THE BRIAN CLOUGH TROPHY

THOUSANDS AT SPECIAL MATCH

More than twenty five thousand fans watched the first Brian Clough Trophy match between Derby County and Nottingham Forest at Pride Park (July 31st, 2007). Brian's widow Barbara is pictured with her grandchildren and Rams chairman Peter Gadsby after presenting the trophy to Derby skipper Matt Oakley.

Despite the fierce rivalry between the fans, both sets of supporters were united at one point during the game when they sang 'Stand up for Brian Clough.' The match raised £100,000 for charities in the East Midlands. Derby won the game 2-0.

Mrs Clough said Brian would have thoroughly approved of the trophy. "It is brilliant to harness the healthy rivalry of both sets of fans into an occasion that benefits local charities."

The money raised will be divided between the two clubs' nominated charities and the Brian Clough Memorial Fund. The East Midlands Air Ambulance and NSPCC (East Mids) will also benefit. The memorial fund will receive £25,000, which will go to a number of local charities at the discretion of the Clough family.

The trophy itself is over 100 years old and had never been used before. Any future game between the two sides will become a Brian Clough Trophy match, in memory of the genius who led both clubs to glory.