Football: Clough given backing

BRIAN CLOUGH was given a vote of confidence by Fred Reacher, the Nottingham Forest chairman, last night, in response to reports that the board were seeking the dismissal of their veteran manager.

Chris Wootton, a Forest director, has been linked with efforts to have Clough removed, bringing an end to his 18-year reign at the City Ground.

However, Reacher said: 'Brian is manager of this club and is under contract with us until the end of next season.'