The official Brian Clough tribute podcast by youngman@brianclough.com. Great guests, memories and stories from the Brian Clough era. Plus competitions with the chance to win exclusive Cloughie prizes make this podcast series In The Top One.
Brian Clough took his players away for a break in the Spanish sunshine in preparation for Nottingham Forest's second successive European Cup Final, in May 1980. "It was absolute genius," said Gary Mills, who became the youngest player to appear in a European Cup Final. This episode looks back at that magical time with exclusive contributions from several former Clough players, including John Robertson, Ian Bowyer, Martin O'Neill and the man nicknamed 'Young Millsy.'Robertson talks to pod host Marcus Alton about his winning goal against German side Hamburg in Madrid, while O'Neill describes a special moment involving Cloughie at half-time.
A memorable visit to the chip shop is featured in this entertaining episode of great Brian Clough stories. There's also the tale of a visit to Cloughie's home, where Brian was wearing his marigolds while washing the dishes. You'll also hear stories in an exclusive extract from a book festival featuring author and pod host Marcus Alton.
In a rare interview, former Nottingham Forest and England defender Des Walker talks exclusively to pod host Marcus Alton. The entertaining conversation includes some great Cloughie memories, including the amusing stories about the first time Des met the Miracle Manager and why Brian always referred to the centre-half as 'Desmond.'In this fascinating insight into the life of one of England's greatest defenders, Des also talks about memories of his mum plus how he used to play football in the garden with his sons Tyler and Lewis when they were schoolboys.
A collection of special Brian Clough memories from former Nottingham Forest defender Viv Anderson. Speaking exclusively to Marcus Alton in the Green Jumper pod, Viv recalls how Cloughie's advice during his early days at Forest served him well throughout his illustrious career. Viv also talks about the 'Local Heroes' documentary which features his memories alongside former team-mates Tony Woodcock and Garry Birtles.
In a rare interview, former England international Des Walker recalls the charisma of Brian Clough. "He was a genius who kept things simple," says Walker, who was usually referred to as 'Desmond.' "Yes, that's what he used to say," adds Des. "Like calling Teddy Sheringham 'Edward.' It was a bit like your mum scolding you. But I got used to him pretty quickly and I got comfortable around him."Des talks openly to Green Jumper host Marcus Alton. There are many more great Cloughie memories in this trailer for a forthcoming episode.
Jimmy Gordon played a special role in Brian Clough's success. He was the first team trainer, coach and sometimes the Magic Sponge Man, a fans' favourite who would run onto the pitch to treat injured players. In this entertaining pod, Jimmy's grandson Craig recalls some marvellous personal memories - including how Jimmy was often the perfect buffer between Cloughie and the players. This episode also includes an excerpt from a live Green Jumper event.
In this bitesize episode, Brian Clough's legendary defender Des Walker gives his verdict on the current Nottingham Forest side, drawing a comparison between Cloughie and Reds boss Nuno Espirito Santo. The full interview will be on a future episode. There are more Cloughie memories at brianclough.com.
This Green Jumper Gem features Gary Mills, who was a teenager when he won the European Cup under the guidance of Brian Clough. In 1980, he became the youngest player to appear in a European Cup Final. The amazing success at such a young age was a result of talent, hard work and the faith that Cloughie had in Young Millsy. Gary speaks to pod host Marcus Alton with humour and emotion about his memories of working with The Gaffer. For signed copies of Gary's book 'Young Millsy' email: jbrinders@yahoo.co.uk.
Alongside memories of meeting Brian Clough in the Nottingham Forest dressing room and in the local newsagents, this episode looks back at the fanzine named after him. And after you've listened to the stories behind 'The Brian,' why not visit the digital versions of the popular publication dating back over 30 years? A special project involving Left Lion magazine, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, digitised the original issues. Visit the website here: The Brian There's also an accompanying video: You Tube videoThe Green Jumper has reached the final of the global Sports Podcast Awards 2025. Please cast your vote for us (in the Best Football Podcast category): Sports Podcast AwardsThanks for your support!There are more Cloughie memories at brianclough.com
We had some great guests during 2024 and this episode is a compilation of those entertaining Cloughie stories and memories. The Green Jumper has been named as one of the best football podcasts in the world. Please vote for it in the Sports Podcast Awards 2025 - the deadline is 13th January 2025. Here's the link: Sports Podcast Awards 2025 - Best Football Podcast. Thank you and enjoy the Clough Collection 2024.
