Nigel Clough has been announced as Manager of Mansfield Town Football Club in an exciting capture for the Stags hierarchy who are delighted to obtain the services of the ex- Burton Albion, Sheffield United and Derby County boss.

Not just son of a legend in these parts but a legend in his own right, scoring a phenomenal 131 goals for Nottingham Forest (which is a post-war record) in eight seasons at the City Ground before moving to Liverpool in 1993.

As a player, Clough was an intelligent footballer that set up almost as many goals as he scored playing 14 times for England with later spells at Manchester City then on loan back to Forest and for a short time Sheffield Wednesday.

In 1998 Clough followed his great father Brian’s footsteps into Management and became the player/manager of non-league Burton Albion, spending eleven years at the club and guiding them from the Southern League to the brink of the Football League before leaving the Brewers 13 points clear in the Conference table in December 2009 for second tier Derby County.

Clough managed 233 games for the Rams in a four-year spell before being sacked in 2013 but the Sunderland born, Derbyshire raised man soon found work at Sheffield United then in the third tier of English football.

After more than 100 games in charge, Clough parted company with the Blades in 2015 later that same year re-joining Burton Albion who he helped with promotion to the Football League Championship and the clubs highest ever-league finish.

A well-respected man within the game, Clough has always seemed to outlast the average Manager lifespan with 22 years at just four clubs (now five), coaching sides often with strict financial restrictions to achieve relative success with little outgoings.

At Mansfield, Clough teams up with another ex-Red Richard Cooper who has recently taken interim charge from his coaching role and inherits a side that has good players in every position and with a few tweaks here and there should be in contention for higher placed position in the division.

On his appointment Chairman John Radford said: “Nigel has an outstanding pedigree in football and a proven track record of significantly improving the teams he has managed.”

“He brings 20 years’ managerial experience to the club and can provide the stability and leadership which we require at One Call Stadium.”

“Our chief executive, David Sharpe, led the process of selecting our next manager and we, along with the board of directors, unanimously approved when Nigel was recommended.”

“We consider Nigel’s appointment to be a real coup for Mansfield Town and he will have our full and unwavering support.”

Clough, who brings with him long time friend and former team-mate Gary Crosby as Assistant and brother Simon as Head of Recruitment, will watch his first match from the stands ironically against his hometown club Sunderland tomorrow in the FA Cup as Richard Cooper once again takes charge for one last time with Clough’s real work starting thereafter in getting the side back up the League Two table as they still search for their first win of the season.

*Main image @mansfieldtownfc Nigel Clough is presented as new manager of Mansfield Town.