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Statue in Reds Shirt

The Brian Clough statue in Nottingham has been given a new look - it was dressed in the latest shirt from Nottingham Forest, the club where the Great Man won two European Cups. Forest stars Lee Camp and Chris Cohen were there to unveil the new strip and spoke exclusively to this website as part of a special video about the event.

Commenting on the statue, unveiled by Mrs Clough in November 2008, Camp told this website: "It's a fitting tribute to the man and for what he achieved for this city." Asked about the sculpture dressed in the Forest shirt, Camp added: "I am sure he would be pleased to be wearing it. Nottingham Forest were obviously a big part of his life and I am sure he would be immensely proud."


Photograhers and TV cameras captured the moment when the statue was unveiled wearing the red shirt. Both players posed alongside the bronze sculpture for photo's and signed autographs. Chris Cohen told this website: "It's a fitting tribute to Nottingham's most famous man." You can see an exclusive video of the event HERE. There are photo's from the event HERE.


BBC TV Doc

Television audience figures show that more than two million people watched a BBC documentary reflecting on Cloughie's career. Entitled 'Brian Clough - The Best Manager England Never Had?' it was largely a re-production of many previous interviews with family members and former colleagues, plus a wide range of archive material of the Great Man himself.

Among the new content was an interview with the BBC commentator, Barry Davies, who interviewed Cloughie after his final first team match at the City Ground back in 1993. Looking back at the times he had met Brian, Barry commented: "Time in his company would be provoking, interesting and fun - and I think I'm a better person for having known him."

The programme, broadcast on BBC Two on July 18th, 2010, also featured the Brian Clough statue in Nottingham several times and an interview with Barbara Clough which was conducted especially for the statue unveiling in 2008. In the final scenes, the statue is shown while Mrs Clough comments: "He used to say 'I hope I've contributed and I hope somebody liked me' - I think a lot of people did."


Praise from Shilton

The former World Cup goalkeeper Peter Shilton has paid tribute to Brian Clough. In an exclusive video interview for this website, the ex-England stopper said he enjoyed 'the best years' working with the Master Manager.

Shilton won two European Cups while playing for Cloughie at Nottingham Forest. He described Brian as a tremendous personality to work for. "He could be tough, but he could also be very understanding and I think you need that in order to be a successful manager," said Shilton.

He also respected the Master Master's man management. "It didn't matter whether you were one of the star players in the club, or whether you were the tea-lady, everybody was treated the same. There were no particular stars and everybody got on and did the job they were paid to do and that's very important." You can watch the video HERE.


Date For Statue

A date has been set for the unveiling of the long-awaited tribute to Brian Clough in Derby. A special ceremony involving family members and VIP's will be held on Friday August 27th, 2010, at Derby County's Pride Park stadium. But fans are being invited to a separate event the next day before the Rams' home game against Queens Park Rangers.

The sculpture of the Great Man, alongside his assistant Peter Taylor, stands nine-feet high. It will be placed on a ten-feet high concrete plinth outside the ground. The £125,000 scheme has been funded through business sponsorship, unlike previous statue projects in Middlesbrough and Nottingham, where fans were inspired to launch successful fund-raising campaigns involving a range of special events.

Brian's son Nigel commented: "The whole project looks magnificent and has gone beyond being just a statue. I believe it will become a key landmark for Derby." Read about the plans for the unveiling and the companies involved in the project HERE.


Twitter Competition

Entries are still coming in for our latest competition. The prize is a signed copy of the Brian Clough tribute book 'Young Man, You've Made My Day'. The book, which has a foreword by Barbara Clough, will be signed by the author, Marcus Alton. Just name your favourite Cloughie international player and tweet us at our page on twitter.

The competition will run for the duration of the World Cup and only entries via twitter will be considered for this competition. All those entries will be put into a draw to win the signed book. More details HERE. Suggestions received through 'Direct Messages' on twitter include Peter Shilton, Stuart Pearce and Roy Keane.


World Cup Glory

Designers have created a special picture of Brian Clough especially for the World Cup. The image shows Cloughie being held shoulder-high as he grasps the World Cup trophy, suggesting what could have been achieved if the Master Manager had become England boss.


The picture, which is featured on the front cover of the Nottingham-based Left Lion magazine, was produced by artists at the design company seismik.co.uk. With their kind permission, a close-up version has been re-produced on the home page of this website.


Statue Update

The unveiling of the latest statue in tribute to Brian Clough has now been put back to August. It had originally been hoped that the sculpture in Derby would be unveiled in July, but sources close to the project say there'll be an unveiling ceremony during the following month.

Derby County are still hoping fans will contribute towards the cost of the £125,000 statue, which will also feature Cloughie's assistant Peter Taylor. The pair enjoyed their first major success together at Derby, where Taylor ended his career after leaving Nottingham Forest. The statue follows successful Clough statue projects in Nottingham and Middlesbrough, where fans raised thousands of pounds for the sculptures.


Video Interview

Former England international Roy McFarland has paid a special tribute to Brian Clough. In an exclusive video interview for this website, the former Cloughie player says working with the Great Man for six years was the best time in his career.

"The minute I signed for him, he drew an unbelievable picture of what would happen with my career," said McFarland. "I had absolutely no idea that what he was saying would happen and it did happen for me. I did play for England and we did have success." Watch the video HERE.


European Memories

A former Cloughie player has described how Brian took his players away on holiday to prepare them for the European Cup final exactly thirty years ago. Gary Mills was still a teenager when he played in the Forest side which beat Hamburg to retain the cup.

Said Mills (May, 2010): "Even by the age of 18, I had my eyes opened to his unusual methods and this time the squad spent a week away in Cala Millor, Majorca. We partied for a week. We didn't do any training. The idea was that it would relax us. And it worked." Read more memories on the Daily Mail website.


Quote Me On That

Brian Clough fans say a national newspaper made a big mistake when it failed to give a famous Cloughie quote the recognition it deserved. The Daily Mail website published its Top 50 managerial quotes - but Cloughie finished third, behind a quote containing bad language from Alex Ferguson.

Cloughie's quote was the unrivalled: "I wouldn't say I was the best manager in the business. But I was in the top one." It was originally highlighted by this website from a regional TV interview conducted after Brian retired. One fan said: "Everyone knows Cloughie produced the best quotes of all time. I can't believe they chose Ferguson's words above them. The Scotsman's quote relies on bad language, which I suppose says it all really." Another fan commented: "They may not have put Cloughie's quote at the top of their list, but it should certainly be in the top one."


A Clough Lesson

Cloughie's former right-back Viv Anderson has described another classic anecdote involving the Great Man. Anderson, who became the first black footballer to be capped by England, remembers how Brian taught him not to be defeated by racists - getting the message across in his own special way.

Anderson describes how he was warming-up as a substitute along the touchline at Carlisle in the mid-70's. Racists were throwing fruit at him and he retreated to the dug-out to take his place next to Clough. 'I thought I told you to warm-up,' said the manager. 'I have done, boss,' replied Anderson. 'But they're throwing bananas, apples and pears at me.' Clough stared back. 'Well, get your **** back out there then and fetch me two pears and a banana!'

Anderson reflects (Daily Mail, April 2010): "It was Cloughie's way of having a bit of fun with what was a racist act. But he also meant that there was no point me sitting next to him cowering. He pulled me over afterwards and said, 'If you let people like that dictate to you, I'm going to pick somebody else because you're going to be worrying about what the fans are going to say.' I was 19. After that, I made sure there was nothing, whatever people shouted, that would have a bearing on what I did."


Brian's Number One

A former Cloughie player says Brian was a better manager than Alex Ferguson. Viv Anderson played for both bosses during an impressive career in which he became the first black player to be capped for England.

Anderson won consecutive European Cups with Cloughie before becoming Ferguson's first signing at Manchester United after he decided to leave Arsenal. He says both managers had great self-belief, but Cloughie was the best (reports The Sun newspaper, April 2010).

He said: "I would just take Brian Clough because he won back-to-back European Cups with a club that had average gates of 19,000 and was going nowhere when he arrived."


Nigel's Book Case

Cloughie's son Nigel has revealed he's never read a book about his Dad. In an interview with The Times (April 2010) Nigel explains why: "Well, first of all because it upsets you and you can't do anything about it and a lot of the stuff is plainly untrue.

"It's like 'The Damned United' ... the number of people who have said, 'Oh, I've seen that film about your Dad, it was great' — as if we've contributed or collaborated with the film in some way. And I say, 'Well, you do realise it's all complete fiction. The person who wrote it never met my dad in his life!' So it's just these misconceptions."

