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| Hugh Jamieson in the Non-League Paper, Sunday 21st October 2001 |
| 'Nice guys sometimes do succeed' |
| It is three years ago this
month that Burton Albion chairman Ben Robinson appointed a young manager
called Nigel Clough. Ask him what he thinks of his choice now and he gives
the kind of self-satisfied smile enjoyed by successful chairmen everywhere. "He might have a high profile name but there is no one more dedicated to the job," said Robinson, "He's an intelligent person and very serious about his role. It might be a part-time job but with the hours he puts in he's already made it full-time." |
| "It's
not just the results that count. He puts himself about around the town promoting
the club by involving himself in the community. He gets himself involved
in local Duke of Edinburgh award schemes for kids as well as personally raising
£4,000 for an MRI scanner at the local hospital. "When John Barton left we advertised in the national press for a replacement but the Players' Union recommended Nigel for the post." Burton were always regarded as a relatively big club in non-league circles without ever fulfilling their potential but now things are really beginning to move on. After finishing runners-up in the Dr. Martens, Burton's switch to the UniBond Premier has cut travelling but not clipped their wings as they chase a one-way ticket to the Conference. |
|
| They have doubled average
attendances and are the League's top scorers as Clough's attractive passing
side roll back the clock to the kind of football played by the teams managed
by his famous father Brian. Robinson says: "It's worth the £6 admission
just to watch him pass the ball!" But the chairman knows that success will make his young manager the target for bigger clubs. "He signed a new three-year contract last season, but we've always been prepared fo the day when a bigger club comes in. Hopefully that will not happen for a while because he's learning his trade and we're ambitious to progress and enjoying the moment." Nigel's father Brian began his career at Hartlepool - where he used to paint the stand in the summer to save money - before going on to become one of the greatest managers in the game at Derby and Nottingham Forest. Clough junior, 35, shuns publicity. A quiet family man, he insists: "It's not about me. It's about the players, the fans and everyone connected with the club." "It's all about teamwork - on and off the pitch. The players have been tremendous and deserve all the credit. We've twice finished second in the Dr. Martens to Boston and Margate - losing out to Margate by three points when we ended 23 points clear of the club in third place. We gave Margate a good run for their money and they have raised quite a few eyebrows in the Conference. "Life in the UniBond is just as tough but I believe we have a balanced side involving experience and youth. I'm still enjoying playing and (sic) although I have got my first foot on the managerial ladder." "It's early days yet for everyone concerned this season. The important thing is that we have a club where everyone works to try and achieve the goals we have set for ourselves. It's the only way forward." Clough's reputation as non-league's Mr Nice Guy is borne out by those he works with. Chairman Ben Robinson, who appointed him three years ago this month, has no doubts about his potential. Clough was always a quiet figure in a fine top-class playing career that spanned million pound moves from Forest to Liverpool and then Manchester City. He also gained 14 England caps until injury cut short his Premiership career at Maine Road before arriving at Burton where his right-hand man is former Forest team mate Gary Crosby. Darren Stride, his skipper and midfield partner, has been with the club since their Beazer Homes days nine years ago. "The whole set-up changed completely. There is a pride about the place and the town is waking up to the football club." He has also watched Clough develop his management skills. "He lets you know exactly where you stand by giving you a specific role in the team. "Mind you, he also lets you know if you don't do the job without ranting and raving although he does shout occasionally! He's definitely one for the future in the managerial stakes. He's learning the ropes quietly without any fuss and I can't see him failing to progress." |
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