Former Home Secretary Alan Johnson is the guest this time, sharing his memories of Brian Clough and football in the 60's, 70's and 80's. As well as success in the East Midlands, Alan recalls Cloughie's time at Hartlepool, where he and Peter Taylor laid the groundwork for them to eventually be promoted. Don't forget to vote for the Green Jumper in the Sports Podcast Awards. We've reached the final of the Best Football Podcast category - up against big names who have corporate sponsorship. Please vote here: Sports Podcast Awards.
In this bonus episode, we're celebrating our inclusion in the final of the global Sports Podcast Awards. A panel of industry experts selected the Green Jumper in their Top 12 football pods - with a public online vote to decide the winner. We're up against some big names who have major corporate backing, so we need your support as the only retro-football pod in the final. Despite its humble beginnings, the Green Jumper has listeners in over 80 countries. And that's down to you - our loyal followers. Please vote for the Green Jumper, using the link below, and show that football existed before the Premier League! Make it your 'top one.'VOTE HERE - SPORTS PODCAST AWARDS
Thousands of fans, alongside former players, joined Brian Clough's family for the unveiling of the Cloughie statue in Nottingham on 6th November, 2008. It followed a huge fundraising effort by a small group of volunteers who smashed their target in just 18 months - long before the days of online donation pages. This special episode of the Green Jumper tells the behind-the-scenes story. It includes contributions from Nottingham Forest legends, part of an exclusive interview recorded in 2008 with Mrs Clough and an excerpt from a recent live Green Jumper event in which the fundraisers were praised and applauded by the audience.
Just the anticipation of his visit was incredible. When he arrived, there was a huge cheer.Brian Clough's visit to a school's award ceremony, at the height of his European Cup success, certainly didn't disappoint. This episode features special memories of that visit - plus an excerpt from a live Green Jumper event.
In September 2004, the football world mourned the loss of the most charismatic manager we'd ever seen, Brian Clough.In this special tribute, Cloughie author Marcus Alton looks back at that time with his own personal memories and those of fans and the football community. Stories include the fan who was heartbroken after looking forward to meeting Brian at a book signing planned for a few days later. There are more memories at the tribute website, brianclough.com, as well as in Marcus' books (raising money for good causes), the latest of which is Brian Clough The Lost Tapes.
In our latest Green Jumper Gem, former Cloughie defender Paul Hart reflects on Brian Clough's unique man management style and how he heard the news that Brian had passed away in September 2004. For the full interview, just search our Green Jumper back catalogue.
Photographer John Sumpter captured many famous images of Brian Clough, including the iconic photo of Cloughie meeting Princess Diana at Wembley. "I was so close to them I could hear their conversation," says John, who recalls that magical moment in this Green Jumper pod. That's just one of many great Cloughie stories John shares with pod host Macus Alton in this entertaining episode.
A former ball boy recalls his strict instructions on matchday: Don't retrieve the ball near the dug-out, Mr Clough will do that!This episode features stories from Cloughie fans, including magical memories of cup finals and meeting Brian Clough. We also talk about the tragedy of Hillsborough in 1989. There's more information about the support group mentioned, HERE. The group's handle on X is @ForestHSA.
"He used to send my mum a bouquet of flowers every year with a Christmas card. That was the class of the fella."From the heartbreak of being left out of Brian Clough's 1991 FA Cup Final line-up, to receiving a bouquet of flowers from the Miracle Manager after a car crash, this is a fascinating interview with Cloughie legend Nigel Jemson. It's the second part of Marcus Alton's chat with the former striker, who also recalls his winning goal in the League Cup Final - and Cloughie's nickname for him.
