Brian Clough, English footballer and manager (d. 2004)

Brian Howard Clough, born on March 21, 1935, and passing away on September 20, 2004, was an iconic figure in English football. Known for his charismatic yet often controversial persona, Clough left an indelible mark on the sport, not only as a prolific striker in his playing days but, more famously, as one of England's most successful and captivating football managers. He holds the rare distinction of being one of only four managers to have won the English league title with two different clubs, a testament to his unique leadership and strategic genius.

Early Life and a Goal-Scoring Playing Career

Hailing from Middlesbrough, Clough's early career as a professional footballer was nothing short of spectacular. He played primarily as a **striker** for both Middlesbrough and Sunderland, establishing himself as one of the Football League's most lethal goal-scorers. His record was truly remarkable: an astonishing 251 league goals from just 274 starts, positioning him as the third most prolific scorer in the league's history at the time. Such was his talent that he earned two England caps in 1959, showcasing his potential on the international stage. However, his promising playing career was tragically cut short at the tender age of 29. A serious anterior cruciate ligament injury forced his premature retirement, leaving many to wonder what further heights he might have reached as a player.

The Birth of a Managerial Legend: The Peter Taylor Partnership

Undeterred by his playing career's untimely end, **Brian Clough** quickly transitioned into management. In 1965, he took the reins at Fourth Division club Hartlepools United, a pivotal moment that would define his future successes. It was here that he made one of his most astute decisions: appointing **Peter Taylor** as his assistant. This marked the beginning of an enduring and highly effective partnership that would become legendary in **English football** for the next two decades. Taylor's quiet, analytical approach perfectly complemented Clough's fiery and outspoken style, creating a formidable duo.

Transforming Derby County: From Obscurity to English Champions

The duo's first major breakthrough came in 1967 when they moved to Second Division side **Derby County**. Under their guidance, the club underwent a dramatic transformation. In the 1968–69 season, Derby were promoted as Second Division champions, signaling their intent. Just three years later, in 1972, they achieved the unthinkable, being crowned champions of England for the very first time in the club's history. The success continued, with Derby reaching the semi-finals of the prestigious **European Cup** in 1973. However, despite their triumphs, Clough's outspoken nature led to a deterioration of his relationship with chairman Sam Longson, culminating in his and Taylor's resignation.

The Brief, Contentious Stint at Leeds United

Following an eight-month spell managing Third Division Brighton & Hove Albion, Clough made a surprising and highly controversial move in the summer of 1974. Without Taylor, he took charge of **Leeds United**, a club he had frequently and vocally criticized in the past, particularly their players and their legendary manager, Don Revie. This appointment, perceived by many as an act of defiance, was ill-fated. His tenure lasted a mere 44 days before he was sacked, a turbulent period often revisited in football folklore.

Forging a Dynasty at Nottingham Forest: European Glory

Just months after the Leeds debacle, Clough embarked on what would become the most celebrated chapter of his managerial career. He joined Second Division **Nottingham Forest** and, crucially, was reunited with **Peter Taylor** in the summer of 1976. This reunion ignited an unprecedented period of success. In 1977, Forest secured promotion to the top flight. The very next season, in a stunning display of skill and tactical acumen, they won the league title, making **Brian Clough** one of only four managers to have won the English league with two different clubs. But the glory didn't stop there. Forest went on to achieve back-to-back **European Cup** triumphs in 1979 and 1980, an astonishing feat for a relatively provincial club. They also secured two **League Cups** in 1978 and 1979.

Later Years and Retirement

The legendary partnership between Clough and Taylor concluded with Taylor's retirement in 1982. **Brian Clough** continued at **Nottingham Forest** for another decade, adding two more **League Cups** to the club's trophy cabinet in 1989 and 1990, and guiding them to the FA Cup final in 1991. While he couldn't quite replicate the stratospheric successes of the late 70s, his sustained presence kept Forest competitive. However, the club was eventually relegated from the newly formed **Premier League** in 1993, marking the end of an era. Following this relegation, Clough retired from football, leaving behind a legacy that few could ever match.

Legacy: "Old Big 'Ead" and the Greatest Manager England Never Had

Brian Clough remains enshrined as one of the greatest managers in the history of **English football**. His achievements with **Derby County** and **Nottingham Forest** are particularly remarkable because he transformed these two struggling provincial clubs, with little prior history of success, into national and European champions. His teams were not only victorious but were also admired for their attractive, attacking style of football and their unwavering commitment to good sportsmanship. Charismatic, often outspoken, and never one to shy away from making controversial remarks in his frequent radio and television interviews, Clough captivated the nation. Despite being a popular choice and applying multiple times, he was famously never appointed manager of the England national team, earning him the poignant moniker, "the greatest manager England never had." His unique blend of tactical brilliance, man-management, and sheer force of personality continues to inspire and entertain generations of football fans.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brian Clough

Who was Brian Clough?

Brian Clough was an iconic English football player and, more famously, a highly successful and often controversial football manager. He is one of only four managers to have won the English league title with two different clubs.

What was Brian Clough famous for as a player?

As a player, Clough was a prolific **striker** for Middlesbrough and Sunderland, scoring 251 league goals in 274 starts. His playing career was cut short at age 29 due to a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury.

What were Brian Clough's major managerial achievements?

Clough's greatest achievements include leading **Derby County** to their first-ever English league title in 1972. He then moved to **Nottingham Forest**, where he won the league title in 1978 and, remarkably, back-to-back **European Cups** in 1979 and 1980, along with multiple **League Cups**.

Who was Peter Taylor to Brian Clough?

Peter Taylor was Clough's long-serving assistant manager and close confidant. Their partnership was pivotal to the successes at Hartlepools United, **Derby County**, and **Nottingham Forest**, with Taylor's quiet tactical acumen complementing Clough's flamboyant leadership.

Why was Brian Clough considered controversial?

Clough was known for his outspoken nature, frequently making candid and sometimes controversial remarks about players, other managers, and the state of the game in media interviews. His brief and turbulent 44-day tenure at **Leeds United** is a prime example of his controversial career moments.

Why is Brian Clough called "the greatest manager England never had"?

Despite his extraordinary success with two provincial clubs and being a popular choice for the role, **Brian Clough** was never appointed manager of the England national team. This unfulfilled ambition, coupled with his immense talent, led to this famous moniker.