Brian Clough Fifty Defining Fixtures

Controversial, outspoken and a soccer genius. Brian Clough is often described as the best manager England never had. After setting a superb goalscoring record at Middlesbrough and Sunderland, a devastating injury in icy conditions effectively ended his playing career. But a new chapter in the Clough story was about to unfold. With an unmatched ability to motivate players, the master manager transformed two unfashionable clubs and made them world class, playing stylish football and with a respect for authority. Not only did he guide Derby County and Nottingham Forest to the pinnacle of the domestic game, he went on to lead the Reds to two successive European Cups. Such success from lowly beginnings is unlikely to be seen again. But the long journey to European glory was far from smooth, with a rocky 44 days at Leeds along the way.

Marcus Alton is a BBC radio journalist who interviewed Brian Clough a number of times. In 2005 he was part of the BBC team that won silver in the Frank Gillard Awards for its reporting of the death of Brian Clough and his memorial service.