1889
Well-Known Member
Love him or loathe him, I don't think there can be much of an argument that what Brian Clough achieved during his managerial career was anything short of astonishing. To win League titles and European Cups with teams made up of good players, but by no means superstars, was Roy of the Rovers stuff. A feat that will never ever be repeated, because, like it or not football and more importantly, footballers, have changed beyond recognition since those days.
As his son, it would be only natural that Nigel Clough would have taken a lot of his managerial style from his Father and probably a fair bit of his personality and beliefs. But whilst Brian was dealing with Kenny Burns, John McGovern, Kevin Hector, Larry Lloyd, Dave Mackay etc etc, Nigel is dealing with young players earning thousands of pounds and their more importantly, their agents. While his Fathers players would have run through a brick wall if he'd asked, I suspect that many of Nigel's charges would be onto those agents, PFA or feigning injury at a similar request.
I don't know, but it appears to me that NC likes to rule with an Iron rod and is a stubborn disciplinarian who expects the utmost respect from his players. At least that is how United's performances and off field dealings come across, many of the team seem to be playing within themselves, scared to make a mistake and consequently look to play a simple safe ball and retain possession at all costs. We have some talented players, but rarely do I see any individuality, the style of play is robotic, one dimensional, predictable but above all risk averse. Few of them seem to have the stomach for a fight and I fear that will cost us against Barnsley, Doncaster and Chesterfield.
We are in a fantastic position but the players just don't seem up for it and seem unwilling to raise their game to get us over the line. Ryan Flynn ran Scunthorpe ragged last Tuesday pulled defenders out of position, created space and openings, as he did today before being subbed. But he showed what a bit of individual skill and endeavour can do to our overall game. I'd love NC to relax the leash and tell the players to get out there and express themselves, attack the opposition and play without fear, like we did in the Cups and get the fans out of their seats.
Surely it's better to fail whilst going all out to win, than coming up short through just trying not to lose?
As his son, it would be only natural that Nigel Clough would have taken a lot of his managerial style from his Father and probably a fair bit of his personality and beliefs. But whilst Brian was dealing with Kenny Burns, John McGovern, Kevin Hector, Larry Lloyd, Dave Mackay etc etc, Nigel is dealing with young players earning thousands of pounds and their more importantly, their agents. While his Fathers players would have run through a brick wall if he'd asked, I suspect that many of Nigel's charges would be onto those agents, PFA or feigning injury at a similar request.
I don't know, but it appears to me that NC likes to rule with an Iron rod and is a stubborn disciplinarian who expects the utmost respect from his players. At least that is how United's performances and off field dealings come across, many of the team seem to be playing within themselves, scared to make a mistake and consequently look to play a simple safe ball and retain possession at all costs. We have some talented players, but rarely do I see any individuality, the style of play is robotic, one dimensional, predictable but above all risk averse. Few of them seem to have the stomach for a fight and I fear that will cost us against Barnsley, Doncaster and Chesterfield.
We are in a fantastic position but the players just don't seem up for it and seem unwilling to raise their game to get us over the line. Ryan Flynn ran Scunthorpe ragged last Tuesday pulled defenders out of position, created space and openings, as he did today before being subbed. But he showed what a bit of individual skill and endeavour can do to our overall game. I'd love NC to relax the leash and tell the players to get out there and express themselves, attack the opposition and play without fear, like we did in the Cups and get the fans out of their seats.
Surely it's better to fail whilst going all out to win, than coming up short through just trying not to lose?