Here's the second of our Green Jumper Gems: occasional bitesize magical memories.European Cup winner Tony Woodcock talks about his memories of Brian Clough. Woodcock recalls how Cloughie's teams were prepared to take on any opponent, whatever the state of the pitch. Plus the tactical tip Clough gave him during the successful European Cup campaign in 1979.
"It was my first interview on national television and the Gaffer grabbed my privates!"Former striker Nigel Jemson soon became used to expecting the unexpected when working for Brian Clough. There are many great stories in the first part of his chat with pod host Marcus Alton. Jemson describes how he turned down Alex Ferguson in order to join Cloughie at Nottingham Forest. "He was just the type of manager I wanted to play for. His sides played football in the right way."This episode also includes a discount code for 15% off Marcus' book, Brian Clough The Lost Tapes.
To mark a Green Jumper milestone (downloads in 80 countries) we're launching Green Jumper Gems: occasional bitesize magical memories.Our first 'Gem' is fittingly with Cloughie striker Nigel Jemson. Here, he recalls the build-up to the League Cup Final in 1990, when he scored the winning goal for Brian Clough's Nottingham Forest against Oldham. The pre-match diet included steak and chips - and chocolate.
"I thought it was one of the players trying a prank on me," says Nigel Jemson as he recalls the phone call which changed his life. The voice on the other end of the line said, "It's Brian Clough here, I understand you want to sign for me." The former striker describes what happened next in this entertaining chat with Green Jumper host Marcus Alton. This episode is a trailer for the full, exclusive interview in which Nigel talks about life behind the scenes with Cloughie - the man he describes as "the best football manager who ever lived."
“Forget about the football - which he was fantastic at - my favourite memory of him is his humour. He was very funny.”European Cup winner Ian Bowyer shares his memories of working with Brian Clough in this entertaining chat with pod host Marcus Alton. Bowyer doesn't take part in many interviews these days, so we were delighted to hear his stories and recollections of life behind-the-scenes with the Miracle Manager. This episode also includes a special discount code for Green Jumper listeners who purchase Marcus' latest Clough book, Brian Clough The Lost Tapes, which is supporting good causes.
"It was the best decision I ever made." That's Ian Bowyer's verdict when looking back at an FA tribunal shortly after Brian Clough's arrival at Nottingham Forest in 1975. Bowyer was out of contract and Cloughie had to go to the hearing at the FA's headquarters in London. The midfielder decided to stay at the City Ground and became a vital part of the side that won the league title and twice lifted the European Cup."He was the master at preparing you for matches," recalls Bowyer during this fascinating chat with pod host Marcus Alton.
Here's a great collection of Brian Clough stories from the Green Jumper podcast during 2023. This compilation includes extracts from interviews with Cloughie legends such as John Robertson, Viv Anderson and Archie Gemmill. There are also memories from journalists who interviewed Cloughie. "He was the master of mind games, long before Alex Ferguson came along," says one of the TV sports presenters.If you've enjoyed listening to the Green Jumper, please consider buying an item to support us and other good causes by visiting our Clough shop at brianclough.com. Alternatively you can make a small donation at our ko-fi page. Thanks for your support!
When TV sports presenter Gary Newbon suffered a stroke, he received a special ‘Get Well' message - a handwritten note from Brian Clough and his wife Barbara. Their close working relationship went back as far as Cloughie's days at Derby and continued throughout his time with Nottingham Forest. Brian always remained loyal to Newbon, ensuring he got the interviews he needed - even when it was straight after a 4-0 defeat. Newbon paved the way for the instant post-match TV interviews that we take for granted these days. His new book looks back at an amazing career spanning 50 years. In this fascinating chat with pod host Marcus Alton, Gary explains the impact Clough had on his career and why he'll always be grateful for the support of the Miracle Manager.
Author Marcus Alton tells the story behind the book Brian Clough The Lost Tapes. There's also a chance to win a signed copy of the book which lifts the lid on a treasure trove of Cloughie stories.Brian Clough The Lost Tapes is supporting two good causes. Signed copies are available at the Cloughie shop.
