former Nottingham Forest, Liverpool, Manchester City and England forward, will swap the non-league surroundings of nearby Burton Albion, where he has managed for the last decade, for the club where his father made his name in management.

Nigel's dad was, of course, Brian Clough, the man who turned Derby from a dull provincial club into a top division powerhouse in the late 60's and early 70's, before moving to Derby's hated rivals Nottingham Forest and turning them into double European champions.

Derby's chairman of football, Adam Pearson, spoke to Sky Sports News about the appointment earlier.

"He's signed a contract for three-and-a-half years," Pearson explained, "he becomes Derby County's manager on Thursday morning.

"We're delighted to have him here. He'll be at the game tomorrow against Manchester United, but officially he starts Thursday and prepares a team for [Saturday's game at] Cardiff."

When quizzed as to the reasons that played a part in appointing a manager with no experience of managing a league, or indeed a full-time, club, Pearson was very definite.

"A number of things. He's created a legacy and dynasty of his own at Burton in the last ten years. He's improved the club, built the club, he feels the time is right to do that with Derby County. We do.

"I think he brings the right style of football to the club."

Clough is known for playing the passing game so beloved by his father, but Pearson also believes that his "considered style" of man management could be just what the club, with its troubled, unwieldy squad, needs at this moment in time. Pearson feels that Clough is "well-rounded" with "good coaching skills" and that "he understands the club."

And although the appointment is a public relations triumph and will create a frenzy of excitement amongst the Rams' faithful, Pearson acknowledged that it is success and not popularity that counts.

"It's a good story," Pearson confirmed, "but that goodwill soon disappears if we don't win games."

Derby face Manchester United tomorrow in the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final at Pride Park Stadium.

Zack Wilson, Goal.com