Nottingham Forest owner Nigel Doughty found dead

grenache

Surprised no mention of this yet.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/16890236

Nottingham Forest owner Nigel Doughty has been found dead in the gym at his home in Skillington, Lincolnshire.

In October, Doughty, 54, announced he would be stepping down as Forest chairman at the end of the season. He bought the club in 1999 for £11m, saving them from administration, and took over as chairman from Eric Barnes three years later. The life-long Forest fan is estimated to have invested more than £100m of his personal fortune into the club.

Tributes have been paid to Doughty by sporting figures, including England cricketer Stuart Broad who called him a "lovely man", as well as by Labour leader Ed Miliband and former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, to whose party Doughty was a major donor. Brown mourned a "gentle giant" and said Doughty would be missed by people "who never knew him or met him but were beneficiaries of his commitment to good causes".

During his 10 years at the City Ground, Forest won promotion back to the Championship in 2008, three years after their relegation to League One, and under manager Billy Davies reached the play-offs in each of the last two seasons. Despite their play-off finish, Doughty sacked Billy Davies as boss in the summer and appointed former England manager Steve McClaren in his place.

But McClaren resigned in October, reportedly frustrated at the financial constraints placed upon him. Doughty stated his intention to step down as chairman on the same day, and said he took full responsibility for the failure of McClaren's tenure. "It was a very poor decision on my behalf to appoint him," he told BBC Radio Nottingham, "I felt it was appropriate I take some responsibility.
"It has obviously not worked out. It has just been a bad decision in every way, shape and form - both for Steve McClaren and myself." He estimated his yearly outlay to ensure Forest's survival at around £12m, but added that he intended to remain the club's owner.

Doughty, who was on Labour's board of assistant treasurers and last year led a taskforce on small business for a policy review, was described by party leader Miliband as "a kind and generous man".
He said: "I am shocked and saddened to hear of Nigel Doughty's death. I was with him only a week ago and he was full of life, enthusiasm and vigour.

"He was a kind, generous man with a deep desire to make the world a better place. My heart goes out to his wife Lucy and his children. We mourn his death deeply and will sorely miss him."
Former Prime Minister Brown added: "Nigel Doughty will be remembered as a gentle giant, a good, soft-spoken man with a deep commitment to public service who, from his great success in business, became one of our country's most generous benefactors. "For all his life, he was loyal to all the causes that he had grown up with - his love for his team Nottingham Forest, the Labour Party and charitable causes that benefited from his generosity.
"He will be mourned by many who never knew him or met him but were beneficiaries of his commitment to good causes."

Tributes from the sporting community have also been paid on Twitter. Forest striker Dexter Blackstock tweeted: "I can't believe what I've just heard. Thoughts with nigel doughty family #rip". Midfielder Garath McCleary also paid tribute, saying: "Nigel Doughty has done so much for nottingham forest, which sometimes was not best appreciated. Thoughts go to his family. #rip"
England and Nottinghamshire cricketer and Forest fan Broad also paid his respects on Twitter. "Very sad Nigel Doughty has died. Lovely man and did a huge amount for Forest. RIP."

Forest, currently in the Championship relegation zone, are due to visit East Midlands rivals Derby County on Sunday at 1215 GMT.

My sympathies go out to his family. I like most Forest fans was highly critical of him in recent years, but he did save us from going out of business and has left the club almost debt free, unlike many other clubs in the PL or Championship. At heart he was a decent man, and it's a tragedy for all concerned.

A huge area of uncertainty lies ahead for the club as he was it's main benefactor.

monkey9

It's not really that much of an interest, is it? Sad news as it is and all!!

grenache

monkey9 wrote: »

It's not really that much of an interest, is it? Sad news as it is and all!!

My apologies, i forgot this was the Manchester United/Liverpool forum. :rolleyes:

The_Kew_Tour

Only just heard it on here:( really sad news.

he took a great deal of interest in Notts Forest reserves and youth teams even before he took over.

Had the pleasure of meeting him. Nothing but positive things I could say about him

RIP.

grenache

The_Kew_Tour wrote: »

Only just heard it on here:( really sad news.

he took a great deal of interest in Notts Forest reserves and youth teams even before he took over.

Had the pleasure of meeting him. Nothing but positive things I could say about him

RIP.

Yep, he put in place a brillant academy, one of the best and most modern in the UK. He tried to make us self sufficient, as was his policy to the end.

monkey9

grenache wrote: »

My apologies, i forgot this was the Manchester United/Liverpool forum. :rolleyes:

You said you were surprised that it didn't get a mention. I'm saying, it's not that much of a surprise!! That's all!

grenache

monkey9 wrote: »

You said you were surprised that it didn't get a mention. I'm saying, it's not that much of a surprise!! That's all!

Two things. Before i lose my temper and get myself banned.

1. If you're not interested in it, don't comment.
2. A generous community man has just died leaving a wife and two children, if it doesn't interest you, then fine, just jog on, and have some respect.

grenache

A beautifully written article on Mr Doughty's selfless activities....

http://www.leftlion.co.uk/articles.cfm/title/nigel-doughty--1957-2012/id/4268

monkey9

grenache wrote: »

Two things. Before i lose my temper and get myself banned.

1. If you're not interested in it, don't comment.
2. A generous community man has just died leaving a wife and two children, if it doesn't interest you, then fine, just jog on, and have some respect.

Fair enough, cue a load of RIP posts. That's as far as this thread will extend to.

But you're right, a man has died, leaving a family behind. You're probably a Forest fan yourself so i apologise for offending you. And yes, i'm sure i shoudn't have commented!

Apologies once again!!

M5

Jasus, some ppl...:eek:

Terrible news for Forest especially considering the position they are in presently. A genuine fan who pumped loads of his own money into the club i hear....

Dave!

How did he die? Doesn't seem to say, unless I'm missing it...

Crazy Horse 6

Terrible news that R.I.P.

grenache

Dave! wrote: »

How did he die? Doesn't seem to say, unless I'm missing it...

How he died has not yet been disclosed. He and his wife hosted a party at their house the night before. It's presumed he died of natural causes, given that he was found by his wife in their gym, and not by suicide as is being rumoured on some sites.


*Interesting side note on Nigel Doughty - his company Doughty Hanson owns TV3.

Grid.

Sad news, did a lot for Forest! R.I.P

Brussels Sprout

grenache wrote: »

*Interesting side note on Nigel Doughty - his company Doughty Hanson owns TV3.

Doesn't Denis O' Brien own TV3?

grenache

Brussels Sprout wrote: »

Doesn't Denis O' Brien own TV3?

hmmm, you could be right. I know Doughty Hanson bought it from Granada (ITV) in 2008. But as you say, O Brien could have since bought it.

Dave147

monkey9 stop digging that hole for yourself.

RIP, only a couple years younger than my own father, shot of reality there.