However, serving a managerial apprenticeship in a world familiar to both as former non-league players, while constituting a return to roots of sorts, does throw up, according to Young Nigel, "a different set of priorities which you simply have to accept."

Although they share an office at Eton Park, Crosby has returned to his former day job as a joiner. Indeed, the ground only comes to life on match days and the two evenings a week when the players train.

"Gary and I usually have a chat before training or before a game," says Clough, time being at something of a premium at this level - especially when Crosby fancies putting in some overtime.

So while the players, physio, club secretary, groundsman and kitman fit Burton Albion in around work and family, Clough is left to do, well, what exactly? "I look after my son and have one or two business interests which keep me going."

Fair enough, but what of his working week as the Brewers' boss? What club matters does he busy himself with on the phone while the outside world is at the office? "Well, there's obviously no need to go to the ground and just sit there for eight hours," he explains.

"But I do spend some time on the phone at home." Talking to who, exactly? "I'm in contact with the secretary and other managers, or dealing with media requests and attending local community events."

Hardly a hectic day then, and one that can't realistically be as routine or as straightforward as it might sound. Attempting last season to sign a player on loan from Macclesfield Town, Clough wanted the deal signed, sealed and delivered as quickly as possible.

"I asked for their secretary to sort it out but was told that would be difficult as he was a milkman and was still out on his round. He would be at the ground later after gettting some sleep." The deal was duly done at a later hour.

Waiting for a milkman to surface is possibly frustrating, but Clough appreciates that people have committments which are more important than football. "I was in the professional game for 15 years and that's all I had to think about. But my players have got other things in their lives such as jobs, mortgages and families to look after. You have to respect that."

One player who kept Clough busy on the phone merits a mention. "A lad we signed was out of work and spending his time looking for a job. Eventually he joined the Post Office and worked nights, meaning he was unavailable for training and night games. I know that most sides at this level have a postman in their side, but combining the job with the game is no joke.

"Last season we had a midweek match at Dorchester. The lad got up at four o'clock, did his round and came straight to the bus which was leaving at midday. We got back to Burton at three in the morning and he was back at work an hour later. That's difficult, that's hard work. When professionals complain about playing so many games, they should try that for a couple of weeks."

That Clough relishes match days - particularly away games - and the camaraderie of his 20-man first-team squad, probably says more about his less-than-bursting daily schedule than he is prepared to admit. For home games, the players must turn up at Eton Park by two o'clock. Between two and 2.45 they are free to prepare as they please.

"Some of them warm up, rest, read the paper, they're left to their own devices. Then I put the team sheet on the board and that's it. I don't go in for team talks as I used to get bored by them as a player."

Although a local business consortium stabilised the club's finances a few years ago, the kitty doesn't extend to such largesse as overnight stays in hotels on away days. Setting off as early as eight o'clock to travel to the likes of Havant means a mass invasion of Jock's Cafe in Burton for a fry-up.

An eccentric coach driver with scant regard for certain sections of the Highway Code - such as negotiating his 15-ton vehicle over toll bridges with weight restrictions of five tons - keeps everyone on their toes. "We have a lot of fun and games with him and this year he's been particularly impressive," laughs Clough.

Given that his job can vary from contemplating the contours of his office/living room carpet to enduring white knuckle rides down the M1, does he feel he inhabits a strange world? "It's certainly different, yes," he replies. "For a start people are more friendly and honest.

"There's also none of the cautious atmosphere that surrounds professional football. Everyone is relaxed and mixes easily. We have a cabin in the car park and a social club within the ground where supporters and players can enjoy a pint. And you don't need a pass to get in!"

Clough Senior has been a season ticket holder since the season's start. "He's been surprised by the friendliness of everyone and it's not a hale for him. It's a very relaxed environment." And one which his son has clearly taken to. But Cloughie Junior remains ambitious.

Promotion to the Conference is the immediate aim and then, who knows, the Third Division? "Why not? There's no reason for Gary and I to go anywhere else. It's not how we view the job." Not even on a slow day, apparently.

Then again, if the walls really did start closing in, perhaps he could turn his hand, say, to washing the kit? "Actually the kitman sees to that," counters Our Nigel. Just a thought.

Thanks to Christopher McCormack for sending this in - if you spot a piece which you think would be of interest to BrewersNet readers, be it on the Internet, in the newspapers or a magzine or prgogramme, send us the transcript to this address: mail@brewersnet.com, or the piece itself (or a photocopy) through the post to BrewersNet, PO Box 5283, Burton-On-Trent, Staffs DE15 OZD

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