RIP Mr Clough – 7 Years On

The Football Front’s Senior Writer, Christian Brown writes a warm piece on the legend, Brain Clough.

News that still saddens me to this day. Waking up and watching all the tributes flood in, it’s quite hard to keep a set of dry eyes. I remember being in a car with my dad when we heard the news; he had to stop the car due to how shocked and distraught he was. Fierce rivals united as one, for a day at least. For on this day, the 20^th September, 7 years ago a true legend passed away at the age of 69. A footballing genius who took two clubs going nowhere into English and European powerhouses respectively. That man was Brian Clough.

Starting his football career off as a player, he played for hometown team Middlesbrough and scored 197 goals in 213 games for them, before switching to Sunderland. He then got 54 in 61 for them, before injury stopped his playing days at the tender age of 27. He attempted to make a comeback, but lasted 3 games before quitting for good. A little known fact it seems, Brian Clough was the first player to score 250 league goals in England – faster than Jimmy Greaves. He also represented his country twice.

His managerial career started with Hartlepools United (now Hartlepool), a spell which saw him name Peter Taylor as assistant manager. At 30, Clough was the youngest manager in the league. Clough was there for 2 years, before going to the East Midlands to join Derby County, taking Taylor with him. Before his arrival, the Rams had been out the top flight for 5 years. During his 6 year tenure however, Derby won the league and went to the semi finals of the European Cup, before being cheated by a bought referee against Juventus.

However, a fractious relationship with the board – notably with chairman Sam Longson - saw Clough and Taylor both resign in 1973. They may have won the league again in 1975 under Dave Mackay, but Derby fans still regard accepting their resignations as the worst decision the club has ever made. Since that title win, Derby haven’t done anything of note, apart from finish as the worst team in Premier League history with 11 points. They’ve just been sitting in the second division mounting the odd promotion campaign, a far cry from the days in the early 70’s.

Next for Clough, was Brighton. Taking Taylor with him, they didn’t set the country alight like they had done at Derby, and within a year Clough had left – to take over Leeds United. A move which shocked the whole footballing world, as Clough had repeatedly attacked Leeds’ style and then manager Don Revie, whilst Revie himself had told the board to appoint Leeds midfielder Johnny Giles as his successor. Taylor didn’t follow this time, so Clough was on his own. The pairing was a disaster, as it would appear that Clough changed things far too quickly.

The right idea was there, that Leeds ‘machine’ was at an end and parts needed to be changed in order for it to carry on. People like Bremner were getting old and needed replacing. There was also the style, which – under the previous management - was robust to say the least. The players didn’t take to him before, so when he turned up and said “you can throw all your medals into a bin cos you’ve won them all by bloody cheating”, they were hardly behind him. It led to the clubs worst start in 15 years, and after 44 days and a massive pay off, Clough was out the door.

Then, on the 6^th January 1975, Clough found his perfect managerial bride. For the people who say Christmas has two dates, the 25^th of December and the 6^th of January – what a Christmas present he was for that club. A club who were 13^th in Division 2 at the time of the takeover, a club who although had won the FA Cup 16 years prior and finished 2^nd in the top league 8 years ago, were seemingly going nowhere and doing nothing. A club left to rot in the second division, much like Derby before he took over. That club, was Derby’s East Midlands rivals, Nottingham Forest.

I will be brief. In May 1975, Forest finished the season 16^th in the Second Division. 5 years later in May 1980, Forest had just retained the European Cup in Madrid. They had gone from finishing runners up behind Wolves in the Second Division, to winning the European Cup back to back, with a League title along the way. Clough also won the League Cup 4 times with Forest in his 18 year reign (twice with Taylor, twice without), the European Super Cup, a Charity Shield victory, a semi final in the UEFA Cup before being cheated by a bought ref – again, and an FA Cup Final, which they lost 2-1. The FA Cup was the only honour that eluded Clough.

In May 1993, Clough retired following Forest’s relegation from the Premier League. That club will never see success on that scale ever again, as they – like Derby – find themselves plodding along in the Second Division, having found themselves in footballing purgatory (third division) for 3 years. They’ve been out the top flight for 12 years now. Brian Clough retired as the greatest British manager of all time. Say what you like about Ferguson, but without the millions at his disposal, would he have done what Clough did at Forest and Derby?

