The Burton Albion boss turned down an approach from Nottingham Forest.
Burton Albion manager Nigel Clough has suggested to BBC Radio Derby that he might have taken the Nottingham Forest job had the Brewers been higher up the Championship table.
The former Forest striker held talks with his old club last week and admitted they were an attractive proposition, despite ongoing off-field uncertainty.
A proposed takeover of the Reds by an American consortium fell through last month – the second such failure this season – to leave Forest’s unpopular owner Fawaz Al Hasawi firmly at the helm.
Bookies listed Nottingham Forest among favourites to sign their former player
Clough, however, has told BBC Radio Derby his decision was nothing to do with either Forest or Al Hasawi.
“I think we got the question mixed up,” he said. “It was: ‘would you like to go to Nottingham Forest?’ The answer is yes, because of the nature of the club and everything we’ve got associated with them. The right question is: ‘is it right to leave Burton Albion?’ and once that’s a no it answers the other question.
Burton Albion Manager Nigel Clough
“I had a chat with them, the chairman. He came across very well -no problems at all – it was totally down to staying here.
“It was choosing a matter of principle and a loyalty not to jump ship mid-season with the position that we’re in. Last time when we did it (to join Derby County) we were 13, 14 points clear in the Conference in different circumstances.”
Three Clough signings who could have followed him to Nottingham Forest
Asked about the uncertainty at Forest, Clough replied: “(It was) nothing at all to do with that. I can’t tell you how attractive a proposition it is to go to Nottingham Forest but as I say it’s not the right time or the right thing to do.”
Nottingham Forest owner Fawaz Al-Hasawi
But he added: “If we’d have been half way up the table and nearly safe by now it might have been a different question to consider.”
Burton remain three points clear of the bottom three in 21st position, despite losing 2-0 at home to Fulham on Wednesday – although Wigan (two) and Blackburn (one) both have games in hand on the Brewers.
Forest are only two places better off than Clough’s team themselves, albeit five points better off.
The Reds ended the recent transfer window on a high, concluding late deals for Joao Teixeira, Zach Clough, Ross McCormack and Gboly Ariyibi.
Will Nottingham Forest ever get their hands on Nigel Clough, the manager?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
