NOTTINGHAM Forest paid an emotional tribute to owner Nigel Doughty as the club played its first match since his death.

More than 21,000 fans joined players and staff in a minute's applause in memory of Mr Doughty ahead of Forest's 1-1 draw with Watford at the City Ground on Saturday.

Fans sang "There's only one Nigel Doughty" as applause reverberated around the stadium, while chants of "Stand up for Doughty" also broke out during the match.

Before kick-off, fans had lined up outside the ground to sign a book of condolence.

They also left shirts, flags, scarves and flowers outside as a tribute.

Mr Doughty, 54, was found dead in the gym at his home in Skillington, near Grantham, on February 4.

The front cover of the match day programme was simply an image of Mr Doughty.

Chief executive Mark Arthur, finance director John Pelling, chairman Frank Clark, manager Steve Cotterill, captain Luke Chambers and main sponsor Victor Chandler all also paid tribute to him in the programme.

Mr Chambers wrote "A minute – 60 seconds – is hardly enough time to do justice to the memory of a man who gave so much for this football club."

Regular columnist Dave Abbiss wrote in the programme of the fans' appreciation.

Supporters also gathered to sign a book of condolence opened by the club in the ground's main reception before the match.

Lifelong Forest fan Mr Doughty had invested more than £75 million into the club since saving it from administration in 1999.

An inquest opening in Lincoln last week heard that he is believed to have died from natural causes.