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Nigel Clough has been appointed manager of Derby County, and is relishing the "tremendous challenge" of following in his father's footsteps.

Clough, 42, has signed a three-and-a-half-year deal with the Rams to become Paul Jewell's permanent replacement, leaving Blue Square Premier leaders Burton Albion after more than a decade in charge.

His late father, Brian, managed the Rams between 1967 and 1973 - winning the league title in 1972 - and Clough junior admits the club has always meant a lot to him.

Clough senior went on to manage their deadly rivals Nottingham Forest for 18 years, where he won the European Cup twice, and Nigel made more than 300 appearances for the Reds himself.

But he insists the chance to take over at Pride Park was one he could not turn down.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for me and one that I relish," he said.

"I know the club inside out. It has always had a special place in mine and my family's heart, and I know that this is one of the most exciting jobs in football.

"Derby County has everything - tremendous support, a first-class stadium, magnificent training facilities and an ambitious ownership group looking to grow the club even further.

"Also, we have a terrific squad of players already here and I can't wait to start working with them.

"This is going to be a tremendous challenge."

Clough had spent 10 years with Burton, taking them from the Southern League to the top of the non-league pyramid, and also led his team to an FA Cup third-round replay against Barclays Premier League giants Manchester United in 2006.

And Rams chairman Adam Pearson believes Clough is the right man to lead the club to a brighter future.

"Nigel is the ideal choice at this time," said Pearson. "It is going to be a great challenge for him and all of us at Derby County but one that we are all looking forward to.

"His track record at Burton is top-drawer and he has improved their standing every season he has been at the club, along with being an excellent man manager.

"It is that kind of progress we are looking for now - someone to grow with the club and lead us in the long term towards success.

"We have a great squad of players here and Nigel is capable of getting the very best out of them and playing a style of football the supporters want to see.

"Also, he understands this football club and what it means to the people of Derby better than anyone else in the game."

Clough takes over with the Rams - who were relegated last season - down in 18th place in the Coca-Cola Championship, just five points above the drop zone.

His first game in charge will be on Saturday when County travel to face Cardiff, with academy director David Lowe at the helm for tomorrow night's Carling Cup semi-final first leg against Manchester United after caretaker boss Chris Hutchings - who had been assistant to Jewell before his departure last month - left the club following Clough's appointment.

Sporting Life / Eurosport