Rams settlement is close edging Clough towards taking over at Bramall Lane

NIGEL CLOUGH is set to be unveiled as the new Sheffield United manager before the end of this week – and his appointment could be made as early as today.
Nigel CloughNigel Clough
Nigel Clough

The 47-year-old is understood to have made progress regarding his financial settlement with previous club Derby County, with an agreement close.

He is expected to be joined at Bramall Lane by his backroom staff at Pride Park, who are comprised of Andy Garner, Johnny Metgod, Gary Crosby and Martin Taylor.

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Clough watched the Blades’ next opponents Crewe Alexandra, who visit Bramall Lane on Saturday, last weekend – a firm indication that he is ready to take over at League One strugglers United, who drew 0-0 at Peterborough last night.

Clough, controversially sacked by Derby at the end of last month after almost five years at the helm, has been the leading candidate for the Blades post since the axing of David Weir on October 11.

After leaving Derby, the former England international was prepared to put future job opportunities on hold while he sorted out his severance package with the Rams, while being initially keen to take an extended holiday after more than 15 years as a manager.

But talks are understood to have progressed between Clough and Derby in recent days and he seems ready to return to club management.

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Clough has also figured prominently in the betting following Monday’s departure of Tony Mowbray from Middlesbrough, where his late father Brian broke all manner of goalscoring records during his playing career.

But Clough is known to be settled in the East Midlands, alongside his backroom staff, with the short commute up the M1 to Bramall Lane a consideration in deciding his next move.

Ahead of the Blades’ clash at London Road last night, interim manager Chris Morgan – who has been assisted by former Scarborough and Huddersfield Town chief Mick Wadsworth – acknowledged the game against Posh was likely to be his final game in charge.

The pair helped inspire the Blades to a much-needed first success since the opening weekend of the season in Saturday’s vital 2-1 victory over Port Vale, which moved the South Yorkshiremen out of the League One drop zone.

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Speaking prior to last night’s game, Morgan said: “I definitely think it will be someone from ‘outside’ coming in. I think that’s what we’ll do.

“I know there’s been a lot of hard work going on behind the scenes and so what Mick and I want to do is try and get as many good results as possible, so we leave the club in the best possible position. Whoever comes in has my absolute full support. They will make their own decision on who the staff closest to them are and that’s right and proper.”

n Blades earn point: Page 23.