Brian Clough

Lore & Background

Clough played as a striker for Middlesbrough and Sunderland, scoring 251 league goals in 274 matches. He won two England caps. He entered management after his playing career was ended by a serious injury at the age of 29. As a manager, Clough was closely associated with Peter Taylor, who served as his assistant manager at several clubs. He is also remembered for giving frequent radio and television interviews in which he made controversial remarks.

Reader's Guide

Clough's managerial career began at Hartlepools United in 1965, where he appointed Peter Taylor as his assistant. He moved to Derby County in 1967, winning the Second Division title in 1968–69 and the First Division title in 1971–72. After a brief spell at Brighton & Hove Albion, he managed Leeds United for 44 days in 1974, then joined Nottingham Forest in 1975. At Forest, he won the First Division title in 1977–78, two European Cups (1979 and 1980), and two League Cups (1978 and 1979). He later won two more League Cups (1989 and 1990) before retiring in 1993.

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 failed his Eleven-plus exam and left school without qualifications.
• He once had to tour local pubs to raise money to keep Hartlepools United afloat.