TRIBUTES have flooded in to Barbara Clough, the wife of legendary Rams manager Brian, who has died.
Mrs Clough passed away on Saturday, aged 75, her family have confirmed.
A family statement released by her three children, Nigel, Simon and Elizabeth, read: "Our Mum sadly passed away on Saturday evening after a short illness. She will be greatly missed by everyone.
"Our thanks go to the staff at the Royal Derby Hospital, especially those in the Nightingale Macmillan Unit.
"It is a sad time for the family and we would appreciate if our privacy could be respected at this time."
The Rams issued a statement which said: "Derby County Football Club has been saddened to learn of the passing of Barbara Clough.
"She was a hugely-respected figure within the club and the wider community, and her contribution to the success of Derby County should not be underestimated.
"The club will offer its full support to her children, Nigel, Simon and Elizabeth, and their families, at this difficult time.
The news of Mrs Clough's death comes only two months after Lilian Taylor, the wife of Cloughie's right-hand man, Peter Taylor, died at the age of 84. While with the Rams, the iconic management team guided the club to the Championship in 1971/72.
Wendy Dickinson, the daughter of Peter and Lilian Taylor, said: "Neither Dad nor Brian could have achieved the incredible success they had in football without the tremendous and unwavering support they got from Mum and Barbara.
"I know that Barbara and Mum had a deep connection because of the early days when Dad and Brian were starting their careers together in football management.
"We lived around the corner from each other in Hartlepool on a new estate at the very beginning and their careers grew together, as did their families.
"I did not expect to hear such sad news so close to Mum passing away, which still hits me hard.
"I know what Nigel, Simon and Elizabeth must be going through and my heartfelt condolences go out to them."
At the time of their Rams success, the Clough family made their home in Quarndon where they stayed for many years. Derby property developer Don Prime lived two doors away.
He said: "My sincerest condolences go to the family it is very, very sad news. I would say Brian was a very lucky man to have the total support of Barbara who was very much the person in the background in comparison to him.
"I would see her in the village and she would always talk to you.
"Barbara was a thoroughly delightful lady, I cannot speak highly enough of her."
Striker John O'Hare played under the duo during the glory years of the 1970s at the Baseball Ground. He said: "It is very sad news, Barbara was a lovely lady.
"Brian was the larger-than-life character and she was the homemaker in the background. She would come to some games, bringing the children with her, but she was definitely the quiet one of the two of them.
"My condolences go to her children Nigel, Simon, Elizabeth and all of the family."
Another former Rams striker from the 1970s, Roger Davies, said: "I think at time like this football comes second. My sincere condolences go to Nigel, Simon and Elizabeth.
"Barbara was always very approachable and you had exactly the same respect for her as you did for Brian.
"She wasn't Brian's wife, she was Mrs Clough and she had this wonderful endearing personality."