Brian Clough gave him a peck on the cheek on live television. And now sports broadcaster Gary Newbon has recalled that memorable kiss in our latest pod. Cloughie always remained loyal to Newbon, ensuring he got the interviews he needed - even when it was straight after a 4-0 defeat. Newbon paved the way for the instant post-match TV interviews that we take for granted these days. His new book looks back at an amazing career spanning 50 years. This pod is the trailer for the full interview.
When Brian Rice made his debut for Brian Clough's Nottingham Forest on a Tuesday night in September 1985, it came as a big surprise to the Scottish midfielder. He thought he was going with the squad to Anfield just for a bit of experience."It was completely out of the blue," says Rice. "To make your debut against Liverpool at Anfield was something really, really special." After the match, which Forest lost, Clough gave the team four days off. He told them not to report for duty until the following Sunday, when they faced Leicester City away. For Rice, it seemed strange to have all that time off without training. "The lads said, 'Don't say anything, just turn-up on Sunday.'"Forest beat Leicester 3-0, with Rice on the scoresheet. "He had his own unique way - the Brian Clough way - and it worked," Rice tells pod host Marcus Alton. It's one of many great Cloughie stories the former Scottish international recalls in this entertaining episode.
Brian Clough's unique way of working came as quite a surprise to his young signing, Brian Rice. “He would close the physio's door and tell the physio to take the week off and the injured to come back when they were fit. He locked the gym - he didn't like us doing gym work.”Each day was different, or “Guess What's Happening Day,” as Rice describes it in his chat with Green Jumper host Marcus Alton. “He had his own unique way - the Brian Clough way - and it worked.”Rice recalls some wonderful Cloughie stories in this teaser for the full episode.
Archie Gemmill is perfectly placed to talk about the rollercoaster ride of working with the legendary Brian Clough. Gemmill won two league titles with Cloughie, at Derby County and Nottingham Forest, before later becoming a confidante of Old Big 'Ead as part of his Forest coaching staff.In this fascinating chat with pod host Marcus Alton, the former Scottish international talks about:Waking-up at home to find Clough having breakfast downstairs.The match-day disagreements behind the scenes.The devastation of being left out of Clough's 1979 European Cup Final side. Working with Cloughie as part of his coaching staff.Being refused permission by Clough to play in Pele's testimonial match.There's humour, reflection and - ultimately - praise from the former midfield maestro as he recalls special times with the Miracle Manager.
Archie Gemmill won two league titles with Brian Clough, at Derby County and Nottingham Forest, before later becoming a confidante of Cloughie as part of his Forest coaching staff.In this fascinating chat recorded at an East Midlands sports club with pod host Marcus Alton, Gemmill talks about:The match-day disagreements behind the scenes.The devastation of being left out of Clough's 1979 European Cup Final side. Working with Cloughie as part of his coaching staff.There's humour, reflection and - ultimately - praise from the former midfield maestro as he recalls special times with the Miracle Manager.
Former England defender Viv Anderson recalls some brilliant Brian Clough stories in this entertaining interview with pod host Marcus Alton. From a 'Clough kiss' before a match, to breaking Cloughie's curfew after winning the European Cup. Plus Viv talks about the inspiring story of 'Local Heroes' - the feature length documentary film of how three Nottingham lads (Viv, Tony Woodcock and Garry Birtles) beat the odds to reach the pinnacle of club football and achieve worldwide fame.'Local Heroes' is a fascinating footballing story which takes a nostalgic look at the personal stories behind Cloughie's European glory days. It's available on DVD, blu-ray and digital.
Colin Barrett will always be remembered for scoring one of the greatest goals in Brian Clough's European Cup glory days. As well as recalling that wonderful volley against Liverpool, Colin talks about his memories of working with Cloughie and playing alongside John Robertson. In this full-length episode, Colin also tells pod host Marcus Alton about what happened when he went into Cloughie's office to ask for a pay rise. The result was classic Cloughie! There's also the chance to win a book signed by Colin.
