Brian Clough – The Derby Years.

The interesting story of Brian Clough.

Having proved his managerial credentials at north-easterners Hartlepool United, Brian Clough walked into his first day as manager of Derby County in July 1967 with his stock on the rise and ego at a peak. A young manager, out to make a name for himself. Derby had languished in 17th position in the second division the season before with Clough charged with the task of bringing back the good times to the Baseball ground.

However, by May 1968, Clough's Derby proved an underwhelming presence in the league, having actually managed to move backwards finishing in 18th place. That was to be rock bottom for Brian Clough as he went on to confront the chairman to demand money for new players. During the season break, Roy McFarland, Alan Hinton and John O'Hare joined for a combined £75,000. While the club secretary, the groundsman, the chief scout and even two tea ladies were fired. May 1969, Derby were promoted as Division two champions.

Clough, still living out of a cheap hotel in Derby took The Rams to their best finish in the top flight for more than twenty years. Keeping his upward momentum going, wholesale changes continued within the dressing room with the face of the playing staff unrecognisable from the team he inherited. Kevin Hector, one of the few players to escape the cull established himself as one of the most prolific strikers in the country and in 1972 Derby County were crowned champions of England, finishing ahead of deadly rivals Leeds United.

However, in probably the most famous night in Derby's history, they so nearly made it to football immortality, but in April 1973 they were knocked out of the European Cup semi-finals by Italian giants, Juventus. Controversy ensues as allegations are made that the German referee accepted 'gifts' from the Italians before the match, leading Clough to brand both parties 'cheats'.

This left a cloud hanging over the Baseball Ground, and when Derby failed to retail their title the following season Clough's ever more strained relationship with the club's chairman reaches breaking point. With his family failing to settle in the east midlands and Clough himself still living in albeit more expensive hotels in Derby, he decides to part company with County in October 1973. Derby would never again reach the heights experienced during Clough's reign.

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