Perhaps it was written in the stars for the current Mansfield Town manager having been the son of one of the game’s true icons.
Cloughie made it to the very top of the game as a playing, making 311 appearances for Forest and another 39 for Liverpool. That career also won 14 England caps between 1989 and 1993.
He ended his playing career with 227 games for Burton Albion over 10 seasons. before managing the Brewers for 11 seasons.
Here we look back on Cloughie’s proud career.
5. FA Cup 1991
Spurs captain Gary Mabbutt (2nd r) and Gary Lineker (r) celebrate as Forest defender Des Walker (partially obscured) scores an own goal to give Tottenham a 2-1 lead as Forest players from left to right, Stuart Pearce, Steve Hodge, and Nigel Clough react during the 1991 FA Cup Final. Photo: Shaun Botterill
6. A debut to remember
Clough scored twice on his debut for Liverpool against Sheffield Wednesday on 14 August 1993. He had found the net four times for the Reds by the end of August 1993, but by Christmas had found himself struggling for a first team place after the emergence of Robbie Fowler alongside Ian Rush. Photo: Shaun Botterill
7. Everton v Man City
Clough signed for Premier League relegation battlers Manchester City for £1.5million in 1996. He played in all of Manchester City's remaining 15 league appearances after his arrival at Maine Road, scoring twice, but could not stave off relegation. Photo: DAVE KENDALL
8. Manchester City v Lincoln City
Nigel Clough played 39 times for Manchester City between 1996-98. A brief loan spell back at Forest came during that time. Photo: Ben Radford