It was an emotional farewell as Brian Clough retired from football management in May 1993. His managerial career included two league titles, two European Cups, four League Cups and a host of other trophies, plus many Manager of the Month awards. In this bonus episode, host Marcus Alton hears from a fan who joined Cloughie on the pitch after his final home league match, and another fan who was invited into his office following his last game (a reserve fixture) at the City Ground.
"Bob Paisley slammed the door of the dressing room - he said I can't even win the toss against this lot!" When Brian Clough's Nottingham Forest beat European Champions Liverpool in the first round of the European Cup in 1978, even the Merseysiders' boss Paisley tipped Forest to win the trophy. In this bonus edition of the Green Jumper, host Marcus Alton hears from Forest legends John Robertson, Colin Barrett, Tony Woodcock and Garry Birtles, who recall that momentous victory - and the story behind it.
Colin Barrett scored one of the greatest goals in Brian Clough's European Cup glory days. As well as recalling that wonderful volley against Liverpool, Colin talks about his memories of working with Cloughie and playing alongside John Robertson. In this trailer for the forthcoming full interview with host Marcus Alton, Colin also tells the story of what happened when he went into Cloughie's office to ask for a pay rise. The result was classic Cloughie!
From his first interview with Cloughie ("Yes, I was definitely nervous - I was meeting a legend") to their last emotional meeting ("I was on the verge of tears"), former TV sports reporter Dennis Coath has a wealth of Clough memories. "There was no point in having a list of questions ready - you'd have to rip them up!" says Dennis as he recalls interviewing the Miracle Manager.Dennis looks back at his eventful career in journalism in an entertaining new book: 'Rats, Pies and Pigeon Poo' which is published by Olympia.
"Cloughie was the master of mind games, long before Alex Ferguson. You never quite knew what to expect when you went to interview him. "Sometimes you couldn't get away - and he'd be telling you all sorts of stories."Dennis Coath is a former TV sports reporter who has some great memories of Brian Clough. The Miracle Manager kept Dennis on his toes for more than 20 years!"There was no point in having a list of questions ready - you'd have to rip them up!" says Dennis in the trailer for our latest Green Jumper pod. Dennis looks back at his eventful career in journalism in an entertaining new book: 'Rats, Pies and Pigeon Poo' which is published by Olympia.
Brian Clough loved watching John Robertson play football. "Give him a ball on a football pitch and he was an artist - the Picasso of our game," said Clough. In this exclusive interview for the Green Jumper, John Robertson recalls those magical days playing for the Miracle Manager. "I just wanted to please him," says Robbo, who set-up the winning goal in the 1979 European Cup Final and scored the only goal in the final a year later. "Brian Clough was a genius, without a shadow of a doubt. I was proud to play for him."The Green Jumper is hosted by the editor of the tribute website brianclough.com, Marcus Alton.
Long before the days of Fantasy Football, Brian Clough's Football Fortunes was a groundbreaking game which allowed its players to manage their favourite clubs. In this episode of the Green Jumper, you'll hear the story behind the game and how Cloughie himself became involved. It was the 1980's and Marty Neil was a youngster in Belfast who loved the hybrid game, which unusually mixed a table-top competition with computer technology. Decades later, Marty has given the game a re-boot and tells the full story behind Brian Clough's Football Fortunes and what the Great Man thought about the idea. Podcast host Marcus Alton also catches-up with Cloughie's friend Colin Shields who was one of the few people, besides the players, who Brian allowed to travel on the team coach. You can read more about Brian Clough's Football Fortunes on the tribute website, brianclough.com.
European Cup winner Martin O'Neill talks candidly about life working with Brian Clough. "We were looking for that approval from him. It was as if he was the Godfather of football," says O'Neill, who also talks about his disagreements with Cloughie. Looking back, he accepts that team-mate John Robertson was right to advise him not to argue with the Reds boss. "I have been known to answer back even when I know I'm not right - you can ask my family!" jokes O'Neill in this fascinating chat with pod host Marcus Alton. You can also read a review of O'Neill's brilliant book 'On Days Like These - My Life in Football' (published by Pan Macmillan) on the tribute site brianclough.com.
