The world’s most popular sport, football, has produced captivating stories over the decades. From South America to Europe and to the Far East, inspirational stories about footballers, managers, and teams that broke barriers have reverberated across the world. But the story of football manager Brian Clough and his rise to the very top of English football is often less talked about outside the British Isles. The incredible stories of Sir Alex Ferguson, Sir Matt Busby, Bill Shankly, Bob Paisley, and Sir Bobby Robson have been etched in football folklore, thanks to their association with global football clubs like Manchester United, Liverpool, and Barcelona. However, despite having never managed footballing powerhouses such as the aforementioned clubs, Brian Clough created history by taking relatively lesser-known clubs such as Derby County and Nottingham Forest from obscurity to title winners.
Welcome to another episode of OTTplay Lost and Found, im your host Nikhil.
The world’s most popular sport, football, has produced captivating stories over the decades. From South America to Europe and to the Far East, inspirational stories about footballers, managers, and teams that broke barriers have reverberated across the world. But the story of football manager Brian Clough and his rise to the very top of English football is often less talked about outside the British Isles. The incredible stories of Sir Alex Ferguson, Sir Matt Busby, Bill Shankly, Bob Paisley, and Sir Bobby Robson have been etched in football folklore, thanks to their association with global football clubs like Manchester United, Liverpool, and Barcelona. However, despite having never managed footballing powerhouses such as the aforementioned clubs, Brian Clough created history by taking relatively lesser-known clubs such as Derby County and Nottingham Forest from obscurity to title winners.
The Damned United, directed by Tom Hooper, chronicles the life of the charismatic yet controversial figure of Brian Clough and his rivalry with Don Revie. The film begins in the late ‘60s with Clough as manager of the lower league side Derby County, as he is preparing to welcome the Top Division champions Leeds United, and their manager Don Revie, to Derby for an FA Cup fixture. Revie’s refusal to have a customary drink with the home team’s manager after the match and the alleged disrespect shown by Leeds United sparked a fire within Clough. This would start a chain of events with Clough guiding Derby through the league divisions, climbing the football league tables, and finally dethroning Leeds as the champions of England.
The film’s primary focus is, however, on the 44-day period when Clough replaced Don Revie as the manager of Leeds. His troubled relationship with the players, whom he had once berated, was always going to end with him leaving Leeds United. The film describes in detail why Leeds United are regarded as the most hated champions in English football history. Michael Sheen essays this role of Brian Clough, supported by an excellent cast of Stephen Graham, Timothy Spall, and Colm Meaney.
The film does not delve into Clough’s success at Nottingham Forest, where he took them to back-to-back European Cup trophies. The film will keep one hooked from start to finish, as it navigates through the complexities of one of football’s greatest managers. A man who legendary Manchester United captain Roy Keane referred to as the best he’s played under in his illustrious career.
If you havent watched this film yet then do so its streaming on Apple TV+ and Google Play movies
Well thats the OTTplay Lost and Found for today, until the next episode its your host Nikhil signing out.
Aaj kya dekhoge OTTplay se poocho
Written by - Ryan Gomez