READERS of the Derby Telegraph have inundated us with tributes to the late Barbara Clough.
Thousands of web users visited www.derbytelegraph. co.uk when we broke the news on Wednesday afternoon that the wife of the legendary Rams manager Brian had passed away.
Scores left comments of condolences to the current Derby County manager Nigel, his brother, Simon, and sister Elizabeth about the loss of their mother.
In a brief statement on Wednesday, the family revealed that Mrs Clough had died on Saturday evening following a short illness at the age of 75.
One of the first people to comment on our Facebook page was Warren Elkes.
He posted: "RIP Barbara, behind every great man is a great women."
Lisa Clark posted a message that read: "RIP Mrs C, reunited with Brian – thoughts are with your family."
Rob Banner said: "Lived round the corner as a kid, best second mum I ever had."
Mrs Clough's death comes only two months after Lilian Taylor, the wife of Cloughie's right-hand man, Peter Taylor, passed away.
The two wives were reunited at a ceremony at Pride Park Stadium in August 2010 when a statue of their footballing husbands was unveiled.
Wendy Dickinson, the daughter of Peter and Mrs Taylor, recalled growing up in Hartlepool when Cloughie and her father started their managerial careers.
She said: "Imagine living with two men like Brian and Dad, who were so driven.
"I think we must have had something like 24 homes during Dad's time in football – but Brian and Barbara chose Derby as their home, which shows how important family life was to them. Barbara was a lovely, lovely woman and I will miss her greatly."
Tribute messages to Mrs Clough soared at www. derbytelegraph.co.uk.
JohnZFish posted a message that read: "Sincere condolences to all family and friends. Everything I have seen or heard about her suggests she was a great lady."
JayKay8 said: "RIP the lady behind the legend!"
Another poster, bolder15, said: "Very sad day for all Derby County fans, my sincerest condolences to the Clough family, especially Nigel and his siblings. All DCFC's fans thoughts are with them at this sad time.
"RIP Barbara, 'you can join Brian now in heaven beside him in his new kingdom'."
RamblerD left a message that read: "Barbara Clough is simply a legend in her own right, the silent and steady rock that gave Brian and Peter the support and strength for their fabulous football achievements.
"I met her only briefly, on the day that Brian and Peter's statue was unveiled at Pride Park Stadium, but she was such a pleasant and friendly person, clearly loved by all who knew her."
Clough and Taylor were at the helm at the Baseball Ground during the most successful period in the club's history.