Nigel also speaks about how his family still miss Brian immensely. Asked for his fondest memory, he responds: "The last few years with the grandchildren, that's the bit you miss, not the football stuff — that's inconsequential in the greater scheme of things. They [the grandchildren] miss him and still talk about him. It's very hard . . ." His voice cracks with emotion. "We went down and put some flowers on a plaque in the village church where we live [a few weeks ago]. It was his birthday. He would have been 75."


Keane's Tribute

Former Cloughie player Roy Keane says the Great Man's presence can still be felt around Nottingham Forest's City Ground. Keane's career in English football was launched by Clough - and the Irishman is full of praise for his former boss, describing him once again as a genius.

Keane was speaking ahead of his Ipswich side's visit to the City Ground (April 2010). "I went back before with Sunderland and I could feel the man in the building, especially when I walked into the dressing room area," said Keane during a news conference.

Keane says he loved his three years working with Clough. "A brilliant, brilliant manager. The man was a genius. He was good to me, good to my family, he never lied to me, he treated me with respect and gave me time off when I was homesick. He didn’t give me too much money early on, he was clever like that, a clever, clever man. He knew his football and on top of that he had good coaching staff."

The Blues boss says Clough didn’t overcomplicate the game. "What I remember most about him was how he kept it simple. But maybe that was just with me because he felt that was all I could understand! Before my debut at Liverpool he said, 'All I want you to do is pass to a red shirt,' we were playing in red that day. I said, 'I think I can do that' and I did it for the next 17 or 18 years, passing and moving."

Keane added: "You look what Brian Clough achieved and it's scary. Winning the European Cup back to back with a club like Forest, unbelievable. I don’t think we'll ever appreciate what the man did."


Moore Memories

Archive footage has been released showing Cloughie making a special presentation to his friend and commentator, the late Brian Moore. Filmed after an interview in his garden, the Master Manager bursts into song to express his admiration of Moore.

Speaking to the camera, Cloughie says he feels like Michael Aspel on This is Your Life as he carries the surprise present of a huge framed cartoon of Moore which is surrounded by the signatures of some of the big names in football, including Sir Stanley Matthews and Tommy Lawton.

Describing Moore, Clough says: "He's survived in the game, a hard game, for so long it's incredible - the reason he's survived is he's a charming man and what's more important, he's good at his job." As he presents the gift to his friend, Clough sings, "Wonderful, marvellous, that you should care for me..." And later adds: "You're the only commentator that Barbara can listen to without getting irritated." Watch the classic video clip on the Dailymotion website HERE.


The Number One

TV sports presenter Gary Newbon has paid tribute to Cloughie in an exclusive interview for this website. Gary describes the Master Manager as his 'Number One' interviewee during 42 years working in television. "I never knew what was gong to happen on the interviews, but I knew he was going to have a fantastic impact," he says.

Gary also reveals that after he came out of hospital following a serious illness, the first letter he opened was a handwritten note from Cloughie. "I've got that framed - it was something special," he says. You can watch the video of Gary HERE.


Signed Book

Our latest competition gives you the chance to win a signed book. Cloughie's former Chief Scout, Maurice Edwards, has written the inside story of working with the Great Man - and has signed our competition prize 'with best wishes.' The hardback book retails at £16.99. Enter the competition HERE.


The Real Mackay

Brian Clough's former captain, Dave Mackay, has won damages after being inaccurately portrayed in a film. Mackay was unhappy with his portrayal in the movie The Damned United, which has also been criticised by the Clough family.

The film showed Mackay breaking the players' revolt at Derby County, which had started in 1973 in an attempt to get Clough reinstated following his resignation. But Mackay had actually left the club at that time.

"They twisted it," Mackay told The Times newspaper (March 2010). "I would never have done anything that was disloyal to him (Clough). I wasn't even at Derby at that time." Former Leeds player Johnny Giles has already sued the publishers of the book over the way he was portrayed. There's more about The Panned United HERE.


Double Top

Cloughie's former Chief Scout has revealed how he beat the Great Man at darts - and Brian vowed never to play him again. "He just liked to win, that's the way he was," said Maurice Edwards in an exclusive interview for this website.

Brian and Maurice were on their way back from a scouting mission to Bournemouth when they stopped at a village pub. "Brian asked the landlord for two sets of darts, then he said to me 'I like to play for money, it makes it more interesting' - so we played for one-pound."

But what Brian didn't know was that Maurice was an accomplished darts player. "I won the first game - and then Brian said 'Right, it's double or quits, we'll play another game.'" This time, Maurice played even better and won again. "He said, 'here's your two pounds - and I'll never play you again.' And he never did. That is how much winning at anything meant to Brian."

Maurice, who worked with Clough at every club he managed, has written a fascinating book which describes exactly what happened behind the scenes while working for the Master Manager. We'll be offering a hardback copy of the book as a prize in out latest competition very soon. Read more about the book HERE.


Costa Cloughie

A Cloughie fan has sent us a tribute about the Great Man - from Costa Rica. Federico Carrera Rivas e-mailed from the Costa Rican capital San Jose. "I am a fan of English football, and wanted to give all respect to one of the greatest coaches in the world, Old Big 'Ead. Simply the best, Brian Clough. Thanks for what he gave to football. Greetings from Costa Rica." Don't forget, you can send your memories and tributes about the Master Manager, for possible publication. Find out more HERE.


Classic Footage

Vintage film footage of Cloughie's first day at Nottingham Forest has been released. It dates back to January 1975 and shows Clough shaking hands with chairman Jim Wilmer. There is then an interview with ATV's Trevor East on the City Ground pitch.

Clough tells East that the challenge facing him at Forest is not 'an overnight job' but he says the potential at the club is far greater than when he took over at Derby. "The potential is one of the most exciting parts of joining the club," he says. "They're not getting very good gates at the moment, but we hope they will improve." The footage is available to watch thanks to the Media Archive for Central England HERE. Take part in their survey to win a DVD HERE (the prize draw is not connected to this website).


Statue Update

There are hopes that Derby's long-awaited tribute to Brian Clough will be unveiled in July this year. The bronze statue will stand outside Derby County's Pride Park stadium, where officials say they're hoping fans will help to pay for the £125,000 tribute (Derby Evening Telegraph, February 2010).

The club has already commissioned Andy Edwards to make the statue, which will also feature Clough's assistant, Peter Taylor - the pair enjoyed their first major success together at Derby, where Taylor ended his career after leaving Nottingham Forest. The memorial will see them holding the league championship trophy. The project follows successful Clough statue projects in Nottingham and Middlesbrough, where fans raised thousands of pounds for the sculptures.


Mr Motivator

Former Cloughie player Brian Laws believes Martin O'Neill is the nearest the modern game can get to the management style of the Great Man. Laws says O'Neill, who was also a player under Clough, has superb motivational skills.

"If I could say anyone was close to Brian Clough's management, it would be him," said Laws, now the manager at Premiership Burnley. "He would say there is no-one near Brian Clough, he was a one-off, and I don't think he would want to be likened to him.

"But the way he sets about things and motivates his players is the key factor in their success. He is more of a self-motivator. He makes the players play out of their skins and that is something that is unique." Laws was speaking before his side's 5-2 defeat by O'Neill's Aston Villa (February, 2010).


Competition Extended

We've now extended the deadline for our latest competition, which offers a rare Cloughie prize. As part of our 10th anniversary celebrations we're giving you the chance to win a tribute book signed by the Great Man's sister Doreen and the author. So far we've had entries from around the UK and the United States. Don't miss out! Enter the competition HERE.


Spotlight on Statue

The Cloughie statue in Nottingham was dressed in a giant green sweater as part of celebrations for the city's 'Light Night' event (February 12, 2010). The green jumper was made especially for the nine-foot high bronze sculpture. The stunning figure was also lit-up in 'Cloughie green' to match his famous sweater. It's the second time the statue has donned the giant piece of clothing.


The green sweater was made by workers from the city council's community wardrobe department, who matched the colour of the jumper with one of the tribute sweatshirts sold by the city's statue fund to ensure the special garment was 'Cloughie green.' They also created the impressive green drape which was used to unveil the statue in November, 2008. The £70,000 for the statue was raised by fans. See more photo's and a new video of the statue dressed in the green jumper HERE.


New Book

A forthcoming book promises to shed more light on what it was like to work with Brian Clough. The Master Manager's Chief Scout, Maurice Edwards, has penned the book which has a foreword by TV presenter Gary Newbon. We've received a special preview copy.

Edwards worked with Clough at every club he managed. He recalls how Brian once asked a referee to stop a pre-season match, so he could watch his new signing - Roy Keane. Brian went to watch the game, in Sutton in Ashfield, and sent instructions to coach Archie Gemmill for Keane to play in midfield for the second half of the match.

