Derby and Nottingham unite to pay tribute

The supporters of Nottingham Forest and Derby County, traditionally fierce rivals, were united yesterday as they paid their respects to Brian Clough.

The supporters of Nottingham Forest and Derby County, traditionally fierce rivals, were united yesterday as they paid their respects to Brian Clough.

The legendary manager, who died of cancer on Monday, guided Forest to back-to-back European Cup victories and led Derby to be League champions. Forest will keep their City Ground open around the clock so that supporters can continue to pay their respects to Clough.

An internet book of condolence has been opened on www.nottinghamforest.co.uk, the club's official website. A written book of condolence has already been established at the council offices in Nottingham and Derby. Fans can also lay flowers at County's Pride Park Stadium.

The Mayor of Derby, Ruth Skelton, said: "It is rare that the cities of Derby and Nottingham are united, but their sense of loss will be palpable." The Rams' chief executive, Jeremy Keith, said: "Brian was this club's greatest ever manager and, in the eyes of Rams supporters, the best the world has ever seen."

The club will pay tribute to Clough with a minute's silence before the home game against Wigan this weekend .

Forest's current manager, Joe Kinnear, paid tribute to Clough, saying: "Brian Clough was a unique manager who took Nottingham Forest from obscurity to the First Division title and then two successive European Cups.

"His achievements are everywhere to be seen around the ground and I have no doubt that he is up there with the best managers of all time, Bill Nicholson and Bill Shankly included."