Football fans want to name the road in memory of their hero

The Department of Transport says changing the road signs to include the tribute would confuse drivers.

It said it understood how many fans feel about Brian Clough, who coached Nottingham Forest and Derby County.

But too many words on a sign could prove difficult to read and could lead to an accident.

One fan, Dave Coxon from Beeston, Nottingham said: "By naming the A52 by a name I do not think it would confuse in the slightest.

"I did a bit of research and I've found Sir Matt Busby Way, Sir Alf Ramsey Way and Sir Tom Finney Way.

"I've no idea what size roads they are but they're all pretty famous footballers and managers, so why not?"

It's very disappointing... It sounds to me as though somebody is misunderstanding what is required Andy Taylor, fan

In a statement officials said: "We're not against the idea of renaming the road and we understand the strength of local feeling on the matter."

But they said it would be against national policy to add an extra board to the route signs.

"The reason is that too many words on a sign can be confusing, and it takes longer for drivers to read.

"This could lead to an accident."

Andy Taylor in Chilwell, Nottingham, said: "It's very disappointing.

"It sounds to me as though somebody is misunderstanding what is required.

"We don't need to alter any existing signs, it just needs the presently unnamed stretch of road to actually have some street signs placed there."