More than �45,000 has been raised so far

His widow Barbara Clough was joined by former Nottingham Forest stars at the event at Nottingham's council house.

Clough, who managed two European Cup winning sides at Nottingham and led Derby County to a Division One championship, died in 2004.

The fund-raisers need to find a further �15,000 to reach their target of �60,000.

251 goals

Mrs Clough was presented with a framed tribute from Sir Terry Wogan, one of her husband's favourite radio presenters.

Former Forest player Stuart Pearce, Bolton manager Sam Allardyce and BBC Match of the Day's Gary Lineker also supported the event.

Chairman of the statue fund Paul Ellis said: "It was an unforgettable evening which has given the fund a huge boost.

"We are so pleased that members of the Clough family could attend and made it all such a special night."

The fund is supported and administered by Nottingham City Council and Nottingham Forest FC.