Edwards explained: "The second half kicked-off without Roy Keane. Brian jumped out of his seat and shouted 'There's no Irishman!' He jumped over the low fence onto the pitch and asked the referee, Brian Saunders, to stop the game. Brian yelled to the bench, 'Young Gemmill off, Irishman get on!' (Scot Gemmill was Archie's son). Roy showed his qualities and Brian was very impressed with what he saw. After the game, Brian reminded Archie with a few choice words that when he gave orders, they were to be carried out."

This fascinating book tells the inside story of what it was like to work with the Master Manager. 'A Right Pair - 21 Years With Clough and Taylor' is published in March by DB Publishing and costs £16.99. We'll have more about the book in the coming weeks.


Trophy Match

Nigel Clough has won the trophy named in his Dad's memory. Nigel's Derby County side regained the Brian Clough Trophy after a 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest on January 30th, 2010. The trophy is the prize each time Cloughie's two former clubs play each other. There's more about the trophy HERE.


The Thumbs Up

The Master Manager would enjoy watching his former club Forest flying high in the Championship, according to Cloughie author Marcus Alton. Writing his regular column in the Reds match-day programme for the game against QPR (January, 2010) Alton wrote: "If Brian Clough is looking down on the City Ground and watching over his old club, I’m sure he’ll be quietly nodding his approval. Well, probably not quietly!

"Without a shadow of doubt, he’d enjoy the way the players pass the ball on the ground, launching swift counter-attacks, and treating the ball as their friend. He’d enjoy the fact Forest have conceded only three goals in their last eight league matches, taking the unbeaten run in the Championship to 18 games. Then he’d wag that finger and remind everyone that he led the Reds to 42 league games without defeat!" Forest's 5-0 win over QPR took the unbeaten run to 19.


Having A Laugh

A former Cloughie player has revealed how preparations for matches were so relaxed, the Master Manager even brought a comedian into the dressing room. Garry Birtles told the Sun newspaper (January, 2010) that claims Brian ruled by fear were "a load of rubbish."

"We did all our preparation during the week and, on match-days, the dressing room was totally relaxed," said Birtles. "One day he even brought comedian Frank Carson into the dressing room before a game!"


Vintage Footage

Archive footage has been released showing Cloughie making one of his key signings. It dates back to 1971 when Brian signed Colin Todd at Derby County for a club record fee of £170,000. "We see ability, class and progress," says the Master Manager.

Cloughie explains that he first spotted Todd in the youth team at Sunderland. The interviewer for ATV, Jeff Farmer, suggests that Todd could be the England captain in the 1974 World Cup. "He's got to get into our side before he gets into any England side," says Clough. Of course, Todd became an England star. The clip is available to watch thanks to the Media Archive for Central England HERE.


Exclusive Souvenirs

There's a new Cloughie souvenir on sale - to mark the 10th anniversary year of this website. Sold with Mrs Clough's approval, the limited edition key-rings are in the shape of Brian's famous green jumper and feature his signature and famous message 'Be Good' which he used to write in books, all carefully re-created in his handwriting style.

These fantastic key-rings are exclusive to this website. Each purchase will help charity, with 50p from each sale going to the Brian Clough Memorial Fund - which is run by his family and gives money to the types of good causes he supported. You'll also be helping the running costs of this non profit making website. There are also other souvenirs to buy. See them all HERE.


Big Match

Brian Clough is one of the stars in archive footage released by ITV. In the 'Big Match' DVD the Master Manager appears in the TV studio with host Brian Moore. There are various clips featuring the Great Man back in 1973.

Cloughie talks about the reports linking him with signing England's Bobby Moore and there's the vintage clip of the surprise message from his hero Muhammad Ali. Brian even offers advice to young players on how to deal with blisters on their feet. The DVD, produced by ITV Sport, is now on sale.


Special Competition

Our latest competition - the first of our 10th anniversary year - is offering a rare prize. It's a tribute book signed by Cloughie's sister Doreen and the author. Enter the competition HERE.


Labour of Love

It's emerged that Cloughie was seen as a potential ally to help Labour defeat Margaret Thatcher in the 1979 General Election. National Archive files reportedly show political advisers wanted Prime Minister Jim Callaghan to appear on TV with the Master Manager, a staunch socialist.

"Brian Clough and Marjorie Proops are possibles, (Elton John is said to be Labour, but has a complicated image)", said the recently-released briefing document. The news is contained in a series of documents from thirty years ago, now disclosed by National Archives.


Book Signing

Cloughie author Marcus Alton was signing copies of his charity tribute book at Nottingham Forest's City Ground on Saturday December 19th, 2009. The signing session was held in the Pitch Diner before the match against Preston. Marcus is giving his proceeds to the Brian Clough Memorial Fund. Read more about the book HERE.


Cloughie Key-Rings

Cloughie fans can now buy souvenir key-rings of the stunning statue in Nottingham. The metal key-rings, finished in an attractive gold colour, feature a colour picture of the bronze sculpture. They cost just £3.00 each - with 50p from each sale going to charity. Find out more about the souvenirs and how to place an order HERE.


Christmas Cards

Cloughie Christmas cards are now available to buy, helping good causes along the way. The cards feature a fantastic drawing of the statue in Nottingham. They cost just £2.00 each, with 50p from each sale going to the Brian Clough Memorial Fund. Find out more about the cards and how to place an order HERE.


Winner Announced

The winner of our latest competition has now been announced. He's John Taggart from Middlesbrough, who has received a copy of the tribute book 'Young Man, You've Made My Day' signed by author Marcus Alton and Cloughie's captain John McGovern. John answered correctly that McGovern hosted 'Clough Aid' for the statue fund in Nottingham. John e-mailed: "Thanks very much. I'll enjoy reading it because I'm an avid Cloughie fan." A new competition will be launched soon. Read more about the book HERE.


Statue Anniversary

We're marking the first anniversary of the unveiling of the Brian Clough statue in Nottingham. Mrs Clough unveiled the bronze masterpiece on November 6th, 2008, in front of more than 5,000 people who had gathered in the Old Market Square. It followed an incredible fund-raising campaign by fans. There are pictures and video footage from the big day, plus exclusive video footage of the statue being installed HERE. You can buy statue souvenirs HERE.


Deadline Closed

The deadline has now closed for our competition to win a signed book in tribute to Cloughie. 'Young Man, You've Made My Day' features a foreword written by Barbara Clough. We're giving away a copy signed by author Marcus Alton and Cloughie's captain John McGovern. Marcus' proceeds from sales are going to charity. Competition details are HERE. Read more about the book HERE.


Statue Plans

Plans for the long-awaited statue of Cloughie in Derby are taking shape. We originally reported back in March that there were hopes for a tribute at Pride Park. At last it seems there will be action as well as words. The Derby project follows successful fund-raising schemes in Nottingham and Middlesbrough. However, this time fans have not been asked to donate or choose the design.

Derby County commissioned artist Andy Edwards to produce designs for the statue, which will also feature Cloughie's assistant Peter Taylor - the pair enjoyed their first major success together at Derby, where Taylor ended his career after leaving Nottingham Forest. The bronze memorial at Pride Park will see them holding the league championship trophy. Both families have been consulted. See Nottingham's statue unveiled HERE and Middlesbrough's ceremony HERE.


Cancer Support

The Brian Clough Memorial Fund has given £2,500 to an appeal for a cancer caring centre in Nottingham. Barbara Clough has given her backing to the plans for a Maggie's centre at the City Hospital (Nottingham Evening Post, October 2009).

Said Mrs Clough: "During difficult times it's essential that the support provided by Maggie's is available to as many people as possible. We sincerely hope the Nottingham centre will become a reality." The memorial fund, which is run by Cloughie's family, has received £20,000 from the sale of replica's of the bronze statue in Nottingham. It has also received the author's proceeds from the tribute book 'Youngman, You've Made My Day.'


Birthday Surprise

Former Newcastle and Sunderland star Bob Moncur has described how Cloughie surprised him with a birthday celebration at Nottingham Forest's City Ground. Moncur told the Newcastle Chronicle (October 2009): "I remember playing there against one of Cloughie's teams and it always felt like a special place.

"One time I went there and it was my birthday and I didn't tell anybody. But just as I was about to get back on the bus, one of the staff at Forest said that 'Mr Clough wants to see you in the players' lounge.' And when I walked in he had his whole team lined up suited and booted with a glass of champagne raised, all of them in unison chirping 'happy birthday Mr Moncur.' It was a special place as I say!"


Trophy Footage

There's now special behind-the-scenes video footage of the Brian Clough Trophy alongside the European Cup at Nottingham Forest's City Ground. The coveted cup is the prize each time Cloughie's former sides, Forest and Derby, play each other. We've got photo's and the exclusive video HERE.


