10 Years ago today we lost the great man, Brain Clough, so to mark the occasion I wanted to post what I believe is his finest work as a politician. The balls it must have took to go on live TV alongside your much loved and respected predecessor the day you were sacked – I am lost for superlatives. Imagine a Premier League manager doing this today! At the time, we had no idea what would follow but needless to say Clough went on to prove all of his doubters wrong as what turned out to be Leeds’ loss, was very much Nottingham’s gain. Enjoy!
40 years ago today, Brian Clough was appointed manager of Leeds United following Don Revie’s departure to become England manager. For anyone who has read or watched the ‘Dammed United’ you will be more than familiar with the story that followed, but on taking the top job at the English champions, Clough gave a live interview and made himself accountable in a way which no top flight manager would dare consider nowadays.
Clough had some choice words for a number of players he was due to inherit and also talked openly and frankly, with of course all the charm we came to expect, which is barely rivaled by the most charismatic personalities of today. Despite the concern and raised eyebrows to Clough’s appointment, few predicted he would be back 44 days later, alongside Revie, to debate his sacking.
As you will see, Clough is as calm as any polished politician of today. Ironically it would be the far from smooth is interviewer, Austin Mitchell, that became the actual politician. I will of course be back to commemorate the anniversary of his sacking (in an strangely positive way!) but in the meantime, enjoy the debate below!
If you don’t have time or inclination to sit through the clip in its entirety I implore you to give it 40 seconds up until the ‘smile.’ Pretty much sums up everything there is about the great man without saying a word.
Leeds were due to play a pre season friendly this week in Santa Cristina, Italy, against Romanian side Viitorul Constanta, but rather inconveniently their opposition didn’t turn up.
The Romanian top flight club owned by Gheorghe Hagi were asked to comment but so far they have failed to respond. Around 200 of United’s supporters were in attendance so instead of simply heading home, Leeds lined up against Leeds to give the supporters who came along something to watch.
For those who are interested, Leeds won 3-1 which closes what has been an unusual tour and adds a further victory following their 16-0 win over FC Gherdeina
The Estonians had already set the precedent for this against Scotland with the ‘One team in Tallinn’ match. Incidentally the match was forced to be replayed resulting in a 0-0 draw proving (kind of) that Scotland couldn’t even beat a team with no players.
Mixing Sport and Politics against far better wisdom and advice 