The late great Brian Clough enjoyed his finest moment as Nottingham Forest manager 45 years today by winning the European Cup.
An iconic figure on Trentside, Clough took an unfancied Forest side to European glory on this day in 1979.
Trevor Francis scored the game’s only goal as Forest beat Malmo 1-0 to lift the famous trophy for the first time.
Clough was a truly remarkable manager and if winning one wasn’t special enough, he would lead Forest to glory again the year after.
Clough managed Hartlepool, Derby, Brighton and Leeds before embarking on a 28-year spell as the incumbent at the City Ground.
He’s arguably the greatest manager that the England national team never had and his outspoken ways probably robbed him of being employed by the FA.
On the anniversary of the most iconic game in the history of Nottingham Forest, we’ve looked at what was said about Clough during his career.
Five quotes about Brian Clough on 45th anniversary of Forest winning first European Cup
Harry Redknapp
A manager who enjoyed a very decent career and one who was perhaps unlucky not to get the England job during his career.
Redknapp said about Clough: “I love hearing stories about Brian Clough. His genius was understanding how to get players relaxed and in the right frame of mind to perform for him.
“Brian Clough’s achievements at Nottingham Forest – an unfashionable club were phenomenal.”
Stuart Pearce
Following the sad passing, Pearce went on theBBC to share his tribute to the man who made him captain for several years at Forest.
He said: “I’m eternally grateful for what he did for my career. I earned 76 caps under Brian. He made me as a player.
“Football will remember him that’s for sure. There’s a part of Brian Clough in all of us make no mistake about that.”
Arsene Wenger
The legendary former Arsenal boss was also a huge fan of Clough and was a big fan of the work he did when at Forest.
He also told BBC Sport following his sad passing: “I remember watching his teams play and I would say that the Forest side of the late 1970s will go down in history as one of the all-time greats.
“It’s not an exaggeration to say that I was truly touched recently when he complimented the way the current Arsenal side plays and that we deserved to break his record.
“His legacy in this country will always be remembered.”
Sir Alex Ferguson
The iconic Manchester United manager knew all about spending several years at one club.
His trophy haul with the Red Devils is probably never going to be matched in this country and he praised the uniqueness of Clough.
He told the BBC: “He’s done something unique. He’s won two leagues with provincial teams, not the big guns, and he’s won the European Cup twice in a row with a provincial team.
“He was eccentric at times but there was nothing wrong with that.”
Michael Parkinson
Clough was interviewed on a number of occasions by the legendary television host.
He told the legendary manager’s official website: “Clough’s greatest gift as a manager was in persuading players dismissed as has-beens and never-weres that they had the potential to take on and beat the best.
“If Clough had a genius as a manager it was that he never took a player or a job at face value.”
Sir Bobby Robson
The man who did manage England was quizzed on whether Clough would have been a decent national team manager.
He was in no doubt as to whether or not the man who served Forest with distinction would have been able to do a job.
He said: “He would have ruffled a few feathers and disturbed the corridors of power but I think he would have been a good England manager.
“Clough had good judgement, knew how to design a team and was a great motivator.”
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