Paul's Cash Hope

Former Cloughie player Paul Hart says he'd like to 'do a Cloughie' and pay the bills at Portsmouth himself. The Pompey boss, who played for the Master Manager at Nottingham Forest, was interviewed by the Daily Mail about how he's coped with the south coast club's financial problems.

"If he had been faced with this situation, Cloughie would have paid the bills himself," said Hart. "I remember a time at Forest when the club was in serious trouble. I think it was the VAT man and the club was facing closure. Cloughie wrote a personal cheque to pay the bill and then went into the directors and screamed 'Don't ever put the club in that position again.' I'd love to do that but I don't have the money!"


Milestone Reached

As we mark the fifth anniversary of Cloughie's death (September 20th), it is fitting that this tribute website has now reached more than a quarter of a million hits. You can look back on the memorial service as well as the civic tribute and the unveiling of the fantastic bronze statue in Nottingham.

We'd like to thank everyone who has visited the site and sent tributes. Please continue to send them. Your memories of meeting the Great Man are also welcome (see below). We'll never forget the Master Manager.


Special Memories

If you were ever lucky enough to meet Cloughie, we'd like to hear your fond memories of being in the Great Man's company. What did he say? Did he make you laugh? Were you full of nerves? We're compiling a collection of memories from fans and some well-known names.

One of the contributions from fans will be picked at random to win a copy of the tribute book 'Young Man, You've Made My Day' signed by Barbara Clough. The author's proceeds will go to the Brian Clough Memorial Fund, which is run by his family and gives money to the types of charitable causes he supported. So, please tell us your story and get in touch HERE.


Trophy Winners

Nottingham Forest won the Brian Clough Trophy for the first time, after a 3-2 win over Derby County at the City Ground (August 29th, 2009). The cup was presented to the Reds' captain Paul McKenna. Each time Cloughie's two former sides meet, the trophy is up for grabs. There's more about the trophy HERE.


Read Twitter Updates

Brian Clough fans can now follow official brianclough.com updates on Twitter, the internet's instant messaging service. As this website celebrates its ninth anniversary, we're pleased to add this extra format for keeping in touch with all things 'Cloughie.' Follow youngman at twitter.com/1BrianClough and there will be an exclusive competition launched soon.


Documentary Nominated

ITV's documentary about Cloughie has been nominated for a national award. Simply entitled 'Clough,' the programme was originally broadcast in March. It featured exclusive interviews with his widow, Barbara, and son Nigel, along with friends and former colleagues including Geoffrey Boycott, Martin O’Neill, Roy McFarland and John McGovern.

The programme has been nominated for a Grierson Award, named after the pioneering documentary maker, John Grierson. It is included in the category for 'Most Entertaining Documentary.' Narrated by the actor Pete Postlethwaite, the programme looked at Cloughie's life and legacy - told by those who knew him best. It aimed to paint an accurate picture of the Great Man - unlike the recent cinematic depiction which has been criticised by his family. The award ceremony will be held in London on November 3rd, 2009. Read more about the documentary HERE.


Win Signed Book

The latest competition on this website is giving you the chance to win a fantastic tribute book signed by Cloughie's captain John McGovern and author Marcus Alton. The foreword of 'Young Man, You've Made My Day' has been written by Barbara Clough. The author's proceeds are going to the Brian Clough Memorial Fund. Enter the competition HERE.


Cheque For Charity

Nottingham's bronze statue of Cloughie has helped to raise thousands of pounds for good causes. The sale of hundreds of miniature replica statues of the Master Manager has raised £20,000 for the Brian Clough Memorial Fund, which is run by his family and gives money to the types of charitable causes he supported.

A cheque was handed over to Cloughie's sons Nigel and Simon at a presentation ceremony next to the bronze statue in Nottingham city centre (July, 2009). Said Nigel: "It's an absolutely tremendous achievement to raise this money through the sale of the little statues. It'll go to good causes in the East Midlands."

Pictured below at the cheque presentation are, left to right, statue fund chairman Paul Ellis, Nigel and Simon Clough, city council leader Jon Collins and Keith Daniell of The Media Group.

Cheque Presentation


The limited edition miniature figures, made from resin, were designed by Les Johnson, the world-renowned sculptor who made the impressive nine-feet high bronze statue which was unveiled by Barbara Clough in Nottingham last November. That statue, costing £70,000, was paid for by fans who set-up a fund raising campaign, smashing through their target in just 18 months.

Following the unveiling of the statue, the miniature figures were put on sale for £100 each. Nearly 1,000 have been sold. Some were bought by fans in Australia, the United States, Norway and Ireland, as well as all over the UK. After artist and production costs are taken into account, all profits are going to the family's memorial fund. The sale of the replicas was managed by the Nottingham-based firm The Media Group. There are no further replicas available.

The chairman of the Brian Clough Statue Fund (which raised the money for the original life-size bronze statue), Paul Ellis, said: "I'm absolutely delighted that the miniature statues have raised so much money for charity. It's fitting that the proceeds are going to the family's memorial fund. It goes to show that the memory of Brian Clough can still help good causes, just as he did when he was alive.

"The impressive bronze statue continues to be a fantastic success story. Hardly a day goes by without people stopping to take photographs of it. In helping to raise money for good causes locally, the statue remains a fitting tribute to a remarkable man."

The statue fund was administered by Nottingham City Council. The authority's leader, Jon Collins, said: "The statue is lasting recognition for a remarkable man who did so much for Nottingham and Nottingham Forest. It's fantastic that fans have in some way been able to give something back to Brian, by helping to support the charities that were close to his heart." See the report of the unveiling day HERE. You can buy statue souvenirs, and help the memorial fund, HERE.


Rice Reflections

A former Cloughie player says he couldn't turn down the golden opportunity to work with the Master Manager. Brian Rice joined Old Big 'Ead at Nottingham Forest and became a cult hero among fans. Many years later, he's returned to his old club Hibernian as Assistant Manager. Reflecting on his move to the City Ground, he told the Scotsman newspaper (July, 2009): "I could have stayed at Hibs and, looking back now, I should may be have stayed another year. But Brian Clough was the lure, no mistake about it.

"I had the chance of going to two or three other clubs but the lure of working with Clough was just something you couldn't turn down. If I didn't go I may be wouldn't have had the chance to work with a man like that and working with him and under his style of play was probably the best decision I ever made."


Boro Statue Video

You can now watch video footage of Middlesbrough's Cloughie statue being lifted into place following £20,000 of repairs. The sculpture had to be removed after officials discovered a stress fracture in the right leg, which mirrored the Great Man's ligament injury in 1962. It's thought the crack may have been caused by people leaning or sitting on the left leg.

Following the repairs by a specilaist firm in Surrey, fans can now see how the statue was carefully replaced, with extra support for the left leg, HERE. There is also a photo of the new-look sculpture on our page about the Boro statue and how it was originally unveiled by Mrs Clough HERE.


Deadline Approaches

There are just a few days left to enter the two great competitions to win Cloughie prizes. We're offering a copy of a brilliant new DVD plus a hardback book about the Great Man's battle for power at Derby County. You can enter via the competitions page.


Vandal Jailed

A vandal who sprayed graffiti on the Cloughie statue in Nottingham has been jailed for nearly a year (June, 2009). Twenty-three year old Dominic Luke-Clarke of Alfreton Road, Radford, Nottingham, vandalised the £70,000 statue along with business premises in the city. Luke-Clarke also broke the conditions of an Anti Social Behaviour Order banning him from carrying paint or marker pens in a certain area.

Luke-Clarke was caught on CCTV. Council workers quickly cleaned-up the paint on the statue. The bronze sculpture was unveiled by Mrs Clough in November, 2008, after fans raised the money for the impressive figure which stands at the junction of King and Queen Street near Old Market Square. More than five thousand people came to watch the unveiling. See the report of the unveiling day HERE.


Viva Las Vegas

The winner of our latest competition lives in Las Vegas, USA. Chris Plant will receive a special signed copy of the tribute book 'Young Man, You've Made My Day' written by the editor of this website, Marcus Alton. Chris' copy is signed by Barbara Clough, Nigel Clough and European Cup legends Martin O'Neill, John Robertson and Garry Birtles, as well as Marcus.

Chris e-mailed to say: "I can't believe I've won the competition. I'm over the moon! Thank you so much brianclough.com. To quote the book title, 'You've made my day!' I had massive respect for Brian Clough, so this will give me something to cherish for the rest of my life." We have also announced the two winners of copies of the Cloughie book of quotes (see the results page). Don't miss the website's other competitions which are still running on the competitions page.


Statue Returns

Middlesbrough's statue of Cloughie has returned to his home town following repairs costing £20,000. The seven-feet high bronze figure was erected in May, 2007, at Albert Park. But officials noticed a 'fatigue fracture' on its right leg, which mirrored Clough's 1962 ligament injury. It is thought the crack may have been caused by people leaning or sitting on the leg.

