Local rivals Derby and Notts County have paid tribute to Nottingham Forest owner Nigel Doughty, who died at the weekend.

Doughty is thought to have been found dead in the gym at his home in Lincolnshire on Saturday morning.

Doughty, a lifelong Forest fan, is thought to have been found dead in the gym at his home in Lincolnshire on Saturday morning.

The 54-year-old stepped down as chairman at the City Ground in October after a decade in the job following the sacking of former England manager Steve McClaren. He was replaced in the role by former Forest player and manager Frank Clark.

Doughty, who saved the Reds from administration when he bought the club for £11million in 1999, has invested almost £100million of his personal fortune in the club.

Derby and Forest players were due to wear black armbands in memory of the 54-year-old in Sunday's Championship clash between the two clubs. 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 is the second highest scorer in the club's history with 131 goals. His father, Brian, managed the Reds for 18 years and guided them to a Football League Championship 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 Clough. "There was absolutely no doubting his commitment and passion for Nottingham Forest throughout his time as owner and he will be deeply missed."

Derby 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."

Notts County have joined their local rivals in paying tribute to the former Nottingham Forest owner Nigel Doughty.

"Notts County were deeply saddened to learn over the weekend of the tragic passing of Nottingham Forest owner Nigel Doughty," the club said via a statement on its official website. "As an active member of the local community, Nigel Doughty contributed a great deal to the rich sporting culture of Nottingham and the surrounding area and he will be greatly missed by all that knew him and who benefited from his generosity and support.

"The club would like to pass on our sincere condolences to Mr Doughty's family and friends at this difficult time."