Nigel Clough appointed Sheffield United manager

Derby County manager Nigel Clough during the npower Championship match at the AMEX Stadium, Brighton.

Former Derby County boss Nigel Clough has been appointed manager of League One giants Sheffield United.

The son of the legendary Nottingham Forest manager Brian Clough has accepted a two and a half year contract.

The move was announced at a press conference a few minutes ago.

This finally puts an end to speculation that Crawley manager Richie Barker was about to be offered the job.

Sheffield-born Barker was second favourite to get the position having worked at Bramall Lane for three years as a youth coach.

Barker said on Monday he could have ambitions to move to a bigger club if he enjoyed success at Crawley.

He said: “I am not that good at self-promotion unlike some others but what I do know is that if I do well here then I may move in a different direction but if I don’t then I won’t. If I get any job it will be because I have done well here.”