County tribute to Doughty

Notts County have joined local rivals Derby in paying tribute to Nottingham Forest owner Nigel Doughty, who died at the weekend.

Doughty, a lifelong Forest fan, is thought to have been found dead in the gym at his home in Lincolnshire on Saturday morning. The 54-year-old stepped down as chairman at the City Ground in October after a decade in the job following the sacking of former England manager Steve McClaren. He was replaced in the role by former Forest player and manager Frank Clark.

Doughty, who saved the Reds from administration when he bought the club for £11million in 1999, invested almost £100million of his personal fortune in the club.

"Notts County were deeply saddened to learn over the weekend of the tragic passing of Nottingham Forest owner Nigel Doughty," the club said via a statement on its official website.

"As an active member of the local community, Nigel Doughty contributed a great deal to the rich sporting culture of Nottingham and the surrounding area and he will be greatly missed by all that knew him and who benefited from his generosity and support.

"The club would like to pass on our sincere condolences to Mr Doughty's family and friends at this difficult time."