Former Derby County manager Nigel Clough took a dig at the club ahead of tonight’s game with his Burton Albion side at Pride Park.
Burton Albion manager Nigel Clough (R) and former Derby County manager Nigel Pearson
Tonight will be the first time Nigel Clough has returned to Pride Park since he was sacked by Derby County in September 2013.
Ahead of his return, in an interview with the Daily Star Burton Albion boss Clough has questioned the club’s progress since the decision to sack him and looked back at his work there in a positive light.
He said: “They’re four places ahead of that now despite £150m being invested.
“I think Derby fans now appreciate what we did. A lot of people in football, at other clubs, are surprised that Derby haven’t made it back to the top flight by now.”
Clough was sacked by Derby in 2013
However, Rams fans seem divided on whether to give Clough a warm welcome back to Pride Park, with many slamming the ‘negative’ style of play he employed at the club.
Clough was appointed Derby boss in January 2009 and guided the club to finishes of 18th, 14th, 19th and 12th and 10th before a 1-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest in September 2013 ended his tenure.
Since then the Rams have made two play-off appearances under the guidance of Steve McLaren, Paul Clement and Darren Wassall and, as Clough pointed out, have spent a considerable amount more than when he was in charge at Pride Park.
Meanwhile Clough had an unsuccessful stint at Sheffield United before guiding Burton Albion to promotion last season.
Given his belief that Derby fans now understand his contribution at the club, what sort of reaction can Clough expect at Pride Park as he leads his Burton out on Tuesday night?
Burton Albion have been one of the big success stories in this season’s Championship
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