Ferguson hasn’t touched people like Clough did either. The amount Clough gave to charity and other people is phenomenal. His arrogance and brashness have planted many a smile on our faces, and you don’t see Ferguson helping out the common people when they’re on strike. Clough touched the people of Nottingham to the point where they funded the £70,000 statue of him in Nottingham City Centre. It amazes me how Brian was never given the England job. Everyone was calling for it to happen, but The FA – as usual – showed no backbone and appointed Ron Greenwood. Forest then went on to win 2 European Cups.

Call it fate, call it a coincidence, call it what you will – 3 days ago (17/11/11) Derby beat Forest at The City Ground to regain The Brian Clough Cup; a cup contested to honour Brian’s achievements. Brian’s son Nigel is currently managing at the first team Brian won success with as a manager. Today, on Brian’s anniversary, Forest host Newcastle United. The same Newcastle that Middlesbrough and Sunderland both hate – the teams Brian played for. If Forest win tonight, you can’t help but think the master manager is behind it all, sitting in God’s favourite chair with a huge grin on his face.

Here are some quotes from the great man:

“If God had wanted us to play football in the clouds, he’d have put the grass up there”

“Football hooligans? Well there are 92 club chairmen for a start”

“Rome wasn’t built in a day. But I wasn’t on that particular job”

“Players lose you games, not tactics. There’s so much crap talked about tactics by people who barely know how to win at dominoes”

(“What if a player comes to you asking to change something?”) “Well, we talk about it for twenty minutes, and then decide I was right”

“I’m sure the England selectors thought if they took me on and gave me the job, I’d want to run the show. They were shrewd, because that’s exactly what I would have done”

“If a chairman sacks a manager he initially appointed, he should go as well”

“I wouldn’t say I was the best in the business. But I’m in the top one”

A hero to the common man, and the best manager England never had. RIP ‘Sir’ Brian Clough

This piece was written by Christian Brown, you can follow him on his Twitter - @Chris78901, Chris also writes for The Sports Pallet too. All of Chris' work is on his blog, 1-chris78901.

Christian Brown’s npower Championship 2011/12 Preview - Part Three

The Football Front’s Christian Brown in a three feature takes a look at the chances of the team’s in the npower Championship.

This is part three of the npower Championship preview – Part one can be found here and part two can be found here.

Millwall – 2010/11 finish: 9th

There is no denying, no debate and no argument that if it wasn’t for Steve Morison, Millwall wouldn’t have had the season they enjoyed. A goal total of 17 in all competitions ensured that their otherwise League 1 standard team (barring a few individuals, notably James Henry) didn’t have to work especially hard to finish like they did. If Morison didn’t get stupidly suspended, they arguably would have finished in the play offs. Morison has now joined Norwich, and even if Neil Mellor does sign for The Lions, his influence hasn’t been replaced. As a result, we will all see just how weak Millwall are, but it isn’t weak enough to get relegated...just. Position – 21st

Nottingham Forest – 2010/11 finish: 6th

After winning last season’s race for 6th place, Forest’s alarmingly unlucky subsequent defeat at the hands of eventual winners Swansea prompted a summer of change at The City Ground. Popular manager Billy Davies was sacked, with Steve McClaren being handed the reigns at the sleeping giants. But things haven’t started well, with Robbie Earnshaw and Julian Bennett both leaving the club on frees. However, Forest have brought in much needed experience in the middle with George Boateng and Jonathan Greening, whilst there was also a comeback for Forest hero Andy Reid, who signed a 2 year deal. Forest still look a little light on numbers, but they have a lot of quality and under McClaren they just might achieve what Davies didn’t – promotion. Position – 5th

Peterborough United – 2010/11 finish: 4th (promoted via League 1 play offs)

Peterborough fans should cherish every single second of that game against Huddersfield. It was that underserved win that got them promoted. There is absolutely no doubt they’re going back the way they came. Selling star striker Craig Mackail-Smith to Brighton will be the first of many bullets that end up in the feet of The Posh, but it will be the sale of George Boyd which will really kill them off. As things stand, an offer from an unnamed club (for now) has been received, but hasn’t been either accepted or rejected. As Boyd pulled all the strings in an otherwise League One standard team, losing him would be a disaster. Darren Ferguson would like to avoid tarnishing his Championship reputation further, but it’ll take a lot of favours from Daddy Ferguson to avoid that. Position – 24th