"They'd never met somebody like him - and they've never met somebody like him since. He was a one-off."Author Chris Hull talks about some of the players at Hartlepools when Brian Clough began his managerial career. From his fund-raising exploits, to training on the beach and his initial reluctance to leave for Derby, you'll hear how Cloughie tackled a range of new challenges and created a recipe for success - or 'Alchemy' as Chris describes it.That's also the title of Chris' book looking back at Clough's first steps into management. 'Alchemy' - the story of Clough and Taylor's time at Hartlepools - is published by The History Press.
In this taster of a forthcoming Green Jumper, Marcus Alton talks to one of Brian Clough's European Cup legends, Martin O'Neill.Often at loggerheads with Cloughie during his playing days at Nottingham Forest, O'Neill recalls special memories of Brian and how he eventually received the praise he craved. O'Neill's new book 'On Days Like These - My Life in Football' is a fascinating account of a rollercoaster 50 years in the beautiful game from one of football's sharpest minds.
"The story just sucks you in - it's Cloughie and he's a completely unique character."Author Chris Hull tells the story of Brian Clough's first stint in football management, at rock bottom Hartlepools. From his fund-raising exploits, to training on the beach, you'll hear how Cloughie tackled a range of new challenges and created a recipe for success - or 'Alchemy' as Chris describes it.This is a taster of Marcus Alton's forthcoming full interview with Chris, the author of 'Alchemy' - the story of Clough and Taylor's time at Hartlepools (published by The History Press).
Thousands of Brian Clough fans joined his family, friends and former players at the memorial service at Pride Park on 21st October, 2004. Derby Cathedral wasn't big enough for the many supporters who wanted to remember Cloughie - so they gathered in the type of place he was treated as a God: a football stadium.In this episode, Green Jumper host Marcus Alton looks back at that emotional night and speaks to a man who played a special role in the service.
Nottingham Forest's matchday announcer Mark Dennison joins Green Jumper host Marcus Alton to talk Clough, Wembley and Steve Cooper. The entertaining radio presenter also recalls a Legends Night he compered back in 2005 to help raise money for the Clough statue in Nottingham. "I've been looking back at some photos and we all look so young," says Mark. "Nigel Jemson looks about ten!" Also on the panel that night were European Cup winners John McGovern and Kenny Burns. They were accompanied by former journalist John Lawson who worked with Cloughie throughout his years at Forest. This episode also includes a discount code for savings off books and souvenirs at the https://www.brianclough.com/shop (brianclough.com) shop, raising money for good causes.
Back in 2005, a Clough Legends night was held at Nottingham Forest's City Ground to help raise money for the city's bronze statue. The compere for the evening was radio presenter Mark Dennison - who is now the club's matchday announcer. In this episode, Green Jumper host Marcus Alton reflects on that event with Mark, who also chats about his admiration for the Master Manager and his own Wembley appearance.
Billy Lundy was a Grenadier Guard serving in Northern Ireland when he was badly injured in a bomb attack. In this episode, Billy tells Green Jumper host Marcus Alton about the special 'Get Well' letter he received from Brian Clough and his amusement over its contents. The former soldier also pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, describing her as a "remarkable woman" following the sad news of September 2022.
"It was always a competition between the two of them - who could get the first word in. Of course, Cloughie won that!" Former Fleet Street journalist Norman Giller recalls the time Brian Clough met-up again with his great friend and Spurs legend Jimmy Greaves. "When Jimmy began his broadcasting career, the very first phone call he got was from Cloughie who insisted that Jimmy get on a train and he would give him an interview 'for nowt,' as Cloughie would say." Norman also reveals how the quiet Clough he first met with the England squad in 1959 was nothing like the legendary figure he would become. Speaking to pod host Marcus Alton, Norman recalls some wonderful Cloughie stories spanning several decades. He also talks about the times he interviewed Clough and filmed a surprise presentation for his friend, the commentator Brian Moore (resulting in the title of this episode!). Norman has written more than 100 books - his latest being the authorised biography of Jimmy Greaves. You can find out more at https://my.captivate.fm/www.normangillerbooks.com (normangillerbooks.com). We hope you enjoy the chat.