Repairs to the bronze statue took ten weeks and were carried out by a specialist firm in Surrey. Councillor John McPartland, chairman of the Brian Clough Statue Fundraising Committee, said he was pleased to see the sculpture back. "Brian's countless fans will be delighted that his statue has returned and that, thanks to some innovative work, is still as accessible as ever.

The local council sought expert advice on how to repair the statue from Dr Paul Shelton, a metallurgist at Teesside University. Dr Shelton said: "My ideas were to either secure the leg with a pin which would be unsightly or to slightly change the statue so it looked as though he was coming down a step.

"The statue has been restored by Laurence Flood of Bronze Restorations. Laurence agreed to my suggestion as did the statue's sculptor Vivien Mallock." See the original unveiling HERE.


Magical Memories

There were plenty of fond memories of Cloughie at a tribute evening featuring European Cup legends and Old Big 'Ead actor Colin Tarrant. 'Brian Clough's Way' was staged in front of a packed house at the Royal Concert Hall in Nottingham (June 2009). Wearing the famous green sweater, Colin reprised the role as the Master Manager, alongside Garry Birtles, Kenny Burns, Larry Lloyd, Tony Woodcock and John McGovern. There was also a suprise appearance by John Robertson.

Welcoming Woodcock on to the stage, Colin referred to the former striker's long hair. "I hear that this night was all your idea, young man," he said. Woodcock confirmed it was. "In that case, there is a brain under that barnet. Now, get your hair cut!"

The players recounted stories of working with the Master Manager during an evening compered by the BBC's Pat Murphy. He asked each player where they were when they heard the Great Man had died. Larry Lloyd said he was in an apartment in Spain. "I was absolutely gutted. We were not the best of pals but I'll never forget what he did for me. He was a genius of a man - and there are not too many of those around." There's more about the show, and a similar one in Derby, HERE.


Timeless Quote

Following the failure of Alex Ferguson's Manchester United to retain the Champions League trophy (May, 2009), it's timely to remember Cloughie's brilliant quote about his own achievement of winning successive European Cups. Referring to Fergie, the Master Manager said: "For all his horses, knighthoods and championships, he hasn't got two of what I've got. And I don't mean balls!" Priceless.


Deadline Days

Although the deadline has now closed for the competition to win a book signed by Barbara Clough and European Cup legends, we are still running other competitions on the website, with prizes of a Cloughie book and DVD. Visit the competition page HERE.


Vandal Caught

A prolific vandal has admitted spraying graffiti on the bronze statue of Cloughie in Nottingham. City council workers quickly cleaned-up the mess. Dominic Luke-Clarke of Alfreton Road in Radford was caught on CCTV. He appeared at Nottingham Magistrates Court (reports the Nottingham Evening Post, May 2009).

The vandal has already spent time in jail for breaching an anti-social behaviour order in connection with graffiti. In court, no applications for bail were made. He will next appear before magistrates on June 15th. Magistrates said the case could be sent to Nottingham Crown Court and warned Luke-Clarke he could face being jailed again. The area around the statue is covered by CCTV.


McGovern's Memories

Cloughie's captain John McGovern has revealed how the Master Manager felt a sense of disappointment, even after winning the European Cup. McGovern says the whole Nottingham Forest team wished they had performed better in the final against Malmo in 1979.

"As soon as the final whistle went there was jubilation and an adrenalin rush because you know you've won the thing," said McGovern. "But then you get back in the dressing room and there's a reflection and that's when the disappointment kicked in. Yeah, disappointment. We wished we'd done it better. We knew we could have done it better."

In an interview marking the 30th anniversary of that first European Cup win, McGovern told the Scotland on Sunday newspaper: "It was very quiet in the dressing room after. If you look at Cloughie when the final whistle goes there's video of him just standing there with a straight face. No emotion at all. That's what he was like in the dressing room.

"We thought we were miles better than they were and we wanted to prove it. We sat there as a group and we wished we'd done it more convincingly because we knew we were a better side than the performance we'd put on. I suppose that was a reflection of the manager's standards. We didn't just want to win, we wanted to win with glory. We wanted to do it all."

Paying tribute to the Master Manager, McGovern said: "We were together a long time but I never got close to him, not at all. He was my manager, I worked for him and he was brilliant to work for, inspirational and frightening in almost equal amounts. He saw things in me that other managers didn't and that was his genius. He was such a clever, clever man."


Champion Tribute

Former Cloughie player Kenny Burns has described the Master Manager as a 'father figure' to him. In an interview ahead of the Final of the Champions League (May, 2009) Burns told the Sunday Herald newspaper: "At this time of the Champions League final, I'm thinking so much about Cloughie. He was so full of fun."

Burns added: "Brian Clough was a great man and very much a father figure to me, 'cos I was adopted. I went to his memorial service at Pride Park - and that was hell - but I just couldn't go to the funeral 'cos it would have been too upsetting for me. You would have loved him, he would make you laugh and he would have you in tears."

Asked whether he would be supporting Manchester United in the final, Burns said: "I hate them, they win everything. Fergie? Hey, there's bad losers and there's bad losers. Fergie belongs to the second category. Other people have to be gracious in defeat, but he comes out regularly and blames it on just about everything. Plus, of course, he's got a face like a fearless beekeeper!"


Photos From Fans

Cloughie fans have been sending us their photographs of the fantastic statue in Nottingham city centre. Some of the pictures are now included in a new feature on the website. Keep sending your photo tributes and memories of meeting the Great Man. See some of the pictures HERE.


Paul's Praise

Former Cloughie player Paul Hart has paid tribute to the Master Manager, knowing that his influence has helped to keep his latest club in the Premiership. Hart is boss at Portsmouth who have secured their status in the top flight and faced Clough's former club Sunderland in their final home match of the season, winning 3-1 (May, 2009).

"A lot of my way of doing the job is down to how Brian used to look at things," said Hart, who was signed by Clough at Forest 26 years ago. "He kept it simple. He said if you could kick it, head it and keep clean sheets everything else was a bonus. He said don't argue with referees, don't roll over, say yes please and no thank you. Nothing complicated. That's how I've tried to put it over to the players here.

Speaking before the match, Hart added: "I don't know if Cloughie will be looking down when we play Sunderland. Remember he was a legend as a player at Sunderland even though injury finished him at 28 and I'm not sure whether his loyalties would be with me or them - probably split. But if he judges me as a manager he will probably say all right but not enough clean sheets.

"The fact is, I would be embarrassed to have my name linked with his in the same sentence that also contains the word manager. He was fantastic. He left a legacy at Forest of how to play the game and although not everybody liked him everybody respected him."


Flower Power

A close friend of the Clough family has revealed more about the Great Man's special brand of man-management. Don Shaw says Brian kept a record of the birthday of each player's wife and then sent them flowers - without the player knowing. The grateful recipient would then thank her husband for the gift.

"The team could be in Rome, Moscow or Leipzig when the celebratory day occurred and Clough would despatch flowers to the wife, but in her husband's name," says Shaw. "The delighted wife would call her husband at the hotel. 'You are lovely. And it's your big game tonight. I wouldn't have minded if you'd forgotten.' The player, mind working feverishly, would say, 'Glad you got them.'

"Later Clough would casually ask: 'Oh, it was your wife's birthday today. Did you send her flowers?' And the player, covered in confusion, would stammer 'Yes, she got them, thanks boss,' and race on to the pitch that night, determined to pay him back by playing a blinder."

Shaw's memories of the Master Manager are documented in his new book, 'Clough's War' which tells the inside story of Brian's epic rise and fall at Derby County. The book, published by Ebury Press on May 7th, 2009, describes how Shaw (with Clough's encouragement) ran the campaign to keep the Great Man at Derby in the early Seventies. It's a fascinating page-turner which gives a dramatic account of what went on behind closed doors. Read a review of the book HERE. We also have a competition for you to win a copy of the book HERE.


Win DVD

In our latest competition, we're giving you the chance to win a copy of the excellent new DVD about the Master Manager. The disc, produced by ITV Sport, features the recent television documentary plus more than an hour of extra footage not shown in the original programme. Read more about the documentary and DVD HERE. Enter the competition to win a copy HERE. For the first time, we are running three competitions at the same time - there are more competitions HERE


Nott'm Legend

Brian Clough has become the centre of fighting talk between Nottingham's boxing sensation Carl Froch and supporters of the former world champion, Joe Calzaghe. Froch, a current world champion, is a big Cloughie fan and had publicity photo's taken next to the Master Manager's statue in Nottingham.

