Archive News 2024
Quotes at Quad
Applause filled the Sir John Hurt Cinema following an entertaining evening of Brian Clough memories at Derby Book Festival. The event, featuring Cloughie author Marcus Alton in conversation with former BBC sports presenter Colin Gibson, was held at Quad Derby (15th November, 2024).
Clough at Core
Around 50 people attended a charity evening of fantastic Brian Clough memories. Alongside compere Neil Kendrick, Cloughie author and historian Marcus Alton told behind-the-scenes Clough stories accompanied by archive gems. It was held at the Calverton Working Men's Club (Geordie Club) in Nottinghamshire (14th November, 2024) and supported the local CORE community charity.
Statue Story
November 2024 marks 16 years since the brilliant Brian Clough statue was unveiled in Nottingham by Mrs Clough. In a special Green Jumper pod, Marcus Alton talks about how he got the fundraising group together after receiving Barbara Clough's approval.
"Superb" Tribute Event
More than 100 people came along to our special charity event marking 20 years since Brian Clough left us with magical memories. Best-selling Cloughie author Marcus Alton shared behind-the-scenes stories and archive recordings in an entertaining and often emotional Q&A with host Neil Kendrick.
Marcus introduced exclusive recordings with Cloughie legends as well as a special message from Brian's son Simon. Among the audience comments were:
"That was superb, thanks very much."
"An excellent evening."
"A great trip down memory lane."
"A really enjoyable evening, thank you."
The event, held at the Lutterell Hall in West Bridgford, Nottingham, raised money for the homelessness charity The Friary and included an auction of memorabilia. Read more about our live Green Jumper events HERE. The Lutterell Hall event was previewed by Nottingham Local News and West Bridgford Wire.
Poignant Podcast
To mark 20 years since Brian Clough left us with magical memories, here's a special Green Jumper pod featuring fans from Nottingham, Derby and his hometown of Middlesbrough. The pod includes personal memories from Cloughie author and website editor Marcus Alton.
Special Memories
Details have been revealed about a special charity evening to mark 20 years since Cloughie left us with those fantastic memories. The event on 20th September 2024 will be held in West Bridgford, Nottingham, in support of the homelessness charity The Friary.
As well as archive recordings and a Q&A with Cloughie author Marcus Alton, there'll be a recorded message from Brian's son Simon. Tickets are just £5 and available from brianclough.com HERE. More details are explained below and here are preview articles on West Bridgford Wire and Notts Local News.
"It promises to be an emotional and unforgettable evening," said Marcus. "I'm looking forward to telling some behind-the-scenes stories in this special tribute to a remarkable man." The Chief Executive of The Friary, Ben Talbot, said:
“We really hope this event will be well supported in memory of a legendary figure who put Nottingham on the map. As a charity, we are grateful for the sponsorship of West Bridgford Colts FC to stage this tribute event and for all those people who are giving up their time to make it happen.”
There was also a special preview of the event on BBC Radio Nottingham, with a live interview on 'In The Game' presented by Arun Verma (17th Sept 2024). Arun interviewed author Marcus, Ben from The Friary and Andy Lowe from West Bridgford Colts.
Picture Perfect
A photographer who captured iconic images of Brian Clough says there was a mutual trust between them. John Sumpter was the official Nottingham Forest photographer for more than 40 years. He recalls great stories of working with Cloughie in the Green Jumper pod with Marcus Alton.
On one occasion, he was invited to travel back from Wembley on the team coach after another trophy success. "Get yourself on the bus," Cloughie ordered after John took special photos in the dressing room. "I sat behind Brian Clough on the team coach - and he told Albert the driver to put some Buddy Holly music on as we left Wembley."
The Lost Tapes @ Book Festivals
There's been fantastic audience feedback following two successful Brian Clough events at book festivals in Nottinghamshire.
The first was a sell-out Q&A at Lowdham Book Festival in June, with another wonderful turn-out for a multi-media show at Newark Book Festival on 13th July 2024.
At both events, best-selling Cloughie author Marcus Alton recalled fascinating and entertaining behind-the-scenes Brian Clough stories. He also signed copies of his latest book, 'Brian Clough The Lost Tapes,' which has received Five Star reviews on Amazon.
You can buy copies of Marcus' books, personally signed to you or as a gift, at our Cloughie shop which is supporting good causes.
Triumph & Tragedy
A former matchday ball boy has recalled how he received strict instructions - not to retrieve the ball near Cloughie's dug-out, because that was Brian's domain! Martin Underwood is one of the guests in this episode of the Green Jumper pod entitled 'Triumph & Tragedy' which also looks back at the Hillsborough disaster.
Cloughie fan Amanda Stanger recalls being at the FA Cup semi-final in 1989 and talks about the support group she has set-up for Nottingham Forest fans who were there that day. Separate from that tragic event, Amanda also recalls great Cloughie memories, including an amusing parking incident!
Gala Dinner
It's 18 years since a Gala Dinner was held at Nottingham Council House to raise money for the city's Cloughie's statue. It was attended by Cloughie's family, with Mrs Clough being presented with a special gift - a framed signed message from Sir Terry Wogan, whose radio show Brian regularly listened to on his way to the City Ground.
The guest speaker was Duncan McKenzie, while fellow former players John Robertson, John McGovern and John O'Hare also attended. The cast of the Cloughie tribute play came along, straight after that night's performance at the Playhouse.
The Gala Dinner, sponsored by Nottingham Forest chairman Nigel Doughty, raised £9,000 - taking the fund's total to £45,000. The small group of fundraisers smashed their target in 18 months, raising £70,000 in total.
SUNDAY LUNCH
Despite often having heated arguments when they worked together, former Nottingham Forest defender Willie Young has described how Brian called into his pub unannounced for Sunday lunch many years later. It happened in 1999, when Young was the landlord of the Bramcote Manor pub in Nottingham.
