THE BRIAN CLOUGH STATUE IN NOTTINGHAM 

THE STORY AND THE UNVEILING


Cloughie's family were the guests of honour at the unveiling of the bronze statue of the Master Manager in Nottingham city centre. His widow, Barbara, is pictured with her sons Simon and Nigel and daughter Elizabeth after unveiling the stunning sculpture near Old Market Square on Thursday, 6th November, 2008. Many members of the Great Man's family attended the event, including his brothers Joe and Bill and sister Doreen.
Statue Stands Proud


"The statue is absolutely incredible," said Mrs Clough. "Brian would have been amazed by the very idea of a statue. The Nottingham supporters took him to their hearts and there was a bond between them, and that shows today." 

More than five-thousand people gathered to watch the unveiling. It was also featured on live television and radio broadcasts as well as in local and national newspapers.
Thousands gathered to watch


SPECIAL BOOK TELLS INSIDE STORY - MORE DETAILS HERE
Foreword by Barbara Clough


There was loud applause and cheers and then the crowd chanted Cloughie's name as Barbara removed the drape. "It is such a wonderful tribute. The statue is perfect," Mrs Clough told this website. "To everyone involved, we cannot thank you enough. The statue is a perfect likeness and has captured Brian's character so remarkably well."


Mrs Clough unveils sculpture

The event was compered by TV presenter Gary Newbon and shown on a big screen. Moments before the unveiling, Gary spoke to Mrs Clough, who was accompanied on stage by her grand-daughter Natalie.

Barbara & Natalie with Gary Newbon

Gary Newbon also spoke to Cloughie's eldest son, Simon, who said the statue was a special tribute. Simon told this website: "It's amazing really, but working in Nottingham I do realise on a day-to-day basis how much my dad meant to so many people."
Simon Clough with Gary Newbon
Nigel Clough said he was very impressed by the statue. Referring to the sculptor Les Johnson, Nigel added: "He has done a spectacular job on it." Many of Cloughie's former players were at the event, including European Cup winners. Garry Birtles said the statue was superb.

"It epitomises the man brilliantly," coomented Birtles. "I am a born and bred Nottingham boy, so to see the statue here is absolutely fantastic." Cloughie's captain John McGovern described it as a fantastic tribute. "It is a tribute to a very special man and well deserved."
Former players & Master Manager


The Green Jumper podcast, hosted by Marcus Alton, looks back at the story behind the statue and the unveiling. It features former players including John Robertson, Tony Woodcock, Garry Birtles and Kenny Burns. 

SPECIAL BOOK TELLS INSIDE STORY - MORE DETAILS HERE
Foreword by Barbara Clough

The unveiling of the statue followed a fund-raising campaign by a small group of volunteers who were brought together by the editor of this website. The Brian Clough Statue Fund smashed through its target in 18 months and raised £70,000. The statue fund chairman Paul Ellis said he was delighted: "The people of Nottingham can feel very proud today. This statue is a fantastic tribute to a man who put the city on the map."
Paul Ellis on stage

The city council and Nottingham Forest backed the fund. Forest's chairman and chief executive attended the ceremony, along with manager Colin Calderwood and the first team squad. The city council leader Jon Collins, whose personal backing of the statue fund was vital, said it was a tremendous day for the city and he congratulated all those involved.


The money for the statue was raised by a small group of volunteers who liaise with the Clough family to ensure any other use of the sculpture is entirely appropriate.



Images copyright brianclough.com and Neil C Hoyle Photography.

Signed copies of statue book
'An inspirational story'  (Mrs Clough 2008)
More details HERE

In January 2019, the statue underwent a special cleaning, carried out by Nottingham City Council. The waxing was paid for using money previously generated during the huge fund-raising effort by volunteers. 

The statue had a further clean on 30th May 2019 as part of the celebrations for the 40th anniversary of Cloughie's first European Cup victory with Nottingham Forest, against Malmo. 

Paul Ellis, who chaired the statue fund which raised the money for the statue, and is pictured in the green jumper, said: "Forty years on from that fantastic achievement, it's only fitting that Cloughie's statue gets this special attention.

"The sculpture has become a much-loved fixture in the city centre, it's a key part of Nottingham's city landscape, and it's great that he'll be looking his best for the anniversary. 

"At the unveiling ceremony in 2008, Mrs Clough said Brian had a special place in the hearts of Nottingham people – and he treasured them too. All the people who contributed to the fund-raising appeal can feel proud of a statue that celebrates all he achieved and the fact he put Nottingham on the map.

"On behalf of the fund-raising committee, I'd like to thank the city council for ensuring the statue is kept in tip-top condition not only for this special occasion but for years to come."