Kinnear joins tributes

He became as synonymous with the city of Nottingham as Robin Hood Lord Mayor of Nottingham, John Hartshorne

Nottingham Forest boss Joe Kinnear was full of praise for Brian Clough's achievements at the City Ground.

"He is a football legend and as a manager he was simply a genius," said Kinnear after Clough's death. "The success he had here speaks volumes.

"To win the kind of things he did while competing against the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal was a staggering achievement.

"To go on and conquer Europe was even more remarkable."

Football Association chairman Geoff Thompson described Clough's death as "a great loss to the game".

Fans pay tribute to Clough

He said: "On behalf of the FA, I would like to express my deepest sadness at the passing away of Brian Clough.

"Brian was a unique figure in the game and one of the most successful managers we have ever known. We will miss his company, his character and his insight.

"This is a great loss to football, but we will always remember his considerable contribution to the game."

Lord Mayor of Nottingham John Hartshorne added: "Brian Clough reached the pinnacle of his remarkable career in Nottingham and was one of the greatest ambassadors in the city's history.

"His association with Nottingham over 18 years as manager of Forest was so strong that he became as synonymous with the city as Robin Hood."

Sports minister Richard Caborn was quick to hail the impact of Clough.

"I met Brian Clough on a number of occasions and it was as if the term 'unique' was invented for him. He was a complete one-off," he said.

"What struck me was the huge passion he had for football and the energy and character he brought to the game.

"His record also speaks for itself: I agree with the many people who say he was probably the best English manager never to take charge of the national side. He will be sadly missed by everyone connected to football."

Sunderland chairman Bob Murray expressed his sadness at the death of Brian Clough.

Clough scored 63 goals in 74 appearances for Sunderland in the early 1960s before his career ended through injury.

Murray said: "I am honoured to have been a Sunderland supporter when Brian played for the club. He is a legend.

Stars pay tribute to Clough

"I saw the match at Roker Park when he suffered the terrible knee injury. The game would never be allowed to take place in football today, such were the atrocious conditions.

"It was so sad that he never had the chance to fulfil his potential at Sunderland. But his achievements as a manager may never again be matched at the type of club where he had the success.

"He was a guest of this club when we played Middlesbrough recently and he was full of life. To see him was an inspiration. It's a tragic day for the club. He was a phenomenon, such a personality as a player and a manager."

Flags at Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium were flown at half mast in honour of Clough, who was born in the town and began his career there.

Boro chairman Steve Gibson said: "It is a sad day not just for the football club but for the town of Middlesbrough and for Teesside as a whole.

"Brian was a Boro lad through and through who never forgot his roots.

"I'm sure I speak for all Middlesbrough supporters when I say that he was one of our all-time greatest players and a true character of the game. He will be much missed and our thoughts are with his family and friends."

Brighton director Ray Bloom's father Harry was vice chairman when Clough arrived for a brief spell at Brighton.

He said: "It's a very sad day because it brings back a lot of memories of when my father and chairman Mike Bamber brought Brian to the club.

"Although he was only here for a short time, his mere presence saw the gates at the Goldstone rise from 6,000 to 16,000, and he was the catalyst, along with Peter Taylor, for what followed - Alan Mullery inherited the team that they began and the rest is history."