Author Jon Spurling wrote: "From the moment he was signed from Arsenal in December 1981 for £50,000, Young and Clough had been at loggerheads over the former's relocation allowance, which he wanted to spend on a stable for his wife, Linda, a keen equestrienne. Clough disagreed, arguing the money should be spent only on a house. "
In one disagreement, Young told Spurling there was "the mother of all arguments, with swearing and threats made on both sides." After eventually leaving Forest in 1983, Young didn't see Cloughie for many years - but they crossed paths at the Bramcote Manor.
In the book 'Go To War - Football on the Brink in the 80's' Spurling describes how Clough and a friend went into the pub and Brian demanded a roast dinner. After Young insisted his former boss ask nicely, two roast lunches appeared and Clough gave Young the thumbs-up for the quality of the meat.
Clough then admitted their face-offs had gone too far in the old days. After enjoying a pudding, Clough walked-out, calling: "Very generous of you, big man," has he left.
CUP UPSET
Former Cloughie striker Nigel Jemson has described his devastation at being left out of Brian's 1991 FA Cup Final team.
Speaking on the Green Jumper pod, Jemson says he was in tears after learning he hadn't even made the subs' bench for the Wembley showdown with Spurs:
"What was even worse was that the Forest fans at Wembley didn't know I hadn't been picked and were wishing me well. They were asking for a repeat of the year before when I scored the winner in the Littlewoods Cup Final."
Jemson tells pod host Marcus Alton that if he, Brian Laws and Steve Hodge had started the match, Forest would probably have won the cup and then Cloughie could have retired. Instead, Spurs lifted the trophy after the ref failed to send Paul Gascoigne off for two horrendous challenges in the early stages of the match.
This fascinating chat also includes Jemson's reflections on the great times he had with Cloughie, including scoring the winning goal in the 1990 Littlewoods Cup Final. "It was a dream come true," says the former striker who also recalls the time Clough sent him flowers in hospital after a car crash during his spell at Sheffield Wednesday. "That was the kind of man he was - the fella was class," says Jemson.
CLOUGHIE EVENTS
More dates have been added to the Green Jumper tour. Cloughie author Marcus Alton will be making guest appearances at two book festivals in Nottinghamshire in the coming weeks.
Marcus hosts the Green Jumper podcast and will be recalling great Cloughie stories at the two events, each containing different material. He will be at Lowdham Book Festival for 'An Audience With...' and chatting to event host Neil Kendrick, plus playing archive audio, on Monday 24th June.
Marcus will be heading to Newark Book Festival on Saturday 13th July for a special presentation featuring archive recordings and the story behind his latest book, 'Brian Clough The Lost Tapes.'
The Lowdham event is now sold out. There are more details and ticket information HERE. Plus there's a news article about the festival appearances on the In Your Area website.
CROWN JEWELS
Former Nottingham Forest striker Nigel Jemson says the Miracle Manager was always full of surprises - including grabbing his crown jewels during a post-match TV interview. "It was my first interview on national television and the gaffer grabbed my privates," says Jemson, who recalls the light-hearted moment in the latest Green Jumper pod...
TOP TV PUNDIT
Brian Clough has been named as the all-time top football pundit (April 2024). The list compiled by Four Four Two puts Cloughie above the likes of 'Saint and Greaves,' Malcolm Allison and Jimmy Hill. Brian's former midfielder Roy Keane takes the No.2 spot. Read more here.
The Phone Call
Former Nottingham Forest striker Nigel Jemson has revealed how he thought he'd been pranked when Brian Clough phoned him about a move to the City Ground. Luckily, he agreed to join Cloughie the following day after the Miracle Manager told him, 'I'll see you at the City Ground at nine-o-clock tomorrow, don't be late.'
Jemson is the latest guest on the popular Green Jumper podcast (April 2024) and talks about life behind the scenes with Old Big 'Ead. He also smiles at being reminded that Cloughie said Jemson's head was as big as the gaffer's! Here's the trailer...
Green Jumper Event
Details have now been released about the latest event in the Green Jumper tour. There'll be classic Cloughie quotes and magical memories in this special evening, raising money for Maggie's Cancer Centre in Nottingham.
Best selling author Marcus Alton will be talking about his latest book, Brian Clough The Lost Tapes, and recalling many entertaining Cloughie stories in a Q&A at Ramsdale Park Golf Centre, Nottinghamshire on Thursday 9th May.
Decision Time
European Cup winner Ian Bowyer says it was the best decision he ever made when he agreed to stay with Cloughie and Nottingham Forest in 1975. A tribunal was held after Bowyer's contract came to end that year. He could have left the City Ground on a free transfer, but Brian agreed a deal to keep the talented midfielder, who went on to win a host of trophies.
"It was the best decision I ever made," says Bowyer in the latest Green Jumper pod. "We had some wonderful times." He also reveals how Clough left the tribunal wearing his famous green sweater and a pair of shorts. "A taxi driver saw him and shouted, 'Cloughie, have you lost your dug-out?' I don't think he was impressed."
Tribute Events
The Green Jumper pod is on tour in 2024. The first of a series of special events was held on Friday, 8th March in Nottingham. It included memories and tributes as part of a conversation and audience Q&A with Cloughie author Marcus Alton.
"It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening," was one of the audience comments, along with "A lovely combination of humour, tributes, stories and historic facts."
Marcus, who interviewed Brian several times and has written five books, was in conversation with event host Neil Kendrick. The first event of the tour, at the St George's Centre in the Netherfield area of Nottingham, heard Marcus recall great Cloughie stories and showcase his new book 'Brian Clough The Lost Tapes.'
Further events are being planned, with the next one expected to be held in May. More details to come.