Froch has repeated calls for the chance to fight Calzaghe, who has now retired. But Calzaghe's Dad, Enzo, says it's not up for discussion, adding: "Froch says he's a legend but the only legend from Nottingham is Brian Clough." (April, 2009).


Statue Plans

Cloughie's son Nigel has backed plans for a third statue of his Dad. The sculpture will be erected at Derby County's Pride Park, where Nigel is manager, and will also feature Brian's assistant Peter Taylor. "A statue has been discussed and suggested for a while and it is lovely that it has come to fruition," said Nigel (April, 2009).

Derby County are now fronting the project, but the BBC has reported that a club spokesman said it was too early to say how the statue will be paid for or how long it will take to create. The scheme follows successful fund-raising efforts by fans which have seen statues unveiled already in Middlesbrough and Nottingham. Clough and Taylor enjoyed their first major success together at Derby, where Taylor ended his career after leaving Nottingham Forest.

Unlike the projects in Middlesbrough and Nottingham, the Derby scheme does not involve a selection process or tendering procedure to decide which sculptor should make the statue. Instead, Derby County has commissioned artist Andy Edwards to produce designs over the next three months. Both families will be asked for their views on a shortlist of options for the artwork. Edwards made Pride Park's bust of Steve Bloomer, who played for the Rams in the 1890's and early 1900's. See Nottingham's statue unveiled HERE and Boro's ceremony HERE.


Star Man

Cloughie has been remembered with a Lifetime Achievement Award at a special ceremony in Yorkshire, the county where he was born. The award was accepted by his son, Simon, during the event organised by the Star newspaper in Sheffield. Speaking afterwards Simon said the award would have meant a lot to his Dad.

"This is the county where his heart lies," said Simon. "He had a great deal of affection for people, particularly football supporters, in this area. He always thought they were very enthusiastic and they followed their team through thick and thin." Brian's widow, Barbara, said the award was very heart-warming, especially as Brian was born in the Yorkshire town of Middlesbrough. "We wish he could have been here," said Mrs Clough. "He would have loved it."

Also at the ceremony was the former referee, Keith Hackett, who is now the General Manager of referees in England. He paid tribute to Cloughie for the way his teams respected referees. "I think all referees of my era would say that officiating Forest and Derby was always a pleasure because you knew full well Brian Clough insisted that the referees had a job to do and the players had a job to do."


Statue Talk

A Cloughie fan has described how he visits the Great Man's bronze statue in Nottingham and keeps him up to date with the football results. Forty-seven year old Richard Walker also sweeps around the nine-feet high sculpture with a broom to help ensure the surroundings are tidy.

"I always have a lump in my throat every time I go and see him," Richard from West Bridgford told the Nottingham Evening Post (April, 2009). "I tell him the Derby County results and the Forest results. I know he doesn't say anything back, but I keep thinking he can hear me."

Richard met Cloughie several times over the years. He says he used to fetch John Robertson's cigarettes when Forest were training - but when Brian saw them he wouldn't let Richard hand them over. "Brian used to say, 'I will have those young man.'"


Cloughie Souvenirs

Cloughie fans now have the chance to buy a superb souvenir of Nottingham's stunning statue of the Great Man - and support charities at the same time. Special fridge magnets have been made featuring a picture of the bronze sculpture.

The attractive magnets are a brilliant way to remember both the Great Man and the fantastic £70,000 statue which was paid for by his fans. They cost just £3.00 each (plus postage and packing), with 50p from each sale going to the Brian Clough Memorial Fund, which is run by the Clough family and gives money to the types of charitable causes that Brian supported. What's more, they are made in Great Britain too. Buy them HERE


Cloughie's Kitchen

Barbara Clough has revealed that Brian was a great cook - and often spent time conjuring-up culinary delights because it helped him to relax. "He loved to do a big pan of soup or stew and he would sometimes put quite odd things in it, but usually they were absolutely delicious," said Mrs Clough. "He took great time and patience in cutting up the vegetables. He really did enjoy it. He said it was complete relaxation for him." Barbara added with a smile, "I was only too happy to let him do it."

Mrs Clough's memories are contained in a new DVD produced by ITV Sport, which we are giving away in our latest competition. The disc features the excellent documentary recently broadcast, plus over an hour of extra footage not shown in the original programme, including interviews with Mrs Clough and Nigel and archive interviews about Brian's time at Leeds United.

The DVD includes two Yorkshire TV specials shown in full - one when Cloughie joined Leeds in 1974 and the other when he came face-to-face with former United manager Don Revie following his sacking after just 44 days. Read more about the documentary HERE. Enter the competition to win a copy HERE. For the first time, we are running three competitions at the same time - there are more competitions HERE


Third Statue

Further steps are being taken to get a third statue of Brian Clough - this time in Derby. Several Rams fans are to meet club representatives to discuss the idea of a sculpture at Pride Park, with a view to setting-up a committee. It follows the success of fund-raising campaigns which have already seen statues erected in Middlesbrough and Nottingham. The Derby memorial would also feature Cloughie's assistant Peter Taylor - the pair enjoyed their first major success together at Derby, where Taylor ended his career after leaving Nottingham Forest. See Nottingham's statue unveiled HERE and Boro's ceremony HERE.


DVD Released

The excellent ITV documentary on Cloughie is now available on DVD, with extra footage not included in the original programme. The disc includes more of the interviews with Barbara and Nigel Clough, plus archive interviews about Brian's time at Leeds United.

The disc features two Yorkshire TV specials shown in full - one when Cloughie joined Leeds in 1974 and the other when he came face-to-face with former United manager Don Revie following his sacking after just 44 days. We're giving you the chance to win a copy of the DVD in a special competition HERE. Read more about the documentary HERE.


Hillsborough Remembered

Twenty years ago Brian Clough led a party of Nottingham Forest players and club officials up the steps of St Mary's Church in the city for a memorial service for the victims of the Hillsborough Disaster. Ninety-six fans died at the FA Cup semi-final between Forest and Liverpool. Former Reds player Brian Laws recalled that after the players were led from the pitch and had returned to the dressing room, Cloughie wanted the game called-off when he heard people had died.

"A chief inspector came in and said that there was a fatality and we were going to have to delay the kick-off," Laws told Liverpoolbanter.co.uk (April 2009). "As soon as he said that word fatality I remember Cloughie turning round and saying 'fatality, lad, if there's a fatality the game's not going ahead. It's a game of football, not life or death. We're going home'."

Looking back on the re-played match, Laws said: "For the first time they didn't want Forest to win, because Forest were loved by everybody for the way we played football and everybody loved Cloughie and wanted him to win the FA Cup. But on this occasion it was secondary."


Vivid Memories

Two former Clough players have been reflecting on their experiences of working for the Master Manager. Viv Anderson and Paul Hart both played in defence for Cloughie. Anderson won two European Cups with Old Big 'Ead at Nottingham Forest. "We did that with no real superstars really," Anderson told Sky Sports (April 2009). "It just snowballed over a period of four years. It did not last long which was a shame. People went their own separate ways but he was a fantastic manager.

"How did he do it? He just bought good players. He bought Peter Shilton, he bought Kenny Burns and he bought Harty later which was a big downer," joked Anderson. Hart, who later managed the Reds, recalled the mind games that Clough used to get the best out of his players. "If you got beaten he said he did not want to see you until Wednesday. By the time Wednesday came, we were climbing up the walls and by the time we finally got to the training field we were a very hungry team."


Second Competition

We're adding another competition to this website - and offering two copies of a hardback book containing some of Cloughie's memorable quotes. 'The Wit and Wisdom of Brian Clough' has been compiled by award-winning author Duncan Hamilton. You can read more about the competition HERE. This is in addition to the competition already launched which offers a copy of a new tribute book signed by Mrs Clough, three European Cup legends and the author Marcus Alton. Visit that competition HERE.


Roy Of The Rovers

A famous footballing name has joined those who say Cloughie should have been England manager. The cartoon character Roy Race, otherwise known as 'Roy of the Rovers,' gave an interview to the Independent on Sunday (April, 2009) to mark the publication of a collector's edition of the comic.

"When I was caretaker manager of England for one game in 1977, I said the full-time job should go to Cloughie, because he was not part of the footballing establishment," said Roy. A recent ITV documentary showed that Cloughie's interview for the England job was a sham (see report below).


Play-off Inspiration

A Football League manager says he hopes the spirit of Cloughie will help his side secure promotion glory. Stuart McCall is planning to take Bradford City into the League Two play-offs, despite a recent slump in results.

McCall told the Bradford Telegraph and Argus (April, 2009) that he was still feeling positive as the next game approached. "I know what I need to be like because this is no time for doom and gloom. I watched a documentary on Brian Clough and took stuff from that. I’m bright and positive about things and that's not being false. We've still got a great chance of making this season a success."