Portsmouth – 2010/11 finish: 16th

Most Pompey fans will be thanking their lucky stars that they still have a club to support after last season’s near extinction, but times are changing on the South Coast. Despite losing star striker Dave Nugent to Leicester, they have already found a replacement in Luke Varney, and replaced Michael Brown with David Norris. Having re-signed ex academy product Jason Pearce from Bournemouth, getting former loanee Greg Halford back permanently from Wolves, and with ex Chelsea defender Tal Ben Haim willing to play again - Portsmouth won’t be shipping many goals, wherever they play. If Liam Lawrence can keep providing pin point service from the wings, this could be a strong season for the Blues. Position – 8th

Reading – 2010/11 finish: 5th

As with Nottingham Forest, Reading became unstuck and were just as unbelievably unlucky as the Reds were against Swansea. Losing 4-2 in the final was a hammer blow to the Royals, and it’s interesting to see where they go from it. Having already lost their best centre back Matt Mills to Leicester, speculation over the future of key striker Shane Long has been rising and rising – he was also the subject of a failed £5.5 million bid (potentially rising to 8) from West Ham. With Liverpool amongst over Premier League teams allegedly keeping tabs on him, it seems inevitable he will leave. This will be a distracting season for Reading, but a solid one all the same. Position – 9th

Southampton – 2010/11 finish: 2nd (promoted from League One)

Normally when a team comes up, they think of players they can get to ensure survival. They will then look to build on their success of staying up the following year, and possibly mount a charge the year after. Not Southampton. The first thing the Saints did when they got promoted was put bids in for Nicky Maynard and Jack Cork, securing the latter. These are hardly ‘survival’ targets. On top of an already impressive squad, Nigel Adkins has added to it significantly. Even though it is still a relatively young team in places (Lallana, Cork and Chamberlain) this group of players has it in them to cause damage in this league, and that’s what they will do. Position – 6th

Watford – 2010/11 finish: 14th

Much like Millwall being dependent on Steve Morison, Watford were highly dependent on the league’s top scorer Danny Graham. Also like Morision, Graham has departed the Hornets for pastures new. Unlike Millwall however, Watford have a team in place already which are good enough to stay up in this division. The acquisition of Scottish international and ex Burnley target man Chris Iwelumo will definitely aid the development of hot prospect Marvin Sordell, as well as adding a different dimension to the Hornets’ game. However, he won’t be anywhere near as prolific as Danny Graham and Watford will struggle...but they will have enough to keep their heads above water, for now at least. Position – 20th

West Ham United – 2010/11 finish: 20th (relegated from Premier League)

And so the best is saved till last. Much like Newcastle did in 2009, West Ham will definitely go back up at the first attempt. Magnificent signings such as Joey O’Brien, Matty Taylor and of course, Kevin Nolan, will ensure promotion is secured. Under the experienced manager Sam Allardyce, there doesn’t really seem to be any potential weakness in the team. Even if they do lose players like Cole and Parker, there is depth and quality to cover for it. Jordan Spence and James Tompkins will get their chance to shine, and although it is inevitable West Ham will lose games and drop points over the course of the season, it is even more inevitable they will win the league. Position – 1st

Here is my Championship league table prediction;

League table prediction

West Ham United

------------------

Leicester City

Cardiff City

Ipswich Town

Nottingham Forest

Southampton

------------------

Birmingham City

Portsmouth

Reading

Hull City

Middlesbrough

Blackpool

Leeds United

Bristol City

Burnley

Crystal Palace

Doncaster Rovers

Brighton & Hove Albion

Derby County

Watford

Millwall

------------------

Coventry City

Barnsley

Peterborough United

And that brings the end of the preview! Although the final table will not be exactly as predicted, it is a rough and fair assessment of what is to come this season. Who knows, Peterborough may end up with Tom Cleverly and Federico Macheda on loan from Manchester United and storm the league, whilst Leicester’s new signings don’t gel and they have a car crash season, resulting in the end of Sven’s tenure. Or go broke. Either way, it is sure to be yet another memorable, exciting and nail biting season for all involved in the npower Championship, and it’s not long now before all 24 are back into the groove of playing competitive football.

