The House that Clough Built

Brian Clough, often referred to as "Old Big 'Ead," was one of the most iconic and controversial football managers in the history of the sport. Clough's illustrious career spanned several decades, leaving an indelible mark on the game of football. Today there is a new Forest but one with a strong connection to the deep roots laid by Clough and a new energy that is tangible. Let's look at how attributes of Nottingham's (perhaps England's) most famous gaffer line up with the new Forest.

Charisma and Confidence

One of Brian Clough's most prominent traits was his charismatic personality and unwavering self-confidence. His confidence in his abilities was infectious and helped him inspire his teams to achieve greatness. Clough had a natural charm that endeared him to players, staff, and fans alike. He could motivate and elevate the confidence of his players to unprecedented levels. His ability to build strong personal relationships with his team members was a cornerstone of his management style. Clough once famously said, "I'm sure the players get fed up of hearing me talk about winning, winning, winning. But that's what it's all about. Winning."

Current coach Steve Cooper's background includes Wrexham and Liverpool youth teams as well as winning the U-17 World Cup as skipper for the England team in 2017. Good at developing youth talent, remember that. He was manager of Championship side Swansea before taking on the role at Forest. Cooper has a calm demeanor but is straightforward and very well liked by players and fans, certainly Clough traits. Like Clough, Cooper earned Nottingham Forest promotion to the Premier League. After a string of poor results at the end of last season, Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis made known that Cooper was on thin ice. The Forest fans and players played a big part in making sure results and the fans were there for their manager. Forest currently sits mid-table, currently well above the relegation zone.

Man Management

Clough was a master of man-management. He understood that every player was different and had unique needs and motivations. He knew how to get the best out of his players by treating them as individuals. There are copious stories in this regard. His personal touch and empathy allowed him to create a close-knit team that played not just for the badge but for their manager as well. He also had a reputation for standing up for his players, defending them fiercely in public, and dealing with any internal disputes internally. His approach built a strong sense of loyalty and commitment within the team. One might think of this as a "players coach", but it is more nuanced than that. It was about winning. We had the honor of meeting one of Clough's Forest stars, John McGovern at our visit to Forest. He told us some great stories about Brian Clough. One that really stuck out is when we brought up national team play as McGovern and everyone around the table was Scottish (except for me). John said he'd been called up and the Scotland manager asked Clough if McGovern could play in the upcoming European Championship. Clough said no, he's injured. The Scotland coach said the tournament is in June, and it's only November!

Tactical Innovation

While Clough was renowned for his man-management skills, he was also a tactician of the highest order. He was known for implementing innovative tactics and systems. Clough's Nottingham Forest team, for instance, shocked the footballing world by winning the English First Division in 1978 just a year after gaining promotion. His "diamond" formation and emphasis on pressing, possession, and teamwork revolutionized the English game at the time. We met with several coaches and technical members of the Forest staff. I don't want to share anything that they wouldn't want me to, so I'll just note that Forest does an amazing job of tracking every detail of each player, how they work into the system, and they analyze all of the data related to them from the academy up through the first team. Technology is at the forefront of the organization and investments in the first team and top teams at the club are robust. New things are in the works for the training side at Forest and those are on par with Premier League investments. That is something new and exciting for a team who's mostly been in the Championship for the last couple of decades.

Attention to Detail

Clough was a stickler for details. He believed that success was in the details and that they could make the difference between winning and losing. Whether it was meticulous preparation, analyzing opponents, or ensuring the pitch was in perfect condition, Clough left nothing to chance. He instilled a culture of professionalism in his teams, demanding that everyone involved, from players to the ground staff, be at their best. Here's a great story about Clough's management of the medical staff during a match against Everton.

Controversy and Leadership

Brian Clough's management style was often controversial, marked by his outspoken nature and willingness to challenge authority. His confrontations with football's establishment were well-documented. He was famously banned from the European Cup for 40 years after a clash with UEFA officials, which demonstrated his unwavering belief in his principles and his willingness to fight for his team. Clough's ability to lead and protect his players in challenging situations was a testament to his leadership qualities. Clough had his enemies and his own demons, but his genius at management and his ability to reach the very top of world football cannot be denied.

Brian Clough's management style was a perfect blend of charisma, confidence, man-management, tactical innovation, and attention to detail. His approach to the game left a mark on football, and his legacy continues to inspire both aspiring managers and fans of the sport. While his controversial nature may have raised eyebrows, it was the same uncompromising spirit that made him a legendary figure in the world of football management. Brian Clough was more than just a manager; he was a maverick, a leader, and a footballing icon.