I am embarking on a new project focusing on the late Brian Clough.
Brian Clough has arguably surpassed Robin Hood as Nottingham’s most recognisable legend. His recent death had a profound effect upon the hearts and imagination of the local community, unifying a diverse range of peoples in their grief. As tributes began to flood in from up and down the country it became quite apparent that everybody had an opinion or story about ‘Old Big 'ead’.
Although much has been written about Clough it has generally been from the perspective of ex professionals and sport journalists. What is missing are the personal anecdotes of everyday Nottingham people, and with your help I hope to achieve a kind of cultural biography from the perspective of window cleaners, lollypop ladies, accountants, taxi drivers, buskers, miners etc.
What I am looking for is either some or all from the following categories:
- Personal information: Tell me something about yourself, what area of Nottingham you live in, have you always lived here.
- What career you have and how well you think Clough would do it, or what he would make of your profession. E.g. ‘Brian would make an excellent policeman as he was well respected by his players and could control them…’
- Did you ever meet Clough and if so what happened, where and when? Did he conform to your expectations?
- Is there a particular match you remember and if so what was it about that match that was emblematic of the Cloughie spirit? Or is there any aspect of his career you have an opinion on, such as why his tenure was so short at Leeds but successful at Forest and Derby.
- What do you think Cloughie would make of current affairs e.g. fathers for justice, re-electing New Labour, Asian tsunami, crime, etc.
Please feel free to write as much or as little as you like, these categories are just guidelines. Do not worry about precise details as these can be checked, it is the feelings which Clough evoked in you as individuals which matters. I will attempt to weave aspects of these into the narrative of a book entitled ‘If Brian Clough had been my father’, which, as the title suggests, will be a dual biography of two of the people closest to my heart.
Please send any information to
Please be assured that your contribution is appreciated. All submissions will be read and considered.
Thanks again.
James
Word count: Early doors, thick bonce. |