DVD Out Soon

A DVD is being released of the excellent television documentary about the Master Manager. It will contain extra scenes not included in the original broadcast on ITV. The DVD will be launched during April, 2009 - we'll have more details soon. Repeats of the documentary will be shown on ITV4 on April 3rd (8pm) and April 4th (6.25pm). Read more about the documentary HERE.


Classic Interview

The classic television interview in which Brian Clough goes head-to-head with former Leeds boss Don Revie is now available to watch on-line. The Yorkshire TV Special was broadcast live just hours after Cloughie was sacked from Leeds United in 1974, following his infamous forty-four days in charge at Elland Road.

Part of the interview was included in the excellent television documentary about Cloughie broadcast a few days ago. In the original programme, Cloughie faced the cameras along-side his Leeds predecessor Revie and is asked about what went wrong at Elland Road. At one point Revie asks Clough why he took the job after being openly critical of the Leeds players.

"Because it was the best job in the country," said Clough. "I was taking over the league champions. I wanted to have a crack at the European Cup and win it. I wanted to do something you hadn't done." You can read more about Clough's time at Leeds - in his own words - and see the original interview HERE. Read more about the documentary HERE.

Meanwhile, the host of that special TV interview, Austin Mitchell, has been reflecting on that once-in-a-lifetime moment. Mitchell, now an MP in Grimsby, said: "I remember it vividly as I was the only one who would do it. Everybody else at the studio had gone home, and I was a bit worried as I didn't really know much about football," he told the Grimsby Telegraph. "I kept getting questions from my ear piece, but it was a brilliant event, the like of which you would not get today. To even get them together in one studio was amazing."


The Slammed United

There's been more stinging criticism of the controversial film about Cloughie. The BBC's sports correspondent, Pat Murphy, has watched 'The Damned United' and says: "I promise you, Brian Clough was funnier in real life than he was in the movie." Murphy, who interviewed Cloughie many times and wrote a biography, says he counted 17 factual inaccuracies in the film. He told Radio Five Live: "I heard Michael Sheen (who plays Clough) say he was sure about the accuracy of the film. He's wrong about that."

Murphy says he couldn't believe the film depicts Clough hiding in his office during a match against Leeds. "There is a scene where Brian Clough doesn't go out of his office - he couldn't face seeing his Derby County side play Leeds at the Baseball Ground and he's sat there smoking and drinking throughout the whole match. That's a serious condemnation of Brian Clough as a manager. The guy had so much passion, so much ego and pride in a performance. Clough would be eye-balling Don Revie from the rival dugout. The very idea of him sitting in his office is just risible."

In another interview, Murphy says the chronology of the film is wrong - for example, showing Dave Mackay playing for Derby, when he had left two years before. Murphy says the film attempts to tell a story that is 35 years old. "The only reason it is a film now is because of this tawdry book by David Peace, which is a work of fiction...but a lot of people don't see that. They think it is an accurate portrayal of Brian Clough and it wasn't, it was an absolute disgrace.

"There is nothing new in the film, so why wasn't it done in the last 30 years? Because you can get away with it now as the central people are dead. You can't libel the dead. David Peace was interviewed and said it is a portrait, not a photograph. Well, I'm afraid that's 'pseud's corner' tosh."

Cloughie's family have already critcised the book and film (see below) and former Leeds player Johnny Giles has added his strong criticism too. In an ITV documentary, Giles (who took successful legal action over the book) said: "The portrayal of Brian Clough in that book is absolutely outrageous. It's mean, it's mean-spirited and it's wrong."

Giles said it was no co-incidence that all the main figures in the book had passed away. "Had they been alive, that book would never have got out." Murphy adds: "David Peace says he didn't want to upset the Clough family. Well on that basis, I await news of a large donation from him to a charity of the Clough family choice, because he will have made a fair amount of money from selling the book rights to the movie."


England Stitch-Up

It's been confirmed - at last - that Cloughie was the victim of a sham when he was interviewed for the post of England manager. A former Football Association executive has broken more than 30 years of silence to admit Brian never stood a chance, despite being the public's choice to succeed Don Revie in 1977. Ron Greenwood got the job instead.

The FA's press officer at the time, Glen Kirton, revealed in an ITV documentary that Cloughie's interview was a sop to public opinion. "The decision had already been made that Ron Greenwood was the preferred candidate," said Kirton. "There wasn't a vote. Sir Harold Thompson would have said, 'I want to appoint Ron Greenwood,' and they would have agreed. The decision was made beforehand. Ron Greenwood was not on the candidate list."

It's the first time anybody from the FA has broken ranks and admitted that one man, Thompson, was responsible for shaping the destiny of English football. Of course, Brian went on to secure European glory with Nottingham Forest and is always known as the best manager England never had. "It would have been his absolute dream job," Clough's widow, Barbara, told Gabriel Clarke, the ITV reporter for the documentary, shown on Wednesday March 25th, 2009.

Mrs Clough also addressed the controversy about David Peace's novel, The Damned Utd, and the film version of the awful book. "I dismissed it at first as just another book, but I got it and read it and was quite horrified," she said. "They had him chain-smoking and he'd given-up smoking and they had him constantly with a drink in his hand, but he barely drank in those days. He's taken it on himself to write this awful book. But you can’t libel the dead.

"The director assures us that it is a warm and affectionate take and nothing like the book and yet I am sure when the film comes out it’s going to say, 'based on the book by David Peace.'"

Elsewhere in the programme, Nigel Clough spoke about the success of his father at an early age: "How old was he when they won the League Championship? He wasn't even 40 was he? There's very few younger managers doing that now."

Speaking about the pressure on Brian in the late 1970s, Nigel commented: "In his late 30's I think he felt he could take on the world. As time goes by that diminishes. Nobody got a hint of that vulnerability at all...certainly not the players at work.

"I think he felt the responsibility of everybody else really. Looking after everybody else more than himself." The documentary, narrated by the actor Pete Postlethwaite, looked at Cloughie's life and legacy - told by those who knew him best. It aimed to paint an accurate picture of the Great Man - unlike the inaccurate cinematic depiction (see below) of his time at Leeds United.

ITV used its wealth of priceless archive footage. The programme included the Yorkshire TV Calendar special where Clough faced his Leeds predecessor, Don Revie, on the night the axe fell at Elland Road. The programme's host, Austin Mitchell (now a Labour MP), relived that incredible television moment. There were interviews with friends and former colleagues including Geoffrey Boycott, Martin O’Neill, John Robertson, Roy McFarland, John McGovern, Peter Lorimer, Johnny Giles and Gordon McQueen. Read more about the programme HERE.


Brian's Birthday

It's a very special time to be remembering Cloughie. That's because March 21st, 2009, would have been his 74th birthday. All his fans around the world will not only fondly remember the Master Manager at this time, but will also be thinking of his family. Fans can send their memories HERE, read other tributes HERE and look at knighthood messages HERE. Hey, Brian, we still miss you.


Book Debate

Cloughie will be the focus of two special events to be staged in bookshops. The outstanding record of the Master Manager will be compared with the achievements of former Leeds United manager Don Revie. In the 'Clough Corner' will be Duncan Hamilton, who has written an award-winning book about Brian and has just released a compilation of Clough quotes. Speaking about Revie will be another author, Rob Bagchi, who's written a book about Leeds United.

The first of the two discussions will be held at Waterstones in Nottingham on Thursday April 2nd at 7pm. Tickets are £3 (redeemable against the purchase of either book). The second event will be held at Waterstones in Leeds on Thursday April 16th. At a book signing event in Nottingham last year, Hamilton told the audience that he did not recognise the dark portrayal of Clough contained in David Peace's controversial book 'The Damned United.'


The Panned United

Cloughie's son, Nigel, says he has no intention of seeing the controversial film about his Dad. 'The Damned United' is based on the much-criticised novel about Brian's ill-fated 44 days at Leeds United, which paints a dark picture of the Master Manager. The BBC reports that Nigel is upset at the amount of artistic licence employed by author David Peace and he says it caused his family a great deal of distress.

"I haven't seen the film and don't intend on seeing it," Nigel told BBC Radio Derby. "I go off the principle that if it's the same as the book, which deeply upset my mother when it came out, then I don't think I'll see it.

"It seems strange that someone who never met my father can write this book based on 'faction.' My father wrote two books about his life with John Sadler so I would have thought if you were going to make a film about the person, you could base it on those. There's always rubbish floating about, but this book affected my mother quite siginificantly because it went quite deep."

Cloughie's eldest son, Simon, has already criticised the book, describing it as "a hatchet job" (see report below) and says he won't be seeing the film. Former Cloughie player, Archie Gemmill, has also been critical.

