NIGEL Clough has been quick to try to distance himself from his father's achievements at the club, but it is an impossible task.

While it was at Forest where Brian Clough enjoyed much of his success, it was at the Baseball Ground that he worked his magic first, steering them to the League title in 1971 and subsequently into Europe.

And, while his shadow may not be cast as large in Derby as it might have been at the City Ground, the former Burton manager finds himself with some significant footsteps in which to follow.

Clough Senior's autobiography was titled 'Walking on Water' and the fans of both clubs believe him to be more than capable of that.

And the level of expectation has reached a steady simmer already at the other end of Brian Clough Way.

Because Clough has taken on the job at a tough time.

And, while he wants to be judged on his football rather than his family ties, the run of fixtures he inherited may not have made it easy.

His presence in the stands at Pride Park helped inspire a 1-0 win over Manchester United in the first leg of the Carling Cup semi-final.

But in the second at Old Trafford, he was unable to inspire another shock.

And the 2-0 defeat to QPR set alarm bells ringing.

Clough admits he was surprised how poor Derby were in his first game in charge on Saturday – and claims former club Burton Albion might have done better.

The gulf in standard between Derby and Burton remains considerable, of course, but Clough believes his new players could learn something from his former non-League charges.

Clough said: "They know they didn't perform on Saturday but we hope we bottomed out in that department and everything goes up from here.

"There were things going on – we have come from dealing with players three or four leagues down – basic things, that lads at the level we used to be at were better at. There wasn't a spark out there and defensively the two goals were very poor from our point of view.

"I've been in a state of shock.

"We certainly hoped it would be better than that – but it wasn't, and it we can only get better. If it gets any worse we are all in trouble."

Now, tomorrow night, he finds himself up against the weight of history once more, as well as a Forest side in searing hot form.

What Old Big 'Ead would have said about the game is impossible to predict.

But what matters to Clough Jnr, is making his name in his own right.