Nottingham Forest boss has no fear ahead of 'El Cloughico' clash with Derby

Defeat to Derby may end Dougie Freedman's spell as Derby manager

NOTTINGHAM FOREST boss Dougie Freedman says he does not fear the curse of ‘El Cloughico’ tonight as he fights to save his job.

 

Freedman is under pressure following eight games without a win ahead of the clash with East Midlands rivals Derby, who are unbeaten in 10.

Forest hero Nigel Clough is favourite to replace Freedman if he leaves after the game named by fans in honour of Clough’s legendary father Brian, who managed both clubs to success.

Clough Jnr - a former Derby boss - is among a host of managers to lose their job within days of the game in recent years along with John Gregory, Joe Kinnear, Steve McClaren, Alex McLeish and Billy Davies.

 

Nigel Clough, whose father managed Forest and Derby, has been mooted as Freedman's replacement

Freedman said: “The future is going to be bright, we have to go through this tough moment.

“Speculation is part and parcel of being at a big club.

“I’m a very focused guy, I’m working towards my end goal this season and nothing will change that.”

 

Paul Clement's side will come into the game full of confidence

Paul Clement’s Derby have won their last three games the former Real Madrid No.2 said: “It’s more than just a three point game. We’re in good form and we want to keep it going.

“From my experience, the team that can control themselves emotionally will have the best chance of winning it."