AOB: NCBA no more?

If you believe what you read on the internet (and why wouldn't you?) Nigel Clough's Burton Albion are to become Nigel Clough's former club Burton Albion in the next day or two, with their illustrious boss set to be named as manager of Championship side Derby County.

Obviously from a United perspective I regard this as good news, as it will hopefully facilitate a spectacular implosion from the Brewers, leaving the way clear for Gary Brabin's men to make a last minute title charge. Or something.

But I have to wonder why on earth Derby would think it's a good idea to appoint a bloke who has never managed in the league before and has just one promotion on his CV in ten years as a manager. It's also probably fair to say that, before his club made around £1million by drawing Man Utd in the FA Cup a few years back, they weren't among the leading lights in the Conference.

As I've said on here before, I'm all for managers from the lower leagues getting their chance, but clearly Clough is getting this job because of his last name, rather than because he has "served his apprenticeship" in the minor divisions. Paul Ince's appointment at Blackburn came about in similar circumstances, and he was soon shown to be out of his depth at the top level.

I have no particular axe to grind with Clough (apart from that he's a miserable git), but it's unrealistic to make expect a manager to make such a massive jump and be an overnight success. I hope the Derby board are prepared to give him time to adapt to his new environment, rather than expect instant miracles just because of who his Dad was.