Families consoled one another over the loss they all feel

Hundreds of mourning supporters wore special green sweatshirts which were synonomous with Clough.

The civic tribute was held to honour the region's sporting hero with large screens showing clips of some of his famous football matches.

Along with footballing celebrities over 2,000 fans observed a minute's silence.

Civic dignitaries representing Nottingham and Derby - the cities where Clough managed local sides Derby County and Nottingham Forest - joined footballing names from Forest's European Cup winning sides and current team members.

'Respect authority'

John McGovern, who captained Forest during their glory years, told the crowd: "The last time I stood on this balcony we brought back a very large gold cup from Europe.

"Brian was a teacher, he taught players how to pass the ball, and told them to keep the ball on the floor and to respect authority.

"He was one of the greatest teachers of players the game has ever seen.

"If I ever need memories of Brian I just have to look at my medal cabinet - it's full of them."

Clough, who passed away on Monday at the age of 69 after suffering from stomach cancer, was also a prolific striker - until injury forced him out of the game.

But it is his managerial success - and eccentric style - which he is best remembered for.

Gary Riley travelled with his two children, Christina 15, and Marco, 11, from Ilkeston, Derbyshire to attend the service.

Many people had brought flowers for their hero

He said: "We just had to get down here to pay some respects to a great man.

"He was a football legend and we had to come and pay our respects to a football genius.

"We've got some fantastic memories - there'll not be another Brian Clough."

Daughter Christina added: "It's a special day, you can see from the number of people here that he was special despite what some people thought of him off the pitch."

Generations of football supporters packed the Old Market Square to remember 'Cloughie'.

Many shoppers also stopped to pay their respects.

Carol Barrett, has lived in Nottingham all her life and used to be a Nottingham Forest shareholder.

Standing away from the crowd and clearly emotional she told BBC News Online: "If it hadn't been for Brian I would never have been a football supporter.

"He was unique, when he walked in a room everyone had respect for him.

"He taught footballers to play the way it should be played."

Brian Clough had success in Derby and Nottingham

After the service, Nottingham Forest continued the tribute with a parade of the many trophies won by Brian Clough.

One family making their way down to the team's game against West Ham at the City Ground were the Cope's from Jacksdale in Nottingham.

Albert Cope, 67, brought daughter, Michelle, 41 and grandson Jordan, aged eight, to watch the commemorative films and remember their hero.

Albert said: "It was appropriate, he did a lot for Nottingham and he brought me a lot of good memories in my teenage years.

"I'd like a memorial in the Square to him.

"The naming of the A52 after him is a good idea as it's the only thing apart from Brian that'll ever link us (Nottingham and Derby)."