Clough joined Nottingham Forest in 1975

Clough, 69, former Nottingham Forest and Derby County boss, died on Monday of stomach cancer.

Taylor said Clough was a maverick who did things his way - and rode that style to success.

Former Forest player Trevor Francis said: "He was a great man and a great manager."

Former Derby County captain Dave Mackay lauded Clough as a "one-off".

Sad day

"His team talks could be quite ferocious but he was unique - a brilliant manager who was respected by everyone who played under him," Mackay said.

"Lots and lots of former players have tried to follow his style in management but nobody could get anywhere near him. Nobody was like Brian Clough.

"It is a sad day for the game and he will be badly missed."

Brian Clough was a freeman of Nottingham and Derby

One fan wrote to a BBC message board to state: "A man who deserved to be knighted but always overlooked.

"He will live on in the hearts of Forest fans forever, thanks for all the memories Brian - God bless you sir!"

Forest supporters club chairman Paul Ellis said: "Clough managed to stamp his unique style on the whole of the football club.

"There will never be another Brian Clough. Wherever you go in the world people talk about two things with Nottingham, Robin Hood and Brian Clough.

"He was the best manager there was because he took teams that were not fashionable and achieved the biggest honours.

Former Forest player Gary Birtles said: "He was just unbelievable in management and in life.

Liver transplant

"He was one of those characters who would walk into a room and there would be an immediate hush.

"He was one of those guys you were in awe of.

"We thought he was indestructible."

Clough, who died at Derby City hospital, had been suffering from stomach cancer which developed after a successful liver transplant.

"He's probably the greatest manager of all time and it's so sad, not just for Forest supporters, ex-players, but for football in general."

A book of condolence has been opened at the Council House in the Old Market Square in Nottingham - the scene of Forest's double European cup winning parades 25 years ago.