Clough, the best manager England never had, dies

Published on Tuesday 21 September 2004 01:12

BRIAN Clough died yesterday at the age of 69, leaving the world of football smaller and infinitely less interesting.

A purist, prolific goal scorer and managerial genius, the greatest manager England never had was also fond of a drink. After a liver transplant last year, he said he wished he drank more water. "Alas, I am too busy walking on it," he added.

"Cloughie" was diagnosed as having stomach cancer last year and became seriously ill with the condition last week. His family was at his bedside when he passed away.

As manager of Derby County and Nottingham Forest, he won two league championships, four league cups and two European Cups back-to-back in 1979 and 1980.

His abrasive nature masked a kind man loved by players who used every ounce of their ability to achieve the seemingly impossible.

Of his own ability, he said: "I wouldn’t say I was the best manager, but I was in the top one."

A strong supporter of British players, he said of the influx of foreign players: "I can’t even spell spaghetti."

Clough has a valid claim to have been the greatest ever British football manager, with a string of trophies and titles achieved with two teams which were not successful before his presence or after it.

The Scot, Dave Mackay, a former Derby captain, said: "He was unlike any other manager - ferocious, unique and brilliant. I doubt there will ever be a manager like him again."

Clough’s managerial success masked his playing achievements. He joined Middlesbrough at 17 and scored 204 goals in 213 games. He moved to Sunderland, where his career was ended by injury after 274 matches and 251 goals.

Derby City General Hospital issued a statement on behalf of Clough’s family, thanking nursing staff for treating him following his liver transplant. Supporters last night began laying flowers outside Forest’s City Ground and Derby County’s Pride Park stadium, a tribute that would no doubt have brought a familiar rebuke from the former manager.

After recovering from his transplant in 2003, he warned well-wishers: "Don’t send me flowers when I’m dead. If you like me, send them while I’m alive."