Rather than shy away from comparisons with a man who won the league title for the midlands outfit and took them to a European Cup semi-final before walking out in a fit of pique following a string of rows with then chairman Sam Longson, Clough is meeting them head on.

As pictures of Brian Clough in his Derby days have always adorned the walls at home, Nigel cannot see what problem images of his dad staring down at him at work could cause.

And he made it quite plain he is happy if supporters continue to think of him as his father's son rather than an individual in his own right. After all, who could ask for anyone better to be their role model?

"I am not shying away from what my dad did. It is something to embrace," said Clough.

"I looked at all the photos here but I have got them all at home so it will be no different.

"What dad achieved at Derby is a nice thing not a negative.

"It might be 35 years ago but supporters talk about it as though it was yesterday. Many of them are affiliated with the club because of those days.

"And I don't think people will ever think of me as something other than dad's son. In some ways I hope they don't because would mean they have forgotten about him."

Such a scenario is unlikely to arise, even more so now Clough has been appointed as the past is an inescapable part of his life.

He spoke to his mum before taking the job and had a long chat with his family, as Brian himself did as he agonised over a return to Derby three decades ago.

"We sat down and took the emotion out of the situation, which was not easy," said Clough.

"I spoke to mum but she is more concerned with the grandchildren than anything else.

"Dad did say never go back but I also know he was very tempted because he felt there was unfinished business here. If it had been five or 10 years further on, the chairman would have gone instead of him."

Clough snr is sadly not around to offer any advice. What he would make of the turn of events is something Nigel has thought about, although he did not come up with any conclusions.

"The question has come up a bit in the last week and the truth is I have not got the foggiest," he said.

"He would probably have said 'don't be so stupid'.

"I hope it would have been a positive response but I just wish he was around for a bit of advice."

Clough's family will remain an integral part of his life and will not be sidelined for any job.

Indeed, he managed to fit in the school run and a trip to the supermarket alongside his professional duties before being officially unveiled at Pride Park on Wednesday evening.

He will take charge of training for the first time on Thursday, finally assuming control over a fully professional squad after his experiences at Burton, where he has built such a reputation over the past decade at the part-time club.

A point at Cardiff on Saturday would be very handy to start with. But maybe only his dad's infamous sense of humour could have paired Derby with Nottingham Forest, who apart from the family link are now managed by former Rams boss Billy Davies, in the FA Cup.

"Somebody upstairs was a bit mischievous when they pulled those balls out," smiled Clough.