Clough linked to Coventry

Clough has had success as manager of Burton

Former England midfielder Nigel Clough has refused to dismiss speculation linking him with the vacant manager's post at Coventry.

Clough claims that he is concentrating on his job as manager of non-league Burton Albion.

But speaking to the Burton Daily Mail he did not comment on whether he is interested in the Coventry job.

Clough told the newspaper: "People can speculate about me as much as they like, but all I am concerned about is our game tonight (Tuesday) and Saturday's trip to Gateshead."

It would not surprise me at all if clubs were looking at Nigel Clough

Ben Richardson
Burton Albion chairman

Meanwhile, Kidderminster boss Jan Molby has said he is "flattered" to be linked with Coventry. But he insists he is staying where he is and is unlikely to be considered.

"I wouldn't have thought I will be considered because there are a lot of good people out there who deserve a crack at it," Molby said.

Clough's Burton Albion are playing Vauxhall Motors in the Unibond League on Tuesday night.

However, club chairman Ben Robertson said he would not stand in Clough's way if he was offered a top-line job.

He said: "[If] an opportunity came along and he wanted to take it, we would wish him all the best."

Clough is just the latest name to be linked with Coventry after Gordon Strachan left the Sky Blues by mutual consent on Monday.

Others mentioned in connection with the job include Harry Redknapp, Gary McAllister, Bryan Robson, Terry Venables and Joe Royle.

Strachan's departure came after a poor start to the season for the club, which is one of the favourites for promotion from the Nationwide League.

Strachan was driven out by poor results

Clough, 35, spent most of his career with Nottingham Forest under the guidance of his father, Brian.

Nigel Clough took charge at Eton Park in October 1988 and has guided Albion to successive runners-up spots in the Dr Martens Premier Division as well as winning the Southern League Cup final in 2000.

Last season, the Brewers reached the first round proper of the FA Cup, where they lost to Conference side Kidderminster after a replay.

Richardson conceded that Clough, who won 14 England caps, will one day move into top-level management.

"When a job becomes available at any midlands club, Nigel's name is always linked," Richardson said.

"There have been a lot of players who have come out of the Football League and got prime jobs in management, so it would not surprise me at all if clubs were looking at Nigel Clough."

'Good football'

Richardson also claimed the club would not stand in Clough's way should he look to further his managerial career elsewhere.

"He has done a great job at Burton and has a young family growing up in Burton.

"But I imagine he is ambitious and when the right opportunity came along, he would take it and he would leave with our blessing," said Richardson.

"We would wish him all the best because he has raised the profile of our club and done a fantastic job in the short time he has been manager."