Clough turns down dream Forest return to stay at Burton

Nigel Clough has turned down a switch to Nottingham Forest in order to remain manager of Burton Albion.

Clough made his professional debut at the City Ground, while his father Brian led Forest to the First Division title in 1977-78 before claiming back-to-back European Cups in the following two seasons.

An agreement between Clough, who returned for a second spell at the Pirelli Stadium in 2015, and Burton meant he would be granted permission to discuss terms with Forest should they make an approach.

Forest are on the hunt for a new manager after dismissing Philippe Montanier this month, but Clough has turned them down, amid wild uncertainty at the club as owner Fawaz Al-Hasawi faces a backlash over failed attempts to sell the club.

Clough said: “Having started this historic season in the Championship it is only right that we should stay and continue the job of trying to achieve the miracle of keeping Burton Albion in the Championship. Staying is the right thing to do.”

Burton chairman Ben Robinson said: “We are delighted that Nigel Clough has decided to continue the excellent job he has done at the club since re-joining us in December 2015.

“At that time we did agree that if Nottingham Forest made an approach for him, due to his long association with the club, that we would allow both parties to talk. 

“When an approach was made we gave Nigel the opportunity to talk to Nottingham Forest but now we are happy to report that he will be staying at the Pirelli Stadium. 

“Nigel and his backroom team have been fully focused on the job of keeping Burton Albion in the Championship.

“I have always said that that job was as difficult as a featherweight taking on a super heavyweight but I know Nigel, his backroom team and the players will give everything to keep Burton Albion in the Championship.”

Forest are in turmoil after the partial sale of the club to a consortium headed by former San Diego Padres owner John Jay Moores collapsed.