DERBY County have paid tribute to Nottingham Forest owner Nigel Doughty, who died over the weekend.

The 54-year-old was found dead in the gym at his home in Lincolnshire on Saturday morning.

Doughty bought Forest for £11m in 1999, saving the Reds from administration, and invested more than £75m in the club in an effort to secure a return to the Premier League.

He stepped down as chairman in October following the sacking of boss Steve McClaren and was replaced in the role by former Forest player and manager Frank Clark.

Derby and Forest players were due to wear black armbands in memory of Doughty in yesterday's Championship clash between the two arch rivals.

However, the fixture was postponed on safety grounds following heavy snow on Saturday night.

Rams manager Nigel Clough made more than 400 appearances for Forest as a player and he is the second highest scorer in the club's history with 131 goals.

His father, Brian, managed Forest for 18 years and guided them to a League Championship success and two European Cup triumphs.

"We are shocked and saddened to learn of this news and our hearts go out to the family of Nigel Doughty," said the Derby boss.

"There was absolutely no doubting his commitment and passion for Nottingham Forest throughout his time as owner and he will be deeply missed."

Rams chief executive Tom Glick added: "It is extremely sad to learn of the passing of Nigel Doughty and the deepest condolences of everyone connected with Derby County Football Club go to his family and friends at this very difficult time.

"I had the pleasure of Nigel's company on various occasions over the course of the last four years and his love and passion for Nottingham Forest shone through every single time.

"He was a lifelong supporter of Nottingham Forest and, for around more than a decade, funded the club, putting a massive amount of money into the club.

"But more than that, he was a lovely man and, at 54, still a very young man."

Labour leader Ed Miliband also paid tribute to Doughty, a long-time supporter of the party.

Miliband spoke of his shock after hearing the news and wrote on social networking site Twitter: "I am shocked and saddened to hear of Nigel Doughty's death.

"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."

Police say there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding Doughty's death and have passed the matter on to the coroner.