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.
9. England B v Iceland
Nigel Clough playing for England B against Iceland at Wembley Stadium on April 1991: Photo: Shaun Botterill
10. England training
England players from left, Chris Woods, Paul Gascoigne, Carlton Palmer, David Platt, John Barnes and Nigel Clough pose for a picture during an England training session at Bisham Abbey on February 15, 1993 Photo: Getty Images:
11. Spain v England
Nigel Clough puts in a tackle during an England game against Spain on 9 Sep 1992. Photo: Shaun Botterill
12. England v Malaysia
Nigel Clough takes on Serbegeth Singh of Malaysia during a Friendly match in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 13 Jun 1991. England won the match 4-2. Photo: Ben Radford