Clough excited by opportunity

Clough: Derby delight

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New Derby manager Nigel Clough has spoken of his relief at finally being appointed as the new Rams manager.

Clough was appointed as Paul Jewell's successor after the former Bradford, Wigan and Sheffield Wednesday boss resigned last week.

Clough, whose father Brian led the Rams to the First Division title in 1972, takes over with the club sitting 18th in the Championship, five points from the relegation zone.

The 42-year-old has spent over 10 years as manager of Burton where he guided the club to the Blue Square Premier and now leaves them 13 points clear at the top of the table.

The former Liverpool and Nottingham Forest forward admitted that it had been hard to leave Burton but in the end he couldn't turn down what was a great opportunity.

"It was nice to get it all sorted at last," he told Sky Sports News.

"There has been a lot of speculation, a lot of talking here the last few days. I'm very sad to be leaving Burton and the people and the players here but it's an exciting opportunity.

"Having lived here (Derby) for the best part of 40 years you get a feel for the place and to get the opportunity to manage what is your home-town club is exciting."

Clough also acknowledged that it had been emotional joining a club where he will follow in his legendary father's footsteps.

Emotional

"Yes, it's emotional with that tie, it might have been easier to go somewhere else and make a completely fresh start," he added.

"He did achieve those things 35-40 years ago and a lot of supporters still remember them and talk about those days.

"I think a lot of their allegiances from the club are from those days as well but they are realistic enough to know that football has changed a lot over the last 10-20 years.

"It's unlikely any team will get to those heights again, it's difficult enough for the likes of Villa to break into the top four at the moment.

"What we can do is hopefully play some good football and let's see where we go from there."

Clough will be unveiled as the Rams' new manager in front of the Pride Park faithful ahead of the Carling Cup semi-final first leg with Manchester United on Wednesday evening.

The new boss is sure to get a rousing reception but he remains modest about the whole situation.

"It's for the club tonight," he stated, as he prepares to watch the game from the stands with academy head coach David Lowe in charge of team affairs.

"We don't want too much to distract the lads from the fact that it's a semi-final and they're a couple of matches from Wembley.

"The players should just go out there and enjoy it. I will just go in and wish the lads luck."