Nigel Clough: Burton Albion confirm former manager's return

Clough led Sheffield United to last season's League Cup semi-finals, but lost in the play-offs and was sacked

Nigel Clough has been confirmed as the new manager of League One leaders Burton Albion, nearly seven years after he left to take over at Derby County.

The 49-year-old, sacked by Sheffield United in May, succeeds Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, who has taken over at Championship club QPR.

Chairman Ben Robinson said: "We have had a great start to the season. Nigel is the ideal man to continue that.

"He has a tremendous track record in football, as a player and a manager."

Clough was first appointed as Burton player-boss in October 1998 at the age of 32, and left the club 13 points clear at the top of the Conference. He rejoins the Brewers at the top of the third tier.

"It's wonderful to be back at Burton again, working with the chairman and his staff, who make this club so special," Clough said.

"We're looking forward to trying to maintain the remarkable success the club is enjoying."

Clough in action for Burton in 1999 during his spell as player-boss

Clough, the son of legendary former Derby and Nottingham Forest boss Brian, became Burton's longest-serving manager during an 11-year stay which saw the club rise from the Southern and then Northern Premier League to the verge of the Football League.

He joined the Rams in January 2009, but was sacked after nearly five years in charge.

Clough was named Sheffield United boss in October 2013, a month after leaving Derby, but was dismissed after the club lost in last season's League One play-offs.