Brian Clough

Lore & Background

Clough was born on 21 March 1935 at 11 Valley Road in Grove Hill, Middlesbrough, the sixth of nine children. He failed his Eleven-plus examination and attended Marton Grove Secondary Modern School. He left school in 1950 without qualifications to work at ICI and did national service in the RAF Regiment between 1953 and 1955. As a player, he scored 251 league goals in 274 matches for Middlesbrough and Sunderland, and won two England caps. His playing career ended at age 29 after a knee injury. He entered management with Hartlepools United in 1965, appointing Peter Taylor as his assistant. He later managed Derby County, Brighton & Hove Albion, Leeds United (for 44 days), and Nottingham Forest, where he won the league title, two European Cups, and four League Cups. He retired after Forest's relegation in 1993.

Reader's Guide

Clough's managerial achievements are rated among the greatest in football history. His teams played attractive football and showed good sportsmanship. He was never appointed England manager despite being a popular choice. His partnership with Peter Taylor was key to his success. Clough was known for his charismatic, outspoken, and controversial interviews.

Did You Know?

• Clough scored 204 goals in 222 league matches for Middlesbrough.
• He was the youngest manager in the league when he took over Hartlepools United at age 30.
• Clough won the European Cup twice with Nottingham Forest, in 1979 and 1980.
• Clough was an inaugural inductee into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2002.