This piece was written by Christian Brown, you can follow him on his Twitter - @Chris78901, Chris also writes for The Sports Pallet too. All of Chris' work is on his blog, 1-chris78901.

Things you may like to read

Christian Brown’s nPower Championship Review 2011/2012 – Part One

Christian Brown’s nPower Championship Review 2011/2012 – Part Two

The Championship. Is it more competitive than ever before?

The Championship. Is it more competitive than ever before?

“The Championship is the best league in the world.” A bold statement, you might think. The Championship hardly attracts the world’s best players and it doesn’t boast the world’s best teams. So whoever was to issue the statement above might be seen as a bit mad.

But what the Championship is though, it is by far the most competitive league in the world. The league has 24 teams as its capacity, realistically about 22 of those can go up. That’s not an exaggeration either. With the exceptions of Barnsley and Peterborough, there is no reason as to why the remaining 22 can’t mount a promotion charge.

Admittedly, for at least 8 of those 22, there are a lot of ‘ifs’ involved. If Watford and Millwall can replace free scoring strikers Danny Graham and Steve Morison they could be in the play offs. If Derby can secure a proven holding midfielder and acquire a target man, they could also be in the play offs. If Coventry can get a striker or get consistency out of Freddy Eastwood, they could be in the play offs too. There are so many ‘if’ variables in the Championship that I could highlight.

Then again, all football is immersed by ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’. Even if Coventry, Millwall and Watford do what’s needed, they could still get relegated; such is the competitive edge of this league. The general consensus regarding the teams who have just been promoted (Brighton (League One Champions, Southampton (League One runners off) and Peterborough (playoff winners)) is that the first two teams will survive comfortably, more so Southampton.

Incidentally, Brighton have somehow pipped West Ham and Leicester City to Peterborough’s top goal scorer last season, Craig Mackail-Smith. He is the perfect replacement for the recently departed Glenn Murray.

Even the teams coming up will be challenging for promotion!

However, there are the more notable teams which are expected to do well. Despite a currently possessing squad which contains just fourteen players, Nottingham Forest under the guidance of ex England manager Steve McClaren are expected to finish in the top 6. They have re-signed former fan favourite Andy Reid and this is a statement of their intentions, and after finishing so close in the last two years, they could make it 3^rd time lucky.

While Cardiff under new management in Malky Mackay, they have done well so far to replace the players who have recently departed, and with more signings on the horizon, they will be favourites to challenge in the play offs yet again.

There is also the small matter of the teams that have just been relegated from the Premier League. Blackpool seem certain to lose their talismatic midfielder Charlie Adam. There is also the possibility that the money gained from Adam (£9 million price tag) could go straight into the Blackpool budget.

The Carling Cup holders Birmingham will no doubt make a charge for the top 2 under Chris Hughton. This is regardless even if they have lost key players and will continue to do so. Signing Chris Burke and Marlon King means goals, and with a sturdy defence, they will be amongst the top 6.

The favourites however, are West Ham and Leicester. Leicester have strengthened enormously, Kasper Schmeichel, Sean St Ledger and Neil Danns have all joined the Foxes and under the supervision from another ex England manager Sven Goran Erikson. Leicester seem certain to go up. Although West Ham look certain to lose Scott Parker, they have signed Kevin Nolan and haven’t lost many other players. Those that have left have been expendable, and someone will come in to take their chance. This relegation could be a blessing in disguise for West Ham, as many expect them to storm the league like Newcastle did a few years ago.

Having said all this, you would be foolish to predict anything that happens in the Championship. So often people are proved wrong. West Ham may well be the runaway favourites, but with the league being as competitive as ever, whether they do get automatically promoted is not a nailed on certainty. However, if West Ham don’t finish in the automatic slots and fall into the lottery of the play offs, the West Ham fans know too well the feelings of joy and despair that the £90 million game in football can bring.

Only 3 teams can go up, and the way things are shaping up for this year, this is the league to watch.

This piece was written by Christian Brown, you can follow him on his Twitter - @Chris78901, Chris also writes for The Sports Pallet too. All of Chris' work is on his blog, 1-chris78901.

Things you may like to read

The quest for the Holy Grail taken to a new level

Why Norwich City will face the most danger next season

Premier League free transfers XI