Brian Clough: 1935-2004

Today marks the tenth anniversary of the death of Brian Clough.

The man transformed the fortunes of Derby County in the 1960s and 1970s and went on to lead the Club to the First Division title in 1971/72.

Regarded as one of the greatest managers of all time, Clough really was one of a kind.

Clough, flanked by his assistant Peter Taylor, transformed Derby County. When they arrived from Hartlepools United in July 1967, on the strong recommendation of Len Shackleton, Derby were pottering along aimlessly in the Second Division.

Their first season brought no improvement in results but the buying attracted a public starved of success. The first three in were John O'Hare, Roy McFarland and Alan Hinton at a combined cost of less than £75,000 and when Dave Mackay and Willie Carlin were added in 1968/69, Derby really did take off.

They won the Second Division at a canter, the team was ready for the First Division and the signings became more ambitious and exciting. Terry Hennessey was Derby's first £100,000 player, Archie Gemmill and Colin Todd arrived and David Nish was a British record deal at £225,000. When Nish was signed Derby were the Champions of England, having won the League in 1971/72 for the first time in their history.

In 1972/73, they reached the semi-finals of the European Cup in what was a dream period for the Club. He left the the Rams in October 1973.

Clough sadly passed away in 2004 and today the Club will remember their former manager.

A special tribute will appear inside The Ram, Derby County’s official matchday programme, for the home game with Cardiff City this afternoon and the man himself is featured on the cover.

In addition, a Clough-themed video will appear on the Big Screen prior to kick-off and supporters have indicated that a minute’s applause will take place in the tenth minute of today’s game in his memory.

Rest In Peace, Brian.


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