NEW film ‘The Damned United’ has served as a reminder to what a brilliantly unique manager the late Brian Clough was.

Although it focuses on a doomed association with Leeds United, Clough will be more fondly remembered for back-to-back European Cup successes with Nottingham Forest after previously guiding Derby County to the old First Division title.

After more than 10 years as boss of Burton Albion, son Nigel has followed in his footsteps by taking the Rams’ reins.

“Nigel Clough was a top, top player, and I’ve got no doubts he’s got the qualities to be a top, top manager,” said Burnley boss Owen Coyle, who will be in the opposing dugout at Pride Park tomorrow.

“I think you only have to look at (Brian’s) record and what he did. With all due respect you wouldn’t say that Derby and Nottingham Forest would be elite clubs, although they have tremendous history and tradition, but to go and win the championship with Derby and then for Nottingham Forest to be European champions - I think that shows you what a talented manager (Nigel’s) father was.

“I think sometimes it’s always a big ask to try to follow in your father’s footsteps, but Nigel did it as a player and if he’s half as successful as his dad, then what a fantastic career he’s got to look forward to.

“I like listening to him because you can sense he knows what he’s talking about. He’s got an idea of how he wants to move his football club on and showed tremendous loyalty to stay at Burton for the years he did and built a very successful side there, and it’s bearing fruits for them this year.

“I think that tells you about the man as well, about the sense of loyalty he has, and I’ve got no doubts that Nigel will go on to do a very good job.

“We wish him well in that pursuit, but that will be after Saturday.”

Like Burnley’s last league game, at Plymouth, tomorrow’s encounter brings together two sides needing points for different reasons; Burnley to boost their play-off credentials, and Derby to allay any fears of relegation.

“It’s two clubs immersed in tremendous history and tradition. It’s always great to look back and see the fantastic teams and fantastic players you’ve had, and having done that it’s important you realise where you are now and the focus on both teams going out to win games for different reasons,” said Coyle.

“Derby will be desperate for the three points to give them that cushion, although I don’t envisage them being in any trouble anyway.

“Equally we’re up at the other end pushing for a valuable three points to keep us entrenched in the area we are.

“I was there for the first leg of the Derby v Manchester United Carling Cup semi-final, when they beat (United) 1-0, so that tells you the quality they’ve got.

“The game’s sold out so there’ll be over 30,000 in a magnificent stadium with some very good players.

“It’s a terrific football environment for people to play, a terrific arena, and hopefully my players will grasp that and go out and show their qualities. If they do that we have a chance of going and winning the game.”