Said Gemmill: "I read the book after seeing it in an airport but I found it completely far-fetched. Brian comes across as insecure and paranoid when in fact nothing could be further from the truth. It was totally fabricated.

"For example, it's littered with swear-words when in fact I can assure you the boss swore very rarely. He was an intelligent man who could easily put his point across without swearing. Obviously people have got to make a living, but if you're an author of any calibre then you've got to stick to the truth if you're writing about a person. I wouldn't go to see it if you paid me."


Signed Book

This website's latest competition offers a fantastic prize - a copy of a new tribute book signed by Barbara Clough, Nigel Clough, three European Cup legends and the author. 'Young Man, You've Made My Day' tells the story of how a Clough fan met his hero and ensured there were lasting tributes, on-line and in bronze, to the Master Manager. It's been written by the website editor, Marcus Alton, with the foreword by Barbara Clough. Enter the competition HERE. Read more about the book HERE.


The Real Picture

It's been confirmed that the eagerly-awaited ITV documentary about Cloughie will be shown on Wednesday March 25th, 2009, at 10.35pm. The programme features exclusive interviews with his widow, Barbara, and son Nigel, along with friends and former colleagues including Geoffrey Boycott, Martin O’Neill, Roy McFarland, John McGovern, Peter Lorimer, Johnny Giles and Gordon McQueen.

The documentary, narrated by the actor Pete Postlethwaite, will look at Cloughie's life and legacy - told by those who knew him best. It aims to paint an accurate picture of the Great Man - unlike the forthcoming cinematic depiction (see below). The programme includes the Yorkshire TV Calendar special where Clough faced his Leeds predecessor, Don Revie, on the night the axe fell at Elland Road. The programme's host, Austin Mitchell (now a Labour MP), will relive that incredible television moment. There will also be a series of programmes on the channel ESPN Classic.


Actor Returns

Cloughie actor Colin Tarrant says he's looking forward to recreating the role of the Master Manager at two forthcoming tribute events. Colin will be performing alongside Clough players in Nottingham and Derby. In an exclusive interview for this website, Colin said: "I'm absolutely delighted to be coming back to play Mr Clough. It's going to be a wonderful trip down memory lane."

'Brian Clough's Way' will feature a host of football greats at Nottingham's Royal Concert Hall on June 5th (tickets on 0115 9895555) and Derby's Assembly Rooms on July 2nd (tickets on 01332 255800). Those appearing in Nottingham include Tony Woodcock, Kenny Burns, Larry Lloyd, John McGovern and Garry Birtles. McGovern will also take part in the Derby event alongside John O'Hare, Roy McFarland and Roger Davies. The BBC's Pat Murphy will be the host.

The players will recount stories from the golden years, with Colin portraying Cloughie. "I'll support them and give them a nudge along the way, in Mr Clough's own style," said Colin, who played the Great Man brilliantly in the tribute production at Nottingham Playhouse several years ago. There's more of our special interview and information about the two evenings HERE.


United Against Film

Brian Clough's family will not be going to see the forthcoming film about him, reports the Guardian (March 2009). And Mr Clough's son, Simon, has described the book on which it's based as a "hatchet job," reports the Nottingham Evening Post. Simon said the "unflattering" book 'The Damned United' had hurt his mother Barbara and that he is worried that the film will add to the family's distress.

Cloughie's daughter, Elizabeth, said the family did "not want anybody to believe that this is an accurate portrayal of him as a man," reports the Daily Mail. Don Shaw, a friend of the Clough family, said they would not be taking-up an offer to see the film. "They absolutely loathe the idea. Nigel tried to read 'The Damned United' but gave up because he was so shocked by it," said Mr Shaw, whose own book 'Clough's War' comes out in May. "They were horrified by the book and won't be seeing the film."

Speaking to the Evening Post, Simon said: "My Mum's read the book and it's a disgrace. David Peace has done a hatchet job on my Dad and portrayed him as a raving lunatic, at a time when I was ten years old. I know it's not true. I can't do anything about the film, and I won't see it because I'm not interested. But if there's a close resemblance to the book, it will be grossly unfair if people think there's a grain of truth in it."

The appalling novel, using real names in a factual setting, paints a dark picture of the Master Manager, presenting imaginary inner-most thoughts as fact. Added Simon: "Why use my father's real name if it's just fiction? People who read it won't think it's fiction. He's portrayed in a manner unlike him.

"It's the unfairness and untruthfulness of it. Imagine if someone wrote about your Dad, like this. It's easy to write about someone who's died because no one can refute it. We made it very public that we were against the book. My Mum is a lady in her 70s and she just wants a quiet life. As time goes on it hurts more and more to depict someone who's not here to defend themselves. And if it upsets your Mum, it upsets you."

Elizabeth commented: "For somebody Peace had never met to engender in him such an obviously personal dislike is perplexing. Perhaps he has a problem with talented, courageous and powerful men. The film, unfortunately, may reach a wider and more impressionable audience.

"People will, of course, go to see the film, Dad has always been extremely popular, but as a family, we sincerely hope they don't believe its ludicrous interpretation of people and events."

In a previous statement Mrs Clough strongly criticised the way the book, about the ill-fated 44 days at Leeds, portrayed her husband. Other books, events and a TV documentary will paint the true picture of Cloughie. ITV have worked with Brian's family to produce the documentary, which includes interviews with Mrs Clough, Nigel Clough and former players such as Martin O'Neill and John McGovern. The programme will be broadcast in April, with the first trailers already hitting the screens.


Why No Brian?

A national newspaper has questioned why Brian Clough is not featured on an official poster to celebrate football's top managers. Commissioned by the League Managers Association, the limited edition print features fifty bosses, including Bill Shankly, Bob Paisley, Sir Bobby Robson and Sir Alex Ferguson. Harry Rednapp and Phil Brown are also there. But, as the Daily Mail correctly asks: 'Where on earth is double European Cup winner Brian Clough?'

Entitled 'Football Management: Past, Present and Future,' fifty of the prints have been signed by England head coach Fabio Capello for charity events. The collage design has been compiled by artist Colin Yates. The Chief Executive of the LMA, Richard Bevan, has defended the poster, despite the shameful omission.

Mr Bevan said: 'People should not read anything into who is or who is not included. It is not meant to be a definitive collection of the best or the most popular or famous managers. We wanted something timeless that would offer a representation of management in all its different forms and that would give an indication of the emotions that coaches and managers go through. The choice of faces was the artist's. We commissioned him and we are happy with it."

However, all is not lost. The Mail says the second in a series of five LMA prints, which is half complete, will feature an individual image of the Great Man. Nevertheless it still seems a major oversight by the LMA. Be sure to give Cloughie your vote in the Mail's poll HERE.


Critical Captain

Cloughie's captain John McGovern has criticised the book 'The Damned United,' describing it as an attempt to cash in on the Great Man's name. The book, which is essentially fiction but presented as fact, paints a poor picture of Brian during his 44 days at Leeds United. "I don't think it should have been published without asking everyone's permission to put their names in it," McGovern told the Derby Evening Telegraph (March, 2009).

"They never asked my permission," he said of his inclusion in the novel. "And one Leeds United player, John Giles, took them to court. I don't think the book truly reflects what Brian Clough was like. It's a sensationalised account of a minimal part of his career. The guy who wrote it knew it was going to sell books, cashing on his (Clough's) name."

The book, which has been criticised by the Clough family, has been used as the basis for a forthcoming film. An ITV documentary to be screened soon will show the true picture of the Master Manager. McGovern's comments came at the launch of two special events to celebrate Cloughie's life. 'Brian Clough's Way' will feature a host of football greats at Nottingham's Royal Concert Hall on June 5th (tickets on 0115 9895555) and Derby's Assembly Rooms on July 2nd (tickets on 01332 255800).


Repairs For Boro Statue

Middlesbrough's statue of Cloughie is being taken to another part of the country for repairs to be carried out to a leg injury. The bronze sculpture was unveiled in May, 2007, in Albert Park, near Brian's childhood home. But last year park officials noticed a fatigue fracture in the right leg, which mirrored the Great Man's ligament injury in 1962.

It's thought the crack may have been caused by children swinging on the statue. Protective fencing was put up around the seven-feet high figure. Now, it has been winched away so repair work can be carried out in Surrey (reports the Middlesbrough Evening Gazette, March, 2009).


Plans for the repairs include the creation of a new plinth and support for the statue's free leg. It's thought the repairs will cost nearly £20,000 and take about 10 weeks to complete. The statue, sculpted by Vivien Mallock, shows a 24-year-old Clough with his boots slung over his shoulder striding towards Ayresome Park, Middlesbrough's former ground, on his way to training. You can watch a BBC report about the repairs HERE. See more about the Boro statue and the original unveiling HERE.


 

 

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